You're a recruit: Which school do you pick?
If you we're a college football recruit for the 2011 class, which school would you pick and why? Let's exclude Michigan because we are all biased. Let's ignore depth charts, or what position you are. You are a 4 star recruit, good enough to play anywhere at whatever position. Where do you go?
- Do you choose a school because of great academics: Stanford, Duke, Vanderbilt, Northwestern?
- Do you choose a team because of rich college football tradition? Texas, Tennessee, Nebraska?
- Do you choose a team that is having a good season and hope it is the start of something big? Michigan State, Texas Tech (2 years ago)?
- Do you choose a solid program that is now a powerhouse and looks like it could rattle of multiple national titles: Alabama, Florida from two years ago, USC from a few years ago, Miami from the 99-2001 era?
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:47 AM ^
Michigan
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:49 AM ^
I thought he was pretty clear about that.
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:52 AM ^
I thought it was pretty obvious I was kidding around, but in all seriousness I would go with Stanford if it were up to me. Great location and an even better school.
October 22nd, 2010 at 11:04 AM ^
Duke, unless I really thought I would be able to play in the NFL. Even then, I'd rather have an education from Duke than any of the other schools. Stanford would definitely be second with Cal right up there.
October 22nd, 2010 at 11:47 AM ^
I would enroll early, bust my ass to get credits out of the way while I redshirt, then in my 5th year I enroll in the Stanford Law School.
October 22nd, 2010 at 11:59 AM ^
You'd be the equivalent of Michigan's Rob Pelinka!
October 22nd, 2010 at 4:30 PM ^
OK - but it depends on what you want to study, and whether you'd actually like to win a football more often than once or twice a year.
October 22nd, 2010 at 2:02 PM ^
Loads of California hotties, too. A big time football player can never overlook the amount/qualitiy of trim on campus.
October 26th, 2010 at 6:47 PM ^
I go to UC Davis and Berkeley (wierd situation, but it's true). Stanford HAS NO HOTTIES!!! It's all about Cal baby!
Seriously tho, if you want the hotties, go to UCSD. (not sure if they have a football program, but babes in SoCal>babes anywhere else). Also, a good education (top 5 public school in the nation.)
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:56 AM ^
I'd still pick Michigan.
October 22nd, 2010 at 2:35 PM ^
is a stupid idea.
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:53 AM ^
Other than my undying love for Michigan, I think Michigan is a great choice (especially if we are assuming I came from the same high school, because it adds close to home).
Great academics
Great football tradition
The Big House
Has sent a ton of players to the NFL
Great potential over the coming years
Get to play with the awesome people on Michigan's roster
I know you said to ignore it, but I can't make a different choice :)
October 22nd, 2010 at 11:17 AM ^
Does having sent tons of players to the NFL count as strongly for Michigan after the coaching change (and not just a coaching change to RR, but a generic coaching change). RR doesn't have the track record at Michigan for sending players to the NFL (mostly because he hasn't been here long enough to have sent a ton of players to the NFL, I'm sure he will in time).
edit: This question would really apply to any school that has recently gone through a coaching change.
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:48 AM ^
Michigan
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:48 AM ^
The chance to play for a solid team, and get a good education. Those two schools are the best combo of the 2 in my opinion. I wouldn't be that worried about playing as an underclassmen. That usually means the team is terrible and won't get any better (obviously there are exceptions).
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:49 AM ^
I'd pick a team that has the most dynamic QB in the country, a solid and young O-line, and beaucoup receivers with lots of talent..
But this is because I'm Ed Reed reincarnate and I want to play early and often.
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:54 AM ^
I would like to think I have the long-term vision to weigh academics heavily as such a small group of NCAA players actually make it to the NFL. That said, I would probably choose a school that looks to be on the up with top notch academics. For example, Michigan, Notre Dame or Stanford. Ultimately both Michigan and Stanford are great academic schools that are showing improvement. Since I can't technically pick Michigan, and schools like Vandy, Duke, USC and UCLA are underperforming or in trouble, I would probably choose a school like Stanford. It also depends on what position I am and what type of HS ratings I received.
