'13 TX RB Jamel James (Texas State Verbal)

[Mavericknyc1980]

...and he's an 18 year old kid making the most important decision of his life. That realization, the most important decision one, is probably starting to sink in about now.

That's all fine and dandy, but hen don't commit. He wants us to hold a spot while he still looks around???? Then he needs to realize. We will look around and pull his offer.

 

[Irish_irish]

I think a lot of the people who are most upset here are those who would have liked to have taken Corey Clement when he supposedly wanted to commit. While it's not convenient that James wants to look around, as others have said this class doesn't hinge on this commitment.

However I find it funny that people complain he may have taken a spot away from Clement and portray him in a bad light for that reason. When Clement visited us he was still committed to Pitt and basically named us as a leader while still staying committed to them. That seems much worse in my opinion, all we know about James is he would like to take visits. We're also

 

[yankeeND]

I see both sides on this as I do each and every single year when it comes to recruiting. This will happen at each and every school with a handful of kids. It used to bother me a lot because I thought one kid would make all the difference. Now, I really don't care either way. We have a coach that proved right before our very eyes that he knows exactly what he is doing. For the first time since Holtz was here I have complete trust in the head coach at Notre Dame. We will win some we will lose some, but if its a kid they really want our coaches will lock them up.(see Tuitt, Lynch, Anzalone, and Golson!).

Believe me, I understand how many feel about recruiting. It's addictive as hell if you are a fan! But in no way do I feel a sky is falling scenario at this stage in the rebuilding process of the program. What a ride this is shaping up to be!

 

[Luckylucci]

I think the way the staff is handling this is perfect. There are elite players that we'll wait on and play the game with and then there are glue recruits and they have to be exactly that glue recruits. You can't worry about all 25 or so recruits taking trips, so you let some of them know that they are wanted and have a spot in the class but if they are taking visits then we don't consider them part of the class. If a guy like Jaylon, who could take an official anywhere he wanted to, is ok with it then so am I. All of these kids had chances to take officials before commiting. They chose to commit and now have some level of responsibility to deal with how is that wrong on our part to hold them some what accountable.

 

[Irishman77]

If someone wants to take visits, take them. If you intend to take visits in order to make such an important decision by all means that is fantastic. If that is your intention and means of making a decision , why would you give a verbal and what is the value of a verbal commitment before taking the visits you intended on taking to making a decision?

Someone that does this is either:

Backing out due to grades or other reasons stated above

Using us as a insurance policy

Wants the best of both worlds(got a spot saved,but wants to be courted) engaged to one but wants to go on a few dates with others to make sure.

Getting upset at your fiancé because she doesnt understand why you want to date a few women before the big day is absurd.

 

[Domina Nostra]

However I find it funny that people complain he may have taken a spot away from Clement and portray him in a bad light for that reason. When Clement visited us he was still committed to Pitt and basically named us as a leader while still staying committed to them. That seems much worse in my opinion, all we know about James is he would like to take visits.

I don't think people are worried about his soul. They are reacting against his wantintg to have his cake and eat it too. He puts ND in an akward position in its RB recruiting.

Clement seems to have done the same thing to Pitt, and if I were the HC of Pitt and had another prospect available, I would have made clear that his scholarship is no longer guaranteed.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

Disappointing he is deciding to do this so late but hopefully he comes to his senses and sticks with the 11-0 #1 team in the country. He's not a Jaylon, Anzalone, Elmer, Zaire, Rochell, or Luke who I think are vital to this class, but he's the kind of running back I love and I think this team needs.

 

[Irish#1]

Another perfect example of how screwed up recruiting is.

As much as we all like to think we have a good grasp on this, the bottom line is we really don't know what is going on. He may be upset that BK has said no visits, but he may have been told this in the beginning when he committed. We really don't know. I do think it is fair that if he wants to take the visit he can, but he risks losing his offer if that is made clear to him. There's two parties involved and both are looking to protect their best interests. If he thinks it's unfair that others can visit and he can't, then welcome to the real world. Hope he stays Irish.

 

[connor_in]

anyone wann re-visit old threads right before and after the kelly hire where his coaching and especially recruiting skills at this level were questioned?

