USC recruiting and everything else

[dublinirish]

this goes back to the Pete Carroll days when every other week there was a new RB as 'the starter'. Remember when USC had 8/9 RB's and (cant remember his name) transferred to Florida? I don't think USC has had a 1,000yard rusher since sometime in the 90's.

Similarly, they supposedly have all these skill position guys, but they use Marquise Lee as the starting WR, main kick returner, main punt returner; now they are/were talking about him playing DB.

Ego-maniac coaches, begat ego-maniac players.

the Rb was Emmanuel Moody, he got to UF and then sucked so along with the other guys bad Urbie said they would play without any Rb's and he had Tebow and Percy take all the carries

 

[ulukinatme]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Is it unreasonable for me to learn how to do that Hawaiian warrior dance thing just in case Hawaii beats USC?</p>— Knute Rockne (@Rocknes_Ghost) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rocknes_Ghost/statuses/372777426289299456">August 28, 2013</a></blockquote>
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[Cackalacky]

I thought that year was expunged from the books

Doesn't mean it did not happen

 

[Kak7304]

Good write-up on Marquise Lee and his upbringing. I know he's from a fiercely hated rival, but can't help but root for the kid to succeed.

USC receiver and Heisman Trophy candidate Marqise Lee's journey from Inglewood, California, to the heights of college football - Grantland

 

[TheChosen1]

Bruce Feldman‏@BFeldmanCBS

#USC redshirt sophomore @CodyKessler will start the game at QB, school announces.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

Maybe I've been living in a box, but I'm just now learning about the disability insurance policies high-profile college players are using. Can someone explain that to me?

From what I'm gathering, the NCAA offers insurance of up to $5mill and it's only disability, not loss of draft value. The player can refuse this program and get his own, like Lee did for $10mill plus loss of draft value coverage. However, my question is when and how are these guys paying the premiums, which are estimated to be about $10,000 per $1 million coverage? Are they taking out bank loans to pay or is the policy in "good faith" that they'll have a contract and retro-bill the premium amount once the player signs the NFL contract?

The reason I bring this up is because it seems like a no-brainer for any high profile college player. It's win-win. The player has great coverage and doesn't have to worry about the premium because either 1) He'll pay it with his NFL contract money or 2) He'll pay it from the face value within the policy. In turn, the insurance company can charge extremely high premiums and take the chance on the player staying healthy and getting drafted high, thus not having to pay out the policy. (Anyone have any info on the % of claims they have to fulfill?) The whole thing interests me. I can't believe I'm just now learning about it.

USC Trojans' Marqise Lee picks up $10M insurance policy, source says - ESPN Los Angeles

Edit: typo on my part

 

[IrishLax]

Maybe I've been living in a box, but I'm just now learning about the disability insurance policies high-profile college players are using. Can someone explain that to me?

From what I'm gathering, the NCAA offers insurance of up to $5mill and it's only disability, not loss of draft value. The player can refuse this program and get his own, like Lee did for $10mill plus loss of draft value coverage. However, my question is when and how are these guys paying the premiums, which are estimated to be about $100,000 per $1 million coverage? Are they taking out bank loans to pay or is the policy in "good faith" that they'll have a contract and retro-bill the premium amount once the player signs the NFL contract?

The reason I bring this up is because it seems like a no-brainer for any high profile college player. It's win-win. The player has great coverage and doesn't have to worry about the premium because either 1) He'll pay it with his NFL contract money or 2) He'll pay it from the face value within the policy. In turn, the insurance company can charge extremely high premiums and take the chance on the player staying healthy and getting drafted high, thus not having to pay out the policy. (Anyone have any info on the % of claims they have to fulfill?) The whole thing interests me. I can't believe I'm just now learning about it.

USC Trojans' Marqise Lee picks up $10M insurance policy, source says - ESPN Los Angeles

I believe the NFL specific policies some of these guys like Andrew Luck, etc. get are only an option for sure-fire NFL 1st rounders (or top 10 picks) and the policy is written such that their premiums are payable sometime after draft day... so they don't put any money down up front. I don't know if the premiums are as steep if you're suggesting, I always assumed it was something closer to $0.01 on the dollar or less for permanent disability insurance as true "career ending" injuries are quite rare. Insurance against injuries, etc. that would be "significant" and affect draft stock but you could still play are extremely expensive I think. But I really don't know.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

I believe the NFL specific policies some of these guys like Andrew Luck, etc. get are only an option for sure-fire NFL 1st rounders (or top 10 picks) and the policy is written such that their premiums are payable sometime after draft day... so they don't put any money down up front. I don't know if the premiums are as steep if you're suggesting, I always assumed it was something closer to $0.01 on the dollar or less for permanent disability insurance as true "career ending" injuries are quite rare. Insurance against injuries, etc. that would be "significant" and affect draft stock but you could still play are extremely expensive I think. But I really don't know.

