'13 CA DT Eddie Vanderdoes (UCLA)

[QuarrelsomeIrishAmerican]

Ugh....another 5-star bites the dust. I'm more disappointed that this doesn't surprise vs. EV actually not coming.

Make him honor his LOI and sit out a year. Then, he is free to choose his path. Again. Do not let 17 and 18 year olds dictate the rules of the game at this stage. It's bad enough that recruiting is the circus it is before NSD.

 

[greyhammer90]

Ugh....another 5-star bites the dust. I'm more disappointed that this doesn't surprise vs. EV actually not coming.

Make him honor his LOI and sit out a year. Then, he is free to choose his path. Again. Do not let 17 and 18 year olds dictate the rules of the game at this stage. It's bad enough that recruiting is the circus it is before NSD.

When did Pat change his username?

 

[Who'saWildManNow]

I can agree with the sentiment but I have to disagree with letting him off completely. Any parent can tell you that they always want the best for their kids but sometimes you have to let them face the consequences of their decisions in order for them to grow into adults. This is why the one year rule is there. He made a choice and signed his name to it. Coaches plan accordingly and to say they don't is absurd. If he wants out that is another desicion he has to make, but you cannot hamper ND or his personal development by just giving everybody a pass. Coaches lives are effects by these "kids" choices. They have families too, and when a kid makes a commitment to a university and signs that LOI the coaches are staking their professional lives on them performing. People forget that it's not just about what a kids wavering heart decides. I can think of very few reasons to legitimately let him off the hook from the way the rules work.

I agree with you. But in this case it's the parents that are also quarreling with the staff. This, IMO, started with the signing day gaffe and escalated from there. It seems there is a missing link somewhere or if there is not that a small mistake has in fact morphed into a complete lack of trust.. The truth lies somewhere in between.

But ND absolutely cannot let him out of his LOI. There must have been an understanding of how this process works. The LOI must be respected or abolished.

 

[irishtrinity]

Come on get it done we need Eddie.

 

[Rambler09]

Come on get it done we need Eddie.

Trinity, great to see you back man.

As far as the LOI goes, we need to hold him to it for a number of reasons:
1.) He signed a binding contract and we agreed to hold up out end- him learning the importance of that and the reason we have the contract (ie being screwed by being short players) are secondary to that.
2.) Letting kids out of an LOI sets a dangerous national precedent- as has been said before it basically makes commitments at all phases of the cycle meaningless. It's important that this doesn't happen and this I imagine the NCAA as a whole wouldn't want us to let him off.

It could get ugly if that's what his parents are asking for and they start bad mouthing us... But for the above reasons we need to stick to this unless something really crazy comes to light.

 

[tommyIRISH23]

This is outrageous. There it certainly more to the story. However, the kid signed a contract. He made a decision, and he has to stick with it. Letting kids off "because they are just kids" is not doing them a favor, life is about accountability and holding yourself responsible for the decisions you make. If he doesn't want to come to ND than that's fine, he will just have to sit out a year.

 

[irishpat183]

This is outrageous. There it certainly more to the story. However, the kid signed a contract. He made a decision, and he has to stick with it. Letting kids off "because they are just kids" is not doing them a favor, life is about accountability and holding yourself responsible for the decisions you make. If he doesn't want to come to ND than that's fine, he will just have to sit out a year.

Which is stupidity at it's best. And I'm sick of hearing it around IE everytime a recruit screws up.

17-18 years old isn't a child. They should be held accountable for their actions.


I hope Eddie works it out and stays, but if not...he's got to sit a year. That's the way it works.

 

[BGIF]

The reason listed in the article that is from a quote by Joe Davidson referencing the saga of EV's name being accidently listed for the media beofre his LOI was in. The article implies that that is a sore spot and a cause for the current balking. The article author essentially states as well that is seems hard to believe that this would still be an issue 3 months after the fact, as is my thinking as well.

OK, we're on the same page there. I though you were differing from Eric but you were agreeing.


Considering all that could be done over the announcement error was an apology, 3 months later it isn't the issue.

I don't know what is the real and from reading the various articles which seem to be rehashing the same conjectures, I don't think anyone knows. Thus the one "slight" gets parsed repeatedly.


