'12 AZ WR Davonte Neal (Arizona Transfer)

[SJIrish]

People like to say ESPN hates ND, but they had ND's class rated in the top 10 and higher than anybody else. Not that it really matters though.

 

[FLDomer]

Sooooo.... Is this Neal kid any good?

 

[DillonHall]

People like to say ESPN hates ND, but they had ND's class rated in the top 10 and higher than anybody else. Not that it really matters though.

I think it's ranked so highly because they're including Prestwood and Carlisle (doesn't really make sense to me). But I don't get the ESPN bashing either.

 

[jimmymac]

People like to say ESPN hates ND, but they had ND's class rated in the top 10 and higher than anybody else. Not that it really matters though.

I think people hate ND because their recruiting is seriously flawed first and foremost, not even bringing ND into the picture. I strongly disagree with almost every one of their rankings, and I think they have ND too high honestly. My two cents on ESPN

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

Where... is... Trinity?

I thought he'd be all over ND battling Arkansas for a 5* game changer.

I think IE has been replaced at the top of his list

 

[sharksamardzija8345]

I think it's ranked so highly because they're including Prestwood and Carlisle (doesn't really make sense to me). But I don't get the ESPN bashing either.

it's not so much the anti-ND sentiment for me as much as it is the apparent half-assed job they do throughout their entire network IMO.. messing up recruits names, not knowing detailed information about the recruits such as top 5's, and just the vibe of a "good enoughr" attitude they give off.. they definitely have the money to put out better quality work, I just don't think they give two sh!ts because they're the "world wide leader" and no one has emerged to challenge them yet

 

[jimmymac]

it's not so much the anti-ND sentiment for me as much as it is the apparent half-assed job they do throughout their entire network IMO.. messing up recruits names, not knowing detailed information about the recruits such as top 5's, and just the vibe of a "good enoughr" attitude they give off.. they definitely have the money to put out better quality work, I just don't think they give two sh!ts because they're the "world wide leader" and no one has emerged to challenge them yet

I feel the exact same way.

 

[DillonHall]

it's not so much the anti-ND sentiment for me as much as it is the apparent half-assed job they do throughout their entire network IMO.. messing up recruits names, not knowing detailed information about the recruits such as top 5's, and just the vibe of a "good enoughr" attitude they give off.. they definitely have the money to put out better quality work, I just don't think they give two sh!ts because they're the "world wide leader" and no one has emerged to challenge them yet

Obviously they're going to make mistakes, and as ND followers, we're going to notice when they say something inaccurate regarding ND. Their job is to cover all sports, including all teams. That's a TON of material, and I love Sportscenter, and I think they do a great job overall.

I'm personally glad that I get to watch ESPN every day, and I couldn't care less what they say about recruiting because rankings don't mean anything once the players get to campus.

And I don't really understand your money comment. I think they present sports in an entertaining fashion without 'wasting' money in obvious ways. How do you know they have resources that they aren't using well?

 

[Irish YJ]

Obviously they're going to make mistakes, and as ND followers, we're going to notice when they say something inaccurate regarding ND. Their job is to cover all sports, including all teams. That's a TON of material, and I love Sportscenter, and I think they do a great job overall.

I'm personally glad that I get to watch ESPN every day, and I couldn't care less what they say about recruiting because rankings don't mean anything once the players get to campus.

And I don't really understand your money comment. I think they present sports in an entertaining fashion without 'wasting' money in obvious ways. How do you know they have resources that they aren't using well?

I do enjoy Mike and Mike, and a few other programs.... so I can't say I'm a total ESPN-hater...... however

1. They do like to bill themselves as a legitimate recruiting service. For the hundred reasons on this thread and others, they are not. Sloppy, lack of detail, etc... I would consider them entertainment reporters at best in the area of recruiting.

2. ESPN uses their position to impact college sports way too much. Conferences, NCAA, Bowls, you name it. Not going to get into the weeds, but there are many legitimate examples out there. Pretty disturbing the level of influence they maintain and continue to grow.

3. In terms of anti-ND.... depends if we are talking about the network, or individuals. At the network level, they despise ND for it's NBC contract, and our FU mentality towards conference football. They want to make money on ND, and to date, can't dig their claws in. Talking "individuals", I think it's par for the course and exemplifies they typical national demeanor on ND.... "love'em or hate'em". Lou and Mike Golic love them some ND. Many don't.