That was a typo on my part. The premiums, as referenced in the article, are usually between 8-10k per mill. Meaning Lee's premium is 100 grand since his coverage is 10 mill.

I already assumed that only a select few players (ie. the top ten projected picks, etc) are eligible for such insurance. It's basically a no-brainer to do it since there's no money required up front and you basically "pay back" the premium after you sign your contract....OR have a severe injury or drop beyond a certain pick in the draft and receive the value of said policy. The article used Palmer dropping in the draft, but not dropping far enough to warrant the pay out of his policy.

I was just curious how long this has been going on and why they're making a big deal out of Lee doing it (besides the fact that his policy is for $10 mill, while most others are only $5 mill). I'm also curious what percentage of claims are processed. Usually the house wins. But I'd be curious how many players get the policy and then fall in the draft or get a significant injury and receive the face value. If it's a large amount, the insurance companies would be losing their a$$...so surely they're just pocketing these huge premiums every year.

 

[enrico514]

That was a typo on my part. The premiums, as referenced in the article, are usually between 8-10k per mill. Meaning Lee's premium is 100 grand since his coverage is 10 mill.

I already assumed that only a select few players (ie. the top ten projected picks, etc) are eligible for such insurance. It's basically a no-brainer to do it since there's no money required up front and you basically "pay back" the premium after you sign your contract....OR have a severe injury or drop beyond a certain pick in the draft and receive the value of said policy. The article used Palmer dropping in the draft, but not dropping far enough to warrant the pay out of his policy.

I was just curious how long this has been going on and why they're making a big deal out of Lee doing it (besides the fact that his policy is for $10 mill, while most others are only $5 mill). I'm also curious what percentage of claims are processed. Usually the house wins. But I'd be curious how many players get the policy and then fall in the draft or get a significant injury and receive the face value. If it's a large amount, the insurance companies would be losing their a$$...so surely they're just pocketing these huge premiums every year.

Weis had explained this back in the days. I believe he mentioned this was almost automatic for projected first rounders who elected to stay in college for an extra year. If I recall correctly it was really for career ending injuries.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>RT <a href="https://twitter.com/insidetroy">@insidetroy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23USC&src=hash">#USC</a> had just 55 scholarship players available against <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Hawaii&src=hash">#Hawaii</a>. Number could go up slightly against <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WSU&src=hash">#WSU</a> next weekend.</p>— Bruce Feldman (@BFeldmanCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BFeldmanCBS/statuses/373520998097645568">August 30, 2013</a></blockquote>
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[ACamp1900]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>RT <a href="https://twitter.com/insidetroy">@insidetroy</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23USC&src=hash">#USC</a> had just 55 scholarship players available against <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Hawaii&src=hash">#Hawaii</a>. Number could go up slightly against <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WSU&src=hash">#WSU</a> next weekend.</p>— Bruce Feldman (@BFeldmanCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BFeldmanCBS/statuses/373520998097645568">August 30, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Total honesty… how does anyone fire a coach under these circumstances??? It would be completely unfair to Kiffin (Not that he doesn’t have it coming in the Karma department)…going to be interesting to watch either way.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Total honesty… how does anyone fire a coach under these circumstances??? It would be completely unfair to Kiffin (Not that he doesn’t have it coming in the Karma department)…going to be interesting to watch either way.

I don't expect him to get fired. Haden probably intends to ride out the post-sanctions hang-over with Kiffin, and then find a better candidate when USC's roster is more attractive. Right now, it'd be a major rebuilding project, which top coaches generally aren't interested in taking on.

 

[Riddickulous]

Please keep Kiffin at USC for as long as possible.

 

[ulukinatme]

I hope it doesn't happen, but who does Haden go for if Kiffin gets the axe? Sanctions or not, public outcry could be loud if he has a poor season.

I could see them going after another former coach, Sarkisian. Washington certainly isn't an attractive place. Vanderbilt's Franklin? Louisville's Strong? God forbid, Diaco? Alabama's Kirby Smart?

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I could see them going after another former coach, Sarkisian. Washington certainly isn't an attractive place. Vanderbilt's Franklin? Louisville's Strong? God forbid, Diaco? Alabama's Kirby Smart?

I don't think Haden would hire anyone without head coaching experience. Strong or Franklin are probably the two best guesses. USC is a destination job with a lot of unique benefits; they're gonna get someone very very good.

 

[ACamp1900]

Haden in two years-- "It is with pleasure that I now introduce to you the new head coach of the USC Trojans….. Mr. Brian Kelly”

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Haden in two years-- "It is with pleasure that I now introduce to you the new head coach of the USC Trojans….. Mr. Brian Kelly”

Nearly neg repped you for this. There are some thing which simply shouldn't be joked about.

I honestly can't see Kelly leaving for another college program. He's always moved up in the past. If he leaves, it'll be for the NFL.

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

Haden in two years-- "It is with pleasure that I now introduce to you the new head coach of the USC Trojans….. Mr. Brian Kelly”

Nearly neg repped you for this. There are some thing which simply shouldn't be joked about.

