4-star 2016 WR will announce his commitment next Friday. Tino has gone back and forth between between Virginia Tech and Maryland, commit or prolong the process, over these last couple of weeks.
Very excited.. 4-star WR @IamTinoEllis from @DeMathaFootball will announce choice LIVE on CSN next Friday at 6pm.. It's #Terps or VA Tech..— Rob Carlin (@RobCarlinCSN) July 23, 2015
This can be the defacto thread for Ellis' decision and the lead up to it.
Forums:
DISCLAIMER: Forum topics may not have been written or edited by The Key Play staff.
Comments
oh man wonder if he pulls the DeAndre Jordan deal that would be epic.. as long as its for the good guys
Not looking good.
Wtf source?
hokie78464632481461238946 via the bluebird aka twitter
Oh, ok... so nobody credible
pay info. let's put it this way if he isn't here this weekend we know for sure.
The pay info is essentially "both sides are hearing the same thing, one of them is true." People have made assumptions off of that.
or you could just look at who the reporter is and what all-star game he is playing in. That wasn't the info I was talking about.
This isn't your PhD dissertation; you don't need to site 5 articles from 247 and ESPN. Dwayne Haskins is lobbying hard for Tino Ellis and Haskins is an ELITE QB prospect so his lobbying is pretty convincing. Look at Tino's twitter and tell me based off the things he favorites, retweets, etc. that it isn't turning into a UMD lean...
I've resigned myself to his going to UMd. That way, I can really appreciate the exquisite trolling job he's done if he does commit to us next week.
Just not sure why anyone in their right mind would ever want to spend 3-4 years in College Park...
3-4 minutes is my maximum.
Proximity to a large city is my only guess, but...
Spent a year there and I endorse your post.
Hmmm.....college park....
College Park. No Colleges and No Parks.
I sure hope he says the University of Virginia Tech
I hope he says "I don't fear the turtle. I'm going to Virginia Tech."
And yes, I'm aware of the irony considering what happened the last game. So don't bother pointing that out.
It is really horrible we have entitled these kids so much and are held hostage by their decisions. I feel we could really do without the Prima Donna's that think they need a television show to announce where they are going to college. But that's just my opinion...
They've worked hard on their football skills, strength, and conditioning to receive offers and want to have a little fun when announcing which school they will be attending. That's okay with me. Hopefully, more often than not they will choose VT.
It's pretty bad if you let yourself be held hostage by an 18 year old who you've never met before...
Kids should have fun with it. I personally wouldn't do it that way, but I have no problem with it.
If it were me I'd have a parade to announce my decision....
You're not held hostage before they commit. You're held hostage if they commit and then de-commit, or if they mislead you.
I don't have a problem with these kids having their moment. I just always hope they commit to the good guys.
Maybe I should have said get off my lawn too, damn oldtimer's...
Take away all of their damn smart phones until they are 18
We will probably do without this one as I believe his a Twerp, but I agree with you.
This is missing the point entirely. Imagine you are an elite football player. Congrats you now have a 2% chance of making it to the NFL. You are about to move up into NCAA football with hundreds of other players that could be as good as you. Now in the face of that competition the very worst thing you could do is keep everything under the radar. If you are smart you promote your brand, and your brand is you. The more you are in front of cameras and press the better (for the right reasons) because that is going to mean more notice of you. You need to start that promotion early and continue it throughout your college career, because NFL is a name brand business. Their money is made in merchandising and your now famous name will bring them tens of millions, which in turn translates to millions to you.
If it wasn't like this then I would say holding a tv event for a university announcement would be dumb, but it's not. It is exactly like this and recruits need to be smart on how they take advantage of it and who is trying to take advantage of them.
I think its a bit of a stretch to say this is done in the name of branding. Jimmy Clauson is the only high school recruit I can think of that clearly tried to do that. Sure some guys aka Kenny Trill try to excessively promote their brand in college, but I'd say 99% of these kids do it because its fun to have a little time in the spotlight, not ulterior monetary motives. Whatever branding can be done in high school is ultimately trumped by performance in college anyway. The only times that the NFL has drafted guys possibly based on brand were players like Tebow and Manziel, but being incredible college players tends to do that, not high school activity.
intentional or not, this is the reason it's done. Yes, lots of recruits have too much fun with it or in Clausen's case take it way too far but as I said the smart ones know exactly what they are doing. And I know for a fact from my friend's D1 caliber nephew it is exactly what they are doing this year. #sources and all that, but recruits are smart and they know the advantages of self promotion. I don't think you're giving them enough credit.
If I could choose between landing Ellis, and Mad Cow Disease.........I would choose to land Ellis.
Don't jerk me around Norm...
