'13 CA DT Eddie Vanderdoes (UCLA)

[ThePiombino]

If EV doesn't want an ND schollie, give it to Marquis.

No. Just...no.

 

[SouthernComfort]

Well part of when you recruit nationwide, you have to deal with homesickness and homebrewed pressure. USC gets away with it because...well...its Southern California and that is a hard place to beat. Alabama recruits mostly southern based players. Notre Dame unfortunately isnt located in a nice area. When one of your biggest, if not the biggest, pipeline states is California, its tough to compare. People have to really, really want to be at ND. Unfortunately, a lot of the time they have to actually GET there to know that.

For Eddie, this could be quite possibly a huge blow. I hope that BK and staff are all over this guy and his family to calm whatever is bothering him. We definately need this guy for future production.

 

[Irish YJ]

He's a kid, kids change their minds.
He's also an adult, able to sign a binding agreement.

This is a great learning opportunity for him. Hopefully he stays, but if he doesn't.......

IMO, ND should not make it easy unless they in some way are at fault. This is not a hardship issue. If he want's to go to UCLA, let him sit out a year per the rules, pay his way to UCLA like any other student for a year, and be done with it.

Just because he is 18 years old does not give him a "get out free and easy card". The impact of him changing his mind has adverse effects on the University. Consequenses of backing out of an LOI should have adverse effects for the student. Those are the rules, and that's life. Everyone has a choice. But if you make the choice, don't whine about the clear consequenses.

 

[koonja]

I asked this earlier but there was no response. EV said himself that he was going to Alabama until the night before NSD. So why are we assuming he wants to go to UCLA? They were his 3rd choice.

 

[nsideirish]

Well part of when you recruit nationwide, you have to deal with homesickness and homebrewed pressure. USC gets away with it because...well...its Southern California and that is a hard place to beat. Alabama recruits mostly southern based players. Notre Dame unfortunately isnt located in a nice area. ND is also plagued by having quite possibly the least attractive female student base in the nation. When one of your biggest, if not the biggest, pipeline states is California, its tough to compare. People have to really, really want to be at ND. Unfortunately, a lot of the time they have to actually GET there to know that.

For Eddie, this could be quite possibly a huge blow. I hope that BK and staff are all over this guy and his family to calm whatever is bothering him. We definately need this guy for future production.

No. Just...no. I am guessing you haven't been on ND's campus very often.

 

[irishpat183]

Unbelieveable.

What is it with not being able to retain guys?

I'm sorry, but this sucks. You can't keep losing guys like Lynch, Tee, DGB, Eddie....etc. I know it's not always our fault, but come on. We either need to do a better job getting a solid commitment, or making sure the recruit has all his ducks in a row.

Would be huge to lose him. No matter how you spin it.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

I asked this earlier but there was no response. EV said himself that he was going to Alabama until the night before NSD. So why are we assuming he wants to go to UCLA? They were his 3rd choice.

My guess, but why would he choose Alabama if the reason for not heading to South Bend is distance related? UCLA, granted is still a good distance from where he grew up, but at least it's still in-state and not across the country.

 

[koonja]

My guess, but why would he choose Alabama if the reason for not heading to South Bend is distance related? UCLA, granted is still a good distance from where he grew up, but at least it's still in-state and not across the country.

I guess my point is, maybe distance isn't the issue? From what we've heard (and it isn't much), it sounds like they're upset about something. Distance isn't something to get upset about, so why UCLA?

 

[potownhero]

He's a kid, kids change their minds.
He's also an adult, able to sign a binding agreement.

This is a great learning opportunity for him. Hopefully he stays, but if he doesn't.......

IMO, ND should not make it easy unless they in some way are at fault. This is not a hardship issue. If he want's to go to UCLA, let him sit out a year per the rules, pay his way to UCLA like any other student for a year, and be done with it.

Just because he is 18 years old does not give him a "get out free and easy card". The impact of him changing his mind has adverse effects on the University. Consequenses of backing out of an LOI should have adverse effects for the student. Those are the rules, and that's life. Everyone has a choice. But if you make the choice, don't whine about the clear consequenses.

Agreed.

