'17 MI LB/RB Antjuan Simmons (Michigan State Verbal)

[Cackalacky]

Summons just tweeted that some news is coming so stay tuned.

https://mobile.twitter.com/_antjuan_/status/819019651627806720

Glad to see GBDomer is still hazing people..... Haha. Classic.

 

[OCIrish]

Well if the message therapist says so...

What exactly is a message therapist???

 

[connor_in]

I go to a massage / fascial stretch therapist that works with a ton of the athletes at all levels and is very, very involved in the Detroit high school football scene.. he said this kid is a baller and is going to kill it wherever he goes. I trust him. He also said he's likely to come to ND if given the chance. Cannot have a shortage of athletes.. get them here and figure it out.

Several crystal balls going towards Michigan St, including Loy and Wiltfong

Hopefully this will have a "happy ending"?

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Hopefully this will have a "happy ending"?

 

[Irish#1]

I go to a massage / fascial stretch therapist that works with a ton of the athletes at all levels and is very, very involved in the Detroit high school football scene.. he said this kid is a baller and is going to kill it wherever he goes. I trust him. He also said he's likely to come to ND if given the chance. Cannot have a shortage of athletes.. get them here and figure it out.

Several crystal balls going towards Michigan St, including Loy and Wiltfong

 

[JSBusch]

The second quoted post isn't an indictment of what I'm being told.. I think it further supports the fact that he's not being given the ability to come to ND.

 

[Bogtrotter07]

He isn't coming to ND.

 

[stlnd01]

Swell. So not only are we not going to take him, we're going to play him every year. Can't wait for the broadcast guys in 2020 when he's a captain starting linebacker at MSU and they're talking about how he always wanted to play for the Irish, but...

 

[PANDFAN]

Swell. So not only are we not going to take him, we're going to play him every year. Can't wait for the broadcast guys in 2020 when he's a captain starting linebacker at MSU and they're talking about how he always wanted to play for the Irish, but...

so why should we recruit a kid that DOESN'T FIT what we need at the position as it has been posted numerous times how much of a log jam we are going to have..we have much more PRESSING NEEDS in the secondary, wr and DE position that staff needs to spend their time invested in getting those glaring holes filled

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Swell. So not only are we not going to take him, we're going to play him every year. Can't wait for the broadcast guys in 2020 when he's a captain starting linebacker at MSU and they're talking about how he always wanted to play for the Irish, but...

Not only may there be other positions we need more this year, but there may be other kids we are targeting next year that may offer everything he does, but fit what we need better.

 

[NewBrunswickIrish]

so why should we recruit a kid that DOESN'T FIT what we need at the position as it has been posted numerous times how much of a log jam we are going to have..we have much more PRESSING NEEDS in the secondary, wr and DE position that staff needs to spend their time invested in getting those glaring holes filled

Has ND sent out any new DE offers other than Harris? Hopefully they are able lure one in.

 

[PANDFAN]

Has ND sent out any new DE offers other than Harris? Hopefully they are able lure one in.

yep check master list thread

 

[stlnd01]

so why should we recruit a kid that DOESN'T FIT what we need at the position as it has been posted numerous times how much of a log jam we are going to have..we have much more PRESSING NEEDS in the secondary, wr and DE position that staff needs to spend their time invested in getting those glaring holes filled

I'm not really saying we should take him. I get the logjam and generally trust the coaching staff knows a lot more than I do. I'm just noting the inevitable schadenfreude in advance...

 

[GBdomer]

Glad to see GBDomer is still hazing people..... Haha. Classic.

My man, don't tell me you are St. Claire.

Btw what's the difference between him and johnathan jones?

 

[Luckylucci]

My man, don't tell me you are St. Claire.

Btw what's the difference between him and johnathan jones?

Without getting into specifics about the players, probably the biggest and most significant difference is Jones, is already on campus, and ND doesn't process players. Nobody is saying he's a bad prospect, and I bet if you asked Elko, he'd say he's a solid prospect. Its that we sincerely don't have of a need, in this class, at LB, as we do at a few other positions. It really comes down to place and time. I would bet a lot of money that Elko looked at our roster and saw exactly what I've been posting. We are loaded, with eligibility, at LB. Most guys have 3+ years left.

So unless we believe he's a difference maker, which most don't, then no reason to bring on board. Need to balance out the roster, with the new scheme.

 

[BGIF]

What exactly is a message therapist???

See "White House Press Secretary" ... either party.

 

[woolybug25]

Without getting into specifics about the players, probably the biggest and most significant difference is Jones, is already on campus, and ND doesn't process players. Nobody is saying he's a bad prospect, and I bet if you asked Elko, he'd say he's a solid prospect. Its that we sincerely don't have of a need, in this class, at LB, as we do at a few other positions. It really comes down to place and time. I would bet a lot of money that Elko looked at our roster and saw exactly what I've been posting. We are loaded, with eligibility, at LB. Most guys have 3+ years left.

