'14 KY DT Matt Elam (Kentucky Verbal)

[NDWorld247]

I don't know if this has been addressed elsewhere. If Holley commits prior to Elam (or vice versa for that matter), are we still taking Elam? Just curious if we are after both really hard at this stage or whether it is a first come first served situation. Thanks in advance.

We absolutely take both.

 

[IrishLax]

ive never got the vibe that this kid was going anywhere but kentucky. only reason he has interest in nd is thehs coach imo

Actions always speak louder than words. Why extend his visit to ND an extra day without the coaches if he doesn't have interest? Why try to extend it another day after that? Look, I get why he might want to go to Kentucky. But ultimately I don't see them winning out regardless of what people say... I think the more he goes out and makes visits the more his eyes are getting opened and Kentucky is just a crappy place to choose as a recruit with his options.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Actions always speak louder than words. Why extend his visit to ND an extra day without the coaches if he doesn't have interest? Why try to extend it another day after that? Look, I get why he might want to go to Kentucky. But ultimately I don't see them winning out regardless of what people say... I think the more he goes out and makes visits the more his eyes are getting opened and Kentucky is just a crappy place to choose as a recruit with his options.

Goes a little deeper than that lax. Apparently, Elam has had a very disadvantaged upbringing and has a sense of responsibility to those in his life that have helped raise him. Family must be very important to him and it appears his mom is his biggest concern. She has made it known that her wishes are for him to attend UK so I think that is where he ends up.

 

[NDdomer2]

Actions always speak louder than words. Why extend his visit to ND an extra day without the coaches if he doesn't have interest? Why try to extend it another day after that? Look, I get why he might want to go to Kentucky. But ultimately I don't see them winning out regardless of what people say... I think the more he goes out and makes visits the more his eyes are getting opened and Kentucky is just a crappy place to choose as a recruit with his options.

I am in the camp of "just get him on campus." So the reason why isn't too big but still feel we were/are running third.

Hopefully we took advantage of the opportunity regardless of reason.

 

[IrishLax]

Goes a little deeper than that lax. Apparently, Elam has had a very disadvantaged upbringing and has a sense of responsibility to those in his life that have helped raise him. Family must be very important to him and it appears his mom is his biggest concern. She has made it known that her wishes are for him to attend UK so I think that is where he ends up.

Got a link?

If that's true, honestly seems mighty shortsighted of her. Kentucky isn't the best destination for a young man for either football or academics... much less both.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Got a link?

If that's true, honestly seems mighty shortsighted of her. Kentucky isn't the best destination for a young man for either football or academics... much less both.

Kentuckysportsradio.com has reported in the past that his mother wants him at UK. I don't have any direct links from their website but if you want to hunt then go for it.

As far as his mother, I read that she had never seen him play a game. I don't know if that is true. I also don't know if there are health issues that may be the result of that or if it is something else. As far as education, it really depends on what he wants to do. While UK is not known as an elite undergrad institution, he can get a great education there if he desires. It's easy for us, as outsiders, to look at his recruitment and say it doesn't make sense but then again we are outsiders. She may have her reasons why on UK; he may have his. For us to think that it is shortsighted is a stretch. It's his and his family's choice in the end. I would love to see him at Bama but if he goes to UK then I say good luck and hope he makes it in whatever he chooses in life. Football seems to be the ticket for him to break that poverty cycle. I hope he makes it and will be cheering for him to.

 

[aubeirish]

Kentuckysportsradio.com has reported in the past that his mother wants him at UK. I don't have any direct links from their website but if you want to hunt then go for it.

As far as his mother, I read that she had never seen him play a game. I don't know if that is true. I also don't know if there are health issues that may be the result of that or if it is something else. As far as education, it really depends on what he wants to do. While UK is not known as an elite undergrad institution, he can get a great education there if he desires. It's easy for us, as outsiders, to look at his recruitment and say it doesn't make sense but then again we are outsiders. She may have her reasons why on UK; he may have his. For us to think that it is shortsighted is a stretch. It's his and his family's choice in the end. I would love to see him at Bama but if he goes to UK then I say good luck and hope he makes it in whatever he chooses in life. Football seems to be the ticket for him to break that poverty cycle. I hope he makes it and will be cheering for him to.

Football players don't get great education in the SEC. He won't be like the other normal students.

I do know a guy that played at Kentucky, and I don't think he attended class very often. Yet he has a degree. That's the way it goes...

 

[NDWorld247]

I've heard the mother wants him at UK as well. I'm sure if one were to look back through the 550 posts in his thread they could find a link.

I've always thought he was UK bound. The positive news coming out of this weekend's visit has given me a lot more hope than before, but I still think that's where he ends up on NSD.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Football players don't get great education in the SEC. He won't be like the other normal students.

I do know a guy that played at Kentucky, and I don't think he attended class very often. Yet he has a degree. That's the way it goes...

Football players get out of it what they put in to it - no matter where they attend school.

NDWorld247

I've heard the mother wants him at UK as well. I'm sure if one were to look back through the 550 posts in his thread they could find a link.

I've always thought he was UK bound. The positive news coming out of this weekend's visit has given me a lot more hope than before, but I still think that's where he ends up on NSD.

I agree. When it comes down to it, we just don't know how these young men think. It does appear ND made an impression on him and elevated their stock somewhat.

 

[NDinFL]

Football players get out of it what they put in to it - no matter where they attend school.



I agree. When it comes down to it, we just don't know how these young men think. It does appear ND made an impression on him and elevated their stock somewhat.

Has ND had a chance to get his mother on campus?

I mean, with the talk of him feeling responsible for his family, and being a family guy... That just seems like a perfect fit with the Irish.

