College football teams have a mix of "local" kids as well as kids from other parts of the country. While most teams have a heavier weight on kids from other parts of the country, teams like Montana are the exception. Oregon & Oregon State seem to have a higher percentage of Oregon kids, too.
The point that I would make is that the Bengals need to get kids that are not "settling" for a position on the roster. These kids will have the passion for the game and for the team that gave them the opportunity to play at the collegiate level. Maybe it's a poor example, but my niece, Jenna Brown was ready to play for a DIII school in California when ISU happened upon her. She literally had days to decide and sign on with the Bengals. She jumped at the chance to play at the D1 level. My guess is that there are kids in Idaho that would love the chance to play football at any level. But, there are many more kids in Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona and Nevada with the same attitude. Want an example... look at Nevada. There are two FBS (formerly D1A) football teams in a state where there are zero FCS (formerly D1AA) schools. There have to be a number of kids that have the skills but have no where to go. What's wrong with taking kids that have the desire? I think the bigger problem is the coaching staff identifying these players, contacting the players and signing them. One major constraint... ISU resources.
A couple of other thoughts... ISU, with the high school football camp should give the Bengals a great opportunity to review the talent of those attending the camp. Also, over the past several years, College of Idaho in Caldwell has hinted as bringing back football, In 1977, the last year that they had a team, my kid brother (Jenna's dad) was a freshman cornerback on that team. He was a bit undersized but loved the game and was determined to play at the next level. He made all conference that year. After C of I disbanded its football program, Whitworth College in Spokane picked up his scholarship. He was all conference for three years there. Ironically, ISU didn't even sniff at him while he was at Idaho Falls High School. Could he have played at FCS level? Who knows. But if they begin their program again, there will be more competition for the local kids.
Finally, kudos to the Pre-Season All Americans, regardless of where they are from.