'08 NC CB/S Robert "R.J." Blanton (Signed LOI to ND)

[Akron Irish]

Read another posted on another board mention how he never knows anything thats going on and he's never an insider so this would be his only time to contribue, but lives by Blanton and says he gave Weis is verbal yesterday....as of now an internet rumor so don't get mad at me im just relaying a good sounding "rumor" from the guy.

 

[irishunclebill]

The Blanton rumor continues to have legs at this late hour as it spread from the Irish free board at II (as noted earlier by IK1023) to all of the ND message boards, to the premium boards, and then the national boards. The source of the rumor is definitely the one posted by IK1023, and several Virginia Tech posters have also said that it is a done deal. No site is willing to call it a done deal however, and they won't till they hear it from Blanton himself if it is true.

I will say one thing for the guy who started the rumor, for someone who would like to stay out of the line of fire, he put himself way out there on this one, especially if it does not turn out to be true.

This was his original quote on the II free board:

"Robert Blanton is Irish.

This is the first and probably last time I will ever have inside info on a Irish recruit.

Blanton is Irish, without a doubt."

followed by this even more stirring declaration when asked to clarify:

"But I know for a fact he (Blanton) called CW last night to tell him (that he was committing)."

Hope for this guys sake that it pans out, otherwise he is going to take a beating. More importantly I hope the info is right for ND because Blanton is a beast on the football field.

 

[Irishknight1023]

Well new developments......Blantons father has stated on a forum that Robert has not commited, but we DO LEAD. He says it will basically be between ND and VT, but he still wants to check out UNC but still says it will problably be between ND and VT with us leading so either way good news.

 

[johnnd05]

Wow. That is AWESOME.

 

[IrishCalves]

It may be even better than that. I think I read it on the DD message board, that his parents are concerned about distance, whereas Robert Blanton isn't. I'm pretty sure that echoes what I've heard on the Irish Power hour interview he did.

If it were the other way around, you'd think VA Tech has the upper edge, but not so. My guess/hope is that their concerns about distance aren't deep like they are with Terrelle Pryor, and that Robert'll eventually settle their completely natural nerves.

 

[irishunclebill]

Well new developments......Blantons father has stated on a forum that Robert has not commited, but we DO LEAD. He says it will basically be between ND and VT, but he still wants to check out UNC but still says it will problably be between ND and VT with us leading so either way good news.

Just a question, how can anybody be sure that this guy is Blanton's dad, and why would he all of a sudden start posting for the first time immediately after the rumor hit the Rivals national board. Also, what's with the West Baltimore- Blanton is from outside of Charlotte. Call me a cynic, or call me Will Hill's dad, but it seems like a peculiar thing for a dad to be engaging in message board talk about his son. Of course, eman if you are Blanton's dad, you have every right to do so, I'm just saying, and if you are his dad, just ignore my cynicism, it's late on a Saturday night.

In any case, other than blind faith, there is simply no way of knowing whether this guy is legit, but if he is I hope he helps convince "RJ" that ND is the place for him.

 

[seniorle]

Weis and Brown are definitely making Blanton a priority

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=rivals-123247&prov=rivals&type=story_recruiting

 

[irishunclebill]

According to the guy who has been posting the last two weeks saying that he is Robert Blanton's father, (actually step-father) Blanton has decided to commit to Notre Dame. The father/stepfather is saying that he will be coming out to South Bend next month, but did not make it very clear whether Blanton will make an official anoouncement before he visits, or during the visit. Everyone seems convinced that this guy is legit and he certainly seems to be, but I guess we won't know for sure until we actually hear that Blanton has given CW/CB his verbal commit. In the meantime I am very hopeful that the Irish have snared another very highly gifted defensive recruit.

 

[IrishCalves]

Read the same blurb from DD as you IUB. They said that the announcement should be some time in June. It'd be great to have at least one verbal at every need position we have before the regular season starts.

 

[grantphilly]

Hope it's not someone just blowing smoke up our a^*%s

 

[jiggafini19]

Hope it's not someone just blowing smoke up our a^*%s

And let's hope he ends up signing in February after verballing in June.