At the same time, that kind of comment is typical in a conversation about a deteriorating or failed relationship made by an ex-spouse, ex-girl friend, ex-employer.

 

[Kanye West]

We'll see, nothing's official yet, but if he were to be asked out, don't release him from a contract. It's simply not a contract then.

 

[tadman95]

I think we're debating a circumstance when we don't know the circumstances. Something to do I guess.

I expect both Notre Dame and the Vanderdoes' are trying to do the right thing in their own interests. They may not agree on the answer but that's life.

Very unfortunate if Eddie heads elsewhere, he's a talented player.

 

[Cpnd1]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Getting a flood of questions about Vanderdoes. Where will he go to school? Do not know as he does not know. It's not a "petty" issue.</p>— Joe Davidson (@SacBee_JoeD) <a href="https://twitter.com/SacBee_JoeD/status/336870448275005440">May 21, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Old Man Mike]

The "don't want to play NT" hypothesis almost must be an erroneous speculation and a red herring. EVs looking at a first year with Nix, Schwenke, Springmann {when necessary}, and the 5th year fellow whose name I can never remember, at NT. We are loaded there for 2013 and there is no need for Eddie to be there.

On the other hand, and especially because of Hounshell's recurring injuries and Jones' recurring non-development, EV has MAJOR opportunities to play just as Sheldon Day did last season. Position and potential playing time should not be even a psychological issue here.

 

[EuropeanDomer]

I thought SB Nation was a serious website:

From RollBamaRoll:

Remember back on Signing Day when the only drama left for the Alabama Crimson Tide Class of 2013 was where Eddie Vanderdoes was going to sign? Well, the drama is not over.

Even though he signed with the Irish in February, many reports are saying that the 5-star defensive tackle will not be reporting to beautiful downtown South Bend, Indiana to play his college football. The reason is unclear for now but one reporter at MaxPreps who covers the California Bay Area seems to think it is an academic issue.

Vanderdoes was the consensus #1 defensive lineman for 2013. The northern California-native surprised many (including this monkey with a laptop) by choosing Notre Dame over UCLA and Alabama (remember that Signing Day was after the Dames' embarrassing lost to Alabama in the BCSCG and after the whole Manti Te'o invisible girlfriend silliness). Vanderdoes had previously de-committed to Southern Cal.

Much like the Matthew Thomas situation at Florida State, Vanderdoes may have to sit out the upcoming season if Notre Dame does not release him. If it is an academic issue, he may choose to go to a prep school. If this is a change of heart, my thought is he ends up at UCLA.

Eddie Vanderdoes reportedly not headed to Notre Dame - Roll 'Bama Roll

If he really wanted to play in South Bend, he would not have allowed all these rumors. So i think the end will be sad.

 

[Wild Bill]

Which is stupidity at it's best. And I'm sick of hearing it around IE everytime a recruit screws up.

17-18 years old isn't a child. They should be held accountable for their actions.


I hope Eddie works it out and stays, but if not...he's got to sit a year. That's the way it works.

Exactly. He's not a kid. I'm guessing there is an 18 year old on his way to Iraq, Afghanistan or some other he**-hole right now that may be having a change of heart. You think the Navy will excuse him? I realize my example is a little dramatic. My point - Eddie entered into the deal and he'll have to deal with the consequences if he fails to perform his duties.

That said, I want this kid bad.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Clear as mud.

Having a hard time coming to grips with this....

Penalizing a kid is grating me.

Here is what it is Fbolt. Look at it from an individual standpoint, Joe Individual. Joe is just turning 18. He is getting the right to vote, shoot people, and drink if he agrees to shoot people. Joe is becoming an adult. Joe is also different than most of his friend that are the same age. Joe has a special skill set. People exhaust Joe for this; some worship the ground he walks on. Joe and the several hundred best football players of his age in America are expected to live in an adult world at a college campus, and if all goes well, they will be playing pro football in few short years. What hurts many of Joe's peers? What keeps them from functioning reasonably well in their new adult world? Because I mean after all they just are out of high school. I say it is never hearing the word no. Try the experiment for just a week. Say yes to everything your kids want. Watch them change.