I know, they were valid questions at the time with no history on this level, but to be in the situation we find ourselves in now....some of those posts are cringe-worthy.

PS My 2 cents here is the same as a few others. He is a kid...he never visited (which means he probably shouldn't have committed yet, but the staff did not deny him)...yes we are in best position for NC...but it is a huge decision and a long way from home. Also, I agree with the idea that if he visits, his commitment may no longer be truly valid. It is not the same as an Alabama dropping a kid for another because if we lay it out that these are the rules of your commitment and he doesn't follow them its on him, if he follows the rules we agree to honor the commitment...still all on him.

 

[connor_in]

If someone wants to take visits, take them. If you intend to take visits in order to make such an important decision by all means that is fantastic. If that is your intention and means of making a decision , why would you give a verbal and what is the value of a verbal commitment before taking the visits you intended on taking to making a decision?

Someone that does this is either:

Backing out due to grades or other reasons stated above

Using us as a insurance policy

Wants the best of both worlds(got a spot saved,but wants to be courted) engaged to one but wants to go on a few dates with others to make sure.

Getting upset at your fiancé because she doesnt understand why you want to date a few women before the big day is absurd.

+1

 

[Fbolt]

That's all fine and dandy, but hen don't commit. He wants us to hold a spot while he still looks around???? Then he needs to realize. We will look around and pull his offer.

Yeah fine, I'm sure you had all your marbles lined up when you were 18. A little self awareness goes a long way.

 

[50milesSE ND]

It's definitely a big decision, but he commited without ever coming to Notre Dame. I guess I don' t understand where the big hurry was from to begin with. I hope he comes.

 

[Mavericknyc1980]

Yeah fine, I'm sure you had all your marbles lined up when you were 18. A little self awareness goes a long way.

Fair point, I certainly did not. But then I would not get upset if ND told me that they would not hold a spot. I'm not saying anything bad about the kid. I just agree how ND is handling it. It works both ways.

 

[Irish To The Core]

Was this your thought process when Anzalone was taking visits?

Absolutely. It would be my postition for all recruits. Mind you trying to find an equivolent lb recruit to take Anzalone's place is unlikely.

It just makes sense to operate that way. I would, of course, always give the original commit an opportunity to reaffirm their plaedge and shut down their recruitment before dropping him. This seems pretty close to what transpired with Anzalone.

It doesn't need to be an ultimatum, but right up front, when the comit offers to commit, they should be told that this will be the way it works (I believe our staff does exactly that)
Recruit calls to commit...coach says welcome aboard and asks recruit if they are 100%...recruit says yes...coach explains team's policy on continuing to take visits. Then if recruti starts making trips to other schools, contact him, get the facts straight, if the commit is wavering, remind them of the policy and tell them that when they decide to stop looking the spot will be theirs in stone. Until then the team is also looking.

 

[woolybug25]

Absolutely. It would be my postition for all recruits. Mind you trying to find an equivolent lb recruit to take Anzalone's place is unlikely.

It just makes sense to operate that way. I would, of course, always give the original commit an opportunity to reaffirm their plaedge and shut down their recruitment before dropping him. This seems pretty close to what transpired with Anzalone.

It doesn't need to be an ultimatum, but right up front, when the comit offers to commit, they should be told that this will be the way it works (I believe our staff does exactly that)
Recruit calls to commit...coach says welcome aboard and asks recruit if they are 100%...recruit says yes...coach explains team's policy on continuing to take visits. Then if recruti starts making trips to other schools, contact him, get the facts straight, if the commit is wavering, remind them of the policy and tell them that when they decide to stop looking the spot will be theirs in stone. Until then the team is also looking.

Let me take a moment to clarify my point... Again...

I fully understand the two philosophies of taking commitments,

- "if you're looking, we're looking"

- "take your visits, be sure, and allow us last look"

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I find it strange that the first one is what many on here have seen as a disadvantage under Weis and has been dogged as an approach by Hoke, but that is an entirely different topic and I digress.

What my point has been from the start, is the comments from those that want a different player disrespecting James for wanting to be sure about his decision. We shouldn't be saying that he should "GTFO" or claiming he is stupid for doing so. It has always been the Notre Dame way to be respectful to these young men that are making the biggest decision of their life. It's fine if your personal preference to commits is to not hold a spot for a kid, but there is no reason to be disrespectful. James could choose to stay, and if he does, some of the venomous comments directed at him are directed at one of our own.