 

[Irishknight1023]

From the sound of it, it sounds like the guys legit. I don't know about him giving away all of Blantons plans because Blanton sure isn't sounding like he's going to decide in the summer. He said in a recent article he wants to take unofficials this summer to all the local schools and then officials to the further schools like ND. It's just me, but from his quotes it just didn't sound like the two match....but that's me being the pessimist.

 

[GoshenGipper]

According to the guy who has been posting the last two weeks saying that he is Robert Blanton's father, (actually step-father) Blanton has decided to commit to Notre Dame. The father/stepfather is saying that he will be coming out to South Bend next month, but did not make it very clear whether Blanton will make an official anoouncement before he visits, or during the visit. Everyone seems convinced that this guy is legit and he certainly seems to be, but I guess we won't know for sure until we actually hear that Blanton has given CW/CB his verbal commit. In the meantime I am very hopeful that the Irish have snared another very highly gifted defensive recruit.

Is it just me or does RJ's step-dad seem like he wants/needs the attention more than RJ? After reading his posts from Rivals I wouldn't be suprised if he held a pre and post pressconference presser just for himself so he could be in the spotlight and talk to everyone about RJ. I hate it when parents are overly involed in their kids' lives. Parents need to learn how to find a happy medium.

If true though, I will be very happy to have RJ aboard.

 

[IrishCalves]

Aside from the supposed paternal poster, I'm hearing through different message boards, and through different stories, that (paraphrasing) Blanton is ND's to lose at this point. Its probably only patience and making sure it's the right decision - which matches his comments addressing his time table, roughly - that is preventing him from verballing in public. If he does so within the next month or two, that's a pretty big get for the Irish. Gives a nice springboard and a solid footing heading into the fall.

 

[GoshenGipper]

Its probably only patience and making sure it's the right decision - which matches his comments addressing his time table, roughly - that is preventing him from verballing in public.

Well according to the poster that says he is RJ's step-dad this is why he claims that RJ is waiting untill next month.

but he will decide next month. Why next month you ask? Well his coach told all of his guys to hold off until after the recruiting period to give schools their shot and take your visits.

That way when you commit, you should be sure. He also told them, whatever school they commit to, he will do whatever he can to hold them to that commitment. No flip flops if he has anything to do with it. He also wants to make sure after the school year, he's still on track to get in school.

 

[johnnd05]

Okay, so sorry, but I'm confused about this whole thing (and I admit I haven't been reading DD). But why the heck would this kid's stepdad go to a message board to blow the lid off of things unless the kid himself were willing to announce his decision? Is there some sort of tension between them? Or is his stepdad just a wee bit unstable? Or ...?

I just feel like there are too many loose ends here for me to trust what I'm hearing from this guy.

 

[GoshenGipper]

Okay, so sorry, but I'm confused about this whole thing (and I admit I haven't been reading DD). But why the heck would this kid's stepdad go to a message board to blow the lid off of things unless the kid himself were willing to announce his decision? Is there some sort of tension between them? Or is his stepdad just a wee bit unstable? Or ...?

I just feel like there are too many loose ends here for me to trust what I'm hearing from this guy.

It wasn't on DD, it was on a different site, but this guys actually seems very legit. He also says that RJ calls him dad since he has raised him since he was very young, 4 if I remember right. Here's my best guess as to the reasons for his actions.

Is it just me or does RJ's step-dad seem like he wants/needs the attention more than RJ? After reading his posts from Rivals I wouldn't be suprised if he held a pre and post pressconference presser just for himself so he could be in the spotlight and talk to everyone about RJ. I hate it when parents are overly involed in their kids' lives. Parents need to learn how to find a happy medium.

 

[Irishknight1023]

This is froma poster from a VT board when asked about Blanton...

"Recent article states that he dosen't know where that rumor got started that he was goin to ND but it was completely false-He claims no favorites at this time."

-----I just can't beleive a father or step father would sign up and pay money for a rivals account to reveal all of his kids plans when the kid obviously doesn't want him too. I have seen no proof that he has any relation to him, I'm not going on "He sounds legit" anymore because anybody can create a name and pretend.

 

[GoshenGipper]

This is froma poster from a VT board when asked about Blanton...

"Recent article states that he dosen't know where that rumor got started that he was goin to ND but it was completely false-He claims no favorites at this time."