So unless we believe he's a difference maker, which most don't, then no reason to bring on board. Need to balance out the roster, with the new scheme.

Can't some of these of these guys possibly move to SS? I know Bilal could, although we probably wouldn't want that. Depth RB? Strong special teamer? I guess my thought is why pass on a good talent because of a current logjam. I remember when we were "loaded" with corners. Then things changed. I remember that with a lot of positions. We never have problems with roster numbers anyways. Just seems silly to pass on talented guys because of an imaginary scenario where we run out of room.

I feel like a lot of teams just get the most talented guys they can into the fold and then figure it out later. But we sit and fret about stuff, pass on guys and then try to scramble at the last hour to fill our classes. It's absurd.

 

[GBdomer]

Without getting into specifics about the players, probably the biggest and most significant difference is Jones, is already on campus, and ND doesn't process players. Nobody is saying he's a bad prospect, and I bet if you asked Elko, he'd say he's a solid prospect. Its that we sincerely don't have of a need, in this class, at LB, as we do at a few other positions. It really comes down to place and time. I would bet a lot of money that Elko looked at our roster and saw exactly what I've been posting. We are loaded, with eligibility, at LB. Most guys have 3+ years left.

So unless we believe he's a difference maker, which most don't, then no reason to bring on board. Need to balance out the roster, with the new scheme.

I understand and don't disagree with most of what you said but why take Jones last year and not Simmons this year? He's explosive to the ball and I understand Elko wants to bring his guys in that fit his scheme but why not just bring Simmons? He would have came here and who knows what. Stock pile all the talent you can have. We aren't low on numbers where he would take a spot of another prospect of need. I mean I understand both sides but why not? We have nothing to loose.

 

[ND Fan Vancouver]

Can't some of these of these guys possibly move to SS? I know Bilal could, although we probably wouldn't want that. Depth RB? Strong special teamer? I guess my thought is why pass on a good talent because of a current logjam. I remember when we were "loaded" with corners. Then things changed. I remember that with a lot of positions. We never have problems with roster numbers anyways. Just seems silly to pass on talented guys because of an imaginary scenario where we run out of room.

I feel like a lot of teams just get the most talented guys they can into the fold and then figure it out later. But we sit and fret about stuff, pass on guys and then try to scramble at the last hour to fill our classes. It's absurd.

I agree with this. I wish we would take Simmons but it looks like staff has passed. He could be a solid ST guy and probably a good Rover. I think Bilal could be a great Rover behind Traquill this year and if he shows improvement in coverage he possibly push to start at Rover in '18

 

[Luckylucci]

Can't some of these of these guys possibly move to SS? I know Bilal could, although we probably wouldn't want that. Depth RB? Strong special teamer? I guess my thought is why pass on a good talent because of a current logjam. I remember when we were "loaded" with corners. Then things changed. I remember that with a lot of positions. We never have problems with roster numbers anyways. Just seems silly to pass on talented guys because of an imaginary scenario where we run out of room.

I feel like a lot of teams just get the most talented guys they can into the fold and then figure it out later. But we sit and fret about stuff, pass on guys and then try to scramble at the last hour to fill our classes. It's absurd.

I personally wouldn't want any of Barajas, Coney, Jon Jones, Jamir Jones, Adams, White, or even Bilal at SS. Those would be bad fits, IMO.

Perry and Morgan aren't factored into those numbers.

This wasn't my decision, so not sure why I keep defending it, other than it makes perfect sense. He doesn't view him as a difference maker. At this point, we are loaded at LB with depth for his scheme, and he has only so many spots to fill for his defense. DB's and DL take the importance, and he is going all out, to fill those spots.

With the information he has, which is probably an allotment of scholarships, this is the direction he's going.

 

[Luckylucci]

I understand and don't disagree with most of what you said but why take Jones last year and not Simmons this year? He's explosive to the ball and I understand Elko wants to bring his guys in that fit his scheme but why not just bring Simmons? He would have came here and who knows what. Stock pile all the talent you can have. We aren't low on numbers where he would take a spot of another prospect of need. I mean I understand both sides but why not? We have nothing to loose.

It's really not that difficult. Two completely different coaches calling the shots, in two completely different scenarios. They have nothing to do with each other, so not sure why you are trying to make them.

 

[woolybug25]

I personally wouldn't want any of Barajas, Coney, Jon Jones, Jamir Jones, Adams, White, or even Bilal at SS. Those would be bad fits, IMO.

Perry and Morgan aren't factored into those numbers.

This wasn't my decision, so not sure why I keep defending it, other than it makes perfect sense. He doesn't view him as a difference maker. At this point, we are loaded at LB with depth for his scheme, and he has only so many spots to fill for his defense. DB's and DL take the importance, and he is going all out, to fill those spots.

