I know he already said VT is out (though you never know) but thought it would be of interest.
Check out this promo:
http://sports.yahoo.com/video/dashawn-hand-live-announcmenet-11-23100034...
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Let's hope he goes all Kevin Jones and picks the Hokies.
What happened with that again? I do not recall.
He wants to go to a school with a sports marketing department and Tech doesn't have one so he crossed us off his list, amazing that Alabama, Michigan and Florida all have sports marketing departments.....
I've posted this long ago but feel the need to say it again.
That reason is crap. He's the #1 recruit in the country and would be insane if he's not going to school to be a pro football player. Not to mention we have a damn marketing department and any player would have the chance to make plenty of connections to the sports industry in his time with the program. I don't buy that an undergrad degree in sports marketing is that much more specialized than marketing either.
That all being said, it's his decision and his life anyway. I think he just wants to go somewhere else and wanted to let VT down easy.
You may know that and I may know that but what are those other schools whispering in the ear of that nervous 17 year old kid?
absurd comment...he isn't nervous he is super excited!!! You donk haha
I kind of agree but I don't want to be too quick to judge. Maybe the kid just has a really good head on his shoulders and wants to have a degree (for free too) if some terrible career-ending injury were to happen.
I think that he had a Penn State sweatshirt on to begin the announcement and then took it off and under it was a Tech t-shirt.
Another guy that isn't interested in VT but thought some of us might be interested in where he lands is Jamil Kamara. Long thought to be headed to UVA since he's friends with Blanding, he tweeted today that he's taking an official to South Carolina and also said he might visit USC as well. He has named Wisconsin and Pitt his leaders a little while ago. Not looking good for the hoos.
He has made fun of UVA's offense before too.
who hasn't
true.
Hoo hasn't?
Was scanning the site, saw the "Headline Hand Commits"...Yes!
then read rest of title...No
Cody Journell has put me in a bad f***ing mood so to this post (to which I wouldnt normally reply at all) I say, WHO GIVES A SHIT? As it pertains to interests in college football players, F*** everybody who doesn't plan on being, or isn't currently a Virginia Tech Hokie. F*** em.
-this message brought to you by the rage incited by Cody Journell
Sorry Low. Blame Cody.
No prob. But will be nice to see who he choose over us.
How I'm picturing you right now:
I believe that Muschamp must have blown a vein in his neck after the vandy game.
Woah...easy tiger, dont get carded
Having also read your posts in the Cody Journell thread, i have to ask you one question...
Are you drinking heavily? If so, please stop.
If not, please start.
In all seriousness, i think everyone's is not only entitled to their opinion, but also entitled to post said opinions, and discuss, and respond to other's opinions....
That said, maybe it's just me...., but I can do without posts that say things like 'WHO GIVES A SHIT' in reference to something someone else has posted......I'd like to think we're a little better than that around here....
I'm interested in seeing where the top player in the nation commits. When I was reading about him thinking about him in a VT uniform I thought he was a great prospect and seemed like a good kid, since then nothing has changed regarding those 2 aspects. I'm guessing he will be an all Big Ten player for Michigan and would love VT to play against him because then likely we'd meet in a BCS bowl.
Next year there are a lot of big time DL recruits in VA again such as Josh Sweat and VT is in on the out of state prospect Michael Barnett. VT has some good DEs in the pipeline with Dadi, Ken Ekanem (former 4 star), Corey Marshall (former 4 star), Seth Dooley (who apparently has been doing work on scout team), and Vincent Mihota (4 star) coming in this year.
Don't forget Tim Settle. He is a beast DT over in Manassas.
getting Tim Settle would be amazing, VT could build up well on the DL. I always believe that championships are won with great talent along the DL
Doesn't hurt to have Ke. Fuller and Facyson holding down the outsides too. Man, this D is gonna be nice for the future.
We are in good shape with Barnett and Sweat right now.
Cheer up...and have a drink
This is obviously a multi-talented young lady!
Can't....stop....watching....
Damn it man!!!! NICE!!!! lol
ONE WORD: HIRED.
I know we're out of it, but the anticipation is kind of killing me. Has he announced?
