Now that Lynch is gone, time for some reflection

[greyhammer90]

Looking back it would have been better if his mom would have just let him go to FSU to begin with.

You can't force someone to be where they don't want to be.

not for us. We got a year out of him when our starting DE got injured. That's a net positive.

 

[IrishMoore1]

I posted this in the other thread, but I figured people would want to see it:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ltCQOCrsr_c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[magogian]

Shortsighted decision? Sure. But it's his life and a free country.

On a personal level, it's just funny to me how little I care. Two years ago, when I first started following recruiting, I would probably lost it. Maybe I'm jaded now... maybe I'm more realistic... but the bottom line is I just don't care. Because what's the point in caring?

The best question asked in that press conference was at the 9 minute mark. Paraphrasing, Kelly was asked about the type of kids they're recruiting and if they need to do more due diligence on them to make sure they're a fit for ND. For Aaron, I don't think that applies. You can't predict that someone is going to have the emotional pull back to his "home" like he did. We've all gone over the reasons why, and it's not really important how we view their validity.

But that question DOES apply to David Perkins, Deontay Greenberry, Tee Shepard, Ronald Darby, etc. I think Kelly has learned, albeit the tough way, to not waste time with kids who about "swag" and not about the classroom. If you're prima donna at age 17.... you're not going to make it at ND. Period. When I think about how our lacrosse team recruits, we target guys who are first and foremost mental fits for what we want to be as a team. There are just as many headcases that are star prep lacrosse players as there are football players.... albeit, usually a different kind of entitlement but entitlement none the less. Kid got in trouble for smoking weed? He can go to Maryland. Kid shows immaturity? He can go to Virginia. We don't want him.

That's the approach we need to take for football. If a kid is a fit, you take him. If a kid wants to "commit" and still take all of his OVs, you tell him to come back when he's ready to shut it down and his spot might be gone. Enough passing on kids who want to be here in favor of kids with more perceived talent that don't.

Lastly, I applaud Kelly for taking the approach he did. He could've pandered to Lynch like Urban Meyer pandered to headcases at Florida. Or tried to break NCAA rules and get his girlfriend a job in South Bend. Instead he chose the team over the hyper-talented individual. Maybe that doesn't seem like a good move now in the short term, but it's completely necessary for the long term.

This should be a stickied post.

 

[ChiefSecond]

Why cant we have an SEC level defense? We have recruited on defense better than many of them over the last few years. You are acting like Lynch is the only dude we had on our defense that could start in the SEC. We have plenty of talented guys on our defense and guys like Day and Jones both chose ND instead of taking their talents south. In fact, most of the guys on our front seven chose Notre Dame despite having offers to the SEC's best teams.

You have no basis for this argument.

Sure there's a few talents who could make SEC rosters right now...but from top to bottom we finish dead last in the SEC in overall talent defensively. I remember one year ago hearing about how the defense was "SEC caliber !!! whoo hooo!!" and it turned out our defense was torched by every truly talented offense they played.

This years defense has one good safety, one great linebacker, and an above average D-line. Nothing more. But im not worried...i believe they can do exactly what they were built to do....bend not break.

 

[CarrollVermin]

How many wins does this cost us next year?

 

[Grahambo]

Ok, I'm back from work, so I'll write what I know.

First off, Aaron didn't want to come to Notre Dame. What happened, in particularly in San Antonio at the AA bowl, Alice was pleading her case for Aaron to go to ND. This is why he was quoted as saying that he was confused. He wasn't confused on where he wanted to go (he wanted to stay in the state of Florida the whole time), he was confused as to why she was having second thoughts. When Langston wrote the quotes, he intentionally made them somewhat cryptic because Aaron asked him to. Then there's further pieces of evidence of his not wanting to be at ND. During last year's FSU spring game, Langston told me that he thought Aaron was not mentally prepared for ND. It turns out he was correct.

At one point, he stated on his FB or twitter (I can't remember which one), that he was surprised that he liked ND so much. Why would anyone who WANTED to be there say that? Then There's the FB post of Aaron ssaying that he didn't want to be there anymore.