EDIT: Schools like Texas and Wisconsin also fit the good programs with good academics idea. If I were OL, I would choose UW I think. Any sort of skill player and I would lean toward Stanford or Texas. If I'm a recruit and saw Brian Kelly roll his eyes and demean his players in the halftime interview, I would cross them off my list.
October 22nd, 2010 at 11:13 AM ^
Part of the reason I started this thread is because I watched that flashy Oregon team last night. I think Oregon would be the top of my list. If Boise State were better academically and not in Idaho that would be fun. Maybe Hawaii if I just wanted to sit and surf all day. The California schools or Arizona wouldn't be bad for catching rays all day.
I'd probably have to pick a school with a lot of tradition. So maybe an SEC squad. Lots of schools would be on my list.
October 26th, 2010 at 6:49 PM ^
Summer practice. That's all I have to say there. CAL BABY!
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:50 AM ^
I have had this convo multiple times with one of my good buddies and I seem to be torn. If I am a 4* I have aspirations of the NFL. But, I also want to go somewhere with great facilities where I can play in front of an unbelieveable atmosphere. I've always thought other than Michigan I would attend Alabama (for the atmosphere) and Oregon for the ungodly facilities ( minus the uniforms). I will really enjoy seeing what everybody else comes up with... Ill be watching this thread develop on this friday.... See me below
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:51 AM ^
it all hinges on the individual kid and what his abilities and priorities are. What I would do is completely irrelevant.
Some kids want to be a part of a tradition. Some kids want immediate playing time. Some kids realize they're not pro material and go for the academics. Some kids want to be part of a championship more than anything else.
I don't think there's any blanket rule covering this. Recruiters get to know the kids individually and stress the aspects of their program they think will appeal most to the particular athlete.
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:51 AM ^
You can't ignore things like depth charts or positions. These are criticial factors.
In looking just at overall experience, there are so many schools that offer so much, that there is just no way to pick.
October 22nd, 2010 at 11:16 AM ^
Because none of us are actual high school football players.
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:52 AM ^
Food. Makes sure every recruit goes to Blimpy Burger.
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:52 AM ^
I am going to a place like oregon with all the sweet Nike stuff and amazing facilities. Or a place like Miami where the weather is amazing and there is so much stuff to do, women to look at. Plus it is the U.
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:54 AM ^
I refuse to exclude Michigan. So, Michigan.
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:56 AM ^
Nowhere in the south because those people are crazy and I'd hate it.
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<br>The east coast sucks for football.
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<br>So that leaves the left coast and the Midwest.
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<br>I'd want a place with good academics and a place that get lots of coverage.
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<br>In the end I think I'd be down to Stanford, Michigan, and notre dame. Since I can't pick Michigan and Stanford isn't exactly a historical power I'd go with the fighting Irish.
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<br>Also on my short list would be Wisconsin and osu (it would also depend on scheme/position). IE if I'm a tight end,oline,rb wisco and osu look great. If I'm a qb I'd never go to those schools and would choose nd or Stanford.
October 22nd, 2010 at 11:04 AM ^
Notre Dame? Really? Notwithstanding the fact that South Bend is a "podunk shithole," and Notre Dame has sucked at football for what I presume is the majority of your life (I'm guessing you're under 30), Notre Dame? Really?
October 22nd, 2010 at 11:14 AM ^
South bend has 100k people in the city and 300k in the metro area which compares favorably to Ann arbor as far as size goes. So no it's not a podunk shithole.
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<br>Yes notre dame has sucked all of my life but no matter if you like it or not they still get some of the best coverage in the nation.
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<br>They are a great school academically for undergrad and has put way more players into the league then a school like Stanford.