Edit: to clarify, I know you said his mother reportedly wants him at UK, but has she seen ND's campus?

 

[T Town Tommy]

Has ND had a chance to get his mother on campus?

I mean, with the talk of him feeling responsible for his family, and being a family guy... That just seems like a perfect fit with the Irish.

Edit: to clarify, I know you said his mother reportedly wants him at UK, but has she seen ND's campus?

Didn't read anything about her being there this weekend. Maybe some of the other posters could help out with that.

 

[NDWorld247]

As far as I know he's visited twice and both times were with coaches (who are very pro-ND), not momma.

 

[aubeirish]

Football players get out of it what they put in to it - no matter where they attend school.

You're probably right, but how many kids really do put the work when they don't have to. If you are not put in an environment where you have to flourish intellectually, you won't. All the guys aren't doing it.
Sure there are few exceptions to the rule, but that's the 1%. Besides, the guys that really want to push it academically do not ultimately end up in the SEC.

 

[rikkitikki08]

If he does pick Kentucky i wont fault him by any means, if he wants to be close to his family i certainly cant argue with that. Now if his mom wants to move to South Bend ill bring my truck and help her move

 

[Southside Sully]

As far as his mother, I read that she had never seen him play a game. I

Get her on the horn with Big Lou's Mom.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

From article in June

He says his mom supports any decision he makes, but he knows she would “love” having a short trip to Lexington to visit or see him play. “It makes it a little harder knowing she wants me to stay. It’s crazy,” Elam said.

John Hardin DL Matt Elam is Kentucky's number 1 defensive recruiting priority - Central Kentucky News

 

[palinurus]

Goes a little deeper than that lax. Apparently, Elam has had a very disadvantaged upbringing and has a sense of responsibility to those in his life that have helped raise him. Family must be very important to him and it appears his mom is his biggest concern. She has made it known that her wishes are for him to attend UK so I think that is where he ends up.

Generally, I think mom gets what mom wants. But going to Notre Dame isn't exactly as if he's in Westwood or Pullman. It's a drive but only 300 miles. Plus, if you really want to help mom, not just for four years, but for 40, you need to make the 40 year decision. But I'm preaching to the choir.

 

[RDU Irish]

From article in June


John Hardin DL Matt Elam is Kentucky's number 1 defensive recruiting priority - Central Kentucky News

Sounds like more of a want than a need. Barring more definitive quotes from Matt or his mom it sounds to me like his decision to make and it won't be like that LSU recruit last year that had his mom PO'ed on national TV.

 

[IrishLion]

Sounds like more of a want than a need. Barring more definitive quotes from Matt or his mom it sounds to me like his decision to make and it won't be like that LSU recruit last year that had his mom PO'ed on national TV.

Or Alex Collins' mom, who stole his letter of intent before he could sign and fax it haha. My favorite recruiting story.

 

[Kak7304]

Or Alex Collins' mom, who stole his letter of intent before he could sign and fax it haha. My favorite recruiting story.

It's a lot more enjoyable when the ridiculous recruiting stuff happens to someone else.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

-____-

@FballIsLife69: @D_Barker7 Is The Best Qb In The Country !!! Hands Down

@FballIsLife69: Ill Make A Promise Right Now In My College Career I Will Sack @D_Barker7 If Its In A Game Getting Stats Or In Practice Getting Better !!

 

[stlnd01]

-____-

@FballIsLife69: @D_Barker7 Is The Best Qb In The Country !!! Hands Down

@FballIsLife69: Ill Make A Promise Right Now In My College Career I Will Sack @D_Barker7 If Its In A Game Getting Stats Or In Practice Getting Better !!

If getting Elam means we have to play Kentucky in the BBVA Compass Bowl...

 

[Irish#1]

Has ND had a chance to get his mother on campus?

I mean, with the talk of him feeling responsible for his family, and being a family guy... That just seems like a perfect fit with the Irish.

Edit: to clarify, I know you said his mother reportedly wants him at UK, but has she seen ND's campus?

That's always a big plus for us when we get mom on campus.

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Five-star DT Matt Elam gave his <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NotreDame&src=hash">#NotreDame</a> official high marks today. More coming soon on <a href="https://twitter.com/BGInews">@BGInews</a></p>— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong247) <a href="https://twitter.com/SWiltfong247/statuses/393456289340084224">October 24, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Irish YJ]

Hoping UK gets blasted tonight by MSU

 

[TheTurningPoint]

Id be shocked if he was part of the 2014 class. This year is just not a great year for DTs reguardless of ND staff being picky as far as mold. Its comparable to last year not being a strong class with Middle Linebacker. This years class is not great at MLB guys, but better than the 2013 class as a whole. Not ND's fault, but Hayes can play inside or outside, but just from a shear talent now/potential in 2-3 years, there just isnt a lot of great prospects out there.

Id take Elam in a heartbeat, but he is probably farther away from being ready to play than Nix was. Nix has a drive that many dont have and that is why he is successful, and the jury is out on Elam to this point. He seems like a great kid but college life is just a 360 from the situation he is in right now. Discipline is going to make or break this kid at whatever school he chooses.

 

[stlnd01]

He seems like a great kid but college life is just a 360 from the situation he is in right now. Discipline is going to make or break this kid at whatever school he chooses.

Then he ought not go to Kentucky.

 

[ACamp1900]

360 degrees??

 

[Irishnuke]

360 degrees??

No pounds. I think he's saying he'll gain 360 more pounds. At least that's what I hope he meant because 360 degrees is a circle

 

[IrishLax]

No pounds. I think he's saying he'll gain 360 more pounds. At least that's what I hope he meant because 360 degrees is a circle

Maybe his life is more of a hexagon so 360 degrees gets him to the opposite corner.