'14 NC RB Elijah Hood (UNC Verbal)

[ulukinatme]

Stop being so classy and let me hate you, you piece of ****

I thought the same thing. I can't have any ill will toward Hood after this at least. He may do something silly later down the road, but for now he's okay in my book. He helped bring some guys like Nelson on board (Hope they all stick around). He was obviously recruited for a position where theres already a lot of depth. He also was classy enough to clear the air about his dad's miscommunication, which he didn't have to do. Most recruits would have just shrugged and let it go, letting their former school be painted in a negative light. I was never broken up over Hood's decommit, but I feel better knowing that it wasn't something we did (ND) or the coaches did that made his recruitment do a 180.

 

[irishMT]

Call Me Crazy But...

Call Me Crazy But...

I think we get him back.

 

[ThePiombino]

I think we get him back.

Try not to be too disappointed come February.

 

[IrishinTN]

I think we get him back.

Bartender, I'll have what he's having.

 

[Anchorman]

Love to see people rip distance, as though that's not a huge reason we get lots of Midwest guys.

As for UNC over Clemson, Georgia, etc., I believe UNC is a much better school in addition to the distance factor. Don't have Whiskey's chart handy so I'm not sure about grad rates, but for a kid who seems smart and has his head straight like Hood, I'd wager he'll get a degree.

 

[IrishLax]

Loy has an in-depth story coming shortly. Just got done speaking to Hood.

 

[Pa Golden Tate Fan]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Charlotte (NC) RB Elijah Hood talks exclusively with <a href="https://twitter.com/BGInews">@BGInews</a> about his decommitment from <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NotreDame&src=hash">#NotreDame</a> <a href="http://t.co/WO7jSFSUp2">http://t.co/WO7jSFSUp2</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/247Sports">@247Sports</a></p>— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomLoy247/statuses/370384309179256832">August 22, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[IrishLax]

Solid article with good quotes. Seems 100% wanting to stay close to home. Looks like his parents won out... almost feel like going to undelete the posts from months ago that had all the quotes about his family, parents wanting him close to home, and eliminating all schools that weren't easily driveable. That seems to be exactly what happened in the end.

 

[irishff1014]

I'm implying that when you say:



That I don't know what "behavior" you are talking about. Are you insinuating that "flaky five star kids" are idiots for staying close to home? If so, how do you feel about Jaylon doing just that?

If you just simply dislike UNC, then fine. But IF Hood ends up there because he is more comfortable for whatever reason, it doesn't mean he is dumb. It just means he likes it there. I never fault a kid for wanting to be close to home at a school they are comfortable with. If that's the case here, then I wish him luck. He has been pretty classy about the whole thing as far as i've seen. No reason for us to not follow suit.

They only thing I will say on this point is that Jaylon's recruitment was very drama less. I believe he and his family handed it well. Not mention Jaylon during that time was very level headed and didn't verbal until he was sure that's what he wanted.

Not all 5 * recruits are the same just look at Jaylon. It's easy to stay close to home when you can play at the one and only Notre Dame!!!

 

[Rack Em]

Solid article with good quotes. Seems 100% wanting to stay close to home. Looks like his parents won out... almost feel like going to undelete the posts from months ago that had all the quotes about his family, parents wanting him close to home, and eliminating all schools that weren't easily driveable. That seems to be exactly what happened in the end.

I understand wanting to stay close to home for family reasons, but if his parents wanted him to stay close to home then I find that be a huge disservice to any child.

The opportunity to graduate from Notre Dame, Stanford, Vanderbilt, Duke, Northwestern, etc. without any debt is an absolute godsend. I just don't get it when parents want to limit their children for their own satisfaction.

My parents were not like that and it rubbed off on me. I appreciated it tremendously that they pushed me academically, but let me make my own decision.

I respect the Hood family's decision, but I strongly disagree with it. It bothered me when my friends in high school "stayed home" instead of continuing to challenge themselves academically and socially. To me, student-athlete or not, college is a time to grow as a person. Sometimes circumstances dictate that students stay closer - but declining such wonderful opportunities (or being talked out of them) is silly.

To each their own I suppose....

 

[Count_on_Me]

We should send him the E.Hood version of this NEW Urbie recruiting tool.

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

Good luck and see you in 2014.

