'12 AZ WR Davonte Neal (Arizona Transfer)

[Who'saWildManNow]

this may be old news but heres what I just read...kinda depressed now lol.

Davonte Neal Potentially Favoring Arizona Wildcats? - SB Nation Arizona

All he's doing is taking the exact same quotes and spinning them in Arizona's favor. Which is what every fan is doing for their respective school..

 

[FLDomer]

Sit back and enjoy the show fellas.


Sorry, i was afraid it was posted already.

I understand it is a UA writer swaying it in UA's favor. It has been quite the the recuitment to follow! It will all be over 11:30 am est! Hope to see you in South Bend for Fall Semester Devonte!

 

[Pachuco]

this may be old news but heres what I just read...kinda depressed now lol.

Davonte Neal Potentially Favoring Arizona Wildcats? - SB Nation Arizona

Yeah, this says Arizona, without a doubt.

Girlfriend, best friend, Dad, confirmed decision at cousin's memorial.

It all points home.

He's really going to have to step out of his comfort zone to choose ND.

 

[Emcee77]

Yeah, this says Arizona, without a doubt.

Girlfriend, best friend, Dad, confirmed decision at cousin's memorial.

It all points home.

He's really going to have to step out of his comfort zone to choose ND.

Yeah, but it doesn't mention Luke Neal's comments to Sapp about Davonte understanding that this is a business decision for the rest of your life, not just the next three years. Like someone else said, this is one writer spinning Luke's comments one way while others are spinning it another way. We just can't know from this stuff.

 

[Monk]

I think it is definitely ND

...

I mean it looks like UNC

...

Wait I think it is really going to be UA

...

And I have decided I have no idea at all where he's going.

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

Let's sum up the confusion:

"He knows where he's going now," Luke Neal, Davonte's father. "With the way everything happened with the family stuff, it helped him put it all in perspective.

Speaks loudest for Arizona.

"Things were very difficult and he looked at the process a lot differently after I turned it over to him," the elder Neal continued. "He used a different perspective dealing with it for himself. After the combination of research and our conversations about it, he understands how what it is to make a business decision on your future instead of just the next three years.

Speaks loudest for Notre Dame

"He can play football anywhere, but he knew he had to worry about what he wants to do after football. Whether it's still playing the sport, within the industry or completely separate from it, the time he spends off the field is equally as important in picking a school."

Speaks loudest for both ND and Arkansas. If I am correct, Arkansas has his intended major (sports broadcasting) and he can jump right into it freshman year.

Although, if you look at the quote "Whether its playing the sport, within the industry OR COMPLETELY SEPERATE FROM IT".. Arkansas can really only help with his intended major. A degree from ND opens up the world completely seperate from football/sports for him.

 

[Meacon Irish]

I, for one, am shocked that an Arizona blog, and an Arizona website, believe him to be going to Arizona.

 

[Pachuco]

Yeah, but it doesn't mention Luke Neal's comments to Sapp about Davonte understanding that this is a business decision for the rest of your life, not just the next three years. Like someone else said, this is one writer spinning Luke's comments one way while others are spinning it another way. We just can't know from this stuff.

Yeah, everyone is definitely putting their spin on it. Yet, the physical realities of having his girlfriend, best friend, Dad, and other family in the same location will be difficult to overcome. However, if the priority is to give back to his family and loved ones (ie. a business decision), he might feel the need to leave the nest. Let's hope that nest is ND!

 

[Grahambo]

Our most pessimistic fans think ND, our best insiders think ND, analyists outside ESPN think ND.

Terrible way to convince myself its ND.

5 days.

 

[ndcoltsfan2010]

I really hope we get this fine young man. I have no idea where he will end up but he will be successful wherever he ends up. This kid seems to have a great head on his shoulders and I respect the fact that he is taking his time. Best of luck to him wherever he goes.

 

[BeauBenken]

Let's sum up the confusion:

Speaks loudest for Arizona.

I think you can argue this one. His cousin passed away, maybe that means he realized he wants more time with his grandmother before she goes (UNC). Perhaps it means he realized that ND was the first place to extend their condolences and treat him like a person and not just a football player. Then there's the way you read it (Zona).

 

[koonja]

To me it wasn't clear what the AZ writer was saying. This was his opening:



So the Neals had to ask a college coach for an LOI? If that means anything it means that he is going to Arizona. Based on this Biggins story from Feb. 2, the Neals already have LOIs from ND, UNC and Arkansas (as well as OU, which has been eliminated).

