"These facilities are all necessary and these changes are important to continue to move our football program forward," said Hill, who expressed gratitude for donations that made the upgrades possible.

"We think the strength room is going to be one of the greatest in the country. We think it's going to match where we want to go and where we are," he explained. "I think it's all part of running a top-notch program and we're appreciative that we are able to do that."

Whittingham acknowledged it will assist in the program's recruiting process.

"It all helps. The 'Wow' factor in recruiting is certainly part of the equation. Facilities are important," Whittingham said. "We feel like we're doing everything we can do to keep pace in that regard."

It's part of a big picture, he added, that puts the student-athlete first.

"There's a lot of good things going on right now — a lot of excitement about the program," Whittingham said. "It's good to see these changes and what's occurred. It's all positive."

E-mail: dirk@desnews.com