Not yet. Any guesses?
I'll say Bama
Apparently live coverage starts at 12:30
My guess would be Michigan. If the kid really does care about academics as he claims, thats the obvious choice.
Its also where the other commit they have been featuring in the running coverage of Hand has committed to.
Yes, Peppers. Michigan could end up with the #1 and #2 ranked players in the 2014 Class
AND THEY STILL CAN'T WIN THE B1G
He should pull a Corso, and pull out a live animal when he announces it.
If I was announcing a commitment to VT, I'd chomp down on a Turkey Leg
Alabama it is.
Bama it is - No Elephant though.
That would have been cool
Boooo... Was really hoping he was gonna come to VT
Of course he picked Bama. I would too if I was a DL that wanted play for National Championships and get prepared for the NFL. Just look at the guys they churn out.
Good luck, Dashawn. You would have looked good in O&M but you seem like a good kid.
I just don't get it though. I feel like he would thrive much more in a 4-3 defense.
What's not to get? Alabama has dominated college football lately. If you want to play for the best, why wouldn't you pick Alabama?
Really? I could understand Michigan. Alabama is a serious head scratcher.
Pretty shocking pick really. He seems too big already to be an OLB. Evidently he is ok with the duties of a 3-4 DE??? And doesn't care too much about academics??? Terrible risk management. Career ending injury and he gets an Alabama degree. Thanks for coming out. Who plays 3-4 DE? I would imagine the best 3-4 DEs in college end up 4-3 DTs in the pros. What is the difference between a 320 pound 3-4 DE and a 280 pound 3-4 DE? My guess is playing time. Good luck excelling against guys who are much bigger eaters, all about strength, all about creating the conditions where the OLBs can make plays.
Maybe Hand will play at OLB? Thats is the only way this makes sense to me. He seems like a guy who can legitimately get to 260-280 no problem. There are some guys like TSuggs who play OLB at that size. TSuggs played 4-3 DE in college, is used in zone coverage and is expected to be a premier rushing end. Can you get that in a 3-4 system in college? Seems like he is taking on alot of size risk.
Some guys just want to show off the prom queen. This kid will likely still be successful, but the stars in his eyes have clearly obscured his vision temporarily.
Whoever helped this kid should have his "helper card" revoked.
Bama does have better weather...
Wish him the best, he's got a lot to offer a defense
With Kirvin, Allen, and now Hand, Alabama can play a star studded front 3 all from VA. I am going to be angry at any Bama fan that tries to talk to me about this. Even though Hand will probably be a stand up OLB just off the line. Not upset with the kids, good for them.
Meh. Good luck to him.
So Hand is going to play DE or OLB in a 3-4.....Thought he would have thrived more as a DE in a 4-3 but hey he could probably make it work. Best of luck to him.
Just another Example of typical Virginia recruits. Year in and Year out, the TOP Talent in Virginia Leaving this state to go to the SEC. I dont wish him luck at Bama, call me salty if you will but Bama doesnt need luck. They have 5 star Talent Everywhere....
The same can be said about 5-star recruits in all states. They can practically choose whatever school they want to go to. Would you not want to go to the one that gives you the best chance to succeed in football? The SEC has both one more MNCs and sent more players to the NFL than any other conference over the past decade. He's just doing what gives him the best chance to succeed. If the ACC had the last 6 MNCs then 5-stars from Cali and Texas would spurn their in state programs to go to an ACC school.
Agree 100%- Would like to see the number of 5* guys that end up playing in the NFL. If I was being recruited right now as a 5* with hype x infinity, why would you choose anywhere different than a place that is going to give you the best chance to succeed?
that's about all I have to say on this.
Going to Bama you can't really throw the academics card out there now can you?
They're not actually as bad academically as their neighbors to the immediate west.
yeah they're not good academically either...all of the kids in my high school who didn't get into any schools in VA went to Bama or didn't go to college at all
You think he will be upset when saban jumps ship for Texas and a bazillion dollars?