Davonte Neal calmly watches signing day pass - ESPN

I'm not going to read too much into the AZ writer's opening though. It could be that the reporter misunderstood what Neal was saying, misunderstood how the commitment/LOI process works and/or was just trying to come up with a catchy opening.

This reporter premised his article with "I still think it'd be an upset if he doesn't go to ND or UNC", and then made the quote (paraphrasing) "the LOI is on its way from the team Neal will sign with".


If this reporter has inside info that the team of choice is just now sending their LOI to him, wouldn't he know what team that was? Otherwise how would he know they're sending the letter. And if he knew it was Arizona, then why would he still think UNC and ND are the favorites?

I wouldn't be surprised if it were Houston at this point (too soon). Every fan base thinks he's there's, so I give up reading between the tea leaves. But I wouldn't put too much stock in the statement "the LOI is on its way from his future team".

 

[ab2cmiller]

JC Shurburtt was on Bill King's radio program this morning and said that his prediction was ND for Neal but would not be surprised at all if he chose UNC. He didn't mention any other schools.

He also stated his opinion that Neals delayed announcement was all about building "hype".

 

[koonja]

I won't be shocked by anything, Arkansas included. Up to a week before his decision, I never would have guessed AA to Oregon.

 

[NDinL.A.]

I won't be shocked by anything, Arkansas included. Up to a week before his decision, I never would have guessed AA to Oregon.

Unfortunately I'm feeling AZ on this one, due primarily to proximity. Knowing how close some kids are to their families, I never blame a kid for choosing the in-state school (even though I always tell my own students to make damn sure to look into out-of-state schools so they can see other parts of the country other than L.A.); and when his cousin died, I can see him wanting to be around family even more. Hopefully he can see the power of the ND education and the ND brand as something more powerful than the pull to stay at home. Either way, seems like a good kid, and I wish him well...

 

[NDPhilly]

About a hour ago on ESPN they were talking about him and said his final 4 and then said ND is surging but watch out for Zona.

 

[JughedJones]

Unfortunately I'm feeling AZ on this one, due primarily to proximity. Knowing how close some kids are to their families, I never blame a kid for choosing the in-state school (even though I always tell my own students to make damn sure to look into out-of-state schools so they can see other parts of the country other than L.A.); and when his cousin died, I can see him wanting to be around family even more. Hopefully he can see the power of the ND education and the ND brand as something more powerful than the pull to stay at home. Either way, seems like a good kid, and I wish him well...

I'm with you man. Waking up with an epiphany after a family member dies doesn't sound good for us, sounds like he wants to be with family/friends/girlfriend.

Plus, his Dad kind of had him wait on it to make sure he was positive. I've been seeing that he's a ND lean. Again, doesn't look good.

 

[Ndaccountant]

I'm with you man. Waking up with an epiphany after a family member dies doesn't sound good for us, sounds like he wants to be with family/friends/girlfriend.

Plus, his Dad kind of had him wait on it to make sure he was positive. I've been seeing that he's a ND lean. Again, doesn't look good.

Flip side to that argument is that anything can change at the drop of a dime and you need to be prepared for the different challenges life throws at you. ND offers the best insurance just in case something like that happens.

 

[tommyIRISH23]

I'm with you man. Waking up with an epiphany after a family member dies doesn't sound good for us, sounds like he wants to be with family/friends/girlfriend.

Plus, his Dad kind of had him wait on it to make sure he was positive. I've been seeing that he's a ND lean. Again, doesn't look good.

Well, I've endured my share of personal tragedies, my father passed away from cancer when I was 13, and my stepdad died suddenly when I was 21. At the time, I was attending a college very close to home, and after his death (I ofcourse made sure my mother was alright first) decided that life was to short to be boxed in a bubble, I picked up and transferred to a school 8 hours away to live life, make my own choices...etc.

I don't think that an epiphany is coming to the conclusion to keep oneself in a secure, stable enviorment. An epiphany would be more like taking a chance, putting fear aside (leaving home that young is a very scarey ordeal), and living life the way you want to because of how short it is, and it can be taken away in an instant.