 

[IrishMoore1]

I get what you're saying wooly, but it is very problematic when a kid is looking around while he has previously said he's committed to a school. If he's looking at other schools, then he's not really committed at all. Looking at it any other way is simply naive.

If he wants to look around, that's fine. But don't say you're committed to school when clearly you are not. All you're doing is saving yourself a spot while holding your respective school over a cliff. That's not right. I understand it's a very important decision, so if he's not sure, don't say you're committed!

Do you think it's right that u tell your fiance that you're committed to her after proposing, but then turn around and go on dates with other girls? Think about it. Are you really committed at that point?

 

[woolybug25]

I'm convinced that you guys aren't reading a d@mn word I type.

 

[greyhammer90]

Let me take a moment to clarify my point... Again...

I fully understand the two philosophies of taking commitments,

- "if you're looking, we're looking"

- "take your visits, be sure, and allow us last look"

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I find it strange that the first one is what many on here have seen as a disadvantage under Weis and has been dogged as an approach by Hoke, but that is an entirely different topic and I digress.

What my point has been from the start, is the comments from those that want a different player disrespecting James for wanting to be sure about his decision. We shouldn't be saying that he should "GTFO" or claiming he is stupid for doing so. It has always been the Notre Dame way to be respectful to these young men that are making the biggest decision of their life. It's fine if your personal preference to commits is to not hold a spot for a kid, but there is no reason to be disrespectful. James could choose to stay, and if he does, some of the venomous comments directed at him are directed at one of our own.

That's a great ideology but it's not true in the slightest. Want proof? Go check out Aaron Lynch's thread, Jordan Prestwood's thread, Alex Anzalone's thread, Omar Hunter's thread, Shaquelle Evan's thread, Yuri Wright's thread, Tee Shepard's thread, Ronald Darby's thread, Taylor Decker's thread, Justice Hayes thread, Stephon Tuitt's thread (deleted most likely), Arik Armstead's thread, and Deont - he shall NOT be named.

All just kid's trying to make the biggest decision of their life.

We are no different or better than any other fanbase when it comes to this. We might be worse.

 

[tadman95]

I'm convinced that you guys aren't reading a d@mn word I type.

Huh? What?

 

[Fbolt]

This is a yearly conversation . I just can't imagine how one should (or could) expect an 18 y/o to have the sense and cognitive abilities of a grown man. Even if one takes a visit to ND-commits-and is happy with everything, over the course of your senior year one gets pulled into a million directions. For example (not that I know, only speculation), Uncle Frank, who is a huge Texas fan, is tugging at your ear. Your girlfriend decides to go to one of the schools you considered, or the team you commit to does poorly. All these and million other items have an affect on your decision. Some don't waver, some do.

I'm also getting a sense of entitlement about being undefeated. As in ND has the ability to pick and choose who they want to sign. This is only year one. If Kelly and Co. can do this consistently, and we all believe they can, then ND will be in the driver's seat-but I think that's a premature leap at this stage.

Business decision? We may look at it like that, but I doubt many HS seniors do. Conspiracy theories abound.

 

[Fbolt]

That's a great ideology but it's not true in the slightest. Want proof? Go check out Aaron Lynch's thread, Jordan Prestwood's thread, Alex Anzalone's thread, Omar Hunter's thread, Shaquelle Evan's thread, Yuri Wright's thread, Tee Shepard's thread, Ronald Darby's thread, Taylor Decker's thread, Justice Hayes thread, Stephon Tuitt's thread (deleted most likely), Arik Armstead's thread, and Deont - he shall NOT be named.

All just kid's trying to make the biggest decision of their life.

We are no different or better than any other fanbase when it comes to this. We might be worse.

we is not me

 

[4irishnation]

Huh? What?

He said he likes nachos!!!!!!!!

 

[greyhammer90]

we is not me

Congrats?

 

[pkt77242]

I'm convinced that you guys aren't reading a d@mn word I type.