You don't want to set a precedent where all future recruits will think "ND will let me out without having to deal with the consequences". I hope he stays put, but if he chooses to not come to South Bend, ND must set example to dissuade others in the future; nothing personal.

 

[Kingbish01]

Irish Prepare to Move On Without '13 DT Eddie Vanderdoes - One Foot Down

Talks about his signing day mishap by ND

 

[BleedBlueGold]

I guess my point is, maybe distance isn't the issue? From what we've heard (and it isn't much), it sounds like they're upset about something. Distance isn't something to get upset about, so why UCLA?

Distance may not be issue. I'm just saying that if it is in fact cold feet and he doesn't want to be that far from home (which is understandable for any 18 year old), I can't see Bama being an option either.

I have no idea what the real reason is. We'll find out soon enough.

I see what you're saying about UCLA going from three to one here, but this is all speculation from what I can tell.

 

[Fbolt]

Everyone loves ND when they do the right thing, but some seem to be willing to sacrifice the ideals, morals and doing the correct thing to get the NC-this seems to be one of those occasions where people are willing to deny a kid his right to play ball. It's my opinion, and that's where I stand.

IMO, he's a kid-18 y/o or not he is still a kid who is prone to emotions. Kids make mistakes and sometimes crazy decisions. If he doesn't want to be at ND, that's fine-move on after the coaches have really attempted to allay those concerns.

Reminds of the Urban "Liar" threads where posters line up to have him as ND's coach after blasting him for being a crook and liar.

I have seen it before on this forum-the willingness to bend the rules and play on a fair field with all the other schools such as Bama. Where does the line get drawn? When does one eventually agree to signing over the limit and cutting people to get to the 85? To me, ND stands for doing it the correct way-having a moral compass and treating people as you would like to be treated not just as a number or a way to exact revenge-which is what preventing him from playing would be like-IN MY OPINION.

MO

 

[greyhammer90]

Everyone loves ND when they do the right thing, but some seem to be willing to sacrifice the ideals, morals and doing the correct thing to get the NC-this seems to be one of those occasions where people are willing to deny a kid his right to play ball. It's my opinion, and that's where I stand.

IMO, he's a kid-18 y/o or not he is still a kid who is prone to emotions. Kids make mistakes and sometimes crazy decisions. If he doesn't want to be at ND, that's fine-move on after the coaches have really attempted to allay those concerns.

Reminds of the Urban "Liar" threads where posters line up to have him as ND's coach after blasting him for being a crook and liar.

I have seen it before on this forum-the willingness to bend the rules and play on a fair field with all the other schools such as Bama. Where does the line get drawn? When does one eventually agree to signing over the limit and cutting people to get to the 85? To me, ND stands for doing it the correct way-having a moral compass and treating people as you would like to be treated not just as a number or a way to exact revenge-which is what preventing him from playing would be like-IN MY OPINION.

MO

Just to be clear, you want for EV to be able to attend UCLA and be immediately eligible to play? Not sit out a year?

 

[Fbolt]

But you wouldn't be embarrassed lining up with me for the earlybird special, me with my Golden Buckeye card, at the local Bob Evans?

I would be embarrassed BUT would wear a paper bag over my head in honor of your greatness (Wak-waka-waka). Plus you'll be paying due to that discount!

lol

 

[ThePiombino]

Everyone loves ND when they do the right thing, but some seem to be willing to sacrifice the ideals, morals and doing the correct thing to get the NC-this seems to be one of those occasions where people are willing to deny a kid his right to play ball. It's my opinion, and that's where I stand.

IMO, he's a kid-18 y/o or not he is still a kid who is prone to emotions. Kids make mistakes and sometimes crazy decisions. If he doesn't want to be at ND, that's fine-move on after the coaches have really attempted to allay those concerns.

Reminds of the Urban "Liar" threads where posters line up to have him as ND's coach after blasting him for being a crook and liar.

I have seen it before on this forum-the willingness to bend the rules and play on a fair field with all the other schools such as Bama. Where does the line get drawn? When does one eventually agree to signing over the limit and cutting people to get to the 85? To me, ND stands for doing it the correct way-having a moral compass and treating people as you would like to be treated not just as a number or a way to exact revenge-which is what preventing him from playing would be like-IN MY OPINION.