 

[WakeUpEchoes]

I understand wanting to stay close to home for family reasons, but if his parents wanted him to stay close to home then I find that be a huge disservice to any child.

The opportunity to graduate from Notre Dame, Stanford, Vanderbilt, Duke, Northwestern, etc. without any debt is an absolute godsend. I just don't get it when parents want to limit their children for their own satisfaction.

My parents were not like that and it rubbed off on me. I appreciated it tremendously that they pushed me academically, but let me make my own decision.

I respect the Hood family's decision, but I strongly disagree with it. It bothered me when my friends in high school "stayed home" instead of continuing to challenge themselves academically and socially. To each their own I suppose....

I literally could not agree more with everything you said.

 

[stlnd01]

Solid article with good quotes. Seems 100% wanting to stay close to home. Looks like his parents won out... almost feel like going to undelete the posts from months ago that had all the quotes about his family, parents wanting him close to home, and eliminating all schools that weren't easily driveable. That seems to be exactly what happened in the end.

It's unfortunate, but understandable. And while, like Rackem, I traveled a long way from home to attend Notre Dame, I'm not going to judge a kid/family for this kind of decision. Different strokes. And he seems like a class act.
The only point I'll make is that I wouldn't be so quick as Lax to say we've reached "in the end." Hood & family overcame the idea of distance once...

 

[NDdomer2]

it really makes no difference in my life where this kid goes to school but i will say that i believe in stepping out of your comfort zone and i believe those who are the best at what they do never stayed in their comfort zones.

 

[dublinirish]

I understand wanting to stay close to home for family reasons, but if his parents wanted him to stay close to home then I find that be a huge disservice to any child.

The opportunity to graduate from Notre Dame, Stanford, Vanderbilt, Duke, Northwestern, etc. without any debt is an absolute godsend. I just don't get it when parents want to limit their children for their own satisfaction.

My parents were not like that and it rubbed off on me. I appreciated it tremendously that they pushed me academically, but let me make my own decision.

I respect the Hood family's decision, but I strongly disagree with it. It bothered me when my friends in high school "stayed home" instead of continuing to challenge themselves academically and socially. To me, student-athlete or not, college is a time to grow as a person. Sometimes circumstances dictate that students stay closer - but declining such wonderful opportunities (or being talked out of them) is silly.

To each their own I suppose....

Totally agree with you man, I think its very selfish of parents to put that pressure on their kids to stick around and go to college locally like that. It reeks of distrust and I think its quite pathetic.

 

[rikkitikki08]

I just don't understand what kind of parents would tell a kid they want him to go to this school or that school. I obviously do not know his parents nor do i understand their situation but i was raised very differently

 

[dublinirish]

I just don't understand what kind of parents would tell a kid they want him to go to this school or that school. I obviously do not know his parents nor do i understand their situation but i was raised very differently

i would understand if the kid wanted to go to Ole Miss or some party school where the education would be minimal and the distractions obivous..but this is Notre Dame.

Their logic does not compute unless there is a baby situation and they are trying to hide it.

 

[Cackalacky]

I think his parents know him much better than we do. Plus, if he stays out of trouble and focuses on football, this kid will be in the NFL in 3 years. I think its worth considering, in their opinion, this kid has the possibility few others do and they may be doing things for reasons only a parent can understand.

I see other parents do or say things regarding their children everyday that I personally don't agree with, including my siblings and their children. The point is I am not their parents and they are not my children.

One of my siblings is terrified of being outside of driving distance from my parents. Me on the other hand could not wait to graduate HS and GTFO.

 

[tadman95]

I haven't seen one comment or action from Elijah or his parents that makes me think anything other than they are class people. While I'm disappointed, criticizing a parent/s for being parents seems out of line to me. We certainly don't know their family dynamics or situation and I can't support this notion that Elijah's parents are doing him a disservice, if they are in fact pushing him to stay closer to home. We don't know that for sure.

If he ends up at UNC, I'll hate him as a college player because I hate UNC. Not Elijah's fault, and I have good friends that went there, but I hate'em! I can't deny though that UNC is a great school and provides a great education if Elijah chooses to pursue a curriculum that means something.

Sorry if I offend anyone but criticizing parents is not our place.

 

[woolybug25]

Totally agree with you man, I think its very selfish of parents to put that pressure on their kids to stick around and go to college locally like that. It reeks of distrust and I think its quite pathetic.

