'14 NY DT Thomas Holley (Penn State Decommit; Florida Verbal)

[maximumblitz]

Meyer can't close.

Not so fast. It aint over yet.

However, 247Sports countered that thought: Current Penn State commit Thomas Holley told the site O’Brien “said he isn’t going. It’s not true.”

It seems trendy for folks to say they are not going anywhere just before they do.

Please add one second to the play clock!!!


http://nfl.si.com/2013/12/29/penn-state-buccaneers-greg-schiano-bill-obrien/?eref=sihp

 

[MD Buckeye]

Not so fast. It aint over yet.

It might not be over yet for someone else, but it's OVER for Ohio State & Holley.

 

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“Notre Dame, Florida, Ohio State, Alabama, Tennessee and now a lot of schools that were pursuing me before I went to Penn State now they’re coming at me harder,” Holley, a four-star defensive tackle said Tuesday afternoon. “They’re asking me, ‘If O’Brien leaves would you consider coming here, coming there?’ ”

Holley said Indiana recently contacted him. The Hoosiers are trying to play up the fact that one of Holley’s friends and former basketball teammates, tight end Jordan Fuchs, committed to Indiana. Holley said his message to the other programs is that he’s waiting for Penn State to make a move, or in his ideal situation for O’Brien to stay and then he won’t have to worry about what coach they might bring in.

He also said if O’Brien leaves whether or not Larry Johnson would be retained would be a major factor in his decision. He keeps in regular contact with Johnson and Holley said he’s willing to wait and see who Penn State would bring in and whether or not they’d keep Johnson before deciding if he’d need to open up his recruitment again. If Johnson stays Holley said he “probably” would too.

http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2013/12/thomas_holley_garners_interest.html

 

[Wham]

I would really like to know what really happened between Ohio State and this kid. For the relationship to break so abruptly, there had to be some kind of event or an unwelcomed interference from a relative or agent figure or some sort of academic issue; totally speculating of course. I guess it does not matter anymore for this case, but to understand for future reference.

 

[mendensa]

I would really like to know what really happened between Ohio State and this kid. For the relationship to break so abruptly, there had to be some kind of event or an unwelcomed interference from a relative or agent figure or some sort of academic issue; totally speculating of course. I guess it does not matter anymore for this case, but to understand for future reference.

I have a feeling it had a lot to do with the fact that OSU was getting the vibe that he was leaning elsewhere (PSU) and decided to put all their eggs in the Nnadi and Solomon Thomas baskets instead of chasing Holley. I imagine it was a conversation where both parties probably informed the other of where they stood. OSU was after a commitment and let Holley know they were still in pursuit of other DL prospects. Maybe rubbed Holley the wrong way. O'Brien lied and said he would still be around and that they were done recruiting the position. Everything a recruit wanted to hear in other words. Just my take on how I envisioned the situation's abrupt change.

 

[RB07OSU]

I have a feeling it had a lot to do with the fact that OSU was getting the vibe that he was leaning elsewhere (PSU) and decided to put all their eggs in the Nnadi and Solomon Thomas baskets instead of chasing Holley. I imagine it was a conversation where both parties probably informed the other of where they stood. OSU was after a commitment and let Holley know they were still in pursuit of other DL prospects. Maybe rubbed Holley the wrong way. O'Brien lied and said he would still be around and that they were done recruiting the position. Everything a recruit wanted to hear in other words. Just my take on how I envisioned the situation's abrupt change.

I'm pretty sure OSU could have had him and decided to pursue others. Perhaps if Thomas/Knadi fall through they will pursue Holley but I kinda doubt it.

 

[wadc45]

OSU chose to stop pursuing Holley. There is no way they would start pursuing him again.

 

[pnuts34]

OSU chose to stop pursuing Holley. There is no way they would start pursuing him again.

With the hiring of LJsr, I wonder if this statement is still true. The door may not be totally closed on Thomas

 

[wadc45]

Agreed but it still might be a tough sell...if Urban told Thomas they were no longer going to recruit him is he really going to want to go somewhere where his position coach wants him but his head coach might not? Not saying I know for sure one way or the other but just something that came across my mind when people started asking about Holley.

 

[Fremont Buckeye]

Maybe a possible fall back plan if Solomon Thomas is completely out of the picture. Anybodys guess at this point.

 

[pnuts34]

Agreed but it still might be a tough sell...if Urban told Thomas they were no longer going to recruit him is he really going to want to go somewhere where his position coach wants him but his head coach might not? Not saying I know for sure one way or the other but just something that came across my mind when people started asking about Holley.

And my answer to that would be yes. Many kids commit to their position coaches almost more than who the HC is.

And I'm sure any talk of Urban not wanting him would be water under the bridge, if he was playing for a team in the NC annually and had a great chance at making the NFL.

 

[Oh8ch]

And my answer to that would be yes. Many kids commit to their position coaches almost more than who the HC is.

And I'm sure any talk of Urban not wanting him would be water under the bridge, if he was playing for a team in the NC annually and had a great chance at making the NFL.

It may well have been the position coach who passed more so than Urban - regardless of how the story came out.

 

[wadc45]

And my answer to that would be yes. Many kids commit to their position coaches almost more than who the HC is.

And I'm sure any talk of Urban not wanting him would be water under the bridge, if he was playing for a team in the NC annually and had a great chance at making the NFL.

Agreed with both you and Oh8ch. All I'm saying is that I am not ready to starting calling Holley a Buckeye just yet. There are still guys like Nnadi, Thomas and McDowell available, plus whatever other cards LJ has up his sleeve.

 

[pnuts34]

Agreed with both you and Oh8ch. All I'm saying is that I am not ready to starting calling Holley a Buckeye just yet. There are still guys like Nnadi, Thomas and McDowell available, plus whatever other cards LJ has up his sleeve.

Why would thomas factor into the decision when he's a DE and the rest of the guys are DTs or at least in McDowells case can grow into a DT?
It's going to be a fun NSD for osu

 

[wadc45]

Why would thomas factor into the decision when he's a DE and the rest of the guys are DTs or at least in McDowells case can grow into a DT?
It's going to be a fun NSD for osu

Two of these guys are combos (Thomas and McDowell) and two are DTs (Nnadi and Holley). I don't think OSU is looking for a specific position but looking for the best available player along the defensive line.