bluenyc

November 18th, 2011 at 7:01 PM ^

I agree with it but see trich point. Trich just wanted to get wine and dined. Something he will never do again until he gets to the league. Bit I understand hoke saving him a spot and not wanting to be reneged upon. I think Pharoah didn't know hoke's rule. He seemed happy

DGDestroys

November 18th, 2011 at 7:17 PM ^

I think Pharoah didn't know hoke's rule

Sam Webb mentioned earlier this year that the coaching staff makes it a point before anyone tries to commit that visits mean their spot is in jeopardy. There might have been a miscommunication (i.e. Brown asking Hoke, him not giving a clear answer or Brown just not understanding what he means), but I'm sure he knows the 'rule'. 

DGDestroys

November 18th, 2011 at 7:21 PM ^

That's not what I mean, the coaching staff still might not have caught wind of this. I'm saying there could have been some sort of communication breakdown between the two parties that needs sorting out. I'm still considering him committed until I hear otherwise.

ken725

November 18th, 2011 at 7:37 PM ^

It seems odd that it is just getting reported now so close to the actual game.  Is there a chance that he is already on campus and that is how the writer knew that he was visiting? 

It seems like this was kept under wraps or it was a communication break down like you said. 

DGDestroys

November 18th, 2011 at 7:42 PM ^

I don't have access to 247sports, but I'd guess Brown is, at the very least, on his way there. Most official visits start friday evening, where prospects and their parents meet with the coaches, and then the prospects go out on the town with their student hosts. Sometimes this doesn't happen if the prospect has to play a football game first, but I believe Brown's HS career is over.

wlubd

November 18th, 2011 at 7:44 PM ^

Guy who posted on Scout's free board said he knew Pharoah was in San Fran today. Don't know how he knows, don't want to know how, and don't know if it's true but it's a weird thing to say if he's just making it up. Would lend to the idea though that he would be on his way to Oregon/there already.

SWFLWolverine

November 18th, 2011 at 8:53 PM ^

I agree with the rule 100%. If a kid is entertaining offers from other programs, whether it is just to wined and dined, to see the Pacific North, or whatever, they are still opening themselves up to be swayed and cannot be considered "committed". If I am happy within a relationship, I am not out pursuing a "better" relationship. Sure, there might be that someone that could possibly be a better fit, but if I'm committed and have my focus and energy on making my happy relationship even better, then I sure wouldn't be entertaining other offers.

Don

November 18th, 2011 at 7:14 PM ^

what do you think your fiancee would say if you told her "I'm still committed to you but I want to take this other chick out because she's smoking hot."

And make no mistake, that's what's happening (assuming the tweet is accurate). Brown ain't visiting an ugly girl like Indiana or Washington State—he's visiting the sexy #4 program in the country that still has an outside chance of playing for the NC.

I have no problem if Hoke says, in effect, "Fine. Next."

Vote_Crisler_1937

November 18th, 2011 at 9:39 PM ^

Your fiance scenario is not the same. Before we judge this 18 yo kid, trying to make the best choice while surrounded by adults pressuring him, remember we dont know everything. Maybe Hoke is cooling on him. Maybe Kelly is paying someone to lie to him and Brown is falling for it. It's possible Hoke mislead Brown, or Brown misunderstood Hoke. Maybe Oregon is the best place for him. Does he have extended family there? None of us know these things. Hope for the best either way.

neoavatara

November 18th, 2011 at 7:23 PM ^

The rule is the rule, and my opinion doesn't matter...and I always will support Hoke.

As for the rule, TRich didn't apparently understand the rule either, and then backed down.  We will have to see with Brown...my guess is that he will do the same.  If he doesn't...well, then he likely was a soft commit anyway. 

Paccman36

November 18th, 2011 at 7:26 PM ^

I'm ok if he decommitted, AJ Williams can stay at TE and they can go after Garnett! Garnett and Magnuson have been bantering on twitter about their Michigan visit and playing together!

Eat Your Wheatlies

November 19th, 2011 at 10:35 AM ^

Does anyone really think Williams remains a TE? Dude weighs like 290! How many 290 lb tight end do we know? Plus, hes probably only going to get bigger after being in a college strength and conditioning program. My guess is that we'd roll with Funchess and look elsewhere with the spot and look for 2 TEs next year.

wresler120

November 18th, 2011 at 7:28 PM ^

But, I feel like there should be repercussions for someone who commits to a university, and the decommits and goes elsewhere. At the very least they should lose a year of eligibilty, and lose the right to redshirt. So, basically the first time they are allowed to play they are sophomores, and get only 3 years eligibility. Unless, there are unforeseen circumstances like an NCAA investigation or a coaching change. This would make kids think twice before committing, and teams wouldn't get screwed over late in the game.

