'14 KY DT Matt Elam (Kentucky Verbal)

[Domina Nostra]

There are log jams, and there are log jams.

Being hesitant to be the 14th 4 or 5 star project for Saban's successor to turn his thumb up or down to maybe more of a sign of prudence than cowardice. If I were a QB looking at USC's depth chart a few years back, I might consider that I could be NFL-caliber, do everything right and get only ONE year on the field. If we pick up Luatua this year, I might be hesitant to be the second TE ND takes next year.

Also, isn't there something to be said for ACTUALLY playing a lot of snaps at a school like ND where you will always play good competition with good teammates? Manti did not compete much for the starting LB job, but he sure got a lot of live snaps against excellent competition! UK offers more snaps, but you are going to be triple-teamed non stop and will get a lot less help. (Coach, what do I do against triple teams.... Answer: wait until next year!). Alabama, on the other hand, creates the unrealistic situation where you are surrounded by so much talent, that no one can ever single you out, giving you an unrealistic feel for how easy things are. Welcome to the NFL Terrence Cody, Trent Richardson, etc...

Long story short...You can't avoid competition, but you can avoid non-advantageous situations.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

So with Frazier committing to Alabama, does this mean ND is the huge leader? I'd assume so, since it seems to have gone more towards a ND/Bama battle for him, and with another DT on board, I think Elam will avoid the logjam. Meanwhile it seems like Kentucky has played their way out of contention for him. I don't think he was expecting a great season, but 2-9 has to be setting off bells in his head.

Look up

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Elam is flat out huge. But he, like Jimmy Byrne, looks totally different in person. Many negative comments about both can lay to rest. At least see them in person before you make nasty comments on the way they look.

Yes Matt will profit from the weight room. But naturally he is as "wide" as any human being I have ever seen; his shoulders are as broad as any I have ever seen, and his arms are really long. I swear, he is like twice as as any other recruit that was at the USC game. Greer Martini is a good example. He shocked me with how much bigger he looks in person than on tape, or going by statistics. Matt Elam looks to be twice as wide and on a step ladder by comparison. I don't know that I have ever seen anyone with his build. I believe he can just about play 0 through 3 technique all at once!

 

[NDdomer2]

So with Frazier committing to Alabama, does this mean ND is the huge leader? I'd assume so, since it seems to have gone more towards a ND/Bama battle for him, and with another DT on board, I think Elam will avoid the logjam. Meanwhile it seems like Kentucky has played their way out of contention for him. I don't think he was expecting a great season, but 2-9 has to be setting off bells in his head.

This is literally a couple posts above your's:

@FballIsLife69: I Dont Care Who Commits To Where, I Love Competition. Its Just Going To Make Me A Better Player !!

@FballIsLife69: @D_Barker7 @DavidCornwell5 Lmfao Best QBs In The Nation Hands Down !! Either Way Im Going To Sack Them Both !!! 😎😏💯

As far as the last tweet, we don't play either of those teams in the near future (scheduled) so odds are it ain't us babe.

 

[Pachuco]

As far as the last tweet, we don't play either of those teams in the near future (scheduled) so odds are it ain't us babe.

Yup, writing is on the twitter wall.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

But the only way he would have a chance to play them both is if he played for us.

 

[Irish#1]

Yup, writing is on the twitter wall.

I don't think that's necessarily true.

 

[dwshade]

Trying to decipher what a 17 year old kid's twitter comments mean? Good luck with that one.

 

[gkIrish]

Trying to decipher what a 17 year old kid's twitter comments mean? Good luck with that one.

 

[Domina Nostra]

My gut with Elam is that we don't get him.

The only reaason I think there is any chance is that our staff has proven the ability to close late, even with big-time D-linemen AND I don't see him as an Alabama kid.

I kindof think he made a mistake in this recruitiment. I think if he hadn't been so enamored with Stoops' BS early in the process, he may have really clicked somewhere like Auburn or Tennessee. UK stinks, but Alabama is a real meat-grinder for the ultra-confident types, and he seems like that might not suit him.

This is where we step in. We may be the last man standing. And Kelly can close those deals.

 

[Pachuco]

I don't think that's necessarily true.

Yeah, you might be right. It's often a crapshoot with these kids.
I hope he chooses ND, but I don't like the odds... based on my gut.... which is 100% accurate.
I mean, 100% accurate.

