On competitiveness, Texas, and assorted recruiting thoughts

Competitiveness Beaver. wtf? Tulsa? I wrote about this a while back when I asked if RR's recruiting style of stockpiling kids in certain positions caused attrition. I speculated that RR's recruiting style is a net positive because such a thing should only bother a certain type of recruit...those that lack a strong sense of competitiveness. I'm inclined to stay with this belief. Why are we losing players to the Tulsas, Central Floridas and Purdues of the world? There are a number of reasons for this such that it makes sweeping generalizations kind of foolish, but what the hell: I think some people fear competition at the highest level and want to be the big fish in the small pond. If I know RR's recruiting philosophy, he wants the hypercompetitive type A kid that throws the Monopoly board when he lands on his opponent's Boardwalk (with hotel) because he hates to lose. Now, if I'm a kid that is a bit more laid back or not 100% confident in my own skill to beat out my competitors, do I really want to come to a (cold, far from home, I know there's a zillion factors) place like Michigan where every incoming recruit has a baseline level of skill that may he hard to surpass? Did Beaver have these nagging doubts? Did he not believe in his own skill enough to know that he could beat out the (slightly favored, seemingly) kid from a QB family that apparently has polished skills, good speed, and a psycho work ethic? Did he fear riding the pine or being transferred to wide receiver, where most programs decided he was best for when recruiting him? If he did, and again this is pure speculation, but see ya and good luck. Fuck that - I want a kid like Feagin. Yeah, the kid who saw Pryor coming in and said "I don't give a shit who you are. I want you position and you will have to take it away from me." Is this ego? Maybe, but if it is, I want more of it. Because when Feagin got moved to slot, where there are approximately 155552451 kids competing for the position, I didn't hear any complaints. I saw a guy that wanting PT where he got it and wanted to work for the team. No, I think Beaver's move is ego. The bad kind. And yes, for the last time I will reiterate that I don't know the reasons motivating his move but I think this speaks to a broader issue. He will find no problem getting a ton of PT at just about whatever position he wants at a place like Tulsa, unless he was really just not all that good. Some people can't be bothered to work hard to earn that spot. Some people want to be the hero of the team and the glory that goes along with being a highly-touted QB. Well I say play your position, small soldier. Actually GangStarr said that, but it fits. Texas wtf? Why do you hate us? Mallett, McGuffie, now Beaver? I'm sure there's more, but I haven't been following recruiting this closely for very long. But anyway, please stop fucking us. tyia Recruiting etc. Something has to be done to stop this decommittment bullshit. RR is an awesome redruiter and I want him to keep doing what he is doing. Snake oil is nice, but I'm thinking maybe is spending his supply too early. Save the hocus pocus for late in the season for positions of need...like now. I appreciate the fact that he can bring in great talent from all over, but we have to be sure they want to be here. We need to lay our cards out on the table before they commit and say "you must earn your position. I'm bringing in badasses from across the nation to beat you out. And I'll do it again next year and the year after that. And if you are a polished senior and an incoming freshman wants it more, you will be watching from the sidelines." OK, maybe not that harsh, but still...let them know what's up. This will scare people off, but in a good way. I'll take a 4 star Forcier over any 5 star ego any day. We need to separate the wheat from the chaff. I know by now your "Mighigan Man" meters are going off, but I won't say it. I just want kids to come in and compete to bring us back to greatness. Hail to the Victors. Commence the tl;dr.