'14 CA ATH John (Juju) Smith (USC Signee)

Whiskeyjack

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Ndaccountant said:
My point was that it is dangerous to speculate in either direction. Whether the kid meant it or not is moot. We think anytime a kid mentions academics and religion as being important we automatically conclude that if he goes elsewhere, he wasn't truthful. Fact is, many things are important when it comes to weighing a decision and things like religion and education can play a role in recruiting, but it might not be THE role.
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I'd argue that it's more important to distinguish between critiquing a recruit's decision on the one hand, and critiquing the recruit as an individual on the other. Regarding the latter, we simply don't know enough about these kids to indict them; many of them, like McKenzie, come from very disadvantaged backgrounds that most of us can't even relate to.

But regarding the former? If we take Juju at his word that religion and education were of primary importance to him, then I have absolutely no problem stating that Oregon is an objectively poor choice since ND is still an option for him. To imply otherwise is to stretch moral relativism and political correctness ad absurdum.

But we don't even need to go that far. For months, LAX has been noting the disconnect between Juju's statements to our reporters/ coaches vs. everyone else. The most likely explanation here is that the kid was simply telling us what he (rightly) thought we wanted to hear. And that doesn't make him a bad person; though it does raise concerns about the gullibility of our staff/ reporters, and their ability to cross-reference with other sources.

At this point, I'll be happy as long as he doesn't sign with one of our rivals.
 
Ndaccountant

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Whiskeyjack said:
I'd argue that it's more important to distinguish between critiquing a recruit's decision on the one hand, and critiquing the recruit as an individual on the other. Regarding the latter, we simply don't know enough about these kids to indict them; many of them, like McKenzie, come from very disadvantaged backgrounds that most of us can't even relate to.

But regarding the former? If we take Juju at his word that religion and education were of primary importance to him, then I have absolutely no problem stating that Oregon is an objectively poor choice since ND is still an option for him. To imply otherwise is to stretch moral relativism and political correctness ad absurdum.

But we don't even need to go that far. For months, LAX has been noting the disconnect between Juju's statements to our reporters/ coaches vs. everyone else. The most likely explanation here is that the kid was simply telling us what he (rightly) thought we wanted to hear. And that doesn't make him a bad person; though it does raise concerns about the gullibility of our staff/ reporters, and their ability to cross-reference with other sources.

At this point, I'll be happy as long as he doesn't sign with one of our rivals.
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Perhaps I missed it throughout the year, but I don't seem to recall that he mentioned education and religion were of primary importance. My recollection is that they were factors in his decision, but not the sole factors.

It is certainly possible, if not likely, that my memory is failing me here. If that is the case, then so be it. I just don't remember him saying that.
 
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Whiskeyjack said:
But regarding the former? If we take Juju at his word that religion and education were of primary importance to him, then I have absolutely no problem stating that Oregon is an objectively poor choice since ND is still an option for him. To imply otherwise is to stretch moral relativism and political correctness ad absurdum.
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If anything, I think he may have exaggerated his desire for academics and religion over staying close or relatively close to home. It's easy to say that distance isn't a factor, until reality hits and you realize that you are completely leaving your network behind, family, friends, etc. for three to four years. Call me an apologist, but I interpret this as more indicative of his age (immaturity), but not malicious deception. It's a tough decision. He doesn't want to let anyone down. He wants to be his own person, yet close enough for his family to visit. All speculation, but not unreasonable.
 
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Emcee77

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Ndaccountant said:
Perhaps I missed it throughout the year, but I don't seem to recall that he mentioned education and religion were of primary importance. My recollection is that they were factors in his decision, but not the sole factors.

It is certainly possible, if not likely, that my memory is failing me here. If that is the case, then so be it. I just don't remember him saying that.
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This is my recollection too. For example, in the below-linked article from a couple months ago (not sure if premium), Loy says that there are four factors that are important to Juju and his fam: religion, a family-oriented coaching staff, early playing time, and academics. He didn't say anything about how much weight Juju gives each factor or even really what he means by "religion" and "academics."

The latest on John JuJu Smith and Notre Dame
 
aubeirish

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I'll leave this here:
Tits have a way to cloud good judgement and mix priorities.
 
greyhammer90

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Am I the only guy who never takes a kid seriously when he says "religion is important"? I mean it happens, and it's a bonus for a lot of them I'm sure, but it's a politician answer. This kid knows his parents, relatives, and coaches will be reading this crap. He can't say "I'm really interested in seeing how many times I can get laid in one weekend and where the coaches won't be on my ass for missing a class or two."

and honestly I don't blame him. It's not being dishonest. You've got a group of people you've never met inquiring into your life on the internet. You're not going to go out of your way to make sure their feelings aren't hurt when you make your decision.
 
