'17 CA DE Hunter Echols (USC Verbal)

[Big23Head]

per loy, he is best friends w/ jamire who he also expects to commit to ND....Hunter stated he felt a real strong connection w/ some ND commits and this is why he predicts the flip

FWIW, the Scout article indicated he got along really well with Avery Davis, Jordan Pouncey, CJ Holmes and MacCollister

 

[Irish#1]

FYI --- I would expect a few Loy CBs to change today. He's putting out his 'best guess' report for 25 players headed to ND.

You and him are best buds and that's the best you can do? Get the inside scoop for us Koon.

 

[BobbyMac]

Got some info from a coach I know and it sounds like Echols has flipped in all ways but announcing. Staff should have listened to Crusader and offered Jamire C sooner.

I'll throw CB's at them both

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/ArmyAllAmerican">@ArmyAllAmerican</a> Top100 DE Hunter Echols recaps “unbelievable” trip to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a> <a href="https://t.co/BgFcgAcHEY">https://t.co/BgFcgAcHEY</a> (VIP) <a href="https://t.co/gTh8JsXnrY">pic.twitter.com/gTh8JsXnrY</a></p>— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomLoy247/status/747437012299448320">June 27, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

Got some info from a coach I know and it sounds like Echols has flipped in all ways but announcing. Staff should have listened to Crusader and offered Jamire C sooner.

I'll throw CB's at them both

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/ArmyAllAmerican">@ArmyAllAmerican</a> Top100 DE Hunter Echols recaps “unbelievable” trip to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a> <a href="https://t.co/BgFcgAcHEY">https://t.co/BgFcgAcHEY</a> (VIP) <a href="https://t.co/gTh8JsXnrY">pic.twitter.com/gTh8JsXnrY</a></p>— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomLoy247/status/747437012299448320">June 27, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I like the way this is going

 

[arrowryan]

I applaud him for taking the road less traveled and being open about not wanting to play in the NFL. But that worries me at the same time because how much of an effort will he give in college if he doesn't care what NFL scouts think about him?

 

[ND Fan Vancouver]

I'm really liking what I'm hearing. If we get Echols and Ewell I'm gonna do a back flip

 

[IrishLion]

I applaud him for taking the road less traveled and being open about not wanting to play in the NFL. But that worries me at the same time because how much of an effort will he give in college if he doesn't care what NFL scouts think about him?

Probably the same effort, because if he isn't planning on the NFL, but still has the desire to play in college, that means he wants to win championships while he gets an education.

 

[Domina Nostra]

Probably the same effort, because if he isn't planning on the NFL, but still has the desire to play in college, that means he wants to win championships while he gets an education.

Or it means he wants to do what it takes to get a free ride to a $60k per year school, but no more, and would be fine riding the pine...

 

[NDdomer2]

Or it means he wants to do what it takes to get a free ride to a $60k per year school, but no more, and would be fine riding the pine...

we get some of those anyways. I say big deal on the "no nfl" talk. so few of these guys make it anyway, good for Hunter that he at least knows theres more to life than making it to the league.

 

[koonja]

If he has 1st round potential, he'll probably reconsider the 'no NFL' talk one day. It's good money to jump start whatever else you want to do i nlife.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

You all are trying to read his words with your values.

I would think one would have to interview him a number of times to get the context and meaning, let alone make any assumptions.

Besides, I am not going to use that to determine his amplitude, as much as what his game film shows; Does the kid's game films show a motor equal to the effort he puts forth in drills?

 

[Irishman77]

This kid looks fantastic! Very good speed, but his power is shocking considering his upper body. WOW! Looks like a 5 star to me...

 

[aubeirish]

Kelly and Co. are not known for offering kids that don't want to give 110% effort all the time...

 

[Luckylucci]

I realize the concern and its one that has some merits. Not one I currently have as I think, at this stage, the kid still really likes competing. There were more guys watching II than competing and he was one of the guys on the field getting after it. Made specific comments about his love for competition and that's why he worked out.

FWIW, Chris Borland was one hell of a competitor in college and shortly after being drafted by the 49ers he retired to save his body. That guy was an animal on the collegiate level.

 

[Domina Nostra]

I realize the concern and its one that has some merits. Not one I currently have as I think, at this stage, the kid still really likes competing. There were more guys watching II than competing and he was one of the guys on the field getting after it. Made specific comments about his love for competition and that's why he worked out.

FWIW, Chris Borland was one hell of a competitor in college and shortly after being drafted by the 49ers he retired to save his body. That guy was an animal on the collegiate level.

I agree that it could either way, but we have some very recent history with kids who gave up a year of eligibility because football was not the priority.

 

[Luckylucci]

I agree that it could either way, but we have some very recent history with kids who gave up a year of eligibility because football was not the priority.

True and Elmer would be the starting LG but Robinson would just be taking reps from more talented players, its a blessing in disguise really.

Again, I get the thought and its something that we'll continue to hear about as long as ND puts as much effort into bringing in kids who truly want to get a top notch education, so that will be forever, lol.