In addition, I thought I should mention how much Alice was committed to Notre Dame. I have only told this to NDinL.A. Alice gave me Aaron's cell number. I was obviously skeptical, until Langston told me that it was indeed his number.

The fact of the matter is that Aaron never wanted to be here in the first place, and that Alice pushed him to do so. I personally like Alice still, as she was very kind to me. For the people saying for Aaron to "grow up" or "grow a pair", he did. He defied his mother and did what HE wanted to do. While I think he is making a HUGE mistake, I understand why he is doing so. I wish him the best of luck, and hope that I can stay in contact with Alice, as I believe she is a wonderful person.

Top to bottom, great post. He didn't want ND. Sounds like the locker room is happy that he finally left. Just sounds like a mutual happiness to part on both sides. I remember when Tiki Barber retired despite him being a Top 5 RB in the NFL. Thought the Giants were doomed but despite his Pro Bowl numbers, they went on to win the Super Bowl practically a year later. His locker room attitude was a mental lift from the team and Eli.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Ok, I'm back from work, so I'll write what I know.

First off, Aaron didn't want to come to Notre Dame. What happened, in particularly in San Antonio at the AA bowl, Alice was pleading her case for Aaron to go to ND. This is why he was quoted as saying that he was confused. He wasn't confused on where he wanted to go (he wanted to stay in the state of Florida the whole time), he was confused as to why she was having second thoughts. When Langston wrote the quotes, he intentionally made them somewhat cryptic because Aaron asked him to. Then there's further pieces of evidence of his not wanting to be at ND. During last year's FSU spring game, Langston told me that he thought Aaron was not mentally prepared for ND. It turns out he was correct.

At one point, he stated on his FB or twitter (I can't remember which one), that he was surprised that he liked ND so much. Why would anyone who WANTED to be there say that? Then There's the FB post of Aaron ssaying that he didn't want to be there anymore.

In addition, I thought I should mention how much Alice was committed to Notre Dame. I have only told this to NDinL.A. Alice gave me Aaron's cell number. I was obviously skeptical, until Langston told me that it was indeed his number.

The fact of the matter is that Aaron never wanted to be here in the first place, and that Alice pushed him to do so. I personally like Alice still, as she was very kind to me. For the people saying for Aaron to "grow up" or "grow a pair", he did. He defied his mother and did what HE wanted to do. While I think he is making a HUGE mistake, I understand why he is doing so. I wish him the best of luck, and hope that I can stay in contact with Alice, as I believe she is a wonderful person.

I guess Alice isn't as strong as Tuitt's mother. If Stephon tried to transfer she would smack the crap out of him lol.

Anyway best of luck to Aaron and Alice...Let's move on and Go Irish.

 

[irishff1014]

How many wins does this cost us next year?

Really i know there has been alot of crazy comments but this is by far one of the worst. the loss of him isn't going to cost us any games. The only position you could really say that would win or lose us games is the QB. Not a DL. Will it lower our number of sacks maybe. WE all need to quit making this about him and just work about the players that want to be here. As far as i care every thread about him should be deleted.

 

[irishff1014]

I guess Alice isn't as strong as Tuitt's mother. If Stephon tried to transfer she would smack the crap out of him lol.

Anyway best of luck to Aaron and Alice...Let's move on and Go Irish.

You are also talkin about to differenet young men. Tuitt seems to be alot more mature then AL is.

 

[CarrollVermin]

Really i know there has been alot of crazy comments but this is by far one of the worst. the loss of him isn't going to cost us any games. The only position you could really say that would win or lose us games is the QB. Not a DL. Will it lower our number of sacks maybe. WE all need to quit making this about him and just work about the players that want to be here. As far as i care every thread about him should be deleted.

So there is no impact on the DL because of his departure and therefore and impact on the quality of defense? I think you are crazy if you think that his production didn't help win games last year. Add in a very inexperienced secondary and you don't have the "vaunted" defense we all thought we had coming into the season. Replacing his production is job one...did we learn nothing from Moneyball?

 

[WaveDomer]

Shortsighted decision? Sure. But it's his life and a free country.

On a personal level, it's just funny to me how little I care. Two years ago, when I first started following recruiting, I would probably lost it. Maybe I'm jaded now... maybe I'm more realistic... but the bottom line is I just don't care. Because what's the point in caring?