MO

If EV decides not to honor his commitment, ND will have effectively wasted a scholarship on him - either a 5th year or a potential incoming 2013 frosh. Also, the staff would likely have been spending the past 4 months+ working some different angles on the 2014 plan had they known this particular position needed to be filled. EV made a commitment and needs to learn that while commitments can be broken, it isn't without consequence. Not to mention he's being "punished" with a free year of top education.

 

[Fbolt]

Just to be clear, you want for EV to be able to attend UCLA and be immediately eligible to play? Not sit out a year?

Clear as mud.

Having a hard time coming to grips with this....

Penalizing a kid is grating me.

 

[Rambler09]

While it may be a joke that ND's girls aren't the most attractive... that's a drastic overstatement. Plenty of beautiful women on campus. Least attractive female student body? Not even close.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

Everyone loves ND when they do the right thing, but some seem to be willing to sacrifice the ideals, morals and doing the correct thing to get the NC-this seems to be one of those occasions where people are willing to deny a kid his right to play ball. It's my opinion, and that's where I stand.

IMO, he's a kid-18 y/o or not he is still a kid who is prone to emotions. Kids make mistakes and sometimes crazy decisions. If he doesn't want to be at ND, that's fine-move on after the coaches have really attempted to allay those concerns.

Reminds of the Urban "Liar" threads where posters line up to have him as ND's coach after blasting him for being a crook and liar.

I have seen it before on this forum-the willingness to bend the rules and play on a fair field with all the other schools such as Bama. Where does the line get drawn? When does one eventually agree to signing over the limit and cutting people to get to the 85? To me, ND stands for doing it the correct way-having a moral compass and treating people as you would like to be treated not just as a number or a way to exact revenge-which is what preventing him from playing would be like-IN MY OPINION.

MO

Your post is hypocritical. Rules are rules and ND would be breaking rules if they release him from his LOI without it being a hardship. A change of heart doesn't qualify as such. The right thing to do is to stick to the rules. You're certainly entitled to your opinion, but you can't have it both ways. You can't ask ND to stick to rules and do the right thing, but in this situation allow a signed player to just bail. That would just open the floodgates and set a precedent to current and future signees, causing ND to become a doormat in these situations.

 

[NDBoiler]

Irish Prepare to Move On Without '13 DT Eddie Vanderdoes - One Foot Down

Talks about his signing day mishap by ND

Anyone else read this article and find it far-fetched that is the reason for the delay now?

 

[Fbolt]

yes says hypocritical fbolt

 

[irishpat183]

Irish Prepare to Move On Without '13 DT Eddie Vanderdoes - One Foot Down

Talks about his signing day mishap by ND

If this is true...and his family is mad about signing day...

What a juvenile thing to be mad about and carry this long. Seriously.

And don't release him. Make his a$$ sit out a year. Like the author said, sets a bad precedent.

 

[BGIF]

Anyone else read this article and find it far-fetched that is the reason for the delay now?

Your far-fetched reason was ... ?

 

[md_bennett]

Everyone loves ND when they do the right thing, but some seem to be willing to sacrifice the ideals, morals and doing the correct thing to get the NC-this seems to be one of those occasions where people are willing to deny a kid his right to play ball. It's my opinion, and that's where I stand.

IMO, he's a kid-18 y/o or not he is still a kid who is prone to emotions. Kids make mistakes and sometimes crazy decisions. If he doesn't want to be at ND, that's fine-move on after the coaches have really attempted to allay those concerns.

Reminds of the Urban "Liar" threads where posters line up to have him as ND's coach after blasting him for being a crook and liar.

I have seen it before on this forum-the willingness to bend the rules and play on a fair field with all the other schools such as Bama. Where does the line get drawn? When does one eventually agree to signing over the limit and cutting people to get to the 85? To me, ND stands for doing it the correct way-having a moral compass and treating people as you would like to be treated not just as a number or a way to exact revenge-which is what preventing him from playing would be like-IN MY OPINION.