It's a 17-year-old-kid who spurned us to play at the best football program in the country. Was it a little disingenuous for him to say he cut Virginia Tech because we don't have a sports marketing program and then say he chose Alabama partially because of its civil engineering program? Yes. (Then again, somebody could have twisted his words or misinterpreted what he said)
Here's a kid with literally over 100 schools were showing interest and he went through the process with a high level of grace and humility. Don't get me wrong, I would have LOVED to have Hand come to Virginia Tech, but he sounds like a thoughtful kid who put a lot of effort into his decision and took into account every variable possible. I'm happy for him and his family and I'm hopefully if he decides to decommit, Bud Foster and the rest of his staff are willing to give him a second shot.
Recruiting battles suck because of the irrational emotional attachment fans have for their alma mater. At the same time, we should be happy that Andrew Ford and the funky bunch are coming down to Blacksburg soon.
The best thing about this is the disappointment all the cocky Wolverine fans who just KNEW he was coming to Michigan.
I will agree with you on that one!
This is all that I was hoping. That he didn't choose Michigan
We felt that pain
Gotta give Alabama a Hand on this one.
Oh well. Guess we may end up playing him one day...
Good for him for making the best decision for his future. Best of luck DaShawn!
On another, I'm not sure why some of you are so salty about this. We knew he wasn't going to commit to VT a long time ago. So what? Have you seen our DL prospects lately? We're gonna be fine
I think people are salty because of the potential of this particular recruiting year, especially with prospective in Virginia. According to Rivals, there are 11 4/5-star prospects in VA this year, 7 who are on the defensive side of the ball.
As of now, only two have signed with Tech (Reavis, Walker) and only one is seriously considering going (Nnadi). Three have signed with (IMHO) better programs (Hand- 'Bama, Holmes- OSU, Eberle- FSU), three fell for Mike London's antics (Blanding, Brown, Moss) and I'm not sure what Henderson and Kamara are thinking.
People are salty because there was so much potential for having a dominant recruiting class, especially on defense. In 2016, we could have potentially have nothing but 4 and 5 stars in our starting 11 on defense. To the casual Tech fan, the reason why we aren't a national-championship contender is because we can't recruits 4/5 star studs consistently.
I'm happy with what we got and frankly, I think its a really good class considering we went 7-6 last year. Let Lefty, Grimey, Stiney, Morey and Beamy (just go with it) do their job with these recruits and I'm confident will be competent on both sides of the ball in the next half-decade.
CJ Reavis is one of our largest recruiters - maybe he'll be able to swing some decisions, especially the kids that verballed to LOLUVA - I cannot understand why those kids would choose to verbal with a 2 win UVA program, rather than bring their defensive talents to THE BUD.
"I cannot understand why those kids would choose to verbal with a 2 win UVA program, rather than bring their defensive talents to THE BUD."
...and the answer is The Virginia Thoroughbreds 7 on 7, 'coached' by Mr. Corwin Cutlers classy dad.
http://www.thekeyplay.com/content/2013/february/14/corwin-cutlers-dad-do...
I remember that rant - classy guy if I recall.
Even CJ had said in the past that if Bama was coming after him hard, he would at least listen to them, even after he committed.
Guys, we have the same problem recruiting linebackers. Recall the class that had Stephon Anthony - we had three blue chip LBs pick other schools. Until we start placing more of our front seven in the NFL, schools will always be able to use it against us.
With regard to Hand - I heard a few months ago that Bama had strong influence over Hand's personal trainer, who really helped sway Hand away from VT.
When it comes to some of these elite players, at least recently, it seems like it breaks down to two different trains of thought.
1) "I want to play for a school that will do the best job developing and showcasing my talents for my 'pro audition' by giving me a chance to play in some of the biggest games of the college football season (i.e. the NC)
This is why high end SEC schools, certain Pac 12 schools, Ohio St. etc will always bring in big time talent.
2) "I want to play at a place where I can be part of turning the program in the direction of getting to play in some of the biggest games of the college football season."