You don't stop recruiting the talent that may walk away, you just recruit more talent in case that happens. Ex. we sign Daley and Echols as WDE/edge rushers. Add to last years class of Okwara and Hayes. That's 4 guys for 1 spot, will it really matter if he walks away from the game or doesn't give 100% to the football program, no. However, lets say he plays inspired football for 4-5 years and produces at a top 100 level. I'd say that's a pretty good risk/reward.

 

[rtrn2glory]

We can be concerned about his level of commitment all we want but nobody in their right mind is going to turn down having this dude on their roster, especially with our lack of dynamic pass rushers, so all of that talk right now is mum IMO

 

[irishandy]

I feel that Jim Mora is about to get Aliz'e Jones'd again!

 

[Bogtrotter07]

True and Elmer would be the starting RG (maybe) but Robinson would just be taking reps from more talented players, its a blessing in disguise really.

Again, I get the thought and its something that we'll continue to hear about as long as ND puts as much effort into bringing in kids who truly want to get a top notch education, so that will be forever, lol.

You don't stop recruiting the talent that may walk away, you just recruit more talent in case that happens. Ex. we sign Daley and Echols as WDE/edge rushers. Add to last years class of Okwara and Hayes. That's 4 guys for 1 spot, will it really matter if he walks away from the game or doesn't give 100% to the football program, no. However, lets say he plays inspired football for 4-5 years and produces at a top 100 level. I'd say that's a pretty good risk/reward.

FIFY

I don't think of things in terms of who is 'better', but if we look at it honestly, I think there are more good to potentially great players to replace Elmer this year, than even Robinson.

Plus, with Robinson, it is all about leadership.

Elmer is a great guy, I am sure, but I just don't see him with the same dynamic nature Corey Robinson has.

 

[Luckylucci]

I can't say I agree with that.

Very little doubt in my mind that Elmer isn't starting at RG considering the realistic options behind him. McGovern and Bivin did very little to instill confidence this spring. Where WR was quite the opposite. A number of young pass catchers (Stepherson, ESB, Alize, etc.) and not enough balls to go around. Plus, WR is a much easier position for freshman to be successful at and we still have Claypool and McKinley to work into to the mix.

I realize the leadership piece but one was a starter and the other was already getting passed up by freshman and sophomores.

 

[EddytoNow]

Lest we forget. Steve Elmer was the first verbal commit (or one of the first) during his recruitment year. He was very active helping to recruit the rest of that class, especially the offensive linemen. If I remember correctly, Steve was on campus when others visited to tell them how much he loved Notre Dame. And while he was not the most fleet-footed of our linemen, he was part of the line that enabled CJ Procise to rush for over 1000 yards and Josh Adams to set the freshman rushing record of nearly 900 yards. He also embodies the 40-year decision moving forward. In addition, I never heard anything negative about Elmer's off-field behavior. Quite an ambassador for the Notre Dame image. Not every recruit is going to play in the NFL.

And if Hunter Echols decides to come to Notre Dame with the intention to earn his degree and nevers play a down in the NFL, I'm fine with that. If he helps to improve our defensive line play to the same degree that Steve Elmer helped with the offensive line, all the better. After all, I remember the pre-Elmer days when Jimmy Clausen spent most of the game running for his life behind an offensive line that just wasn't very good.

 

[DomeX2 eNVy]

In an interview with Wiltfong, he plans to official to UCLA, ND, Michigan, Ohio State, and Alabama; but he is still firm with UCLA.

Interesting quote on ND recruiting:

Gilmore and VanGorder, I love those dudes. Coach VanGorder, he’s a great recruiter. In person, he was telling me you don’t pick Notre Dame, Notre Dame picks you. You have to go there, you have to come in and do the work. Most people are scared to do the work.

 

[ThePiombino]

In an interview with Wiltfong, he plans to official to UCLA, ND, Michigan, Ohio State, and Alabama; but he is still firm with UCLA.

Gilmore and VanGorder, I love those dudes. Coach VanGorder, he’s a great recruiter. In person, he was telling me you don’t pick Notre Dame, Notre Dame picks you. You have to go there, you have to come in and do the work. Most people are scared to do the work.

Interesting quote on ND recruiting:

Welp, circle this day on the calendar.

 

[dublinirish]

Welp, circle this day on the calendar.

lol Coach VanGorder's snapchat game is off the charts no doubt

 

[Domina Nostra]

Somebody needs to tell Hunter that he's never going to be taken seriously on Irish Envy spouting out nonsense like that.

What a homer.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Seriously, I like the kind of kid Hunter is, just from his quote repeating something he was told about the A) difference ND is; and, B) That it's all about the work, (work ethic.)

So I would take Hunter at this point if he only planned on playing three years.

As far as BVG, the further we get from this thing, the clearer I believe it is going to become. Schmidt wasn't BVG's man, or vice versa. BVG is too good evaluating talent.