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<br>You should respect notre dame our schools are extremely similar it's just a catholic Michigan (which is why I hate them so much they are like bizarro Michigan).
October 22nd, 2010 at 11:30 AM ^
I lived near South Bend and it sucks. It is nothing like Ann Arbor. Campus has nothing by it or on it. I considered Notre Dame for undergrad and the "blah" nature of the city alone was the reason why I didn't go there. Fortunately I fell in love with Ann Arbor the second I stepped on campus. Based on your criteria, why not a school like UCLA or Texas (based on your comment about the south, Austin is actually a more liberal/progressive town than many).
October 22nd, 2010 at 12:11 PM ^
I lived in Mishawaka my first year out of college and it is horrendous. The greater SB area really doesn't have much to do or going on.
Sans Lane Kiffin and UCLA sucking you would have to have them near the top of your evaluation list as well. Nice weather year round and their co-ed's would make it VERY easy for me to get used to.
EDIT- Austin is a ridiculous town for just about every reason. So lump them in there as well...
October 22nd, 2010 at 11:58 AM ^
So no. I will never go back to Texas there isn't enough money in the world.
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<br>And UCLA yeah I mean their school is good and all but why not put cal or Virginia on there who are both better schools and equal in terms of prestige.
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<br>UCLA is not a program that gets great exposure so no.
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<br>I know that nds campus sucks but I'd have a car and drive wherever I please.
October 22nd, 2010 at 4:42 PM ^
Why
Do
You
Post
like
this?
October 22nd, 2010 at 12:26 PM ^
I's have to say ND also. Like Michigan, it's a great school with strong tradition and academics. IMO, the next couple years look promising for them (pending Crist's improvement, but also with players like Manti). But then again, their schedule for the next two years is bizarre, so I would take that into consideration also.
October 22nd, 2010 at 12:42 PM ^
and just how many ways does South Bend rival Ann Arbor as a college town?
October 22nd, 2010 at 12:31 PM ^
I really want to neg your right now. That's sacrilege. For so many reasons. Here's a few:
- They blow
- They blow
- They blow
In summation, they blow.
October 22nd, 2010 at 1:33 PM ^
Michigan and notre Dame are extremely similar especially on the grid iron.
October 22nd, 2010 at 6:05 PM ^
This is truth. As a lowly outsider with an objective mind right now I have to say UofM and Notre Dame are incredibly similar. We just need to hope that UofM's struggles are turned around about 12 years faster than ND
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:58 AM ^
October 22nd, 2010 at 11:05 AM ^
Georgia Tech... no question. (If an Engineer)
October 22nd, 2010 at 4:28 PM ^
Always felt that GT has the second best in college football.
October 22nd, 2010 at 5:16 PM ^
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:59 AM ^
Do you choose a school because of religion?
Notre Dame, B.C., BYU
Do you choose a school for Country?
Navy, Air Force, Army
Or maybe the helmets, maybe you just pick the school with the most amazing helmets ever.... They Got Wings
October 22nd, 2010 at 11:01 AM ^
I can name several reasons, but I will leave it short and sweet
October 22nd, 2010 at 11:32 AM ^
The sad thing is, I have been to Florida and Florida State's campus numerous times, and the girl above is what I would consider "average" there. I died a little inside when I left.
October 22nd, 2010 at 1:11 PM ^
You should see these Arizona State girls out here.
October 22nd, 2010 at 3:09 PM ^
and she is hot, so thanks.
October 22nd, 2010 at 11:01 AM ^
If not Michigan, then Oregon, Stanford, Texas, Florida State, Alabama or Penn State for many various reasons...
October 22nd, 2010 at 11:02 AM ^
I would choose The University of Chicago, because they're the Maroons, and because Hyde Park is close to the Checkerboard Lounge.
October 26th, 2010 at 6:59 PM ^
Go Maroons! The Monsters of the Midway can still take anyone...in nuclear physics.