I think there's merit to both sides of the debate. Can the program and university provide the support and proper structure to handle kids once they return from a mission? Yes, I believe so, even in the absence of a reliable sample size. Just because it didn't work out for Badger doesn't mean it won't work out for other players. That situation had more factors than simply Badger going on a mission and / or ND's ability to provide Badger with a proper transition.
But I also agree that mission kids are not preferred, personally. In most cases, it's not in their best interest from a football development standpoint and has a negative impact in this regard. Of course there are success stories, but, AS A FAN, I'd prefer our guys enter the university on schedule and immediately begin their football and academic careers.
I don't think student-athletes who plan on taking a mission are untouchable, simply for the fact that many players, including guys like Manti, plan on taking a mission and change their mind before following through with it. I would guess that a large percentage of FBS LDS recruits fall into this category with a smaller number actually following through on their mission plans.
If I were calling the shots at ND, I'd continue to recruit Porter (assuming everything else checks out), but I wouldn't be happy with him delaying his enrollment and taking a two-year mission. He's probably a take either way, but that doesn't mean I'd be happy with it.
As for the scholarship numbers, are we positive a LDS student-athlete counts towards the 85 while they are away on a mission? I think I recall Badger counting against the numbers, but I'm not sure.