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Whiskeyjack

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Ndaccountant said:
Perhaps I missed it throughout the year, but I don't seem to recall that he mentioned education and religion were of primary importance. My recollection is that they were factors in his decision, but not the sole factors.

It is certainly possible, if not likely, that my memory is failing me here. If that is the case, then so be it. I just don't remember him saying that.
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I should mention that most of the invective in my previous two posts was not aimed at you specifically. I've just been frustrated by the apologists around here who blindly defend even the worst behavior by recruits lately.
 
CanadalovesND

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aubeirish said:
I'll leave this here:
Tits have a way to cloud good judgement and mix priorities.
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daniel-tosh-motorboats-o.gif


I concur.
 
ThePiombino

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greyhammer90 said:
Am I the only guy who never takes a kid seriously when he says "religion is important"? I mean it happens, and it's a bonus for a lot of them I'm sure, but it's a politician answer. This kid knows his parents, relatives, and coaches will be reading this crap. He can't say "I'm really interested in seeing how many times I can get laid in one weekend and where the coaches won't be on my ass for missing a class or two.
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Amen. Also, if the kid has 1/2 a brain, he will know his audience. So he told some ND reporters that he's really high on the religious culture??? SHOCKER!!! I choose to take it with a grain of salt 60% of the time, every time.
 
tussin

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Whiskeyjack said:
I should mention that most of the invective in my previous two posts was not aimed at you specifically. I've just been frustrated by the apologists around here who blindly defend even the worst behavior by recruits lately.
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Agreed. But it is also equally frustrating to read the posters on here saying, "He values religion and academics but didn't go to Notre Dame?!?! WHAT A LIAR!!!"
 
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Whiskeyjack

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tussin said:
Agreed. But it is also equally frustrating to read the posters on here saying, "He values religion and academics but didn't go to Notre Dame?!?! WHAT A LIAR!!!"
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Also agreed. But has anyone actually said that?
 
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Bogtrotter07

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aubeirish said:
I'll leave this here:
Tits have a way to cloud good judgement and mix priorities.
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5A-4VGfx5lU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Been the ruin of this poor boy!
 
tussin

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Whiskeyjack said:
Also agreed. But has anyone actually said that?
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Not explicitly. But, when it became more apparent that ND isn't in the race, the tone of the posts on here seemed to question how genuine JuJu is about academic and religious importance. The fact of the matter is that those things may very well be really important to him. In fact, I would imagine many religious individuals are also more likely the type to want to stay close to home.

Who knows for sure. But, there is no point to the snarky posts questioning a recruit's motives (especially before NSD when recruits may still be undecided and reading message boards).
 
andre784

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If he does choose the ducks it's definitely a win for us regardless. Don't want another Robert Woods/Agholor coming there.
 
NDdomer2

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Pachuco said:
Oregon is fine by me, especially since USC has been the presumed choice since Kiffin's exit.

I can't remember who said it, but the third factor that has seemingly emerged as a priority is likely proximity to home. That could be a very valid reason for ruling ND out. The discussion about religion needs to take a backseat now...

By all means, quack away, JuJu.... if that's your thing.

"The enemy of my enemy..."
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seems we were saying that about Stanford and UCLA not too long ago :(
 
Cpnd1

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Nothing new, but Wiltfong posted this for his predicition for Juju.

USC. "Notre Dame made it interesting for the entire process and at some points even led but in the end the coaching change in Los Angeles and the opportunity to stay close to home could seal it for the Trojans. Oregon and UCLA are also in the mix."
 
Irish#1

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Emcee77 said:
He's hearing it's Oregon. Made a great impression when Juju visited. Apparently they put him around a lot of other Polynesian players and Juju really liked that environment.
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And probably a few Polynesian coeds as well!
 
IrishLax

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Luckylucci said:
Interesting and bold call, I like it. In Justin Hopkins update he was very very confident that his sources were right on this.
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Yeah... that's what's so interesting. Either it is a well executed smokescreen for drama (super possible) or it's legit. Either way... /popcorn.
 
Emcee77

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Feels like a smokescreen to me too, but if so, it's been really well-executed. He's got everybody convinced.
 
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