Again, its hypocritical of us to say things like that when we all make such a big deal with recruits bringing their parents to visit ND. In fact, Notre Dame benefits from parents "pushing their kid" more than most.

On another note, I see a lot of talk about kids "pushing their social and educational boundaries". That sound all fine an dandy, but I don't hear any of you guys dogging Midwest kids for picking ND when they have a Stanford offer. In that case, they are choosing the safer/more comfortable route. But I suppose they do that because they are RKG's?

 

[greyhammer90]

Again, its hypocritical of us to say things like that when we all make such a big deal with recruits bringing their parents to visit ND. In fact, Notre Dame benefits from parents "pushing their kid" more than most.

On another note, I see a lot of talk about kids "pushing their social and educational boundaries". That sound all fine an dandy, but I don't hear any of you guys dogging Midwest kids for picking ND when they have a Stanford offer. In that case, they are choosing the safer/more comfortable route. But I suppose they do that because they are RKG's?

I've agreed with most of what you've said in this thread, but there is a difference between pushing your kid to go to a local state school and pushing your kid to go to a school like ND, Stanford, Vanderbilt. One is likely done for comfort, one is done to maximize an opportunity.

Granted North Carolina is a pretty good school so it's not quite the disparity that people are suggesting.

 

[woolybug25]

I've agreed with most of what you've said in this thread, but there is a difference between pushing your kid to go to a local state school and pushing your kid to go to a school like ND, Stanford, Vanderbilt. One is likely done for comfort, one is done to maximize an opportunity.

Granted North Carolina is a pretty good school so it's not quite the disparity that people are suggesting.

Eye of the beholder. UNC may be a very big deal for the Hood family. College period can be a big deal.

To further emphasize, we have kids that could have gotten assistance (which is pretty much a full ride) for Ivy League schools. But instead, chose Notre Dame.


Finally, i'm not entirely sure that its any of our business whether Elijah or his parents want to maximize educational experience. It's his life, not ours.

 

[dublinirish]

Again, its hypocritical of us to say things like that when we all make such a big deal with recruits bringing their parents to visit ND. In fact, Notre Dame benefits from parents "pushing their kid" more than most.

All the more reason to be vexed because of Hood's parents behaviour. What kind of parent can't see that a school like ND isn't the great place for their kid? Only thing I can imagine is if the religious element to the college puts them off. I am sorry but it reeks of self interest on their part to me.

On another note, I see a lot of talk about kids "pushing their social and educational boundaries". That sound all fine an dandy, but I don't hear any of you guys dogging Midwest kids for picking ND when they have a Stanford offer. In that case, they are choosing the safer/more comfortable route. But I suppose they do that because they are RKG's?

Would not have a problem with any student athlete choosing Stanford over ND to be honest. Ditto for NW or Vandy (pre-Franklin)

 

[Cackalacky]

IIRC one of the benefits of joining the ACC was the academic quality of many of the member schools. I am not going to get into that though. ND is is an all-around excellent school and even Clemson has programs that nobody else can beat in the region.

 

[woolybug25]

All the more reason to be vexed because of Hood's parents behaviour. What kind of parent can't see that a school like ND isn't the great place for their kid? Only thing I can imagine is if the religious element to the college puts them off. I am sorry but it reeks of self interest on their part to me.

So where is the outrage for the guys on our team that had offers to play at Ivy League schools like Harvard? The self interest of the player/parents of their kid being on tv with a major football program was bigger than the world class education that the Ivy League offers.

Would not have a problem with any student athlete choosing Stanford over ND to be honest. Ditto for NW or Vandy (pre-Franklin)

You shouldn't have a problem with a kid picking any school if its the one they like the most. It's not you or your kid going.

 

[Domina Nostra]

So where is the outrage for the guys on our team that had offers to play at Ivy League schools like Harvard? The self interest of the player/parents of their kid being on tv with a major football program was bigger than the world class education that the Ivy League offers.

You shouldn't have a problem with a kid picking any school if its the one they like the most. It's not you or your kid going.

Obviously, Harvard is not a football school and only the occasional kid makes it to the NFL. If you think the NFL is in your future, you get much better training at a BCS school. The idea is to got to a school where you actually get a great education WHILE you are maximizing your potential in football. I actually do think it is a questionable decision for some kids with no legit hope for the NFL to spurn Harvard.

