The University of Miami and former Head Coach Jimmy Johnson emphasized speed in the 1980's. Miami had linebackers playing defensive end, and defensive backs playing linebacker because Johnson knew speed killed.
Speed is still a major catchword in college football today.
The latest trend to sweep the college landscape is also centered on recruiting. It used to be that this type of trend concerned itself with what types of players to recruit. The new discussion is about how to recruit the players everyone wants. The new trend is never backing off of prospects, whether or not they commit to a university before the official signing date. Of course, you've never heard coaches complain so vehemently against something they are all doing.