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Friday February 05, 2010

Friday E-Mail Bag

Friday E-Mail Bag
Each Friday I publish your comments and answer your questions. To submit a comment or questions please e-mail me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com.

Mickey,
Read your blog, “Signing Day”, and jeez I’m so with you on just how sickening this whole NSD spectacle has become. The issues with players and how they conduct themselves is amazing. But then again, what can you expect out of a 17-year-old who was thrust into the spotlight? Of course they can’t handle their newfound fame, I’d think that’s only natural.

One thing I’d like to add, though, is that some in the coaching ranks have made recruiting in general a distasteful entity. I’ve heard of coaches who actually bust into a class, while in session, to publicly offer the prospect in order to make it a big spectacle. This is indicative of the utter lack of respect for the institution of education and is clearly disrespectful of the teacher who, in many cases, is charged with maintaining order. As if our educational systems don’t have enough problems, now we have coaches pulling these stunts. The lengths many coaches go to are low-brow and in my opinion this is where the NCAA should step in and illegalize it. But then again the NCAA doesn’t run college football, the BCS does. So expect recruiting to become even more Wild West.

Fans aren’t innocent in this either. Recruiting for many college football fans is like watching an episode of Intervention, but one that ends where the addict relapses and never gets clean because the drug (recruiting) is too addictive and never brings a big enough high to satisfy, so you do more. It’s just that addicting judging from what I see in some. I wonder how many marriages have fallen apart because of it.

All parties are guilty of why recruiting has become this monster; players, coaches, fans and even many in the media who hype all kinds of unsubstantiated stuff. ESPN has now gotten into the game, so the B/S will only flow more so. Thanks for reading my vent.

Marc

Marc,

Thanks for the e-mail. I agree that we have all played a part in creating this monster. As I said earlier, I don’t have a problem with press conferences but I just wish they would be handled with class. I will add that I watched ESPNU all day Wednesday and noticed a little more class this year. It seems that maybe the message is getting through. Hopefully the trend will continue and kids will handle all of this with more class.

Hi Mickey,

Nice article about the hype and silliness that National Signing Day has become for some student-athletes. Frankly, I say "don't let the door hit you on the way out" to a kid that changes his mind after promising to go to your school or another school. Not only is that type of behavior disrespectful, it points to some serious ego issues that don't work well in a team sport. Wouldn't it be nice if young men handled themselves with a little dignity on that day? As you pointed out, being offered a scholarship to attend college for four years is certainly worth a simple "Thank you." I know if my child were so blessed that I would be incredibly angry if they made a mockery of the process after all the work that coaches had put into recruiting them. "Do what you say and say what you mean." Wouldn't it be great if "commitment" meant that you kept your promise?

Best,

Kirk

Kirk,
Commitment is a word that a lot of us don’t understand. Apparently 50% of the people who get married don’t last “until death do us part” and I am in that category. Schools don’t commit to the full length of the contract to coaches. Some coaches don’t commit to the full extent of the contract with the schools. It is not just the kids.

However, I think one thing that might help in this area is an early signing period. If kids could sign on August then we might see less of the drama of switching commitments.

Mickey,
Which of the freshmen may play early next year? Do any of them have a chance to start? Thanks.

Bob

Bob,
I don’t think there is an immediate need at running back so I think Buice and Howard might could use a red-shirt. Obviously quarterback was not an issue in this class and the staff did not sign one. All three wide receivers have a chance to play because of the need there. My guess would be for Hopkins to get a long look in August. Both tight ends will have a chance because there is little depth behind Dwayne Allen. It is difficult for offensive linemen to play early but it would not surprise me if Beasley or Webster got an early look.

On defense the best opportunity may be in the secondary because of the terrific ability of the six DBs signed. I think the corners may have a chance to add depth next year and maybe play in nickel or dime situations. Justin Parker will have a chance because of the immediate need at linebacker. I really like all four defensive linemen but depth is not an issue at either tackle or end for 2010 so I could see most of them red-shirting.

In summary it was a very good class but it is very difficult for a true freshman to come in and start. In the long term I think this class will provide some excellent players.

Mickey,

I saw the 2010 schedule today and thought it was fair. I was expecting some ACC Thurday night games or short turnarounds but I was pleasantly surprised. What did you think?

T,
I agree. The teams on the schedule make it very difficult but I thought the sequence was pretty fair. I like the idea of not playing on Thursday. I also like the idea of only one back-to-back road games except for the FSU and Wake deal in November.

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Prayer List
We have started a prayer list on the blog. Here are the guidelines:
*If you are offended by prayer or prayer lists then I apologize in advance. The blog is free and the prayer list will be on the bottom of the page so you don’t have to read it.
*If you would like to add someone to the list please e-mail me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com
*If you want the reason for the prayer to be added to the name please specify in your e-mails.
*Please let me know when it is appropriate to take the person off of the prayer list

Those who need our prayers include:
Finn Brookover, Larry in Naples, FL, RTG-Pawsitive Tiger, Mary-Louise Pawlowski (John's daughter), Jo Ann Bachman, Frank Taylor, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard, Gillespie and his family, Jim S, Christine Hepfer, Daniel Rosborough, Amy Murphey, Jack Huffman, Nancy Winkler, Dr. Nancy Strom Morgan, John Reeve, Eileen Woodrum, Ethel Southard, Vinnie Brock, Kaitlyn L, Eric Boessneck, John Bowers, Jimmy Ness, Susan Miller, Joyce Harley, Steve Proveaux, John Petrey, Chalmers Carr, Drayton Melton, Jeffrey Greene, the Hutto family, Sherl Drawdy, Caleb Kennedy, Bob Pollock, Teresa O'Connor, Matt Jacobs, Mike Kingsmore,Perrin Seigler, Carole White Begley, Candee Massee, Lindsey Jordan, Sam Catoe, Tyler Felch, Steve Cato, the Nicolopulos family, Cason Palmer, Candace Fallaw, Scott Jackson, "the Jacksonville, FL guys", Kim Sims, the Coyle familty.

Posted by Mickey Plyler @ 02:24 PM EST [ Comments [5] ]