The best question asked in that press conference was at the 9 minute mark. Paraphrasing, Kelly was asked about the type of kids they're recruiting and if they need to do more due diligence on them to make sure they're a fit for ND. For Aaron, I don't think that applies. You can't predict that someone is going to have the emotional pull back to his "home" like he did. We've all gone over the reasons why, and it's not really important how we view their validity.

But that question DOES apply to David Perkins, Deontay Greenberry, Tee Shepard, Ronald Darby, etc. I think Kelly has learned, albeit the tough way, to not waste time with kids who about "swag" and not about the classroom. If you're prima donna at age 17.... you're not going to make it at ND. Period. When I think about how our lacrosse team recruits, we target guys who are first and foremost mental fits for what we want to be as a team. There are just as many headcases that are star prep lacrosse players as there are football players.... albeit, usually a different kind of entitlement but entitlement none the less. Kid got in trouble for smoking weed? He can go to Maryland. Kid shows immaturity? He can go to Virginia. We don't want him.

That's the approach we need to take for football. If a kid is a fit, you take him. If a kid wants to "commit" and still take all of his OVs, you tell him to come back when he's ready to shut it down and his spot might be gone. Enough passing on kids who want to be here in favor of kids with more perceived talent that don't.

Lastly, I applaud Kelly for taking the approach he did. He could've pandered to Lynch like Urban Meyer pandered to headcases at Florida. Or tried to break NCAA rules and get his girlfriend a job in South Bend. Instead he chose the team over the hyper-talented individual. Maybe that doesn't seem like a good move now in the short term, but it's completely necessary for the long term.

This is spot on. Plus, I think it is more fitting for a school like ND because there are so many extra factors involved as a player at ND. Chris Petersen takes this approach at Boise State with players and coaches. He knows BSU can't get what Alabama can get, so he goes and gets the people who fit his program. Square peg and round hole and all that.

 

[grantland]

Kelly won 16 games in the last two years. The previous regime took the 3 years prior to that to win 16 games. There is evidence of improvement in the very most important category. EDIT: I am not the same grantland in this article:

Lynch to Leave ND | Her Loyal Sons

 

[grantland]

How many wins does this cost us next year?

0

 

[ND55]

Shortsighted decision? Sure. But it's his life and a free country.

On a personal level, it's just funny to me how little I care. Two years ago, when I first started following recruiting, I would probably lost it. Maybe I'm jaded now... maybe I'm more realistic... but the bottom line is I just don't care. Because what's the point in caring?

The best question asked in that press conference was at the 9 minute mark. Paraphrasing, Kelly was asked about the type of kids they're recruiting and if they need to do more due diligence on them to make sure they're a fit for ND. For Aaron, I don't think that applies. You can't predict that someone is going to have the emotional pull back to his "home" like he did. We've all gone over the reasons why, and it's not really important how we view their validity.

But that question DOES apply to David Perkins, Deontay Greenberry, Tee Shepard, Ronald Darby, etc. I think Kelly has learned, albeit the tough way, to not waste time with kids who about "swag" and not about the classroom. If you're prima donna at age 17.... you're not going to make it at ND. Period. When I think about how our lacrosse team recruits, we target guys who are first and foremost mental fits for what we want to be as a team. There are just as many headcases that are star prep lacrosse players as there are football players.... albeit, usually a different kind of entitlement but entitlement none the less. Kid got in trouble for smoking weed? He can go to Maryland. Kid shows immaturity? He can go to Virginia. We don't want him.

That's the approach we need to take for football. If a kid is a fit, you take him. If a kid wants to "commit" and still take all of his OVs, you tell him to come back when he's ready to shut it down and his spot might be gone. Enough passing on kids who want to be here in favor of kids with more perceived talent that don't.

Lastly, I applaud Kelly for taking the approach he did. He could've pandered to Lynch like Urban Meyer pandered to headcases at Florida. Or tried to break NCAA rules and get his girlfriend a job in South Bend. Instead he chose the team over the hyper-talented individual. Maybe that doesn't seem like a good move now in the short term, but it's completely necessary for the long term.

