In-State Recruiting: Royce Jenkins-Stone

Submitted by CCBlue on

I know it seems that many on this blog--myself included--have felt pretty good about the renewed recruiting focus in-state and are confident we will start to own the state again, particularly surrounding schools like Cass Tech.  I know it's early and I am a Hokeamaniac, but on Rivals today they are talking about Royce Jenkins-Stone already having a #1 school--and it isn't UM.  In fact, we're not even highlighted in his short list:

"The talented linebacker says that some of his early favorites include Iowa, Michigan State, LSU, Auburn, and Notre Dame, but says that one school sticks out currently [Oklahoma]. However regardless of how things stand currently don't expect any rash choices from Jenkins-Stone."

Not trying to suggest the sky is falling as I know it's premature and recruits like to many play games throughout the process, but I think it's critical that we score some early commitments with the new regime to get the momentum going and the perception changed with recruits.  I am dumbfounded though how RJS is considered to a near lock for us and publicly he's not even referencing our name.

Thoughts?

 

EDIT: I acknowledge the subject could have been clearer, so I updated it per the suggestions--and negbangs.

MENTAL NOTE: Even though I tried to put into context multiple times and ways that I know it's early and I'm not suggesting freak-out, I nonetheless get the comments.  Remind me to stop posting on the site because unless you come up with a funny image, avatar, or sarcastic response, you will be negbanged and mocked.

champswest

February 16th, 2011 at 1:46 PM ^

And would it be that hard to refer to the recruits by name instead of initials.  At least the last name.  At least with the first mention of the kid in your post.  Not all of us are that into the next recruiting class (yet) that we can memorize the names of 200+ kids that UM will be looking at.

TomVH

February 16th, 2011 at 12:50 PM ^

He sent (what seems like a mass) text out today that I got. He said, "Make sure you tell people that Oklahoma is my most impressive offer, but I'm still wide open." 

 

WolvinLA2

February 17th, 2011 at 12:11 AM ^

Oklahoma has played for a couple NC's in the last decade, but they lose both.  Realistically, we were as close in 2006 to winning a NC as OU was in 2004 - both teams were undefeated with 2 games left, and both teams lost both games.  The other year OU played for the championship they got absolutely smoked by USC (which we've done as well, a couple times). 

OU has perfected the 2 loss season, but hasn't had fewer than that in 10 years, so let's not annoint them as a dynasty just yet.  In the 90's we were better than OU in the 2000's, and we can be back there very quickly.  We play in a stronger conference, we have better facilities and we offer a better education. 

It will not be long until Michigan is again viewed as universally superior to Oklahoma.  And that's a god-damned guarantee.

profitgoblue

February 16th, 2011 at 2:01 PM ^

Another example of silly use of texting/Twitter.  Why the heck would the kid send that text?  What is the point of it?  To brag about being offered by Oklahoma?  To tell everyone that Oklahoma is his #1 choice?  To tell everyone that he thinks Oklahoma is better than Michigan?  To solicit more offers?  Either way, its a stupid thing to text about.

BlockM

February 16th, 2011 at 12:52 PM ^

Isn't it possible that that's the list minus his frontrunner, which is us? It's February... just breathe...

I have no idea what's going on with RJS, but I think we can wait a while to panic.

GBOD79

February 16th, 2011 at 2:03 PM ^

That doesnt prove my point wrong in any way. One person does not a majority make. Also, are you more optimistic about the team in general or just defense? As much as our defense may progress next year, our offense will regress.

GBOD79

February 16th, 2011 at 2:26 PM ^

I like the attitude. I am not saying I am pessimistic about the season. I am more in the wait and see mode. I am indifferent to Hoke, but also I think we will do better next year no matter who the coach is just because of the returning starters and the maturity of the team.

GBOD79

February 17th, 2011 at 2:06 AM ^

So Brandon took a poll before he fired him? Thats interesting. I dont think you know how an athletic department works if you think majority rules.

 

I am also not a RR homer. I just feel that more people on this site were more optimistic with RR, Hart, and Frost than with Hoke, ?, ?. etc.

AnthonyThomas

February 16th, 2011 at 12:56 PM ^

He's been frustrated for a while. The coaches (from all teams) will get a chance to talk to him more as time progresses and he'll be able to make an educated decision. I wouldn't worry about it yet.

Marvin

February 16th, 2011 at 12:56 PM ^

What in the world is wrong with me that I keep checking this website? It's like an objective correlative for the meaninglessness of my professional life.

 

ChasingRabbits

February 16th, 2011 at 1:00 PM ^

RJS would be nice to land, but 11 1/2 months before nsd there are lots of good LB still available.   I would put good money on the fact that we get 2 highly rated LBers.  Defintiley time to relax and not get worked up over the fun that a 17 year old is having.

His Dudeness

February 16th, 2011 at 1:03 PM ^

I like how people say "just relax" and then forget about the kid ala Trey DePriest and then just fall in love with some other kid who happens to have 4 stars next to his name instead. Then these kids work their asses off for two or three years before we ever hear from them again. Signing Day is weird... it's all very... anti-climactic.

mmiicchhiiggaann

February 16th, 2011 at 1:14 PM ^

I don't understand the freakout. Everyone complains that Michigan offers kids who don't have elite offers. Now when instate talent gets other elite offers everyone panics? If these kids truly want to play for Michigan they will choose U of M no matter what offers they receive.