This is the mentality of kids that go to places like LOLUVA, but seriously why even schools that historically have been nothing special can get Top 5-10 type guys (great example - Green-Beckham kid that was #1 overall a few years ago and went to Mizzou)
To me, Virginia Tech seems like the kind of place that can satisfy BOTH of those. Granted, I am not a beast high school football player so I can't speak for exactly what drives their decisions, but they seem to fall in those two camps more often than not. But (at least defensively) is a place where you can learn, develop, and excel, and I feel like the offensive side of the ball will be heading in that direction over the next few years. But its also a program that is nationally "relevant enough" in the scheme of things to put itself in a position to be in BIG TIME games with the right talent on board
There are few players that make it in the NFL out of VT besides WRs and DBs.
Oddly enough, VT has had success with O lineman making the league, even with the subpar coaching that area. While I agree that outside of DB there really hasn't been many successful defensive players in the league, I think we are turning the corner in that regard with this class and the coaching changes
There are plenty of NFL teams that value the blue-collar mentality, and also want the smaller, more athletic breed of lineman.
The fact of the matter is that other than DBs can you honestly say that we have ever gotten big time recruits to play the positions? What people that know the VT program see is kids that are under valued getting shots to play LB and DL and excelling at those spots in college but not getting the shot in the pros because they aren't the prototypical LB or DL for the pro game. That says a lot about the coaching on the defensive side of the ball at VT. If those prototypical pro LBs and DTs or DEs would come to VT can you imagine the style of defense that Bud Foster could put on the field?
I just find it kind of funny how early on he kept pushing how important it was for him to study Civil Engineering at a school like Tech or Michigan, and in the end it took a complete backseat. I don't blame him, if I were a #1 5-star football recruit with the inside track to the NFL I'd probably make academics an afterthought too. But for the longest time he kept stressing how important it was to him to go to a school with a great engineering school for his academic success and in the end he winds up in sports marketing at Alabama.
I feel like he really valued academics until somebody (Saban) whispered in his ear how for someone like him it didn't matter at all what he studied, which was probably around the same time he dropped us from his list and switched his major.
Recently said that Alabama convinced him Civil Engineering and Football could be done at the same high level at Alabama.
If you haven't been there, you will one day. Build it all up analytically, then some Senator or Representative needs it built in their district, so it happens there. That night over drinks you make up 500 different reasons why it made sense to be built there. In the morning you pick the best one and keep moving.
Hope it works out for him. Analytically a more risky choice than Michigan. Probably has a much higher probability of playing for a national champion. Also a much higher probability of being too big for 3-4 OLB, too small for 3-4 DE. If it doesn't work out he'll have that Alabama Civil Engineering degree to fall back on.
Please tell me that last comment was sarcasm. A starting defensive player at Alabama getting a degree in CE at the same time? Ain't gonna happen. Would love to know how many FBS level football players graduated with a degree in any discipline of Engineering over the past 5 years. Bet you couldn't field one starting line-up with the results. If Hand gets a CE degree, I'll give him a whole lot of credit, but I'd take that bet that he changes his major to something much softer before his Bama career is over.
see stanford
Yeah, Luck right? Or was he architecture?
He was in "architecture." I heard him speak about one of his projects in an interview once... hence the quotes. He's as much of an architect as I am an NFL-caliber QB.
Not to belittle the guy too much, though... architecture in school just takes too much time. There literally aren't enough hours in the day to do both football and architecture well.
I hear he's not too bad at football, though...
A turkey leg for the clarification!
Had a girl in my class do Interiors and be on the swim team. Teachers told her it would never work, but she somehow pulled it off.
Yeah...but I bet you didn't stop her.
um...
I'm slow...
Don't get this...
Well...it was supposed to be a double entendre...
Brady Quinn double majored in mechanical and civil
He didn't graduate b/c he left early, but Calvin Johnson majored in Building Construction, which has now been merged into their CE program. I have a feeling there have been some more GT players with engineering degrees.
Georgia Tech has quite a few
So lost on the second paragraph...
Bama's academics and civil engineering program aren't bad, but Auburn's the school in Alabama with the better engineering program IIRC. And of course VT and Michigan are top-10 according to US News and World Report. Really though it's hard to blame a kid for going to Bama when they want him. Bama puts d-linemen on the field quickly and in the NFL.