 

It's only a matter of time before some jackass coach gets 5 or 6 solid commits ... conjures  a plan for them to commit to their arch rival, have them decommit on signing day and sign with the original team they intended to go to ... totally fucking the other team on signing day,

DGDestroys

November 18th, 2011 at 7:35 PM ^

At the very least they should lose a year of eligibilty, and lose the right to redshirt

I think a lot of people would be very, very strongly opposed to this. As I mentioned above, it's one thing if the kid is just taking advantage of the safety net that committing provides, it's another when a kid is presented with new information or just has their feelings towards a university change. How would you feel if the NCAA told players that are currently committed to PSU that they're not allowed to look elsewhere, regardless of their feelings towards the university? Besides, the verbal commitment is entirely too much of a slippery slope for people to consider this. 

I'm leaving the other part of your statement alone, but only because I find it incredibly ludicrous. 

SC Wolverine

November 19th, 2011 at 9:39 AM ^

Decommitting from Ohio State was a noble act in support of truth, justice, and the Michigan way.  Decommitting from Michigan would be a vile act of betrayal worthy of the loss of all eligibility.  That is maize-n-blue objectivity!

 

Wolvmarine

November 18th, 2011 at 8:17 PM ^

I don't think you know what a Commit is. To be fair this Commitment way has been taken out of context due to the fact that LOI's can only be signed once a year. A commitment is simply when a kid says, "yeah I'm going to go there.". It's just a verbal declaration of where they are going. The system of recruiting has made commitments out to be more than what yet are. It's just a verbal pledge by a kid, who may or may not change his mind.

Vote_Crisler_1937

November 18th, 2011 at 9:24 PM ^

I strongly disagree with most types of repercussion to a verbal commit changing. As a fmr. BIG athlete I can tell you that coaches lie their absolute faces off to you and your family during recruiting. It is very difficult to discern from official visits, in home visits, and phone calls what the truth is. I was promised trips to Hawaii, new stadium renovations, and special uni # by just about everyone. Then there was the constant assurance of immediate playing time and depth chart domination with highly rated prospects at every complimentary position. Absolutely none of that was true. I cant blame a kid for committing, learning more about the real circumstances, and changing his mind. Remember, once he signs, transferring to his 2nd choice is nearly impossible so he better get it right.

Blazefire

November 18th, 2011 at 10:39 PM ^

But if you were promised those things, it's your fault. You were promised those things because you indicated that was what you wanted when you knew better than to believe any of that was possible. Ask somebody to tell you lies and they'll tell you lies. Ask them for the truth. If they still lie, then it's a problem.

Vote_Crisler_1937

September 4th, 2013 at 1:16 PM ^

Blazefire, "because you indicated that was what you wanted when you knew better than to believe any of that was possible?" No. That is not how it worked for me at all. It is not my fault that coaches have ready made recruiting pitches with those promises built in. This is not consultative selling where they are trying to discover my needs and then address them. This is canned material they start off with before they even get to know you. Some things like a trip to Hawaii for me and my family I couldn't care less about. I wasn't interested in that at all and there is no way I could have given any indication that I was. Some things, like standing on the depth chart, facilities, and blue chip recruits at all complimentary positions, are things that every recruit wants to some extent. If I was completely against playing time, in better facilities, with good talent, than what am I even doing being recruited? Here is a totally hypothetical example of why it is not the recruit's fault he has to get a lot of BS lies: Lets pretend you are an all-world defensive lineman who wants a solid degree and the best chance to one day play in the NFL. You find the Florida Gators coached by Urban Meyer with Greg Mattison as his assistant and your potential future position coach. You recognize that FL has a solid degree program in what you want to study, you like the idea of playing in the SEC, and you know that Greg Mattison will be the best all around coach you can ask for to maximize your potential. On your official visit you will still spend considerable time, several hours, with just Urban Meyer and not anyone else in Urb's office. What are the chances that Urban keeps his mouth shut and doesnt say anything off the wall untrue in an effort to get your signature on an LOI right away? What are the chances that you ask Urban Meyer for the real truth after he is done doing his canned presentation that he gives every single recruit no matter what, and he drops the act and gives you the straight truth? Do you think Urban Meyer is even realistic enough with himself to even know the truth to say it? Again that is totally hypothetical and did not happen to you or me. There are certainly coaches out there who are very truthful and honest and don't have canned presentations full of lies and in a perfect world you only ever look at those coaches. But the example above might show that playing for Greg Mattison while attending FL is worth it even if you have to endure the constant BS of Urban Meyer during the recruiting process. I know this post is from years ago and I'm not even sure if anyone will ever see this comment but I didn't see Blazefire's comment until now.

mtlcarcajou

November 19th, 2011 at 10:41 AM ^

Were you ever 17 years old?

And the Machiavelli coaching school only gets you so far.

Now what Clarett did on his official to us, maybe something there in that kind of circumstance. Even then I don't think it is in any program's best interest to go after and punish 17 year-olds.

If indeed it happens with Brown, and that is Hoke's law, then thank you very much and who's next on the list.

JT4104

November 18th, 2011 at 7:34 PM ^

the Aaron Hernandez effect will start to cross kids minds a lot in the next few years. New England is a spread team that will line up their TE's to create mismatches.

I wouldn't be surprised if Chip Kelly is selling the same thing to Brown right now.