Some people think it's always unreasonable for a family to push a kid to a school that is less prestigious both athletically and academically. Personally, I think its a balancing act and more complicated than that. It's great to go to have access to Alabama's coaches and competition, but if you never play, maybe it would have been smarter to go to Deleware (see Joe Flacco). Also, some kids might lose focus away from their support structure. Better to stay close to family than start drifting. If a kid isn't academically gifted, Stanford's elite academics might not benefit him, and might actually stifle his growth.

As far as being having a problem with other parents decisions, people are entitled to opinions. College football fans sometimes know more about the landscape than parents who are being sold a pile of crap by these salesmen. UF under Meyer, USC in the 2000s, and LSU right now, for example, are not positive environments. UNC under their previous coach was shady.

ND is not perfect, but lots of professional sprots writers not associated with the university agree that it does things differntly--in a positive way. Just because you are a fan and get a little carried away, doesn't cahnge that.

 

[woolybug25]

Obviously, Harvard is not a football school and only the occasional kid makes it to the NFL. If you think the NFL is in your future, you get much better training at a BCS school. The idea is to got to a school where you actually get a great education WHILE you are maximizing your potential in football. I actually do think it is a questionable decision for some kids with no legit hope for the NFL to spurn Harvard.

The same could be said for a kid that wants to go to a less rigorous academic school so they can concentrate on football, right? They are essentially doing the same thing as a ND kid spurning the Ivy League, just on their own level. The reality is that there is less than 1% statistical chance for kids to make it to the pros, so choosing your school on football alone is silly overall. But it's not our choice where these kids go, and if they are more comfortable at another school, who are we to say that its a bad decision?

It's all a balancing act, some people think it is unreasonable for a family to push a kid to a school that is less prestigious both athletically and academically. Obviously it's more complicated than that. It's great to go to have access to Alabama's coaches and competition, but if you never play, maybe it would have been smarter to go to Deleware (see Joe Flacco). Also, some kids might lose focus away from their support structure. Better to stay close to family than start drifting.

Totally agree. Every situation is different and I think many people underestimate the importance that family structure can have on a 17-18 year old kid.

As far as being having a problem with other parents decisions, people are entitled to opinions. College football fans sometimes know more about the landscape than parents who are being sold a pile of crap by these salesmen. UF under Meyer, USC in the 2000s, and LSU right now, for example, are not positive environments. UNC under Butch JOnes was shady.

ND is not perfect, but lots of professional sprots writers not associated with the university agree that it does things differntly--in a positive way. Just because you are a fan and get a little carried away, doesn't cahnge that.

reps

 

[Cackalacky]

I have noticed there are distinct patterns concerning de-commitments on this board:
1: Player decommits: heads explode, snarky gifs, inconsolable fans of the recruit can't understand why;
2: Backstory: scouring of the interwebz for info, more snarky gifs, throes of rejection begin
3: Distance or GF issues arise: Insert dogma here, ND is not for everyone, other schools don't compare, ND does not want someone who knocks girls up or can't travel (depression and denial phase);
4: More backstory discovered: 2 and 3 all over again;
5: season starts: all is good or Kelly's fault.

 

[Folsteam_Ahead]

i've been playing this thing out in my head and wondering what family dynamic would lead to his parents pushing local schools. the self-interest angle may not be as negative as it's made out to be. this isn't specific to elijah, but players can get into all kinds of trouble when they're at school. we read about arrests all the time. some parents may want to be able to keep a closer on eye on their child to make sure they stay in line.

that wasn't how i was raised since my parents insisted that i travel out of state for college and experience life on my own, so to speak, but i can understand and respect this type of perspective on protecting family and potential future professional interests. or it could be as simple as his family has traveled very little and their life is too closely tied to where they live. i know lots of people like that here in texas. it's just a different perspective.

in the end, there's more than one "right" way to handle this decision. self-interest is not always a negative. plus, we're all guilty of our own self-interest in wanting him to benefit our favorite team despite his parents' wishes. he doesn't owe us anything and he seems to know that. he feels as though he owes something to his parents and grandparents, and that's enough for me to let this one go without pointing any fingers or raging through my keyboard.