Sorry for regressing, back to Neal...

 

[NDPhilly]

Per II HE HAS MADE HIS DECISION.

Last quote from Luke Neal in the article says that Davonte knows where he belongs and what is best for him.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

Per II HE HAS MADE HIS DECISION.

Last quote from Luke Neal in the article says that Davonte knows where he belongs and what is best for him.

Liking where this is headed.

 

[NDPhilly]

Pete Sampson thinks it is either ND or Zona and says that if he had to choose it would be ND.

 

[BeauBenken]

Pete Sampson thinks it is either ND or Zona and says that if he had to choose it would be ND.

Well me and Pete are on the same page. lol

 

[Irish YJ]

If we're lucky enough to get Neal, I just hope we utilize him all over the place. Slot, return game, CB. I don't see BK letting a freshman play in all three phases, but I'm hoping for at least 2. As long as he is a big part of the return game, I don't care which side of the ball he plays on.

 

[sharksamardzija8345]

I actually like that Neal is holding his commitment until the day he wants.. even though he knows now, he set this specific date that holds significance.. too many times reporters break the story and don't let the kid have his moment.. I'm glad he's going to get the opportunity to have his 15 minutes

 

[NDPhilly]

Apparently ND and Arizona have somewhat laid off after they gave their pitch while Arkansas and UNC have stayed on him. Pete thought this was a good choice by the irish

 

[ThePiombino]

Admittedly, Phork did call it a good while back, but I want to know why. lol

Says the guy who is sitting on some info himself!

 

[woolybug25]

Says the guy who is sitting on some info himself!

No kidding.

You better come up off that info BEAU!!!


We're watching you...

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

Apparently ND and Arizona have somewhat laid off after they gave their pitch while Arkansas and UNC have stayed on him. Pete thought this was a good choice by the irish

Apparently Florida also tried to get in the mix the last couple weeks but the Neal's were already set on the final four.

 

[Grahambo]

Apparently ND and Arizona have somewhat laid off after they gave their pitch while Arkansas and UNC have stayed on him. Pete thought this was a good choice by the irish

I believe sometime last week or the week before the Neal's had asked that teams kinda back off to give them some room to breathe and figure things out.

 

[Irish8248]

not that it was in question really but further proof DN has chosen and waiting to announce, Rivals has an article up stating hes done deciding and now just waiting -- just in case anyone was still looking for further proof

 

[phork]

My Buzz Buzz brings all the girls to the yard.

 

[ThePiombino]

My Buzz Buzz brings all the girls to the yard.

^Posting swag

 

[Grahambo]

Some of you are getting my hopes up. I don't know if I can handle more heartbreak!

 

[AdmiralBackhand]

I guess we will know this time next week, eh? Unless that date has changed.

 

[zbikowski88]

Mike Farrell @rivalsmike
#NotreDame is guess“@nezimmer: @rivalsmike prediction on Davonte Neal?”

 

[sharksamardzija8345]

would be sweet if he moved his announcement up two days n gives me a great bday present.. although he'd be taking away a birthday present for his mother (as I've previously read) lol.. I, too, got my hopes up

 

[clashmore_mike]

Mike Farrell @rivalsmike
#NotreDame is guess“@nezimmer: @rivalsmike prediction on Davonte Neal?”

at least Farrell is finally admitting he is guessing with his predictions/info

 

[STLDomer]

Anyone else think Luke Neal's comments about ND being a darkhorse makes no sense and is covering up the fact that we are the leader? We are the darkhorse because we haven't said offense or defense then he goes on to say it doesn't matter to Davonte anyways

 

[stlnd01]

at least Farrell is finally admitting he is guessing with his predictions/info

Aren't they all, really? I mean, if you're a reporter covering recruiting, who are your sources? The programs, and the kids (and their families/coaches). That's it.
The programs are going to spin it so they look good, saying they're in as long as it's plausible. That way they at least stay in the conversation.
The kids are 18 year-olds, lots of whom change their minds all the time. And often they're being translated for by a parent or coach, who may have their own desires or spin.
Until there's a LOI, nothing's set in stone (see Kiel, and Greenberry). It's all leaning and hunches and guesswork.