The off-season continues with coordinator shuffling and lots of recruiting news. We continue to re-cap the seasons that were as we looked at Arizona, Georgia Tech, Michigan, UNC and Virginia. Let’s take another stroll around the Bloguin network to take a look at some of the more interesting stories this week:
Bama Sports Report: Oversigning and Justin Taylor:
I’ve defended Alabama’s signing practices in this space (and via Twitter), many times in the last few years. And, I’ve been repeatedly savaged for being a Nick Saban “apologist”. I’ve always countered that there are things that trouble me about oversigning (most notably situations like what Les Miles did to Elliott Porter), but I felt that Nick Saban’s “evilness” has been overstated, and he never has been the worst offender when it comes to the practice (coaches like Miles and Houston Nutt were undeniably worse). All of this brings us to Justin Taylor. This is, at very least, an interesting kettle of fish.
In The Bleachers: Gunner Kiel Decommits from LSU: Gives Idiots A Reason To Be Idiots:
So a teenager has committed to three places, has yet to actually enroll so there’s a chance he could change his mind again and spurned one of the nation’s more consistent winners in the last decade. You know what that means right?
It means get crazy if you’re a fan of anyone and everyone. LSU fan go ham on Gunner Kiel. College football fan in general do your worst about a teenager because that’s what makes you a big man. Basically say whatever you want to say about a kid, because he isn’t certain about where he wants to spend the next three to five years of his life.
Cemetery Hill: Brent Venables is Clemson’s New DC: A New Task at Hand:
This all started last weekend. Brent Venables came to Clemson for the weekend with his wife in tow. Reports have been this has been a tough decision for Venables. Now a few days later the speculation is over; Venables will take over as DC for Clemson. His name as a candidate has been polarizing for Clemson fans as fans don’t want what happened this year at the Orange Bowl, GT, NCST and South Carolina to ever happen again. Venables brings a tough hard nosed approach and proven system to Clemson
Unconquered Noles: Recruiting Update:
Ronald Darby: Cornerback; Potomac High School; Oxen Hill, Maryland
Things have been looking more and more positive with Darby lately. The former Notre Dame commit enjoyed his official visit to Tallahassee. Now, having so recently re-opened his commitment it would be prudent to expect Darby to take his time before pledging to another program. It was announced this morning that the two sport athlete will not be taking anymore visits and has a final three of FSU, Auburn and Notre Dame. This is great news for the Noles.
Leather Helmet Blog: South Carolina Still Whining About Schedule:
South Carolina is still whining about the 2012 football schedule. Wednesday one of their trustees wrote the athletic director to propose an SEC rule change to help get South Carolina back to the SEC championship game.
Buckeye House Call: If You Build It They Will Come:
Sometimes it’s important to sit back and appreciate what you have. That’s especially true for Buckeyes fans in 2012. By the end of this calendar year, what Urban Meyer is doing will feel like the norm. But it’s not the norm and it never will be. The recruiting success Meyer and his staff have enjoyed since moving to Columbus two months ago has been jaw dropping.
The Duck Stops Here: Shaq Thompson Reconsiders Cal Commit:
After Tosh Lupoi bolted from the Cal coaching staff this weekend, the Cal Gang, the elite class of 2012 recruits he helped assemble, is disintegrating with less than two weeks to go until Signing Day. Shaq Thompson, 6-2, 210, the top-rated safety in the country and a consensus 5-star recruit has reopened his recruiting and has a top three of Washington, Oregon and Cal.
Checkerboard Chatter: Dooley Improves Staff But Will It Translate to Wins?
Call me a Dool-Aid drinker, but in my opinion it’s hard not to feel pretty good about the direction of the football program based on Derek Dooley’s off-season hires. Sure, there have been 6 coaches leave for other positions, but considering the Vols were 5 and 7 last year including a loss to Kentucky is that really such a bad thing? Is the staff that lost to Kentucky and beat Vanderbilt in overtime really a staff that Tennessee fans wanted long term? Change was needed and regardless of how that change came about Derek Dooley was given a chance to start fresh in a few key areas. On paper he hit a homerun.
The Belly of the Beast: The Billboard War of Mississippi:
And so, while the rest of the college football world has yet another laugh at the expense of the state of Mississippi, the pissing contest that makes Lamar Advertising very, very happy jumps up a notch.
EER Insider: Shannon Rumors Just Rumors:
Maybe WVU planted those rumors because they knew the court of public opinion would be against them for basically forcing Jeff Casteel out. Maybe WVU thought they could deflect the majority of the criticism they will receive for replacing Casteel by spreading disinformation and claiming they did their best by trying to hire Stewart, Venables or Shannon.
2012 Shrine Game: Thursday Practice Notes:
On the East roster, John Brantley of Florida looked much better in his deep balls today, timing being a main reason for his success. As I’ve said each day, he’s a guy that lives on timing and anticipation, and he’s going to look better as he develops more comfort-ability with receivers, but he still isn’t a Top 3, maybe not Top 4 quarterback here. Improved, worth a late round look, but did not impress me.
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