'12 AZ WR Davonte Neal (Arizona Transfer)

[FLDomer]

Max Redfield would be a outside guy..not a slot guy.

Im never listening to you again you told us Neal wasnt leaving!! I kid, I kid!

 

[koonja]

I'm convinced that Jarron Jones and Sheldon Day will now be transferring. We cannot keep a 5-star from the class of 2012. It's not possible, lol.

 

[BeauBenken]

Wait. What?

What exactly are you wait-what-ing? The Redfield comment or the Neal transfer?

Some people don't like to use the awesome quoting feature we have...

 

[PANDFAN]

I'm convinced that Jarron Jones and Sheldon Day will now be transferring. We cannot keep a 5-star from the class of 2012. It's not possible, lol.

luckily they weren't 5*'s

 

[koonja]

luckily they weren't 5*'s

They were 5-stars on at least one of the sites. And if one of the sites gives a ND player a 5 star and the other 3 give that person a 4 star, everyone seems to call that person a 5 star. I don't get it, but I just figured I'd roll with it, lol.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

My initial reaction too. That class still has some players, no doubt. But it sure would've been nice to see what could've been.

And to the guys saying this happens every year at every school...I'm not sure I buy that. Transfers happen, yes. But look at the level of talent ND has lost of the last couple of years. Is the roster still stacked? Absolutely. But I don't believe that lots of schools lose this much talent in such a short period of time. Btw, other schools can oversign to cushion themselves against such attrition. ND doesn't, which is why it's worse.

With that said, best of luck Davonte. He was literally at the top of my list and I was so pumped he signed w/ ND. Really sad to see him go.

I think ND's location leads to more transfers. Bama recruits the South, Texas recruits Texas, etc. We have a much larger diversity of players from different parts of the country (read: far away from home).

 

[dublinirish]

I think ND's location leads to more transfers. Bama recruits the South, Texas recruits Texas, etc. We have a much larger diversity of players from different parts of the country (read: far away from home).

what about Gunner then?

Just kidding with ya, for sure ND is always going to have this problem, like a lot of the BigTen schools, when you have to go for Southern kids to compete you are always gonna lose some to homesickness etc. Its the nature of the beast.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

what about Gunner then?

Just kidding with ya, for sure ND is always going to have this problem, like a lot of the BigTen schools, when you have to go for Southern kids to compete you are always gonna lose some to homesickness etc. Its the nature of the beast.

Indeed. Its not the end all excuse, but has a propensity to spike transfers when a third of your roster (or more) is from 500+ miles away.

Lets be real though for a second: THIS BRUTAL, BALL-SUCKING WINTER/SPRING IS TO BLAME!

 

[Grahambo]

We lost
Ronald Darby
Deontay Greenberry
Tee Sheppard
Davonte Neal
Gunner Klein
Taylor Decker

all in one class, cant fault Davonte stepping up and being a man.

Can't lose what you never had so that rules out Darby, Greenberry, Decker, and pretty much Tee since he left so soon.

Kiel is a backup right now with EG cementing himself as a starter and a damn good one. With all the supposed talent that he has, he still wasn't confident enough to surpass EG.

Neal is really the only one who will be missed and I understand the kid thing but part of me feels like there is more to it then just that. That's just me.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

I understand the kid thing but part of me feels like there is more to it then just that. That's just me.

The signing day circus clearly showed this was no easy decision for him, so who knows. Its easy for all of us to use the kid story and leaving on good terms to sleep better at night, but, like you said, there's always more.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

This probably won't be a popular view but here it is....

If he is looking at colleges more than 2 hours away, he will not have the family support infrastructure. If that is the case, I'm not buying the be closer to family thing. Sorry. With the Cali direction now in play, I'm changing my tune from thinking he made a good decision based on family, to he may not be happy with PT, depth chart, etc.. The Cali thing just doesn't make sense.

I have yet to weigh in on this. For months since the "pregnancy" was announced. At that time I thought to myself: Anyone who calls someone who gets a girl pregnant an ND guy; I am not so sure. I supposed it could be possible, but not likely. Forget moralism, talk attention to detail, focus of purpose, putting off short term gratification for meeting long term goals, etc. A thousand things. There is a strong argument that there is a guy that comes here that doesn't know what he wants; because it may change; Evans, Lynch, etc., etc. Heck, in a way one could argue Cierre Wood, didn't develop into all he could be.

To play for Kelly, you have to play Kelly's way. It isn't for everybody. It is selfless and difficult. You play past your ability. We keep seeing it (the positive results) at pro day, but few acknowledge it. But you can't put yourself first. So, YJ, while you are probably right, the family thing is probably for face, and the purpose of a transfer request, it ain't the real reason. But it doesn't have to be as simple as play time either. (I do think some play time dynamics are working against Davante this year. I have clearly stated them in other player threads, but I think Davante probably felt more like Gunner, that most would know or admit.)