MO

I can agree with the sentiment but I have to disagree with letting him off completely. Any parent can tell you that they always want the best for their kids but sometimes you have to let them face the consequences of their decisions in order for them to grow into adults. This is why the one year rule is there. He made a choice and signed his name to it. Coaches plan accordingly and to say they don't is absurd. If he wants out that is another desicion he has to make, but you cannot hamper ND or his personal development by just giving everybody a pass. Coaches lives are effects by these "kids" choices. They have families too, and when a kid makes a commitment to a university and signs that LOI the coaches are staking their professional lives on them performing. People forget that it's not just about what a kids wavering heart decides. I can think of very few reasons to legitimately let him off the hook from the way the rules work.

 

[Emcee77]

Everyone loves ND when they do the right thing, but some seem to be willing to sacrifice the ideals, morals and doing the correct thing to get the NC-this seems to be one of those occasions where people are willing to deny a kid his right to play ball. It's my opinion, and that's where I stand.

IMO, he's a kid-18 y/o or not he is still a kid who is prone to emotions. Kids make mistakes and sometimes crazy decisions. If he doesn't want to be at ND, that's fine-move on after the coaches have really attempted to allay those concerns.

Reminds of the Urban "Liar" threads where posters line up to have him as ND's coach after blasting him for being a crook and liar.

I have seen it before on this forum-the willingness to bend the rules and play on a fair field with all the other schools such as Bama. Where does the line get drawn? When does one eventually agree to signing over the limit and cutting people to get to the 85? To me, ND stands for doing it the correct way-having a moral compass and treating people as you would like to be treated not just as a number or a way to exact revenge-which is what preventing him from playing would be like-IN MY OPINION.

MO

Weird, I tend to think that the morally correct decision is the opposite one.

EV signed a contract. The contract spells out a penalty for breaking it. If EV breaks the contract, he should have to serve the agreed-upon penalty. We're in the business of education, and if football doesn't help these kids grow into men, we shouldn't be doing it -- and part of growing up is learning to live with the consequences of your decisions. Letting EV out of his LOI for no good reason just seems to be teaching the wrong lesson. I mean we may have RELIED on his decision. We probably would have hit 2014 DL recruiting even harder if we hadn't got him, and now if we tried to get in on the recruitment of some other guys it may be too late.

 

[irishpat183]

Clear as mud.

Having a hard time coming to grips with this....

Penalizing a kid is grating me.

But he made the choice. He's gotta learn sooner or later about personal responsibilty.


He punished himself.

 

[irishpat183]

I can agree with the sentiment but I have to disagree with letting him off completely. Any parent can tell you that they always want the best for their kids but sometimes you have to let them face the consequences of their decisions in order for them to grow into adults. This is why the one year rule is there. He made a choice and signed his name to it. Coaches plan accordingly and to say they don't is absurd. If he wants out that is another desicion he has to make, but you cannot hamper ND or his personal development by just giving everybody a pass. Coaches lives are effects by these "kids" choices. They have families too, and when a kid makes a commitment to a university and signs that LOI the coaches are staking their professional lives on them performing. People forget that it's not just about what a kids wavering heart decides. I can think of very few reasons to legitimately let him off the hook from the way the rules work.

Thank you. Great post.

 

[Fbolt]

Some good points are being made-just hope he decides ND is where he wants to be.

 

[NDBoiler]

Your far-fetched reason was ... ?

The reason listed in the article that is from a quote by Joe Davidson referencing the saga of EV's name being accidently listed for the media beofre his LOI was in. The article implies that that is a sore spot and a cause for the current balking. The article author essentially states as well that is seems hard to believe that this would still be an issue 3 months after the fact, as is my thinking as well.

 

[Emcee77]

But he made the choice. He's gotta learn sooner or later about personal responsibilty.


He punished himself.

Right, and legal responsibility. If anyone thinks the penalty is unfair, google "national letter of intent pdf" or something and look at the document. The "Basic Penalty" provision is quite noticeable. It's not like this is something that's hidden in fine print. We've relied on his decision to sign with us; if he chooses not to enroll, he should have to suffer the consequences. Letting him out of the LOI just seems like condoning or fostering immaturity, and I don't think that's good for anyone.

 

[irishff1014]

This has AL written all over it........ More negative recruiting news for the program just what we need