MI DL Damon Knox to MSU
Scout is reporting that Muskegon DL Damon Knox has committed to MSU. For anyone wondering, it's been reported here multiple times that his grades wouldn't be good enough to net a scholarship offer. Best of luck to the kid, even if he's off to Sparty.
Why did he commit?
"That coaching staff is amazing,” he said about the Spartans. “They’re so energetic and never flat. I constantly hear from them and they really want me. They make me feel very wanted…I love that program.”
December 6th, 2010 at 1:33 PM ^
No big deal I don't think his 1.9 gpa would do to well here. Best of luck to him though
December 6th, 2010 at 1:41 PM ^
Is that really true? If so, how the heck could MSU admit him? I know Michigan has great academic standards (they admitted me!) but I never imagined that there would be a real, palpable difference among the Big Ten schools. If this doesn't evidence the higher standards at U-M then I can't come up with a better example.
December 6th, 2010 at 1:42 PM ^
Thats what it says on scouts page. He also got a 17 on the ACT.
December 6th, 2010 at 2:01 PM ^
As an MSU grad, these stories have the potential to sadden me. But it really becomes about what he does with his opportunity.
I once argued that our standards should be higher (i.e., have tryouts after students are admitted through the normal admissions process [pipe dreamin']), but was somewhat persuaded by the counterargument that, as a public institution, the university has an obligation to give opportunities to these types of students (ultimately I don't buy this argument as justifying bringing in students like this one because a non-athlete with the same credentials would not have the same opportunity; thus, democratize this rationale or don't waste anyone's time with it).
However, if with tutoring, etc... a kid like this becomes an actual student, then everybody wins. And if he turns out to be a great player, that's an added bonus.
December 6th, 2010 at 2:08 PM ^
Thanks for your thoughts. Obviously, as an MSU grad, its interesting to hear your take. +1
December 6th, 2010 at 2:25 PM ^
The counterargument you bring up is just some bullshit ploy to hide behind when you lower academic standards in the name of victories on the field.
It's almost exactly the same thing as when Dantonio hands out second chances like free candy and is actually revered by some in the media when Rodriguez is killed by the same writers for recruiting Demar Dorsey. An old, tired argument yes, but when another kid who wouldn't even sniff MSU (!!) grades-wise is recruited and some want to say they're just giving him a chance, it's a load of shit. It's all about winning on Saturdays.
December 6th, 2010 at 1:57 PM ^
Big Ten schools all have the same grade standards? MSU is not on the same level with UM and NW just to name a couple.. I didn't go to a big ten school, but it is pretty obvious the standards are different at these schools on how they accept people etc..
December 6th, 2010 at 2:07 PM ^
I never insinuated that all schools have the same standards. I am just surprised by this real-life example of the glaring difference between U-M and MSU. Its just interesting, that's all.
December 6th, 2010 at 5:25 PM ^
He was offered a scholarship by MSU's football staff, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's been admitted to the university. Even if he is, he won't be allowed to receive a scholarship under Big Ten and NCAA rules if he doesn't become academically eligible.
December 6th, 2010 at 4:17 PM ^
According to the NCAA, a 1.9 core GPA won't get you in. A 2.0 can get you in with a 1010 on the SAT or an 86 on the ACT.
See p. 6 of http://www.ncaapublications.com/productdownloads/CB11.pdf
December 6th, 2010 at 4:59 PM ^
Holy crap, good luck. You'd have to take it 3 times to get that score.
December 6th, 2010 at 5:37 PM ^
They probably add the English, math, reading and science scores. According to Wikipedia the average scores for those areas are 20.6, 21.0, 21.4 and 20.9, respectively. That adds up to 83.9.
December 6th, 2010 at 1:35 PM ^
He got in? Oh wait, MSU.
December 6th, 2010 at 1:36 PM ^
I wasn't a huge fan of his play, anyway, but especially if he's a borderline academic kid. I've had about enough of those in the recent past.
December 6th, 2010 at 1:37 PM ^
I watched him play against Rockford and he didn't show me much. I only noticed that he was massive.
December 6th, 2010 at 2:03 PM ^
i dislike your siginature :(
December 6th, 2010 at 1:42 PM ^
Good luck to him! Always want to see kids succeed
December 6th, 2010 at 1:44 PM ^
This wouldn't upset me at all if we didn't have a need for DL. If Zettel commits, and maybe one other decent DT type as well, this won't bother me in the slightest. If we miss out on some of the guys we're after, then I don't know.
Either way, I guess the grades thing is what it is. Won't be a major surprise if he doesn't qualify, from what I've heard.
December 6th, 2010 at 1:45 PM ^
"dantonio heals sick; helps troubled teen"
If we let him in, it would be
"rodriguez desperate to save job, throws academic excellence aside"
December 6th, 2010 at 1:56 PM ^
When it comes to MSU and academic standards with fball recruits...
<br>"when you got nothin, you got nothin to lose."
December 6th, 2010 at 1:59 PM ^
IF by "helps troubled teens" you mean helps them with transportation from the jailhouse to the fieldhouse, then yes, your statement is accurate.
December 6th, 2010 at 1:46 PM ^
didn't impress me aside from the fact that he's big for a hs football player.
December 6th, 2010 at 1:51 PM ^
He visited MSU and didn't commit this weekend, right? Might be good news for us coupled with the Knox signing. Pure speculation, but I'll take the optimistic track.
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December 6th, 2010 at 2:03 PM ^
I think read somewhere that he was going to have a hard time qualifying getting into any school.