 

[Cackalacky]

 

[Grahambo]

The signing day circus clearly showed this was no easy decision for him, so who knows. Its easy for all of us to use the kid story and leaving on good terms to sleep better at night, but, like you said, there's always more.

I'm not trying to stir anything or create something but this all just seems off a bit. I mean, his daughter is 6 weeks old so add that to the 9-10 month pregnancy and with the National Title game over, deciding now, during Spring practice...IDK..just doesn't add up.

 

[Ultimate Penn St. Hater]

I have yet to weigh in on this. For months since the "pregnancy" was announced. At that time I thought to myself: Anyone who calls someone who gets a girl pregnant an ND guy; I am not so sure. I supposed it could be possible, but not likely. Forget moralism, talk attention to detail, focus of purpose, putting off short term gratification for meeting long term goals, etc. A thousand things. There is a strong argument that there is a guy that comes here that doesn't know what he wants; because it may change; Evans, Lynch, etc., etc. Heck, in a way one could argue Cierre Wood, didn't develop into all he could be.

To play for Kelly, you have to play Kelly's way. It isn't for everybody. It is selfless and difficult. You play past your ability. We keep seeing it at pro day, but few acknowledge it. But you can't put yourself first. So, YJ, while you are probably right, the family thing is probably for face, and the purpose of a transfer request, it ain't the real reason. But it doesn't have to be as simple as play time either. (I do think some play time dynamics are working against Davante this year. I have clearly stated them in other player threads, but I think Davante probably felt more like Gunner, that most would know or admit.)

It happens. Getting a girl pregnant has nothing to do with being an ND Guy.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

We lost
Ronald Darby
Deontay Greenberry
Tee Sheppard
Davonte Neal
Gunner Klein
Taylor Decker

all in one class, cant fault Davonte stepping up and being a man.

One thing I can say, or question, is where from his actions do you see Davonte Neal being a man? I don't see anything in particular . . .

 

[Cackalacky]

1 reception -5 yards

21 returns 46 yards

1 rush 7 yards......

There is no argument in his stat line......Good luck kid.

 

[Ultimate Penn St. Hater]

What exactly are you wait-what-ing? The Redfield comment or the Neal transfer?

Some people don't like to use the awesome quoting feature we have...

The Neal transfer.

Please forgive me.

 

[NDohio]

I'm not trying to stir anything or create something but this all just seems off a bit. I mean, his daughter is 6 weeks old so add that to the 9-10 month pregnancy and with the National Title game over, deciding now, during Spring practice...IDK..just doesn't add up.

Do you have children? Do you remember what your wife(mother of child) was like for the first 3 months after the birth? With the child being 6 weeks old I can completely understand making this decision now. She's crazy at the moment - they all are when the baby is that young.

Not saying there isn't more to the story, but I can fully understand the pressure he is currently under from the baby's mother.

 

[Grahambo]

Do you have children? Do you remember what your wife(mother of child) was like for the first 3 months after the birth? With the child being 6 weeks old I can completely understand making this decision now. She's crazy at the moment - they all are when the baby is that young.

Not saying there isn't more to the story, but I can fully understand the pressure he is currently under from the baby's mother.

Yes I do. I have two children ages 5 and 4. And no, she wasn't crazy when they were born or for the first 6 weeks. Which is why I believe there is more to it especially if the original plan was for her to go to South Bend.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

It happens. Getting a girl pregnant has nothing to do with being an ND Guy.

That is just the numb-nuts, amoral thinking of today. Nothing against you UPenn, I like and respect you. How many successful ND athletes impregnate women without having a plan to take care of them? How many ND men impregnate women before having a committed relationship in place? Or before achieving their goals? Students, athletes, anyone? Not the norm, not even a blip on the screen.

And this is not a moralistic conversation; it is all about having a plan. You know, pregnancy is 100% preventable. All of the time. It is all about what you want. This as every other case is not about pregnancy. I would agree totally if your statement if it said, "Getting a girl pregnant has nothing to do with this case." This case is about having a plan, and seeing it through.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Do you have children? Do you remember what your wife(mother of child) was like for the first 3 months after the birth? With the child being 6 weeks old I can completely understand making this decision now. She's crazy at the moment - they all are when the baby is that young.

Not saying there isn't more to the story, but I can fully understand the pressure he is currently under from the baby's mother.

NDohio, I love you too man, but this is just making up excuses with no facts in evidence.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Forgive my ignorance (haven't been to mass in years so stance may have changed) but now we are ripping a kid for not using birth control that attended a Catholic university?

*this of course disregards the Church's whole view of premarital sex

 

[IrishLion]

It worked out with Slaughter, Bogs.

