What does a "Silent Commit" really mean?

Submitted by Lakeyale13 on
What does a Silent Commit mean, why do it, and how do the coaches perceive them? To me, it is like a really hot chick saying "I really like you and want to be your girlfriend but let's not be seen in public and don't tell anyone."

East German Judge

January 7th, 2016 at 11:19 PM ^

Agreed, all commitments mean zero until you sign the LOI or the aid form.  From a recruit's perspective, and I am sure the recruiting aces on here can add more color, it lets a kid commit himself and get a spot in a recruiting class without the world knowing it.  The rationale could be that a kid feels a lot of pressure to go to the home town/state school, but wants to go elsewhere, but does not want to get badgered constantly if he openly says he wants to go to another school and not the local favorite.  Perfect scenario would be a kid from columbus who wants to go to tsun - not the one that got shit canned by alabama.

A downside from a coaches' perspective could be is if a kid gave more than 1 silent commitment so as to reserve spots at multiple schools, while I do not recall any right off the top of my head, I am sure it has been done.

MGoGrendel

January 8th, 2016 at 8:05 AM ^

Maybe the kid wants to take officials just to see other parts of the country.  Many of them may not have been on an airplane before and want to see California, Texas, Michigan, etc.  He tells the HC "I'm coming, but I want to do some sight seeing first.  Me an my mom really want to visit (bucket list place)."

He gets back home and calls the HC: "yep, I'm stll with you".  And, he hasn't broken the Brady Hoke Visit Rule.

Mr Miggle

January 8th, 2016 at 10:34 AM ^

The difference would be for the coaches of the schools he wants to visit. They might cancel them if they knew the recruit had committed somewhere else. They might not, but they can only bring a limited number of recruits in for OVs.

Albatross

January 8th, 2016 at 8:54 AM ^

I have probably been following recruting as long anyone on this board, and I remember a time when a committment meant something, and if a player decommited that was pretty big news. Now committments seem to be turning into place holders and as flimsy as wet cardboard.

I like the old way better.

 

RobM_24

January 7th, 2016 at 11:06 PM ^

It means they've committed to the coaches, but haven't gone public. There could be several reasons -- like living in Georgia but committing to Michigan. You wouldn't want to deal with everyone in Georgia giving you shit for your entire senior year.

Big Boutros

January 7th, 2016 at 11:07 PM ^

a "silent commit" is when you release a big fart while sitting down but it doesn't make any noise, and your buttcheeks trap the stench until you stand up. once you rise to your feet, the noxious cloud is released and the commitment is made public. silent commits are best delivered when finishing an exam or approaching your bus stop.

reshp1

January 7th, 2016 at 11:08 PM ^

The kid knows, the coaches know, you don't. 

I imagine kids do it for a variety of reasons, from just nit wanting attention, wanting other suiters to keep recruiting him, want to attract attention for their teammates, etc. 

BlueWolverine02

January 7th, 2016 at 11:08 PM ^

Same as any verbal commitment, except the recruit doesn't want to announce it yet.  Obviously they can always change their mind, just like a commit who isn't silent can.

MichiganExile

January 7th, 2016 at 11:08 PM ^

A guy has committed to the program but only he and the program knows it. Kids do it for various reasons: they want to take more visits and get treated like royalty, they want their family to know but aren't prepared for the world to know. I usually assume it's because they still want to have a commitment ceremony. 

And it's very much like all the hot chicks I'm with. You guys just don't know about them. 

lilpenny1316

January 7th, 2016 at 11:12 PM ^

You and the hot chick fool around in your basement when your parents aren't around.  You can only get to first base because she's not sure if she's ready to commit to a relationship yet.  You also can't tell your friends about it, but she's still able to go around and openly date other guys and test the market.  

At the end of the day, you run the risk of seeing her at the mall in some serious PDA with another guy and getting the "We're should just stay great friends" line.

CorkyCole

January 7th, 2016 at 11:15 PM ^

It's just another term for when Ole Miss "silently commits" to offering $$$ via the bagman. That's why the NCAA can't do anything about it. It's silent.

 

rob f

January 7th, 2016 at 11:16 PM ^

without actually having the present under the tree yet.

Silent Commit, Holy Commit,

All is calm, (unless you don't commit!),

Round yon 5-star Quarterback,

Holy D-Lineman, with all of your sacks,

Ignore those Bagmen of the Ess Eee See,

Come to Michigan, PLEASE!

wahooverine

January 7th, 2016 at 11:31 PM ^

It's like when you and a female from your social circle start bopping. It's done in secret for a while until it leaks or you come out with it to your mutual friends.

bigp62guard

January 7th, 2016 at 11:36 PM ^

I could see a silent commitment being strategic from the programs side as well. How many times do you see a team load up at a position and it scares a recruit off who feels their potential to play may be reduced? Also, is it possible that it's used as a recruituing ploy to gain more attention or momentum for the program like having a player announce at nationally televised all-star game?