 

[TheChosen1]

Ben Roberts‏@NextCats

Matt Elam has been diagnosed with a dislocated patella in his left knee, his coach tells the Herald-Leader.


Coach Chad Lewis told me Elam is "very doubtful" for Friday's state semifinal playoff game. But they're thankful Elam's MRI showed no tears.

 

[irishff1014]

Dislocated patella in left knee but no tears probably out for playoff game.

 

[stlnd01]

I kindof think he made a mistake in this recruitiment. I think if he hadn't been so enamored with Stoops' BS early in the process, he may have really clicked somewhere like Auburn or Tennessee. UK stinks, but Alabama is a real meat-grinder for the ultra-confident types, and he seems like that might not suit him.

This is where we step in. We may be the last man standing. And Kelly can close those deals.

I think I remember this story from last year. We closed on another big-time DT this way. Eddie Something-or-other.
It is odd how quickly Elam narrowed down to three schools though, and three pretty different ones. I agree, though, he actually might be best off at an Auburn or OSU or Tennessee.

 

[rikkitikki08]

I think we should all agree that he is not committing to ND so when he does commit to ND we can all be really excited that we were wrong about him committing to ND when he commits.....

 

[johnnycando]

If his injury isn't severe, he's not Irish.

 

[rtrn2glory]

think if anything this should be a wake up call that you need to choose the school that prepares you for life...not just football.

See Danny Spond!!!

 

[Irish#1]

I think I remember this story from last year. We closed on another big-time DT this way. Eddie Something-or-other.
It is odd how quickly Elam narrowed down to three schools though, and three pretty different ones. I agree, though, he actually might be best off at an Auburn or OSU or Tennessee.

But hadn't Vanderwho already committed to USC, then we flipped him? Matt hasn't really committed to UK yet has he?

 

[stlnd01]

But hadn't Vanderwho already committed to USC, then we flipped him? Matt hasn't really committed to UK yet has he?

He was committed to USC but we didn't exactly flip him. He dropped them amid their late-season tailspin, re-opened his recruiting and visited us, 'Bama and UCLA, IIRC. We showed a lot of love and wound up on top on Signing Day. Then, of course, things changed.
Elam hasn't officially committed to UK, but there's been speculation at times that he's a silent, and even if he wasn't, they've been a sort of early crush that seemed to limit how wide he's looking, not unlike being committed somewhere but taking a couple of visits.
Not an exact parallel to the Eddie V saga. But not completely different either.

 

[Irish#1]

He was committed to USC but we didn't exactly flip him. He dropped them amid their late-season tailspin, re-opened his recruiting and visited us, 'Bama and UCLA, IIRC. We showed a lot of love and wound up on top on Signing Day. Then, of course, things changed.
Elam hasn't officially committed to UK, but there's been speculation at times that he's a silent, and even if he wasn't, they've been a sort of early crush that seemed to limit how wide he's looking, not unlike being committed somewhere but taking a couple of visits.
Not an exact parallel to the Eddie V saga. But not completely different either.

I remember how it played out, including the poor internet video when Vanderdoesnt announced for the Irish. lol

To me, if a kid is committed and then switches, it's a flip to me, regardless of the circumstances. I hadn't seen anything that showed Elam committed to UK is why I raised the question. I agree he's been a UK lean from the beginning, but it does look like some of that early crush may be wearing off since the hot chicks (ND & Bama) started flirting with him.

 

[Crazy Balki]

There are log jams, and there are log jams.

Being hesitant to be the 14th 4 or 5 star project for Saban's successor to turn his thumb up or down to maybe more of a sign of prudence than cowardice. If I were a QB looking at USC's depth chart a few years back, I might consider that I could be NFL-caliber, do everything right and get only ONE year on the field. If we pick up Luatua this year, I might be hesitant to be the second TE ND takes next year.

Also, isn't there something to be said for ACTUALLY playing a lot of snaps at a school like ND where you will always play good competition with good teammates? Manti did not compete much for the starting LB job, but he sure got a lot of live snaps against excellent competition! UK offers more snaps, but you are going to be triple-teamed non stop and will get a lot less help. (Coach, what do I do against triple teams.... Answer: wait until next year!). Alabama, on the other hand, creates the unrealistic situation where you are surrounded by so much talent, that no one can ever single you out, giving you an unrealistic feel for how easy things are. Welcome to the NFL Terrence Cody, Trent Richardson, etc...