Jimmy Clausen....

sorry his name just jumped out at me when I read that but I completely agree with what your saying

 

[ND55]

In the long term we're going to win because of OFFENSE not defense. BK was brought here to light up the score board...not recruit the #1 defense in the country.

Yup... That worked pretty well for Charlie

 

[greyhammer90]

Jimmy Clausen....

sorry his name just jumped out at me when I read that but I completely agree with what your saying

lol ok unless you're a prima donna who is also hand crafted by the head coach, given the unquestionable title of "program's hope", and start in every game all 4 years.

 

[notredomer23]

I only read the early reports that Lynch wasn't at practice and that a press conference was scheduled for 10 am. I proceded to play 18 holes of golf and completely forgot about it for about five hours and I am glad I did... I shot an 87. Not great, not bad either.

I have been trying to reel in how I feel about this. While it sucks, for 2012, the hurt is not significant. We still have KLM, Tuitt, Ishaq(whatever position he plays), and Nix on the D-Line, all of which are absolute studs. That doesn't even include our backups which are solid. We will be fine in 2012 on the D-Line. This hurts us going into 2013 however. We now need two defensive end committments(at least, maybe 3) this year instead of 1. Isaac Rochell seems like a good bet, we need to reel in at least one other.

How many wins will this cost us? 0. While this sucks, KLM is a stud. We know this, and honestly, reports were that he was going to start over Lynch. Hurts depth a little, but I would much rather have Lynch leave then lets say Daniels or Jackson. That would be killer to WR or CB depth. We at least have depth on the DL.

I am not even mad that he is leaving. Clearly he does not want to be there. He would rather be in Florida with his girlfriend. Plus he got his *** kicked by Tate Nichols. He has to stay on campus for a whole one more month about. It is going to be hell for him, having to look his teammates in the eyes that he is abandoning. God bless him.

EDIT: Let me say, I am not trying to diminish the loss of him. It is huge. He is a beast. But we will be fine. I would rather this now than in august.

 

[IrishInFl]

I just saw Langston at the bar, and he had a big $hit eating grin when he saw me. Btw, if you have recruiting questions, ask now.

 

[notredomer23]

I just saw Langston at the bar, and he had a big $hit eating grin when he saw me. Btw, if you have recruiting questions, ask now.

Not so much a chances question, but has Jordan Sherit ever visited or does he plan on visiting any time soon?

 

[ChiefSecond]

Yup... That worked pretty well for Charlie

It's working well for oklahoma state and oregon...those defenses are solid but far from elite..which is exactly what we will always be.

It's going to work for us just fine...and it'll be exciting.

 

[DillonHall]

Kelly won 16 games in the last two years. The previous regime took the 3 years prior to that to win 16 games. There is evidence of improvement in the very most important category. EDIT: I am not the same grantland in this article:

Lynch to Leave ND | Her Loyal Sons

Weis won 19 games his first two seasons.

 

[UmphreakDomer]

LAX--great post as per usual.

just thinking out loud--
i just think this is a really short-sided decision. this is obvious to everyone that is posting. the thing i keep thinking about is:

all of these athletes are hoping to get into the nfl--if thats the case, they will still spend a huge amount of time away from home. away from family. away from loved ones. i hope his girlfriend, if it lasts that long, has some sort of life herself. something to do instead of pining. and i dont mean this as a negative.
i think of it the same way charlie used to pitch kids that wanted to go to USC or Florida, because of climate. he'd tell them, "so if you get to the nfl, you dont want to play in green bay? or chicago?" etc. etc.
i say this not in reference to the climate but in reference to, if your dream is to be in the nfl, youre going to have to deal with all sorts of homesickness and loss of time with a girlfriend/wife/fiance/or maybe boyfriend (i guess). so, in that regard, this is never going to get easier for him. and if it does, because she comes out on the road with him, then i just feel bad that she's left with just being a "road wife".
im not mad at him. or her. disappointed? i dont think that either.
sometimes life changing moments happen and we dont even realize it until later. this is one he and everyone that shares his life with, will know and remember.
i actually feel kind of bad.

 

[DillonHall]

Could anyone have predicted that Lynch wasn't a good fit at ND? He seemed to say the right things about education, etc. and backed it up with actions by ultimately choosing ND over FSU.

