MI DL Damon Knox to MSU

Submitted by DGDestroys on

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.”

profitgoblue

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.

Waters Demos

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.

Steve Lorenz

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. 

switch26

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..

jmblue

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.

Magnus

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.

WolvinLA2

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.

Dreisbach1817

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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Steve Lorenz

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. 

Dilla Dude

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.

Bosch

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. 

Steve Lorenz

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. 

Pea-Tear Gryphon

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...

Webber's Pimp

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.