Long story short...You can't avoid competition, but you can avoid non-advantageous situations.

And I believe this is the latter. Normally, I'd say that being in a situation with depth at a position of prominence at Alabama would be a good thing. It's why I thought Elam was going to Alabama originally, but I wasn't aware that Frazier was going to commit. This changes it. Like you said, there are log jams, and then there are log jams. ND can afford to have a huge surplus of TE's because they use multiple personnel looks, including double TE or even triple TE schemes. This gives the opportunities for several different players to shine. While ND can do that, there is only ONE Nose Guard, and that's what Elam and Frazier both are. For Luatua and Weishar, they have the opportunity to grab hold of the position when Niklas and Koyack leave after next season. Then, they will be sitting with Luatua, Weishar, Heuerman and Smythe. Whereas, Elam will be looking at SEVEN players in front of him. That's right, SEVEN. Including returning NG's Brandon Ivory and Darren Lakes, A'Shawn Robinson and Darius Page, there are DT recruits Josh Frazier, OJ Smith and Johnny Dwight. Not only does the position not have the schematic flexibility that TE has at Notre Dame, not only is the position deeper than it is at ND, but Elam only fits into 1 role, Nose Guard.

 

[Irish#1]

And I believe this is the latter. Normally, I'd say that being in a situation with depth at a position of prominence at Alabama would be a good thing. It's why I thought Elam was going to Alabama originally, but I wasn't aware that Frazier was going to commit. This changes it. Like you said, there are log jams, and then there are log jams. ND can afford to have a huge surplus of TE's because they use multiple personnel looks, including double TE or even triple TE schemes. This gives the opportunities for several different players to shine. While ND can do that, there is only ONE Nose Guard, and that's what Elam and Frazier both are. For Luatua and Weishar, they have the opportunity to grab hold of the position when Niklas and Koyack leave after next season. Then, they will be sitting with Luatua, Weishar, Heuerman and Smythe. Whereas, Elam will be looking at SEVEN players in front of him. That's right, SEVEN. Including returning NG's Brandon Ivory and Darren Lakes, A'Shawn Robinson and Darius Page, there are DT recruits Josh Frazier, OJ Smith and Johnny Dwight. Not only does the position not have the schematic flexibility that TE has at Notre Dame, not only is the position deeper than it is at ND, but Elam only fits into 1 role, Nose Guard.

Well stated. I'm guessing the staff has pointed that out to him.

 

[Emcee77]

Elston and Elliot will come for an in-home visit Wednesday. BK may come for an in-home next week.

 

[GreenSox04]

sounds like now or never time.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

The think I cannot imagine that no one has brought up is the tight end that Kelly recruited and stole from Stanford, who came from Kentucky.

From some one who played his knee caps into the ground I would want Matt to know all about Tate Nichols! Hell they are just about the same size! And Tate has a chance to finish his degree at ND. How many other schools have a decent grad rate for player that take a Medical? It is something Matt needs to think about because of how chronic of an injury a dislocated patella is.

 

[Irish#1]

Elston and Elliot will come for an in-home visit Wednesday. BK may come for an in-home next week.

Staff amping it up for the home stretch.

 

[PANDFAN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Confirmed it's just Bob Elliott conducting the in-home w/ Matt Elam on Wed. Where else the staff will be this wk ($) <a href="http://t.co/09gepEEqVX">http://t.co/09gepEEqVX</a></p>— Anna Hickey (@AnnaHScout) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnnaHScout/statuses/407556194652286977">December 2, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[STLDomer]

He had an in home with like half the UK staff yesterday, not Stoops though.


Elliott will be there Wednesday and Kelly will probably visit him next week according to Wiltfong

 

[KPENN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I wonder if Kentucky Wildcat football fans have hopes of a winning record whenever they look at there schedule....</p>— Jay Hayes (@JayHayesNY) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayHayesNY/statuses/407673985183518720">December 3, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[stlnd01]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I wonder if Kentucky Wildcat football fans have hopes of a winning record whenever they look at there schedule....</p>— Jay Hayes (@JayHayesNY) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayHayesNY/statuses/407673985183518720">December 3, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I think Jay Hayes will be a fine bearer of the Louis Nix tradition of friendly wise-assery. Hopefully he gets his their/there/they're issues sorted out in freshman comp, though.