Three years ago, Chris Leak of Charlotte's Independence High announced he was going to Florida. He was the recruit of century and would transform the Gators into a national title contender. Obviously, that didn't quite work out as planned. Californian Josh Portis, master of the spread offense, came aboard, and now he's gone. So that brings us to Tuesday, when Florida's Mr. Football, St. Augustine quarterback Tim Tebow, will announce his college of choice. The finalists: Florida, Alabama, LSU, Michigan and USC. The Crimson Tide's Mike Shula got in the last word, and everybody in Alabama is holding their breath. OK people, this recruiting business is out of hand. You don't know what you have until you bring it home. Some kids have the heart and drive to improve and others don't. Some are mismatched in a system. Just too many variables. And who is to say a kid won't change his mind. Look at Michael Goodson, nicknamed Michael Good-God (video). The running back out of Houston gave his word to Oklahoma State. Now he's reportedly choosing between Texas A&M and USC. The only proper way to judge a recruiting class is by looking back five years and see what you ended up with. And while you're at it, recruit some linemen. They are the guys who win games (some registration).
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
The Next Big Thing (Maybe)
Three years ago, Chris Leak of Charlotte's Independence High announced he was going to Florida. He was the recruit of century and would transform the Gators into a national title contender. Obviously, that didn't quite work out as planned. Californian Josh Portis, master of the spread offense, came aboard, and now he's gone. So that brings us to Tuesday, when Florida's Mr. Football, St. Augustine quarterback Tim Tebow, will announce his college of choice. The finalists: Florida, Alabama, LSU, Michigan and USC. The Crimson Tide's Mike Shula got in the last word, and everybody in Alabama is holding their breath. OK people, this recruiting business is out of hand. You don't know what you have until you bring it home. Some kids have the heart and drive to improve and others don't. Some are mismatched in a system. Just too many variables. And who is to say a kid won't change his mind. Look at Michael Goodson, nicknamed Michael Good-God (video). The running back out of Houston gave his word to Oklahoma State. Now he's reportedly choosing between Texas A&M and USC. The only proper way to judge a recruiting class is by looking back five years and see what you ended up with. And while you're at it, recruit some linemen. They are the guys who win games (some registration).
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2 comments:
Fortunately, Alabama has recruited about 4 top flight lineman and is in on the best in the country (a kid from Birmingham, AL). You're right though - the Tide needs line help. Shula's got that squared away. The fascination with recruiting, while new to most folks, is just a way of life in Alabama. :)
I've seen Tebow play, and he is that good. With Josh Portis wanting the transfer out of Florida, that gives Tebow the perfect opportunity to fit in at UF. Go Gators!
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