I honestly can't see Kelly leaving for another college program. He's always moved up in the past. If he leaves, it'll be for the NFL.

 

[woolybug25]

I'm going to ignore, Acamp's comment and act like it never happened.

I did not watch the game last night, how did USC look?

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

I'm going to ignore, Acamp's comment and act like it never happened.

I did not watch the game last night, how did USC look?

Taylor Graham was USC's best player.

 

[T Town Tommy]

I hope it doesn't happen, but who does Haden go for if Kiffin gets the axe? Sanctions or not, public outcry could be loud if he has a poor season.

I could see them going after another former coach, Sarkisian. Washington certainly isn't an attractive place. Vanderbilt's Franklin? Louisville's Strong? God forbid, Diaco? Alabama's Kirby Smart?

Doug Nussmeier - you heard it here first.

 

[Wild Bill]

They should back a Brinks truck into Chris Peterson's driveway.

It's a destination job with a ton of perks but I don't think they'll hire the right man for the job. I have to question their judgment - they allow Kiffin to roam their sideline.

 

[Jebediah Springfield]

They should back a Brinks truck into Chris Peterson's driveway.

It's a destination job with a ton of perks but I don't think they'll hire the right man for the job. I have to question their judgment - they allow Kiffin to roam their sideline.

I don't think Haden hired Kiffy. IMO Haden seems like a smart guy and will get a quality guy when the time comes.

 

[T Town Tommy]

They should back a Brinks truck into Chris Peterson's driveway.

I think Texas will come calling for CP when they finally decide to cut M. Brown. They should have done that two years ago.

 

[Wild Bill]

I don't think Haden hired Kiffy. IMO Haden seems like a smart guy and will get a quality guy when the time comes.

He keeps him employed, though.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

They should back a Brinks truck into Chris Peterson's driveway.

It's a destination job with a ton of perks but I don't think they'll hire the right man for the job. I have to question their judgment - they allow Kiffin to roam their sideline.

I don't think Haden hired Kiffy. IMO Haden seems like a smart guy and will get a quality guy when the time comes.

Bingo. Kiffin was hired by Mike Garrett, the clown who oversaw Pete the Cheat's lawlessness, and whose lack of cooperation with the NCAA caused their current sanction-induced woes. Haden replaced Garrett, and by all accounts, has done a much better job.

As for why he "allow Kiffin to roam their sideline," it'll be hard to lure a top coach to USC with their current roster. Much better to let Kiffin ride out the painful rebuilding years, and then bring in a better coach once their roster looks attractive again.

Which is great news for us. Kelly will be 3-1 against Kiffin come 10/19.

 

[woolybug25]

He keeps him employed, though.

Which is why he is smart. Despite being an awful coach, he's a good recruiter and nobody... NOBODY wanted that job while the sanctions are in effect.

Once the sanctions wind down, he can fire Kiffy for poor performance and have a talented, albeit small, team to offer to a new coach. Won't hurt that the coach will be able to take a 30+ person class in his first year too (assuming Kiffy is gone at the end of sanctions).

 

[Wild Bill]

Which is why he is smart. Despite being an awful coach, he's a good recruiter and nobody... NOBODY wanted that job while the sanctions are in effect.

Once the sanctions wind down, he can fire Kiffy for poor performance and have a talented, albeit small, team to offer to a new coach. Won't hurt that the coach will be able to take a 30+ person class in his first year too (assuming Kiffy is gone at the end of sanctions).

Wooly, you and I could land recruits at USC. IMO, they sign recruits in spite of him. Last year, if I remember correctly, they got a lot of those verbals before their season fell apart. Once Kiffin showed his true colors they lost that one guy from Placer and Max. His class this year, and I realize it's early, is nothing to write home to mom and dad about.

I can't remember who they interviewed for the job but I can't imagine they couldn't find anybody better than Kiffin.

 

[Whiskeyjack]

I can't remember who they interviewed for the job but I can't imagine they couldn't find anybody better than Kiffin.

Garrett hired him because he was an assistant under Carroll, in the hopes that he could recreate that success (he also brought his famous NFL DC father along with him). Haden inherited Kiffin, and while he could probably find a better coach on short notice, coaching changes are painful. I really think Haden's content to ride Kiffin out of their rebuilding years before bringing in "his" guy.

 

[Wild Bill]

Garrett hired him because he was an assistant under Carroll, in the hopes that he could recreate that success (he also brought his famous NFL DC father along with him). Haden inherited Kiffin, and while he could probably find a better coach on short notice, coaching changes are painful. I really think Haden's content to ride Kiffin out of their rebuilding years before bringing in "his" guy.

I think you're right. I find it hard to believe they are keeping him around to "rebuild". He's tearing that program down. IMO, Haden keeps Kiffin around for the same reason he hired Enfield - he appreciates a hot wife.