Mathis Chooses Oregon

Submitted by DoctorDave on

During the 2nd quarter of the Army All-American game, Dior Mathis chose to play "the next four years" of college football at the University of Oregon. He selected them above Michigan, Michigan State, and Miami "because of the academics and the coaches."

DoctorDave

January 9th, 2010 at 2:54 PM ^

Verily.

I can see generically-worded teasers like "there will be some surprises at the Army All American game." That's like a palm reader giving a nondescript fortune like some day a tire will go flat on your car or a much beloved pet will die. But when pundits give specifics - as though they either possessed inside knowledge or are the keeper of mysteries, my reflexive reaction is to consign them to the same category as Olberman and O'Reilly - pure punditry, where bloviation is essential but accuracy is optional. These guys fill the same role as these quasi political "analysts": to entertain, to provoke, to irritate, to chide, to generate readers (or viewers) and keep the advertising cash register ringing.

If there were actual consequences for pundits or prognosticators whose predictions were a load of dung, and their "expertise" was exposed and they were submitted to open ridicule or hangings at high noon in the public square, there'd certainly be a lot of open air time and blank sheets of paper.

Of course, then we'd have nothing to gripe about, and where's the fun in that?

clarkiefromcanada

January 9th, 2010 at 10:04 PM ^

Yes, Dior Mathis is local and yes he has some talent; however, I'll happily take a 6' Cullen Christian. I hope Dior has a great career as an electron like corner in Oregon.

Edit: Did he really say he was attending Oregon because of the academics?

BlueinOK

January 9th, 2010 at 2:41 PM ^

I would have been very happy if he picked Michigan, but was not surprised one bit when he picked Oregon. It's nice that he stayed out of East Lansing.

Noahdb

January 9th, 2010 at 2:55 PM ^

There is no more insipid comment from the mouths of recruits than when they claim their commitment will "shock the world."

1) The "world" couldn't care less where you go; and,
2) They usually end up going to the school that's been rumored to lead the entire time.

Just say it. You're needy and young and really like attention. That's fine. Just stop with the "shock the world" stuff.

Raback Omaba

January 9th, 2010 at 3:31 PM ^

I think Michigan would've been a better choice, but let's be honest, Oregon is a great program. It'll give him a chance to get out of Michigan and be on a really nice campus. Oregon wins and has a great athletic department, great fan support and Autzen is one of the best places to be in College Football.

They didn't miss a beat with their coaching change at all...and I think with the Carroll thing going down, the top spot in the Pac 10 is definitely up for grabs (supremacy wise.)

I see him playing offense for Oregon at some point and having a great career.

Great choice Dior. Would've loved to see you in Maize and Blue, but best of luck.

Magnus

January 10th, 2010 at 8:50 AM ^

"I see him playing offense for Oregon at some point and having a great career."

I don't. Oregon's offense is not the same as Michigan's. Slot ninjas are less important to them than the downfield passing game. He will be a corner.

Lutha

January 9th, 2010 at 4:35 PM ^

I was hoping he'd come to Michigan, but I am ok with this. Looking forward to sending a future Braylon-clone out against him in upcoming Rose Bowls.

VictorValiant

January 9th, 2010 at 10:37 PM ^

I've been to the Oregon football facilities and it is niiiiiice. If you are willing to live in eugene, Oregon has almost everything else a student-athlete might want. With Pete Carroll gone to the NFL, the path is easier with Oregon to win more Pac-10 titles. There is a lot to like about Oregon right now. Good luck to Dior.

Hoken's Heroes

January 10th, 2010 at 8:58 AM ^

He's said nothing to even indicate that he was interested in U of M and I think he probably was pissed that UM didn't show him any love considering he is from Cass Tech (from what I can gather). I hope this doesn't create a rift between U of M and Cass but I think UM needs to focus on taller corners.