The dumbest question you can ask that's sure to piss off ND recruits

[Óglaigh_na_hÉireann]

"How much will the possibility of playing with Jimmy Clausen factor into your decision?"

I've seen this question asked in a few interviews and in articles of prospects. I love Jimmy, but it needs to be understood that ND recruits are high caliber and are worthy of their own merit; they won't come to be JC's 'side-kick', everyone wants to be 'the main guy', that's why they work so hard to accomplish that. Asking that question undermines a prospect's own abilities.

 

[Folsteam_Ahead]

i second that. it's very exciting to have clausen committed to ND, but that doesn't mean he'll get to start in his career. every QB coming into ND will be in the running. DJ could end up being a 3 year starter...same with frazier. they'll all work hard to win the job. weis will hand it to who deserves it most. i think that level of dedication to winning to help keep top qb recruits flowing in over the years without very little drop off.

 

[dankus]

I don't think the question is meant to take away any of the accomplishments of other big name recruits. Having what some people consider the number one recruit in the country committed already is an accomplishment. Good players know that they can't do it on their own, and with the skills that the best players possess, they want a similar caliber around them.

If I was asked that question, I would interpret it along the lines of something like:

"So far, Notre Dame has recieved commitments from great talent in QB, WR, LB and DE. When choosing a school, does the current caliber of commits weigh any on your decision?"

 

[jiggafini19]

I've touched on this in other threads.

For the life of me, I can't quite figure out what Jimmy Clausen would have to do with Marvin Austin, Ben Martin and Martez Wilson deciding where they want to play their college football.

I can see Tyler, but that's about it. Each guy has to go his own way, ultimately. Arrelious Benn, Deonte Thompson, Armando Allen and other offensive recruits can't assume Clausen will be distributing them the football during their four years at Notre Dame. They need to realize that Notre Dame is what it is and Charlie Weis is going to be there.

 

[scooper]

We're all excited to have Clausen, but maybe some bought too much into the hype in expecting this windfall of recruits. Highly rated guys doing a little recruiting of their own is nothing new, but it's easier for them to do it when they have an established relationship with other players, ala Clausen and Tyler. Sure, some highly rated east coast guys may see a good opportunity to play with the #1 QB, but it's not like playing with the likes of Mike Paulus or another top QB is a bad deal either.

Ultimately, I hope they are sold more on Weis, his staff and the university than on another hyped high schooler.

I'm glad JC is heralded and I'm glad he's doing some recruiting. Aldridge and Jones did a nice job last year. It builds a sense of leadership early on. But ultimately, it's up to the coaches to do the real recruiting.

 

[Óglaigh_na_hÉireann]

When Kamara was asked in the interview on ESPN, I couldn't help but think that the facial expression he had was one of annoyance. I'm sure Clausen did factor into his confidence in the program, but it almost seemed like he was already claiming a bit of his spotlight on his day, which doesn't make me blame Clausen (not one bit), but the reporters who don't understand it.