Forget the fact that once you ink an agreement and go back everyone will want out. Think of what you are doing to the individual. You are crippling him. And he is going to need all the wherewithal he can muster.

Oh, Joe, I know you gave your word and you had several years to think about the decision you made, and we are not perfect. But who is? Do what you said because you said it. Life is full of consequences. You made your decision, unencumbered, for what appears to be all the right reasons. Live with it. Your friends get to start at the school down the street as freshmen? Sounds like a 'first world problem!'

 

[Bogtrotter07]

The "don't want to play NT" hypothesis almost must be an erroneous speculation and a red herring. EVs looking at a first year with Nix, Schwenke, Springmann {when necessary}, and the 5th year fellow whose name I can never remember, at NT. We are loaded there for 2013 and there is no need for Eddie to be there.

On the other hand, and especially because of Hounshell's recurring injuries and Jones' recurring non-development, EV has MAJOR opportunities to play just as Sheldon Day did last season. Position and potential playing time should not be even a psychological issue here.

It isn't about playing NT or playing time or anything of that order. For a fackt!

 

[50milesSE ND]

Wow this is getting crazy losing these kids. I hope if he isn't sure then he decides to not go to ND. The thought of him leaving every minute will drive us all nuts. I'm still warped over Lynch. I agree that he should be held to his LOI unless a family issue. I'm thinking Prom night must have been enjoyable. I just wish football would start.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

yes says hypocritical fbolt

That's funny!

Anything you holding out on us, like a fetish for eating dinner with old people with no teeth?

 

[arahop]

Since everyone on here is playing the blame game, let me jump in and put mine on ND's administration. Academics are turning out to be the speculated issue that is most likely the reason EV won't play at ND. I know TP said it wasn't and I love TP but I'm hearing things from someone I know, who has his own guy inside the program. I would like to be clear that I'm all for the lowering of standards so players like EV can play at ND.

 

[ND NYC]

its simple to me:

if we release him from LOI....then someone at ND screwed up (admissions etc)

if we dont release him from LOI...he had a change of heart (feel free to specualte on the myriad reasons why)

 

[TheTurningPoint]

Since everyone on here is playing the blame game, let me jump in and put mine on ND's administration. Academics are turning out to be the speculated issue that is most likely the reason EV won't play at ND. I know TP said it wasn't and I love TP but I'm hearing things from someone I know, who has his own guy inside the program. I would like to be clear that I'm all for the lowering of standards so players like EV can play at ND.

Sometimes the standard is lowered and the kid still cant cut it. (not referring to EV)

EX: Tee Shepard got into ND...yet couldnt get into Oklahoma who has the lowest graduation rate in the country.


BK is getting his way, but thats half the battle. The kid has to rise to the occasion if they get him in. Talk is cheap. Show BK and ND you can do what you say you will when you commit.

 

[peoriairish]

Also, not sure if it was mentioned, but in the article that Sac Bee turned out last night had the quote from either his father or coach saying that EVs grades were not the problem. He then continued to specifically say they were good enough for the NCAA and for Placer; no mention if they were good enough for ND. Now I'm not saying this is the reason, I don't think it is, but just pointing it out. It is amazing how information can be misconstrued if things aren't read entirely.

The real story is out there, but it's not being published yet. I hope it does come to light one day, but for now, all we can do is pray he stays.

Also, I'm on the not releasing him team unless it was ND who screwed the pooch. He signed a contract. He and his family must learn what that means.

 

[tadman95]

Sometimes the standard is lowered and the kid still cant cut it. (not referring to EV)

EX: Tee Shepard got into ND...yet couldnt get into Oklahoma who has the lowest graduation rate in the country.


BK is getting his way, but thats half the battle. The kid has to rise to the occasion if they get him in. Talk is cheap. Show BK and ND you can do what you say you will when you commit.

Pretty telling statement.

