"Tech started off good. The media pushed it and we talked," he said. "I sent in my application and they sent some brief words to me that basically said for me to get my Associate's first. That was about it. I told them that I was hearing from others, and they turned a cold shoulder to me. But that doesn't matter. I feel like I am wanted here. I feel like I already have a home."
http://www.tigernet.com/view/story.do?id=10441
Interesting. I wish him the best of luck and thank him for his service.
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There's got to be more to the story.
His grades must be something awful for Tech to just walk away without petitioning the NCAA for a waiver.
I love the kid's heart and I know, more than most, the sacrifices he's endured. But there is a flipside, a world in which academic requirements very much have a part to play. How many kids blessed with ungodly talent have to go to FUMA or Hargrave in order to qualify? How many don't even make it that far?
I wish him the best in life but I'm don't think the NCAA cuts him a waiver. It's a monster human interest story for sure. How many guys leave the military after combat and fade into unemployment, homelessness, depression and suicide? Daniel's a good kid and I'm sure he will excel, but it might not be on the gridiron.
Wish UNC would have pursued this Kid
Our locker room has lacked heart the majority of the Butch Era and all of last year. I feel like our "highly touted" (i say that cautiously)players need a kid like this walking around the locker room. It scares me to death wondering what will happen if Clemson's players bring it each and every play, the way I believe Mr. Rodriguez will. A player like Rodriguez always rubs off on other teammates.
I wish the kid the best of luck. Not many people the same age as myself(22) have brought the honor and service to our country the way he did. I wish him the best of luck.
As a veteran myself, I feel like I can say this. I don't think that anything that Rodriguez has done should be overlooked. His service and sacrifice to our country is huge and I salute him ...
... BUT ...
it seems (to me) that he's used his story and the media as leverage a little too much and put pressure on VT, for the attention, to cut corners. I'm sure that they told him what HAD to be done and he chose to take the easier road. So be it but that completely contradicts what he claims to be about. That being said, it was obviously more important to play D1 football ASAP for him instead of playing for VT .. and that's fine.
Good luck to you Daniel .. See you on the field
this is exactly what happened. im a vet myself..still serving actually..and i agree with you 100%. it is a great story..and i DO wish him all the best. he was told what he would have to do to get into tech...and he decided that he didn't want to do that. it is what it is. honestly...not really a loss to us as far as football goes...imho..
Three
As an AD Airman with two Army tours in Iraq, I also agree. He served honorably, and VT likewise behaved honorably in this situation. They gave him a chance with reasonable conditions, which he doesn't appear to have met.
I'll root for him as an individual regardless, in the same way that I rooted for my high school quarterback who decided to play DE at UNC (It worked out, he's in the NFL). In Daniel's case, it is unlikely that he'll decide a game against us, so it will be relatively simple to whole-heartedly wish him well.
Maybe
This may be the reason we miss on big recruits. We don't make exceptions for anyone while other schools will. At least it appears we won't treat players as any more special than others.
Tend to agree it all seems a little over-hyped and internet "viral". Will see how it all turns out.
Funny how the Clemson faithful are jumping on the bandwagon and saying things like he exemplifies the "underdog spirit" of Clemson. I've never thought of Clemson as a "underdog". I guess that is what they are using in their recruiting pitch.
I'm glad that we don't make exceptions for anyone, that the same things are expected of everyone, that we won't kiss the proverbial asses of 5* recruits and tell them how great they'll be .. fuck that
Clemson should NEVER be considered an underdog .. With their bankroll, they should've won more MNC's by now. Aside from FSU, they should, on paper, have totally OWNED the ACC for the last 25 years --- OWN ... not an underdog, more like an underachiever
Didnt the Dan Rather story say he had a 3.something GPA? I assumed he was attending NOVA CC isnt that good enough to get you into Tech these days? Maybe he was taking the wrong classes. Either way if he truly wanted to come to Tech he would have gotten his Associate's.
Its dissapointing I was really looking forward to rooting for this dude.
Daniel I thank you for your service, am in awe of your courage, and wish you luck in the future, but I hope we thump your Tigers.
Fuck Clemson
Go Hokies
I think he was just miffed that VT wasn't interested until he qualified, whereas CU was willing to hold his hand through the process. Not saying anyone is wrong or right. I certainly understand how he feels.
After reading this thread I realized how many veterans and enlisted people are part of the community here. Thank you to everyone for your service!