-----I just can't beleive a father or step father would sign up and pay money for a rivals account to reveal all of his kids plans when the kid obviously doesn't want him too. I have seen no proof that he has any relation to him, I'm not going on "He sounds legit" anymore because anybody can create a name and pretend.

Pete Samson from Irish Illustrated was able to get in contact with the man this afternoon during RJ's track meet, and is now able to report that the guy is completely legit.

RJ took 2nd in the and he also competed in the 300m hurdles, plus he is scheduled to run in the 4x400 relay. Also RJ will now be comming back on another visit next month to be able to hang out with the current players, and gain a better feel for the campus.

According to RJ's step-dad his parents would rather have him stay close to home by going to VT, UNC, or another school in the region, but RJ has his heart set on ND.

 

[notredomer23]

Well thats good to hear

 

[Irishknight1023]

Well Goshen, I was looking for info. like that all along with nobody providing any substantial evidence. Good work and I stand corrected, but somebody has to be the pressimist.

 

[johnnd05]

Pete Samson from Irish Illustrated was able to get in contact with the man this afternoon during RJ's track meet, and is now able to report that the guy is completely legit.

RJ took 2nd in the and he also competed in the 300m hurdles, plus he is scheduled to run in the 4x400 relay. Also RJ will now be comming back on another visit next month to be able to hang out with the current players, and gain a better feel for the campus.

According to RJ's step-dad his parents would rather have him stay close to home by going to VT, UNC, or another school in the region, but RJ has his heart set on ND.

AWESOME. Now THAT's the kind of info. I was looking for.

 

[rockne19]

is rj robert blanton?

 

[GoshenGipper]

is rj robert blanton?

Yes, his name is actually Robert Jack Blanton Jr., but he goes by RJ according to his step-dad (Robert Edwards). Edwards has also said that while his biological father is still in RJ's life, Edwards and his mother have raised RJ since he was four years old so RJ considers Edwards his dad, and Edwards considers RJ and his older sister his children.

He has also said that he practically tried to gift wrap RJ for his alma mater (Maryland) but they blew him off and never showed much interest untill recently, but by then RJ had already virtually narrowed it down to VT and ND, with VT having a huge lead untill Cowin Brown started recruiting RJ.

I don't know why Edwards would decide to make all of this kind of personal info public, because I know I sure wouldn't, but never the less he has. Besides this kind of info I've seen him include somewhat detailed conversations between their family, and talk about some of Coach Brown's recruiting tactics. One example would be that CB found out that RJ and his sister were very close so he not only texts/recruits RJ, but his sister, his mom, and then RJ's mom went out and bought a texting package for Edwards without telling him so CB could text him too.

 

[rockne19]

thanks,goshen gipper for the info.GO IRISH!!!!

 

[Irishknight1023]

Damn texting ban will ruin everythinnngg

 

[notredomer23]

how will it ruin it? if we can do it other schools cant do it either. its not gonna help, but its not gonna effect us.

 

[Jason Pham]

I think the removal of texting will actually help Notre Dame. While it is around, we have to text constantly to be on an even level with teams and coaches who rely on constant texting to sell their program to these kids. With a ban on texting and the number of calls and letters monitored and limited, recruits will have to make their visits and experience the campus and program first hand, something Notre Dame has an edge on many other programs in my opinion, instead of checking up on texts from their homie Zookster and Meyer.

 

[rockne19]

meyer the liar relies on poaching for prospects.

 

[IrishCalves]

Personally, I think it hurts. I think the teams that benefit most are the one's with recruiting bases in their own back yards. Its hard to be in California, Texas, Ohio, and Florida all at once for ND's staff, whereas schools like "the U" drive 20 miles in a day and visit half their wish list (overstating it, but you get my point).

Yes, the official visits often have significant weight with ND recruits, but a lot of times the only way you can get those visits is by showing a kid a lot of "love", something that is now made more difficult, particularly for ND's staff.

Lets not jump off bridges or anything though. Notre Dame has been able to recruit in the past, before the utilization of text messaging. This certainly isn't a straw that'll break this camel's back, and I fully expect the Irish to continue their recruiting success, if not improve on it.