I get what you're saying, Lax, but you need these types of talents to win championships (remember Cincinnati against Florida a few years ago?); I don't think it's as easy as simply choosing guys who want (or say they want) to be here.

 

[notredomer23]

Could anyone have predicted that Lynch wasn't a good fit at ND? He seemed to say the right things about education, etc. and backed it up with actions by ultimately choosing ND over FSU.

I get what you're saying, Lax, but you need these types of talents to win championships (remember Cincinnati against Florida a few years ago?); I don't think it's as easy as simply choosing guys who want (or say they want) to be here.

2 reasons for him leaving ND.

1. His GF.
2. His Attitude.

Team chemistry will benefit greatly from him leaving. His attitude was probably caused partially by him missing his girlfriend.

Academics were not a reason IMO

 

[ulukinatme]

I don't buy the girlfriend argument. Granted, I did stupid things for girlfriends when I was 18 and 19, but I think Aaron has enough peers and mentors around him to point out that most high school sweethearts don't end up together, and if you're destined to be together anyway theres no reason why you couldn't do 3 more years long distance...but I digress. Ultimately Notre Dame was not for him, and thats all that matters. Best of luck to him, football continues on, KLM is back in at starter if he wasn't already.

 

[NDinL.A.]

I don't buy the girlfriend argument. Granted, I did stupid things for girlfriends when I was 18 and 19, but I think Aaron has enough peers and mentors around him to point out that most high school sweethearts don't end up together, and if you're destined to be together anyway theres no reason why you couldn't do 3 more years long distance...but I digress. Ultimately Notre Dame was not for him, and thats all that matters. Best of luck to him, football continues on, KLM is back in at starter if he wasn't already.

You don't have to buy it, but it's absolutely true bro. It was almost entirely over his girl. I am flying back from SOuth Bend as we speak, and everyone I talked to, including Rick Nueheisal (no lie, he's sitting 8 rows in front of me in the plane), said it was over a girl.

Crazy huh? And so incredibly sad. But oh well...

 

[mgriff]

You don't have to buy it, but it's absolutely true bro. It was almost entirely over his girl. I am flying back from SOuth Bend as we speak, and everyone I talked to, including Rick Nueheisal (no lie, he's sitting 8 rows in front of me in the plane), said it was over a girl.

Crazy huh? And so incredibly sad. But oh well...

You're the most connected educator I have ever known my man.

 

[HereComeTheIrish]

You don't have to buy it, but it's absolutely true bro. It was almost entirely over his girl. I am flying back from SOuth Bend as we speak, and everyone I talked to, including Rick Nueheisal (no lie, he's sitting 8 rows in front of me in the plane), said it was over a girl.

Crazy huh? And so incredibly sad. But oh well...

You're basing this argument on what Rick Nueheisal says??? He's as useless as Denny Erickson... and Butch Davis put together. Anyone else with some juice?

 

[tommyIRISH23]

For his sake, I really wish his reasoning was because he did just not like ND. But, if it is over a girl, I hope to God he has thought this out and really knows who this girl is.

From my own expieriences with going away to college, and from friends doing similar things like college, joining the military..etc all the stories ended up the same. Young people cheat when the cats away. It just happens when youre 18,19,20. It incredibly difficult time to go through when you're that young for many reasons, and this is one of them. Its not 1950 anymore...the odds of you marring your high school sweetheart arent very good

 

[NDinL.A.]

You're basing this argument on what Rick Nueheisal says??? He's as useless as Denny Erickson... and Butch Davis put together. Anyone else with some juice?

Ha ha...he's actually a really nice guy, very unassuming, very self-effacing, very honest actually. He talked to me off and on for a good 20-30 minutes,

And just because these coaches fail, doesn't mean they're not incredibly bright and knowledgeable football minds. Rick is no different, and he was a baller at UCLA, coming from absolutely nowhere to lead them to a Rose Bowl victory.

But I know (at least somewhat) that you're kidding...kinda.

Maybe I'll post our conversation - I just hate to be 'that guy' that posts what famous people say on free message boards. He was kind enough to talk to me pretty damn openly...