I think, because he used "epiphany" he is going to attend ND. His choice of words fall inline with what ND has to offer; a huge challenge but limitless success upon completion, playing football from an iconic/legendary institution, and walking into a situation unknown but with determination to succeed.---that sounds more like an epiphany then does the security of staying at Arizona. Arizona is his security blanket, losing loved ones usually inspires a person, not confines a person. I think if he were going to Arizona, he'd say something along the lines of...I've learned how much family means, and how special they are to me...etc

My opinion is that he is going to be attending the University of Notre Dame.

 

[SaltyND24]

Well, I've endured my share of personal tragedies, my father passed away from cancer when I was 13, and my stepdad died suddenly when I was 21. At the time, I was attending a college very close to home, and after his death (I ofcourse made sure my mother was alright first) decided that life was to short to be boxed in a bubble, I picked up and transferred to a school 8 hours away to live life, make my own choices...etc.

I don't think that an epiphany is coming to the conclusion to keep oneself in a secure, stable enviorment. An epiphany would be more like taking a chance, putting fear aside (leaving home that young is a very scarey ordeal), and living life the way you want to because of how short it is, and it can be taken away in an instant.

I think, because he used "epiphany" he is going to attend ND. His choice of words fall inline with what ND has to offer; a huge challenge but limitless success upon completion, playing football from an iconic/legendary institution, and walking into a situation unknown but with determination to succeed.---that sounds more like an epiphany then does the security of staying at Arizona. Arizona is his security blanket, losing loved ones usually inspires a person, not confines a person. I think if he were going to Arizona, he'd say something along the lines of...I've learned how much family means, and how special they are to me...etc

My opinion is that he is going to be attending the University of Notre Dame.

I like your way of thinking sir! I'm not really listening to much about Neal this week though...There are just entirely too many ways to look at each article, and depending on the writer/location, it'll definitely lean in that local schools favor...it's all speculation until the 21st...Whatever his decision is, I applaud him and his father with how they have approached this decision...I'll be rooting for him even if he goes to Arizona, although I can't stand Rich Rod with a passion...

Going to Vegas to celebrate my grandfather's 80th bday on tuesday...Hopefully, there will be another reason to celebrate...Til then gentlemen...

 

[Bogtrotter07]

I used the word epiphany once and one of the smartest people I know asked me if I knew what happend next to those that had one, around the time the word was coined. After I shook my head no, he smiled and said, "They were crucified."

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

Dion Caputi @nfldraftupdate Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
I've been told by a source close to 4-star WR/CB Davonte Neal that the last available star player "sounds for sure" headed to #NotreDame.

Not sure of the credibility here... Will be happy when this recruiting season is finally over.. of course ND is in it for the remaining 5*s late february decision..

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

That Richard Obert guy from the AZ Republic now says Zona is his gut but he wouldn't be shocked if it was Arkansas or ND.

Funny because he said the exact opposite just yesterday.

 

[STLDomer]

That Richard Obert guy from the AZ Republic now says Zona is his gut but he wouldn't be shocked if it was Arkansas or ND.

Funny because he said the exact opposite just yesterday.

A couple days ago he said ND/Arkansas with ND winning, now with the same info he says Arizona/UNC with Arizona winning. Defiantly not a reliable source for hunches on where he will go

 

[Domina Nostra]

I'm confused. It sounds like Mr. Neal said that the school he is going to knows. That means all the other schools know as well (since they know he hasn't contacted them).

If this is the case, I am surprised nothing has leaked.

 

[NDPhilly]

After reading the 247 article about his decision again I still think its ND. One quote from Luke Neal in particular seem to point to ND. It was about Davonte making a business decision and how its about your future and not the next 3 years.

Why have many of you changed your pick to Zona again?

 

[beryirish]

How about we all take a breather - take a break - and reconvene on Tuesday so we don't go crazy over the weekend

Anyways we all know he's going to Southern Miss because he has a solid relationship with the WR coach so why beat around about it...

 

[phork]

I told you guys, grab some popcorn and watch the show.

 

[Bobias]

Why would anyone suspect a Zona commit at this point. Didn't he just recently skip or miss his planned visit to Zona? And im pretty sure it was within the past few weeks so that to me says alot.

 

[Emcee77]

After reading the 247 article about his decision again I still think its ND. One quote from Luke Neal in particular seem to point to ND. It was about Davonte making a business decision and how its about your future and not the next 3 years.

Why have many of you changed your pick to Zona again?

+1. You never know in recruiting but I still think its ND.