 

[ND NYC]

this all goes back to Hardin leaving for ball st late in the 2013 cycle...and having bunch of giggly interns putting out his name as committed in their stack of papers they gave to II etc........before he even signed his LOI. they (we) blew the kids moment to announce.

we started out on a bad foot here wth him and his family... and perhaps some class issues subsequntly arose this spring and he and his famly are like F^ck this were not coming.

trust once broken can never be repaired IMO.

not even big lou can save the day here

 

[Bogtrotter07]

One of my friends back in the day, was a kid that played football at a local high school. We knew each other because in seventh and eighth grade we were two of the biggest athletic kids from the same parish. The long and short of it is he grew a lot more in high school than I did. He had two older brothers both had good D1 scholarships, the oldest was drafted professionally, the second played for the Buckeyes, (graduated in pharmacology).

Well the one my age (and I knew him well, I was in his wedding) ended up about 6'5" and about 270. He was a legitimate 4.8 forty. Which was unheard of in those days. Today he would be a big skill guy.

Well the point is, he ended up signing a LOI at U of Toledo, and found out he couldn't stand the coaching staff. They went back and forth and forth and back, until one day, "R" finally snapped and defended himself against this a$$hat assistant that liked to hit players. "R" decked him. I mean knocked him to the ground and out. He had his release that day.

(In his remaining career, I doubt that assistant ever hit another player.)

 

[Rhode Irish]

I wouldn't release a player from an LOI unless the player absolutely could not play at ND because of my mistake. If it was my mistake but the player could still feasibly play at ND, he'd have to break the LOI and deal with the consequences of that if that is what he wants. I'm not for releasing a player except in the most egregious circumstances. It sets a terrible precedent.

 

[peoriairish]

One of my friends back in the day, was a kid that played football at a local high school. We knew each other because in seventh and eighth grade we were two of the biggest athletic kids from the same parish. The long and short of it is he grew a lot more in high school than I did. He had two older brothers both had good D1 scholarships, the oldest was drafted professionally, the second played for the Buckeyes, (graduated in pharmacology).

Well the one my age (and I knew him well, I was in his wedding) ended up about 6'5" and about 270. He was a legitimate 4.8 forty. Which was unheard of in those days. Today he was a big skill guy.

Well the point is, he ended up signing a LOI at U of Toledo, and found out he couldn't stand the coaching staff. They went back and forth and forth and back, until one day, "R" finally snapped and defended himself against this a$$hat assistant that liked to hit players. "R" decked him. I mean knocked him to the ground and out. He had his release that day.

(In his remaining career, I doubt that assistant ever hit another player.)

Know how I know you made this story up? There is no way a OSU athlete graduated with Pharmacology...

 

[LoveThee]

ND won't release him from his LOI. I would be shocked if that is even an option.

I would bet EV just had a change of heart. People do that. His problem is he signed the contract and that doesn't allow for a change of heart. He should have waited longer to think it out thoroughly. This sucks because it was essentially a waste of time.

EV would be best served coming to ND for a year, playing a year and then transferring if he still doesn't like ND. Otherwise he has a shorter window of time to play.

Really hope he comes and gives it a shot, even if its not necessarily out of wanting to be at ND as for his own benefit. Anything could happen if he spends a year playing football and forming friendships at ND.

 

[Cali_domer]

SO when will we find out for sure if he is in or out? Or do we wait to report day?

 

[arahop]

Sometimes the standard is lowered and the kid still cant cut it. (not referring to EV)

EX: Tee Shepard got into ND...yet couldnt get into Oklahoma who has the lowest graduation rate in the country.


BK is getting his way, but thats half the battle. The kid has to rise to the occasion if they get him in. Talk is cheap. Show BK and ND you can do what you say you will when you commit.

I'm glad that ND is giving BK some room to work. It's just disappointing to me that one high school course is the case for the number 1 DL in the country to not be able to enroll at ND. I"m not saying let 20 kids in a year who are an academic gamble to the university. I'm saying it's stupid to not gamble on 5 kids who wouldn't otherwise get into ND as a student/athlete. I know that BK has been able to get some "exceptions". In a time when recruits are getting money, cars, parents' jobs, ND needs to be able to even the playing field by admitting the 5 or so aforementioned cream of the crop players. I believe we are on the same page TP. I just have a hard time with the people who have become an angry mob on here to EV, when they clearly are just going off speculation.