5-6 when you need to add depth to a very thin line like ours, then maybe 4-5 a year once the depth begins develop. Last year we signed 5 when you count Jashon Robertson. We had 5 committed right up until NSD when Orlando Brown Jr somehow got word that he would be cleared at OU. This year we have 4 with 1 LS and we plan on adding at least one more, say that would be 5 again (6 with Lovingood) for 2015. You also have to factor in things like attrition when recruiting for OL-I'm sure the coaches have a better idea of the numbers, but I'd guess less than 20% fall to attrition. All these factor into the number you take. 1 guy not panning out at the position he was recruited at could be an omen or a blessing (like J. Robertson). So not sure if that answer your question. It depends on how many were taken 3-4-5 years ago that are still on the team.
To give an example of previous attrition on the OL, look at our past 4 years. Dooley lays a goose egg in 2012 and in 2011 he signs a questionable class that has not exactly lived up to it's billing, however they still have a lot of time to prove themselves. In 2013 Dooley didn't exactly leave Butch a lot to work with, Sanders and Kendrick were Vols from the start but Butch went out and grabbed Wiesman.
2014 Butch signs 4, gets 5
2013 Butch inherited/signed 3.
2012 Dooley signed 0. - 100% attrition!
2011 Dooley signed 5. 3 are still with the program. Richardson went to the NFL, Jackson, Kerbyson, and Crowder are RS JRs and Alan Posey left the program. So that's 20% attrition if you discount Richardson.
2010 Dooley inherited/signed 5. Pair is a RS SR, 2 graduated, 2 went to the NFL. No attrition.