December 6th, 2010 at 2:06 PM ^
Hope he does well academically so he can compete.
December 6th, 2010 at 2:11 PM ^
They’re so energetic and never flat.
If I were a horrible person, I could find a joke in there...
December 6th, 2010 at 2:32 PM ^
Please do. We won't think any differently of you.
December 6th, 2010 at 2:42 PM ^
Everybody says that until a guy makes a heart attack joke. Then it's all "OH NO, how could you say that!" and "Dude, not cool..." and "We all knew you were an asshole all along..."
December 6th, 2010 at 3:22 PM ^
Just like the entertainment at an upscale strip joint.
December 6th, 2010 at 2:21 PM ^
Anyone remember what Terrence Taylor's GPA/ACT scores were coming in to U of M? Muskegon products seem to have a hard time making the grade.
Anyways, I'm from Muskegon and have heard a lot about this kid. Same boat as Magnus pretty much; he was just bigger than most of the players he played against. Solid player but nothing special.
December 6th, 2010 at 4:01 PM ^
Hey now, I feel like that's a little bit of an exaggeration. I graduated from Muskegon, and yes Big T and Damon's grades weren't the best, but don't drag the rest of the program into that pile. I think he committed to MSU because they showed more interest, they had a good season, and the fact that several Big Red alums go there doesn't hurt either.
Muskegon players aren't really feeling UM right now because they feel like they UM just isn't giving them any attention. RB Juwan Lewis, one of the top in-state players for 2012, is getting a lot of attention from tOSU, and visited them for the UM-OSU game.
I know i'm rambling here but now its imperative that we get Zettel because we're losing DT prospects by the second.
December 6th, 2010 at 4:22 PM ^
I'm not sure what it's like now, but when Annese was coaching there.....I mean come on, it's clear grades weren't the number one priority....or even number two.
December 6th, 2010 at 6:30 PM ^
Who needs priorities? Have you seen his pad level?
I'm sticking with that "22.4% funnier" without the "sarcasm" modifier.
December 6th, 2010 at 8:15 PM ^
Muskegon products seem to have a hard time making the grade.
I am a Muskegon product and am making a pretty good living off of My U of M degree in Civil Engineering.
Generalizations...... a good way to make yourself look like an ass.
FYI: Muskegon plays in one of the toughest conferences in the state. They also played 4 of the 12 largest schools in the state by attendence over this past season. I'd argue that he is sized up against better and bigger compeition week in and week out than most of our other state of Michigan targets.
December 6th, 2010 at 8:34 PM ^
Wow you have a U of M degree and you're from Muskegon! Just like me! We should be FB friends totally.
It's not a generalization to say that the Muskegon football program constantly puts out players who are barely getting by academically. Taylor was a 2.2 who was given unlimited time in the ACT and had to take it multiple times. Ronald Johnson was a question mark here because of his grades. Knox is apparently the same. The kids are talented as hell on the field but don't seem to have the proper guidance off the field and it costs them chances at major conference schools. If you're going to tell me that Tony Annese gave a shit about academics than you're just a blind homer. Again, I don't know what it's been like since he left, but apparently not much better if your star player can't even pull a 2.0. It's not the kids' fault.
December 6th, 2010 at 2:25 PM ^
Michigan State once admitted a grapefruit. True story.
Seriously though, good luck to his brain.
December 6th, 2010 at 2:27 PM ^
Never Flat? Poor kid doesn't even know what the word flat means...
December 6th, 2010 at 2:35 PM ^
Is that a birth mark or poop smear on the side of his face?
December 6th, 2010 at 2:34 PM ^
I'm confused with the OP. Didn't UM make an offer to Knox too?
December 6th, 2010 at 2:39 PM ^
Knox didn't have a firm offer. It was, "If you get your grades up, we might give you a firm offer." From what I understand, those grade issues haven't really been cleared up.
December 6th, 2010 at 2:42 PM ^
Looks like State grabbed another in-state kid. Looks like we can't recruit in-state or Ohio anymore. If the DB would just make a decision on who our corch would be, we'd all be better off. State rules the in-state recruiting and the powers have shifted. Dantonio not only quotes the Bible, but I heard God let him write a couple of passages for the newest version.
I could really use an inspirational song to lift my spirits...
December 6th, 2010 at 2:44 PM ^
Pretty soon all our recruits will have to come from Alaska because MSU will be taking everyone else.
December 6th, 2010 at 2:45 PM ^
I think Dantonio let God write a couple of passages.
December 6th, 2010 at 3:24 PM ^
All of this was accomplished without a /s. And it was 22.4% funnier that way.
December 6th, 2010 at 3:37 PM ^
98% of mgoblog to told me they hate it when people us the "/s" after their sarcastic remark. It's not a Michigan Mark.
December 6th, 2010 at 3:02 PM ^
Good luck to the kid. Won't knock him for academics - he's probably way bigger than I ever was or will be.
December 6th, 2010 at 3:28 PM ^
So good at instate recruiting!!!!11!!!
December 6th, 2010 at 4:42 PM ^
Another DT recruit off the ball. I've been saying it for months now. We need to sign at least one DT in this class. We're a small defense that gets pushed around out there. There's no sugar coating this. Our DT rercruiting this year has been disaster.
December 6th, 2010 at 8:28 PM ^
OK if grades were truely the issue here then Michigan didnt really lose him if he didnt have the chance. Michigan's academic standards are a little harder i.e. Witty, Kinard, etc.