I disagree that having a kid makes you less likely to be "an ND man," but there is a lack of major data to prove a trend either way.

Cierre stuck it out, as did Jamoris. Neal is gone... who else has had kids and transferred out?

 

[NDohio]

Yes I do. I have two children ages 5 and 4. And no, she wasn't crazy when they were born or for the first 6 weeks. Which is why I believe there is more to it especially if the original plan was for her to go to South Bend.

You were fortunate then. Postpartum is very real and many women have some form of it shortly after the birth. If his significant other is anything like my wife was(she fully admits to her craziness during this time), then I get it.

I hope this works out well for them. It doesn't really concern me though in regards to this football team. Next man in - and there are a few to choose from.

 

[NDohio]

NDohio, I love you too man, but this is just making up excuses with no facts in evidence.

Just throwing out possibilities. There is also no evidence that it is anything more than him wanting to go closer to home/family.

As I said, hope for the best for him and his family, now let's move along to the next guy.

 

[EddytoNow]

I hate to see Davonte leave. But if he were leaving to man up for his family's immediate needs, then he would be getting a job and supporting them, not playing football. The fact that he intends to transfer so he can play football somewhere else says that its more about his ego and an opportunity to play in the NFL than it is about supporting his family.

If he was looking long term, he would get his degree and have a secure future for his family. Three more years and he'd have a Notre Dame degree. The timing of the transfer announcement suggests that the slot position wasn't going to be handed to him without competition. It sure looks like he couldn't accept the idea that the starting lineup was not going to include him.

As far as Notre Dame is concerned we will be fine without him. He didn't exactly light up the field last season. We have plenty of other options for the slot. Another highly over-rated 5-Star.

 

[ChiRish]

I totally understand where he's coming from, and I don't really have any grasp on his family situation so I don't want to presuppose that him staying here or even going to California is what's best for him. As much as I want him to stay, for his gregarious attitude to great talent, he's perfectly capable of figuring that out for himself. Can't hate on him for that.

I am going to miss his talent here. I just watched his senior highlights again - remember how ridiculously good this kid is? So athletic, so tailor made for the slot role in Kelly's offense. I'm going to miss that opportunity to see what he could do there, and the explosive options it would give our offense.

It's crazy looking back at the 12 class and wondering what could have been. But based on how Kelly has recruited in the other classes, and how the team has come along since he took over (remember, we're fresh off a 12-1 season), I feel confident we'll sort it out. Lots of good talent on this team that can fill the void. It is a little disconcerting to see such talented kids leave, though.

As for where he goes, UCLA seems like a decent fit but what about Arizona? I know he thought about it at the end of his recruitment, and he would crush it in Rodriguez's offense. Tucson is only 2 or so hours from Phoenix, and thus close to Scottsdale as well. Food for thought. I'll follow his career wherever he goes and the best of luck to him.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

I'm not trying to stir anything or create something but this all just seems off a bit. I mean, his daughter is 6 weeks old so add that to the 9-10 month pregnancy and with the National Title game over, deciding now, during Spring practice...IDK..just doesn't add up.

I think he legitimately wants to be closer to his baby and I can understand that. I think the plan was also to have her move here (heard it numerous places) all along which is why he came back after spring break. Obviously there was a breakdown in the plan...

Having said that though, he did attend three different high schools in 4 years and we all know what happened with his announcement and the "family issues." I just hope he can pull it all together and he lands somewhere that he can be successful.

 

[ChiRish]

I hate to see Davonte leave. But if he were leaving to man up for his family's immediate needs, then he would be getting a job and supporting them, not playing football. The fact that he intends to transfer so he can play football somewhere else says that its more about his ego and an opportunity to play in the NFL than it is about supporting his family.

If he was looking long term, he would get his degree and have a secure future for his family. Three more years and he'd have a Notre Dame degree. The timing of the transfer announcement suggests that the slot position wasn't going to be handed to him without competition. It sure looks like he couldn't accept the idea that the starting lineup was not going to include him.

As far as Notre Dame is concerned we will be fine without him. He didn't exactly light up the field last season. We have plenty of other options for the slot. Another highly over-rated 5-Star.

Come on man. He's leaving so he has a family atmosphere and support for his young child. It's not like he's leaving so he can get a job at the hardware store to buy diapers.

Have we seen anything since he arrived at ND to suggest this is an ego move? He's been nothing but supportive of his teammates and the program, and has been arguably one of the more enthusiastic guys on the team the entire time.

As for problems with potentially not starting? Did he have any of these problems last year when he sat behind Toma the entire year? And, with that year sitting behind a veteran starter in a National Championship game appearance, what exactly did we see that made him an overrated 5 star?

 

[GoIrish41]

Time for Amir and Folston to step up. Hate to see Neal go, but it's not nearly as damaging as it might have been a few years ago. Depth makes these things a lot easier to take.