If I was a beast athlete that a couple of major colleges wanted to offer me a free ride to attend their school and play a game, I would have some fun with it to. Some (not all) but some of these kids have, by highschool, have become better at what they do than a lot of people ever become at anything in their lives. Enjoying the process is a perk.
If Ellis chooses us, fantastic. If he doesn't, he's not a bad guy. Might not win very much with the Twerps, but not a bad guy.
Leg to you, sir!
Does anyone know where it is taking place? Last I heard it was at a bar in college park, which would seem to suggest he would commit to umd, but I know that info is from a while back
He stated not too long ago that the announcement would most likely be at his school now. So hope that's a good sign.
It's at his school or something like that.
After seeing some reports that Tino would be coming back to Tech this weekend, I checked with him to see if that was still the case. It seems it isn't anymore.
Well dang. I'll just start mentally preparing for disappointment now haha. Maybe by next Friday I'll be at peace with it
Eh, every fall we're gonna see a bunch of kids suit up in Hokie uniforms. Those are the only ones that will matter. Yeah, I may be a bit more or less excited about the current class based on who signs and makes it to campus, but really I could give a crap. It's pretty sad to see so many people crying on message boards because a kid chose (or looks like he's going to choose, for that matter) a different school. Who gives a crap? I went through a good chunk of my life as a Debbie Downer fan, and newsflash: it just wasn't that fun. So y'all just excuse me as I go off and watch more highlights and wait for Billdozer's trailer to drop.
I get what you're saying, and I tend to always be a pessimistic football fan. It makes it easier for me since I have no control over the games. I can also agree there's plenty of guys to be excited about on the team.
But it's tough to convince me that missing out on a recruit that our coaches want doesn't matter and its not worth giving a crap.
Would it likely help our team if he chose us? Sure. Will it make or break the program? Unlikely. College football is full of highly-rated guys who never panned out and kids who came from nowhere to have great careers. The only thing that matters is what's on the field, no use raising one's blood pressure cause of some kid.
You're absolutely correct that missing on one "Tino" won't make or break Tech. However, it's the two, three, four, etc... that go elsewhere that will keep Tech from consistently winning games. Unfortunately, that's been the trend.
The classes we signed in 2013-2015 were solid, but given the talent in the state, they should have been at least great. We missed a great opportunity there.
More than any other position, QB is the difference maker in college. If Lawson lives up to the hype, he could bolster those last few classes and get the Hokies rolling again. But there's always the chance he's the next Marcus or Ike Whitaker instead of Randall or Tyrod.
Fortunately the 2016 class is small, because Tech doesn't seem to have a lot of traction with elite talent right now. Hopefully the BBQ and camp this weekend swing the momentum some.
You're exactly right. However, there's been enough Lawsons, Settles, Fords and Nijmans to keep me relatively certain that we're gonna be alright. I never had high hopes for the 2016 class based on numbers alone, so maybe that's why it's been fairly easy for me to not be too concerned with specific guys. I like who we've got in the fold at WR (admittedly one of the few positions that really classifies as a "need" this year), but there are a couple other guys besides Tino I wouldn't mind having if he chooses MD. Plus, with how crazy his recruitment has been up until now, not sure his commitment in a few days will be it anyways.
Also, there's no possible way any position group recruiting could be as bad as our OL recruiting from '08-'12, so there's hope there.
Doesn't Phillip Patterson announce the day after? He seems like he'd be a good one to have too.
yes he is set to announce Saturday. Personally i'd rather have snelson than any of them.
Lets not forget about the Willie Burns, Danny Coales, Chase Williams, and Cody Grimms of the world too. I would rather have the Tinos, but they don't always pan out, Joel Caleb was a 4 star ATH/WR prospect.
this conversation comes up quite often. If you take a look at our nfl draft picks there is a higher percentage of them that were 4+ stars then 3 stars are lower compared to how many we get of each group. For every walk-on superstar we have there are 20 others that never do more than play on the scout team.
The caliber of player you listed pan out at an even lower rate, you just listed the ones that did make it
I've largerly stayed out of this conversation, but I'd rather those guys try to beat out top talent like a Tino Ellis. I think we can still have a walk-on culture where the Rogers of the world can shine and still pull in top talent.
And I know you're right that it's better to just relax about it, but football is so close I can almost taste it, and this is the closest I can get to rooting for the Hokies haha
No doubt there. The 31st would definitely be a better day if we could at least celebrate the closest thing we've got to a Hokie victory. Seems like the offseason just gets longer and longer every year.
I wouldnt even look forward to this announcement, just read here later that he chose the Terps. That feeling sucks
poor Frank
He was supposed to come down to Blacksburg this weekend, said he can't make it.
Doesn't bode well for us.
EDIT: Was going to edit and add Alex's tweet but he beat me to it and posted it soooooooo nevermind.