I am Wooly, you are saying that you don't have a problem with ND looking around if he is looking around but you have a problem when members start saying thins like GTFO about the recruit. Correct?

 

[woolybug25]

I am Wooly, you are saying that you don't have a problem with ND looking around if he is looking around but you have a problem when members start saying thins like GTFO about the recruit. Correct?

That's correct. Thanks.

 

[ShawneeIrish]

I also think that is the correct perspective. If a recruit is taking visits and shopping around and ND can bring someone better on board they are right to do so. However, as fans we should also be patient with the kids and realize they are young, it is a huge decision they are making, and there are probably many factors pulling them in different directions. No need for us to bash the kids.

 

[Irish To The Core]

Let me take a moment to clarify my point... Again...

I fully understand the two philosophies of taking commitments,

- "if you're looking, we're looking"

- "take your visits, be sure, and allow us last look"

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I find it strange that the first one is what many on here have seen as a disadvantage under Weis and has been dogged as an approach by Hoke, but that is an entirely different topic and I digress.

What my point has been from the start, is the comments from those that want a different player disrespecting James for wanting to be sure about his decision. We shouldn't be saying that he should "GTFO" or claiming he is stupid for doing so. It has always been the Notre Dame way to be respectful to these young men that are making the biggest decision of their life. It's fine if your personal preference to commits is to not hold a spot for a kid, but there is no reason to be disrespectful. James could choose to stay, and if he does, some of the venomous comments directed at him are directed at one of our own.

I agree 100%. If a kid is unsure and wants to keep looking, that is fine. It doesn't make him a bad kid at all. It makes him a kid who wants to make sure that is all. My point is simply that if a kid is not sure, then he isn't really committed and it would be foolish for ND not to keep looking both for an equivolent or better prospect who will commit, or for the best possible replacement if the kid decommits. Even if a situation arises where the staff has to rescind an offer, the recruit must be shown respect, the posittion must be made clear, he was unable to make up his mind so we felt we had to rescind our offer to make room for another player who is willing to stop looking now that he has an ND offer. We do not rescind scholarship offers to recruits who have committed to ND and stopped looking at other schools. However if the young man is looking, so are we.

 

[stlnd01]

I also think that is the correct perspective. If a recruit is taking visits and shopping around and ND can bring someone better on board they are right to do so. However, as fans we should also be patient with the kids and realize they are young, it is a huge decision they are making, and there are probably many factors pulling them in different directions. No need for us to bash the kids.

Exactly.

Also, perhaps worth mentioning: While I'm sure the more plugged-in recruiting reporters have sources in the program who'll talk about recruits on background, most of the news - certainly all the on-the-record comments - on recruiting only comes from one side of the story: The player.
So most of what we get for public consumption comes through the filter of a 18-year-old kid who has a huge stake in the outcome and may not be too savvy about dealing with all of these different adults (be they coaches, family or reporters) who are trying to get the kid to do what they want. Not always the most reliable witness.
In other words, we don't know what the coaches told James, only how he interpreted what he heard, and then repeated for public consumption. We also don't know how the coaches responded to that report. So, let's wait and see.

 

[Emcee77]

This could all be much ado about nothing. Jason Sapp acknowledges that James has at least thought about taking visits, but he notes that James hasn't scheduled anything, and he still considers James a solid commit.

So in terms of the analogy some have used, is it wrong to just think about dating someone else when you are in a committed relationship? That seems to be where we are. (I wouldn't even say that James and ND are "engaged." You get engaged when you sign the LOI ... it's a "letter of intent," i.e., a promise, just like the promise to marry someone. You get married when you report to campus in the summer and begin your life together. But that's just me.)

 

[dshans]

Small, possibly insignificant point: I applied to five colleges. Notre Dame was number four on my preferred list. ND was the first to accept my application. I was happy to accept their acceptance.

Had any of my top three subsequently invited me to enroll, I'd have flipped in a second. Good, bad or indifferent that didn't happen.

I wasn't a premier football prospect, just a middling swimmer. My point is simply this: I would have been remiss had I not entertained later visits or scholarship enticements. While my goals were overwhelmingly educational, there is a parallel.

College recruiting, be it for athletics or academics (or a combination of the two) is a two way street. Cut the kids and their families some slack.