Thought I'd post this as another example of why fans shouldn't freak out too much over the recruiting process, "star" rankings, and transfers.
I came across a story (link) today that TJ Millweard (3 star, top 25 QB Recruit from 2012) is transferring to Kansas. For those who don't remember, Millweard initially committed to us very early in the recruiting cycle before decommitting and choosing Arizona State. At that point I stopped following him, however, it turns out that he went on to decommit from Arizona State as well before finally signing with UCLA. After a year at UCLA, he's now leaving that program to go to Kansas. He's still young so I can't say the guy doesn't have time to become a starter, but he's essentially on his 4th school now without ever taking a snap at the college level.
I can't help but be reminded of the Kevin Newsome situation- a highly ranked QB from VA (4 star, #4 dual threat QB) who our fanbase felt was a must-have recruit and "the QB of the Future" at the time. He committed to Michigan, then decommitted and chose Penn State, causing our fanbase to spiral into a panic. After being beaten out for the starting QB job at Penn State, he eventually transferred to Temple (where he was beat out as starting QB again) and never took a meaningful snap in his college football career.
So while it remains important for us to improve our recruiting and get the most talented players available, it's not the end of the world when we don't get every player the fans want or feel like we have to have. It's far more important to recruit players who fit the program and want to be at Virginia Tech, because those are the guys who bust their tails day in and day out to help the team and ultimately build the program.
Comments
Good read. Too bad for both Newsome and TJ, let's hope they have a plan.
Another side note, I was hanging out in a bar up here in State College and met one of Evan Hailes's roommates. She said Evan had to quit football due to blood clots. I remember very much hoping he'd be a Hokie, and also hope he does well from here on out.
Phillip Sims ring a bell?
Peter Lalich
Michael Rocco
Bryson Spinner
I remember the reasoning for going to ASU is similar to that for going to Ole Miss...
Whatever do you mean?
Those two better stop taking pictures and turn around to watch the game!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(tic)
What game?
I underhanded that one to you and you knocked it right out of the park. Turkey Leg (with a side of oats?) for you, my good sir horse.
I just reopened my recruitment.
My brother goes to ASU and is rather proud of the fact that he's been kicked out of every single home game for being drunk.
Following Horse's lead, UCLA might not be too bad either in that department...
Neither is Cal
Two reasons I should move to LA
I remember getting all mad when he decommited from us. Looks like we really didn't miss out on anything here.
It was a seen as a huge problem at the time because we hadn't signed any recruits viewed as a true QB since 2010 (with Leal and Young) and left quite a gap at the position. We desperately wanted, and honestly needed, a QB in the class of 2012 and failed (Motley was seen as more of an athlete than a QB prospect in that class). Admittedly there still is some concern at the QB position going forward with Leal being a r-Sr next year, but hopefully Motley can prove everybody wrong under center or Bucky and Ford can come along quickly as young guys.