Well, you did read his tweet and commented referencing it in the same thread as his post. I would think he'd at least give you credit as his source.
I'm the source?!
That's excellent news. I never knew all the #sources posts were about me.
I feel so special now.
Probably not, but I don't see why you can't still receive credit as one, lol.
#sources say I'm the #source
Boom. Beat that.
Hey Joe, this guy wants to change his s/n to #source or maybe it's #thesource
Maybe "The inception"
Sourception
BWA BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
I did, I LOL'd. This is an underrated comment.
I really want to just stop following commitments/ de-commitments and just take stock of recruiting classes once they're signed but twitter just makes that way too hard.
FTFY
I wish Cam Phillips was as good a recruiter as Greg Stroman. Hokienation needs more of those Demartha HS studs.
Unfortunately he seems to be trending to Maryland as others have said. Hope that Dredrick Snelson possibly commits this weekend.
Speaking of this weekend... Could be a fun one.
Yep, wouldn't be surprised if we get several commits.
I've heard that Snelson is anywhere froma 3-star to a 5-star. What gives?
he's a 4* most places and a low low low 3 on 247. Some red flags around him that aren't being discussed and I think he got kicked out of one school so had to transfer for his senior year. He's playing in one of the all American games though, so pretty safe to assume he's an upper-end talent.
Meh, not reading into the fact he won't be at Tech this weekend. He's openly said he made up his mind earlier, and it wasn't going to change. He's been to Tech for other events and unofficial visits. If anything, he could be bailing on the trip because he thinks it's no big deal, as he'll be spending the next 4 years there anyway.
Long story short, his mind was already made up. Visiting Tech was not going to play into the decision at all.
And a trip to BBurg eats an entire weekend and a chunk of $$. If the decision is made either way, I don't blame him either.
today or next friday?
Next Friday.
Several people have been switching Crystal Ball predictions to UMD for Tino including Evan Watkins, not sure what changed over the past 24 hours.
Probably nothing changed, just now more people know and want to look right. Tino said a few weeks ago that his mind was made up.
He didn't hashtag our name, so he's def not coming to our school.
#illuminatilogic#openyoureyes
If he chooses Virginia Tech, he sure had everyone fooled for a long time.
Hokie.
Fingers crossed!!
Hokie, Hokie, Hi?
True to form, things getting much more interesting than originally thought.
No matter what, this isn't over until February and Tino isn't a bad kid. So let's not get crazy.
Why do you say that?
Correct. Whoever he chooses, he is a good kid no matter what. Its just that he would be more better in Blacksburg.
Am I seeing this right that Evan Watkins just CB'ed him to VT an hour ago? Evan usually knows what's up...
Certainly does make things interesting
And this is why I try not to follow recruiting closely
They way I see it, until a few minutes ago when I saw that, I assumed Tino was a Terp for sure. If that ends up true, then I won't do much but shrug, wish him well, and hope we land Patterson. Now, if he commits to VT, then Friday just got a bit better. No-lose situation for me!
Yep, samesies.
If we do get him, this week would end on 2 massive momentum shifting swing days, for sure. First, with the Ohio State situation that should make life easier on us on Labor Day, and then if Tino comes, our WR core looks locked and loaded for the future.
Not bad considering how the week began
+1 just for samesies.
I'll believe it when I see him say "The University of Virginia Tech".
Put it this way, Evan is about as close as 247 has to a legitimate recruiting guru. He knows his stuff
I bet he's a Hokie. Strong ties.
If this is true, oh man, the offensive possibilities for 2016 onward just keep getting bigger.
Tino has a whole bunch of Jarrett Boykin in him. Catches the ball the same way. A little faster, not quite as big yet.
Also, Jarrett Boykin was a Hokie. Tino = Hokie confirmed by the Transitive Property of French.
But what about his hands!!! Are they size XXXXL or not, cuz i don't want him if TV announcers can't mention his hand size every other minute!
Any updates? I have a meeting to go to in like 10 minutes! I can't wait another hour!
You're gonna have to wait at least another hour and a half.
Rog, didn't realize it was at 6pm I saw the count down timer go out on 247.
And Evan just changed his CB to a CB
yup aka foggy... so it was a tease???
No he said he's hearing it could go either way.
He fat fingered it to the Hokies while driving. Hearing a bunch of different stuff now. Personally, I still see him signing with UMD.
Lesson: don't CB and drive. For many reasons.
He disagrees
And now back to UMD
Yup... looks like this one is over
Yeah, so we're back to where we were this morning. Oh well.
It's official, nobody outside his family and the coaches, know where he is going. No "insiders" or anybody. We will all find out at 6:00.
I'm hoping he pulls a Kevin Jones. He seems like the type
On July 13th he tweeted "Things are looking real good for me in College Park. A lot of familiar faces."
I personally think that is a decoy. I hope I'm right. I think he announced VT as his favorite a while back then realized that may have taken away from the mystery of his decision. So then decided to send some UMD signals.
Purely speculation. Probably crap
Maryland. Dang
I think Ellis is just trying to build some excitement around his announcement, but picked Maryland last month.
I'll be happy if he proves me wrong.
Confirmed: Maryland
Andddd its Maryland.
Welp, Patterson will more than likely be a Hokie tomorrow though.
Said one of his reasons was job opportunities after college...
Huh?
Maybe he meant near his house, in Maryland.
Don't even bother trying to understand it.
If I remember correctly Da'Shawn Hand eliminated us (and picked Alabama) for the education. It's hard to turn down people that are trying to give you so much, so I get the idea that you need to give an excuse. However, they could probably plan the excuses better ahead of time haha.
UMD is one of the best public schools in the nation, with a particularly good business school all within the DC Metro area. Just sayin'
http://www.umdrightnow.umd.edu/news/umd-soars-14-forbes-top-public-colle...
UMD is a fine school. I went to the business school (before I moved away), and my wife has a graduate degree from there. Not sure why you're posting that here, though.
I wanted to alleviate any frustration by the above commenters for misunderstandings concerning the validity of choosing UMD based on Tino's apparent preference of prospective job opportunities from receiving a degree there.
I'd suggest that an undergraduate degree from VT holds up fine against one from UMD.
Having received 2, I agree! just playing devil's advocate for the kid, perhaps a little too enthusiastically. The fact that college park is a hole was enough to keep me away from there.
I live not too far from College Park, it's undergoing a lot of changes. Lot of new mixed use developments going up. Won't be a hole for long.
PG county as a whole is undergoing a lot of change; I'm in Landover and Bowie quite frequently. Definitely seems to be a beehive of positive activity in those parts.
However, the permitting process is a pain in the rear. They are trying to fix it up, but its a mess right now. Even big businesses can't pull weight to do work in the area. I just read an articled today that in PG county, warehouses are hotter than office space. Because all the big delivery services and Amazon are looking for it. Supposedly they see this as helping flip it into a hot commodity, so we'll see.
His loss
Ahh we know that. B10 bound. Basement of the B10 bound.
Hey who can tell me a better site than make a gif.
Getting 4 and 5 star kids to stay in their home state...wish we could make that happen.
On to the next one.
To dream, the impossible dream...
Keeping a Maryland kid at Maryland is a whole lot different than keeping a 757 kid in Virginia.
With Diablo, Kumah, Denmark already on board, I didn't really feel a thing about Tino' s commitment. But I would've gladly welcomed him to HokieNation because hes a good player. Knowing Tino , his recruitment may not be over.
I feel like Deablo will end up being a really good get for the Hokies. He goes to my sons' high school. He's got a good head on his shoulders, and he's a real hard worker. He'll make the transition to college smoothly.
Saw him play many times. He stood out every game. He's that kid about whom someone in the stands always says, "Dang, who's that?"
Doesn't really leave a good taste in your mouth when even Maryland is now picking us off for the better recruits in the region
Phillip Patterson, and Grant Holloway still. I am not worried at all. I really like the receivers we have gotten and the ones we still stand a chance to get.
I mean with 3 WR commits already you have to wonder how many more there will be. I have heard taking 5 but guys will get antsy seeing that many fellow signees. Everyone understands competition but it really hits home when you see that many fellow freshmen. You tend to forget about the guys who signed a year or two before unless they are the starters, and then you could say well, they'll be going pro or graduating by the time I get there.
What're ya gonna do... i gotta say this one stings...
I know we have 4 guys right now... each of them offering something different...
But this one hurts... Tino is a great route runner and would've easily been the jewel of the WR class.... After leading the race for so long to get passed at the finish line sucks... I hate the trend these recruiting battles are going in. When was the last time we won a battle with a serious neck and neck final 2 or 3....
This recruit class several times.
He wouldn't have "easily" been the crown jewel. He may have been rated highest by the recruiting services, but you could make the argument for every single one of our WR commits has the potential to be as good as him. I actually think that if it weren't for Deablo getting injured last year, he would be rated higher than Tino.
The staff will continue to recruit him and if he has a change of heart and decides to become a Hokie, than great but we will be okay either way. We will likely add 1 or possibly even 2 more receivers in this class anyway.
Time will tell how good these receivers are. The recruiting services aren't perfect, and I look forward to seeing what Zohn Burden can do. I feel like he's a pretty good coach.
There is also the "Dwayne Lawson factor", so who knows what the chemistry will be like?