mgowill

January 17th, 2017 at 11:15 PM ^

It's pretty much fun to watch people hang on the words, rumors, and innuendo of 17-18 year old kids.  You have to imagine some of these kids eat this stuff up.

Joined: 08/31/2011

MGoPoints: 18545

Blue in Paradise

January 18th, 2017 at 10:00 AM ^

And missing the point. It has absolutely nothing to do with Aubrey. It has everything to do with some douche bag sitting behind his computer throwing shade at a teenager because he has the nerve to consider attending universities whose football teams we don't like. I was taught that you shouldn't say or write things about people that you wouldn't say to their face. Obviously the world has passed me by since younger folks can no longer even comprehend this basic value that I was taught to live by.

Joined: 08/14/2016

MGoPoints: 36794

Wolfman

January 18th, 2017 at 1:33 AM ^

"This kids going to have a hard time in school."

http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/4/10/5594348/college-foot…

This is a link to an excellent piece detailing the operation of bag men. While it is certainly not limited to the SEC, the fact they've been doing it for so long and actually their programs get tripped up for other violations because when done correctly, it's almost impossible to prove. I believe it's so effective in that area of the country for the reasons the author says. The area, itstelf, does not offer enough to keep these tremendous athletes at home. Fans of particular programs learned a long time ago how to guarantee certain schools who wish to participate the means with which to do so. The fact that Mark Richt, knowingly, refused to participate in illegal activities and even though his successor did nothing in his first season that correlates to their increased recruiting prowess, it's not a strecht to think Kirby has allowed fans who wish to assist to do just that. It was quite clear where Nico wished to attend school, however as soon as GA became involved, CBs were changing from AA to Athens at a rate indicating there was far more to his sudden deliberation than suddenly becoming a huge fan of Bulldog football. 

But as to your assertion these players will find the academics challenging, an understanding that academics are pretty much optional is an almost impossible advantage to overcome. Saban didn't suddenly become a superior coach when he landed in SEC country, but his championship at LSU did not come without scandal. Proof of players not attending class would have been forthcoming had Emmert - yes, the one and the same ) not intervened and requested an in-house investigation. Of course, except for minor violations, not uncommon really among most schools, there was no cause of action in regard to LSU football. 

These unexpected flirtations with schools like MI by some of these premier players are, indeed, orchestrated by these bag men for various reasons, most notably to give the appearance that these players are actually looking into various schools. SEC  coaches, some of whom are aware of these operations, some of whom are not all enjoy the knowledge that - and its not difficult to assume a tradition of winning is the reason - that regardless of the level of talent and the number of players they lose annually to the NFL, all of it will be replaced by players that, in many instances, have been targeted and purchased since they were in middle school. 

The reason for such widespread and organized corruption? Pride. Regardless of what you say about their area of the country, they are completely satisfied with a very brief retort. "Yes, but we beat your ass in football."  This is, due to their culture, all the incentive and return needed. 

Joined: 07/23/2008

MGoPoints: 8259

BigCat14

January 18th, 2017 at 9:53 AM ^

you are a player from NorthWestern, Ivy League schoolls and a select few others.  You can say we 'kick your ass on the ACT, SATs and others'.  Some can speak to both, Michigan being included.  These tests and that mentality is obvioulsy not enough to sometimes overcome regional bias, childhood loyalty to a or specific shools, etc.  I hope that Solomon comes to play school and football for Michigan!  He would really help us with our D Line needs.  It would suck if does not come.  However, JH and his staff will ensure that there will be a good product on the field as well as the classroom!  

 

Go Blue!

Joined: 09/14/2009

MGoPoints: 1141

MFanWM

January 18th, 2017 at 7:35 AM ^

There is a reality that young kids in large part may understand and accept that a school like Michigan is simply a better education than Alabama.  

That being said, when you are visiting many of these other schools where one of the carrots is the fact that you are being told you will get a degree or head ot the NFL without having to put in the work studying like the rest of the students and can focus on football....sorry, but that most likely is a very big draw especially with the top talent that are being promised 2-3 years and an NFL contract.

It doesnt even have to be SEC, the McDowell recruitment to me was a prime example where mom wanted Michigan and son was sold on MSU and no school and the party atmosphere for the players.  It happens, but the hope in that case is that mom and family can get through on the importance of the bigger picture and long term value vs living in the moment.

Given Saban's record of putting players in the NFL, it is not just  the proverbial bagmen for everything in recruiting...although I am sure it does not hurt either.

Joined: 09/19/2010

MGoPoints: 5216

Gucci Mane

January 18th, 2017 at 8:58 AM ^

Michigan is not for everyone. It takes an exceptional person to want the extra challenge. Is Najee Harris ever going to be hurt in life becuase he didn't challenge himself academcially in college ? Almost for sure not. 

Joined: 02/10/2014

MGoPoints: -99957423

MichiganStan

January 17th, 2017 at 11:25 PM ^

I just feel like Aubrey and his mom are letting Michigan feel like they are still in it as a way to smooth things over after the whole video incident. I truley think his Mom wants him at UM but Aubrey himself doesnt want to come here

I mean what more can Michigan do to get him. Harbaugh and half the staff go to his house and take his family out for a day of activities yet he still says Bama leads big. Dont see how they can pull it off

Joined: 01/03/2017

MGoPoints: 7991

Brian Griese

January 17th, 2017 at 11:39 PM ^

something similar so I'll hand you an upvote. However, it seems clear to me: His mom wants him at Michigan; he made mom and the Michigan fan-base mad with the infamous videos. Because of that, he's going to say and do all the right things to make it look like he's sorry for what he said and to appease mom. He will then pick Bama, where's he wanted to go for months, saying he loved Michigan but Bama is a better fit. Just my two cents and I'd love to be wrong.

Joined: 10/25/2014

MGoPoints: 30238

Danwillhor

January 17th, 2017 at 11:49 PM ^

It feels like a huge apology and likely brought on by his mother. That's ok. No issue with that but I'm not caring about his recruitment any more than any other (not at all) because recruiting is one thing but crootin is another. Not worth caring about, just be happily surprised if he signs here. Don't Najee this.

Joined: 12/02/2008

MGoPoints: 8609

Brown Bear

January 18th, 2017 at 9:07 AM ^

He does not need a PR move. Something said in a snippet of a periscope is already forgotten by everyone besides a portion of our fanbase who were perfect individuals when they were 17 and never said anything dumb when they were around friends as a kid. If he wasn't thinking about Michigan at all then the PR move you say this is would be completely unnecessary.

Joined: 01/10/2011

MGoPoints: 38026