I believe everybody was put in a situation that was difficult last year. The biggest cost was Jaylon Smith. I believe he began to become distant to the program over all that was going on.

This sounds really strange even saying it, but I believe the coaches were given Joe, with little choice. I believe either God directly, or through Father Jenkins, Jack Swarbrick, some powerful alumni, or faculty * (in response to the frozen football players, who knows? Stranger things have happened!), totally supported Schmidt, to the point where the coaches had little actual choice.

• Yes, he was the logical choice preseason, because he did have a really good Junior year before his injury.
• Yes, there was a huge behind the scenes TV special series, so there were millions of dollars riding on a few choices, and Joe had a compelling story to tell.
• Yes, one of Brian Kelly's most important tasks was to build up the preferred walk-on program. So said he, and it is clear it paid dividends already, including in preparation for the option teams we played last year. Forget about how it has supplemented depth issues.

So, I don't know the details but I believe everything happens in the program at ND for a reason, just like ND is picking players with certain emotional, behavioral, and personality traits. Hunter fits that clearly.

Also remember, ND has some pretty high-powered resources mustered to help reduce the number of injuries, the effects of injuries, and the loss of performance due to injuries. Last year could have been the cluster it was around MLB simply because of the lingering affect of multiple injuries.

 

[Meatloaf]

Unfortunately ISD doesn't see him leaving the west coast, using the saying "watch what he does, not what he says".

 

[KPENN]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">4-star <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLA?src=hash">#UCLA</a> DE commit Hunter Echols will be back at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a>, which continues to make inroads ($): <a href="https://t.co/s0qOXowc0s">https://t.co/s0qOXowc0s</a></p>— Jake Brown (@Jake_Brown) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jake_Brown/status/752286101725863936">July 10, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Big23Head]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">4-star <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCLA?src=hash">#UCLA</a> DE commit Hunter Echols will be back at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotreDame?src=hash">#NotreDame</a>, which continues to make inroads ($): <a href="https://t.co/s0qOXowc0s">https://t.co/s0qOXowc0s</a></p>— Jake Brown (@Jake_Brown) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jake_Brown/status/752286101725863936">July 10, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I don't know why there is a $ in the tweet, the article shows up as free.

BEAVERTON, Ore. - Hunter Echols isn’t interested in too many school outside UCLA, to which he’s been committed since winter. One program that has intrigued the four-star defensive end is Notre Dame, which played host for a visit last month and will likely do so again.

BEAVERTON, Ore. - Hunter Echols will eventually have a difficult decision to make.

Notre Dame has made it so. Echols committed to UCLA in February. But that hasn’t kept the four-star defensive end from Los Angeles from giving the Irish a serious look. He visited last month for Irish Invasion, a sign of his seriousness.

“I’m always gonna be UCLA because that’s my dream school,” Echols said. “That’s where I committed. But they have been making a great push. They really sneak up on my mind from time to time. I’ve been seeing Notre Dame stuff lately. I’ll just walk around on the street and I’ll see someone with a Notre Dame backpack on and I’m like, ‘That’s Notre Dame calling.’ Just little signs, stuff like that. They always pop up.”

Echols finds some comfort in those signs and what Notre Dame brings to the table.

During his Irish Invasion visit, Echols connected with current commitments C.J. Holmes and Avery Davis. He also learned more about what the program brings away from football, which struck a pretty strong cord.

Getting a quality education doesn’t just resonate with Echols. His family took note of what Notre Dame can offer from that perspective as well.

“Ninety-five percent of African Americans graduate and that was really awesome for me and my family,” Echols said. “There’s a lot of racism going on now, so you just wanna graduate and get your degree. If I get my degree from Notre Dame, it’d set me up for life.”

Echols liked enough about the trip to be considering another, likely for the Stanford home game in mid-October. Putting together a complete package is helping keep the Irish involved.

“Just the tradition and playing on national TV every single week,” Echols said. “They own NBC or something like that or they have their own football network. Getting that exposure, internships, all that good stuff. I liked it a lot.”

UCLA also isn’t backing away. Echols plans to visit the Bruins again this month. Defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator Angus McClure has been in consistent contact with the 6-foot-4, 220-pound prospect throughout his recruitment.

Echols has also helped build the Bruins recruiting class, which includes five-star defensive end Jaelen Phillips.

“I’ve recruited a lot of guys there like Jaelen and a lot of guys I’ve been recruiting,” Echols said. “I’ve been making bonds. So it’s kinda hard to leave my team or leave my squad. I kinda helped make that squad. I’ve got a lot of effort and emotion into my team. I’m not saying there’s nowhere else that could swing me away, but right now UCLA is my top school.”

Right now Echols doesn’t envision any other official visits outside Notre Dame and UCLA. In terms of putting a formal end to the recruiting process, that probably won’t happen until winter.

“Probably after the Army All-American game,” Echols said. “I’m not gonna commit there. But something in January after football is all done, I’m gonna start shutting it all the way down.”

 

[rtrn2glory]

That sounded very thanks but no thanks to me