So it looks like Florida State's 5 Star LB doesn't want to go to FSU and would prefer to enroll at Georgia or USC, instead. While this stuff does suck, I just don't see how/why schools continue to say they won't release a kid. He's never attended a class, or practice. If the kid's story is true, and it certainly does ring true, then you can't really fault the kid. It's a tough time and family pressure can play into these things. I think we've seen this type of story play out both ways, but it's usually a sign of bad things to come. Why would you want to keep him? I just don't see what FSU can gain from this other than a bad rep in the long run. http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/2013/matthew-thomas-georgia/
And on the same day, Beilema releases 4 guys at Arkansas who wanted to transfer. http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/2013/brandon-mitchell-to-transfer/
Yeah it sucks, if you remember the now departed Jordan Prestwood signed with FSU, went there in the Spring then decided he didn't like it and transfered to ND where he decided he didn't like and is now at UCF. Coaches and schools have an interest in not rewarding tampering with their players, which can never be proved of course. But why should they have to face the kid who changed his mind. A lot of people want an early signing period, one thing that might do is increase the number of kids who want a do over on the signature. Besides the kid can go where ever he wants as far as I know, but without the release he'll have to pay his own way for a year before he goes on scholarship.
I think it's fairly obvious why schools make a stand. If they didn't the poaching would go on year round. Some kid most likely didn't get a scholarship to FSU because this Thomas took it. So how many bolts can a team take any year before their depth chart gets wrecked?
Before we go crying for the poor little program, I think we're forgetting that this is a 2 way street. The programs place immense levels of pressure on the players, and perhaps more importantly, the family for these kids to commit. They do this for a variety of reasons. They've already received all the recruiting rankings and free pub from this kid signing with them. In fact, they have benefited from him. He's not received any compensation whatsoever. Let him go. The kid is looking to transfer to Georgia or USC. It's not like Florida State typically plays either team. I get the program's frustration, but I've never agreed with this whole making the kid pay for a year when he's never enrolled at the school or taken a class. I do agree that the poaching might be worse, although it's pretty bad now. Between boosters and 3rd party 'consultant' types, and let's not forget the infamous 'community organizer'... you can't really stop that either. It's something that's always gone on. I know ND fans really tend to thumb their nose at this stuff, justifiably, but it's also because in our world this is something that never really benefits us.. but certainly has hurt us. For most all the rest of college football, it's just the reality of the situation.
Alabama's SOS for 2013, the easiest in the SEC.. Of course, of course.. it's May, of course we know these things... http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/2013/alabama-strength-of-schedule/ To be fair, they are hanging their hat on the bye weeks rather than opponents.
UF's checks in at #4 for 2013 and it was #5 in preseason 2012.... but I'll bet it jumped a notch after A&M had such a banner year and Ga, FSU, LSU and SC all had pretty good seasons.
Since agreeing with Bob Stoops seems to be a 'thing' these days.. Bob Stoops: The SEC gap isn’t as wide as perceived http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/2013/bob-stoops-sec/ Discuss.
KP, LOL at least the gap might not be as great as we all think. Stoops said, so it must be so.. All, Today's update has Texas A&M with the 2nd easiest SEC schedule (is the SEC West the Rodney Dangerfield division to these guys? Rough crowd considering how many NCs have come from there lately). http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/2013/texas-am-strength-of-schedule/ Also, post-spring Power 5 for the SEC 1. Alabama 2. Texas A&M 3. Georgia 4. South Carolina 5. Florida http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/2013/sec-power-rankings-post-spring-2013/
All of this is interesting. Now all someone from outside the SEC has to do is win a game against them. Does our strength of schedule take into account that we have played the number one team in the country in our last game of the season the last 2 years and beat them both times?
I like this blog. However, given their logic, picking UT as the #4 in the SEC East still leaves them ranked 14th in the country hahaha
Nick Saban handles this in that cold, professional, murderous way that you'd expect him to http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/2013/bob-stoops-sec-comments/
lol.. I love Nick Saban's press conferences and ask/answer sessions with the media. It looks like they caught him in a tunnel.. that happens to mortals. Nick only talks when Nick wants to talk. That was all intentional. Also.. nothing he says before the last 'but' in any paragraph is not true but more than likely things he knows he has to say to keep up the appearance of civility... Saban has literally perfected the art of the formal 'f*ck you' and it's glorious to watch unfold.
I don't know how much access to Alabama media you guys have aside from al.com (which is a great place), and I am sure KP is already familiar with this, but just wait until maybe the 3rd week of August.. perhaps a little earlier. Just watch Nick's press conferences. He'll field all sorts of questions, but sooner or later, someone will ask him about a depth chart. It wouldn't matter of Saban was returning a 3 time Heisman winning RB for his senior year with an armless QB, Saban won't budge and give an answer. He'll go into his long rant about 'the process.' But the real beauty is to watch the pattern. At first, he'll be calm. Then, the hands start in.. That's when you know he's off auto-pilot and the brain is actively engaged. He's probably talking about DBs. But then 'the rock' starts... at this point in time, it's important to note that most experienced reporters in Alabama already have a laid out escape plan to the fire exits in their head. When he starts rocking back and forth, he's pissed off at the question. He'll answer it. You may not like the answer, but he'll give it to you.. and he'll rock.. It's honestly one of my favorite football moments of each pre-season. I wonder if the press corps draws straws, or if they are man if enough to run a cash pool on who has balls enough to ask 'the question' each year for the first time. My second favorite moment is about 4 days before the first game when someone asks 'the question' again. It's a riot. Thankfully, the guy is winning NCs and making millions. If he was struggling, I'm pretty sure he would have assaulted someone by now.
I think the reporters may set up a new guy to ask Saban about his depth chart or is this team better than last year's team or "coach, do you think this team is good enough win the NC again for the 3rd time." The scalpel flashes! :shock: