David "LLLL" Dawson (OL ttun)

[NJ-Buckeye]

This ordeal really has Hoke questioning his strict no visit policy. Oh well.

FIFY

 

[WolverineMike]

I doubt he's rethinking anything because of losing a couple recruits.

 

[HorseshoeFetish]

I doubt he's rethinking anything because of losing a couple recruits.

Other than food, I doubt he thinks about much.

 

[rock454]

Doesn't Urban have the same strategy or is that only if kids want to visit tsun? I remember seeing that he told Dunn last year that if he took a visit then he wasn't committed to tOSU anymore, seems like it happened w/ one of the commits this year too. I think it's a smart strategy, if the school isn't out shopping to replace the commit, the commit shouldn't be shopping to replace the school. It allows the coach to put his energy into finishing the class rather than having to fight just to keep kids on board, just so happens that Hoke's commits aren't quite as sold...

 

[WolverineMike]

Doesn't Urban have the same strategy or is that only if kids want to visit tsun? I remember seeing that he told Dunn last year that if he took a visit then he wasn't committed to tOSU anymore, seems like it happened w/ one of the commits this year too. I think it's a smart strategy, if the school isn't out shopping to replace the commit, the commit shouldn't be shopping to replace the school. It allows the coach to put his energy into finishing the class rather than having to fight just to keep kids on board, just so happens that Hoke's commits aren't quite as sold...

These last two have not been a question of being "sold." A big problem with them was they committed before they blew up and a lot of suitors come calling. It's hard for a kid to stay committed, in IMO, when one day he has Michigan and CMU, EMU, and Cincinnati, offers, and then 2 months later has offers from osu, Oklahoma, LSU, and Florida.

They want to be wined and dined by the big time programs, Which may not had been calling when they originally verbaled. Which is totally understandable.

 

[residentmfan]

These last two have not been a question of being "sold." A big problem with them was they committed before they blew up and a lot of suitors come calling. It's hard for a kid to stay committed, in IMO, when one day he has Michigan and CMU, EMU, and Cincinnati, offers, and then 2 months later has offers from osu, Oklahoma, LSU, and Florida.

They want to be wined and dined by the big time programs, Which may not had been calling when they originally verbaled. Which is totally understandable.

Except that Dawson had most of the big offers when he committed to Michigan.

Conley is more in line with that scenario that you described.

Dawson would still be a Michigan commit and sign with Michigan if not for the policy. Like I said, I highly doubted he was ever leaving the area, he just wanted to take his visits. I don't blame him for wanting to take free trips to Florida, LSU, etc., etc., you are only recruited as a high school player once.

Conley has been flirting with Oregon for awhile now though and posting stuff about Oregon all over his twitter for the last couple months. I believe his mother also lives out in California and she wants him to be closer to her.

It just is what it is, Hoke isn't going to change his policy because he loses a couple recruits. If you load up on commits and get 23-24 before October you're bound to lose a couple.

 

[WolverineMike]

true dat. But oh well. 1 or 2 kids isn't going to make or break the class.

 

[residentmfan]

true dat. But oh well. 1 or 2 kids isn't going to make or break the class.

I don't know. If we lost Morris that would probably break the class. Have you seen how bad Russell Bellomy is?

On a serious note, you're right. It really sucks losing Dawson though. ESPN has him as the #1 guard in the nation, every other recruiting site has him in the top 10 of guards. 247's Industry Composite Rankings have him as the #7 guard prospect in the country. In short, he's really good at football.

 

[Hodgepodge]

Doesn't Urban have the same strategy or is that only if kids want to visit tsun? I remember seeing that he told Dunn last year that if he took a visit then he wasn't committed to tOSU anymore, seems like it happened w/ one of the commits this year too. I think it's a smart strategy, if the school isn't out shopping to replace the commit, the commit shouldn't be shopping to replace the school. It allows the coach to put his energy into finishing the class rather than having to fight just to keep kids on board, just so happens that Hoke's commits aren't quite as sold...

Well, he certainly did when it came to Brionte Dunn, but that was a slightly different circumstance. On the other hand, when Alex Anzalone and Lewis Neal were reconsidering, I don't recall hearing any ultimatums being reported to have been given.

Personally, I don't have any problem with kids taking visits after they've committed. After all, these kids need to make the best decision for themselves. However, if they do decide to take visits, the coach should not be faulted for trying to recruit someone to fill his spot. After all, his job depends on getting the best team possible on the field.

Bringing this back to Dawson, I'm not a fan of Hoke's policy if it is enforced in a way that precludes Dawson from signing with them if he so chooses. There are ways of handling this that don't include such a hard-edged, do-or-don't rule.

 

[Moose]

I believe Tressel and company encouraged other visits, to make sure it was the right choice...

 

[ScriptOhio]

true dat. But oh well. 1 or 2 kids isn't going to make or break the class.

No, losing an OL won't break the class; however, the consequences of a loss could depend on the position. Losing a "franchise" QB could have dire consequences. Does anyine think Ohio State be 9-0 this year wthout Braxton Miller? Whatever scUM's record was the last few years, it would have been a lot worse without shoelaces, etc.

 

[rock454]

Bringing this back to Dawson, I'm not a fan of Hoke's policy if it is enforced in a way that precludes Dawson from signing with them if he so chooses. There are ways of handling this that don't include such a hard-edged, do-or-don't rule.

Agreed, comes across as a jilted lover to tell a kid "don't come back". Seems like a cutting off your nose to spite your face kind of thing. Hopefully that works out in our favor here.

 

[residentmfan]

No, losing an OL won't break the class; however, the consequences of a loss could depend on the position. Losing a "franchise" QB could have dire consequences. Does anyine think Ohio State be 9-0 this year wthout Braxton Miller? Whatever scUM's record was the last few years, it would have been a lot worse without shoelaces, etc.

agree with you completely.

I don't think one player ever makes or breaks a class unless we are talking about a QB. It's just that important of a position.

Unless of course you recruit like LSU or Alabama and have so much talent on the roster that the only thing you need to win BCS titles with is a game manager QB.

 

[AJHawkfan]

...if the school isn't out shopping to replace the commit, the commit shouldn't be shopping to replace the school.

Agree 100%. The rule might seem harsh, but honestly, I don't have a problem with it. If you're ready to commit, then commit. If you aren't sure, then don't commit.

 

[Cincinnatibuck]

Agree 100%. The rule might seem harsh, but honestly, I don't have a problem with it. If you're ready to commit, then commit. If you aren't sure, then don't commit.

Then don't pressure kids to commit early or no scholly for them. Hoke had 3 years left on his contract at San Diego St. when he interviewed for Michigan job. What about his commitment?