With the information he has, which is probably an allotment of scholarships, this is the direction he's going.

Yeah, Butler was never a good fit as a cover corner, but you can only play the guys that are on your team. But we were stacked at his position at the beginning of that season too. Meanwhile, we were under 85 and worrying about not over filling positions.

Even if he's not a difference maker, he would add more value then an empty damn slot.

 

[GBdomer]

It's really not that difficult. Two completely different coaches calling the shots, in two completely different scenarios. They have nothing to do with each other, so not sure why you are trying to make them.

I get that I was more comparing the size. Who knows if Simmons couldn't play inside backer. A lot of teams have smaller inside backers who can run. I say take him and figure it out later. Get the most talented kids you can, especially one that would come here. Figure it out and if he doesn't get it move him to h back or make him a power back. Honestly taking him doesn't hurt our chances at all. We pass on this kid but take major projects like Turner, Tiassum and others. I get it's totally different coaches now but the current boss still makes those calls. Doesn't hurt anyone or any scholarships taking a top 300 player and can run. We need all the help on defense, we might make Tranquil a rover but why couldn't Simmons play that position? You might disagree and I respect that but per the usual with BK I don't get it

 

[Luckylucci]

Yeah, Butler was never a good fit as a cover corner, but you can only play the guys that are on your team. But we were stacked at his position at the beginning of that season too. Meanwhile, we were under 85 and worrying about not over filling positions.

Even if he's not a difference maker, he would add more value then an empty damn slot.

Going off of Domina's numbers from his scholarships thread, it looks like we have 5-6 spots available, and that's the information he probably has at this time. Could things change, for sure, but I doubt he's going to start making those assumptions.

We NEED to add 2 WR's, so Elko has 3-4 spots. DB is a huge need as we have 1 committed. He's aiming to get 2 DB's. And he's choosing to go after DL, with the last 1-2 spots. FWIW, I think Elko will fill his spots, whatever that numbers ends up being. Now if a kid transfers in April when they aren't getting reps, would that leave a spots for Simmons, yes, but again, I doubt he's going to be making those assumptions, with the amount of time he has.

 

[Luckylucci]

I get that I was more comparing the size. Who knows if Simmons couldn't play inside backer. A lot of teams have smaller inside backers who can run. I say take him and figure it out later. Get the most talented kids you can, especially one that would come here. Figure it out and if he doesn't get it move him to h back or make him a power back. Honestly taking him doesn't hurt our chances at all. We pass on this kid but take major projects like Turner, Tiassum and others. I get it's totally different coaches now but the current boss still makes those calls. Doesn't hurt anyone or any scholarships taking a top 300 player and can run. We need all the help on defense, we might make Tranquil a rover but why couldn't Simmons play that position? You might disagree and I respect that but per the usual with BK I don't get it

Dude, you are spinning your wheels here.

What does size have to do with anything? It doesn't, it has to do with numbers. He's just not recruiting more LB's at this time. We're not recruiting Brooks anymore either. Once they got a grasp on numbers, he chose the direction he wanted to go, at least for now, and it is DB's and DL.

Also, the comparisons have absolutely nothing to do with each other, yet you keep making them, John Turner was another DC altogether. So you have now compared decisions on 3 different players with 3 different DC's, lol.

 

[ND Fan Vancouver]

Solid points being brought up here. Keep in mind we have Bauer and Ovie committed in '18. I think we have a shot at landing another stud LB in that class as well.

 

[ND NYC]

hate when these kids come back to haunt us.

we should start a thread of guys that wanted to be here, but we didn't take/offer.

in the modern era we can begin that list with luke keuchly.

 

[Luckylucci]

Solid points being brought up here. Keep in mind we have Bauer and Ovie committed in '18. I think we have a shot at landing another stud LB in that class as well.

And this is another part of it. He runs a 2 LB system. With 1 "true" ILB already committed, and a good one at that, for next cycle. This is just the evolution that this roster is going to take. It just so happens its taking place at a time when ND recruiting has been going south, so everyone wants to take anybody that wants to come aboard, somewhat dismissing the greater goal, which is to reshape the roster.

 

[Luckylucci]

hate when these kids come back to haunt us.

we should start a thread of guys that wanted to be here, but we didn't take/offer.

in the modern era we can begin that list with luke keuchly.

I hear ya, but for the record, Urban actually started this. He's the one that pushed the kid out, for our LB (werner), haha.

 

[ThePiombino]

Yeah, Butler was never a good fit as a cover corner, but you can only play the guys that are on your team. But we were stacked at his position at the beginning of that season too. Meanwhile, we were under 85 and worrying about not over filling positions.

Even if he's not a difference maker, he would add more value then an empty damn slot.

This. This! A MILLION TIMES THIS!!! Even if he red-shirts then plays ST for 3-4 years, you can't say it's not better than a walk-on in the same scenario.