GD we could have sooooo much fun on TKP with a Denfsive Lineman named Hand on our team! Will love it if it happens but not counting on it. Hoping we get Naddi cause atleast we can reference Naddi Daddi in same context. A great combo! Not sure if hand we be fit for us anyways. I want players that want to be HOKIES! I think we coach very well!
Nnadi. Ndadi is the spawn of Nnadi and Dadi according to TKP lore.
Watching Hand on the fox 5 morning news in DC right now and he just said he wants to major in civil engineering. Said BAMA was a perfect fit academically and athletically, he can win a national title and get a great degree.
Missed the earlier discussions about this. My b.
To be honest..I'll say this once and drop it. He made his decision and I wish the kid the best. If I was in his shoes I'm sure it would be hard for myself or anyone not to turn down one of College Football's best teams and possibly coach. We're Hokie fans but please let's not be delusional Hokie fans. When we start to win those big games we will have our opportunity to get those kinds of players, because other schools won't use the pitch against us saying that "We lose big games". I hope it starts next year against Ohio State, because ladies gents were seriously due for one!
I hope it starts this year if we play FSU.
Your right I agree... but I think Ric Flair said it best. "To be the man you have to beat the man"....or something like that lol.
what day is it mike?
Whelp, so much for the Hand job.
I don't blame Hand for picking Alabama, but it's frankly kind of insulting that he's claiming that academics was even a factor in his decision. He wants to do engineering so he picks Alabama over Virginia Tech and Michigan....sure man, we believe you.
He also mentioned that the coaches didn't lie to him. Said they didn't tell him he was #1 on the depth chart and he would have to work for it. He appreciates it apparently.
BOOM! I'm going to gloat a little and say I nailed it on the whole "I want to do sports marketing but VT doesn't offer that" diversion. Pretty sure that didn't matter that much when after his commitment to Alabama he stated, I love civil engineering, and they have that major, and a couple players that actually play now are taking that major.
Guess who has far superior Civil Engineering programs than Alabama? Virginia Tech AND Michigan. Hrm. Funny how that wouldn't have worked as an excuse back when he eliminated us.
Once again it's his decision and that's all fine and dandy, but we got served a breakup line about as valid as, "it's not you, it's me."
Virginia Tech and Michigan have far more rigorous CE departments, too. Might make it hard to focus on your future job making millions a year.
Good for him, though. It's rare to see a top flight athlete go for a difficult degree program outside of Stanford. I just hope he actually follows the CE path.
"but we got served a breakup line about as valid as, "it's not you, it's me.""
-the polite way of saying, "your program is not high-profile enough for me, so I'm taking my services elsewhere"
Must be nice to have multiple national championship trophies in your school's history, the best Head Coach money can buy, and the facilities to go with it. Makes recruiting quite a bit easier, I would guess.
True Chachi, and Texas may soon have that.
I would bet a lot of money he doesn't stick with civil engineering, or at least he wouldn't at a school with a real CEE department. I'd imagine that Bama's is comparable to JMU's where maybe half the students pass the FE.
The one thing that always puzzles me about these big time recruits, though, is their willingness to leave the state. If Hand stayed in Virginia and played as well as he was supposed to, he would be considered a legend by the time he graduated. I know it's different because it's Washington, but Jake Locker was a big time recruit who chose to stay at home and he was a hero there by the time he was done. AND he got drafted in the top half of the first round.
There's clearly some shady, underhanded business going on at these $EC schools. I mean, look no further than Alabama's Recruiting Coordinator ...
yeah, when recruits like Hand, Harvin, Hughes, Levinberry, Allen, Green, etc... leave the state it really makes me wonder. I mean, there's probably a starting front 7 worth of top tier talent that has left the state over the past two years. And I'd think green could help our RB rotation.
I can understand some leaving but when every year a huge chunk of VA's top rated players leave the state it makes me wonder what the heck is going on. Is it cultural? Is it a program/player development issue? A competition issue? A compensation issue? What gives?
Without having any number or analysis, I would bet that most states have this same issue outside of CA, TX, and FL. If you are a top talent there's something about going somewhere that no one else can go that is really appealing and plays to your ego.