re: Open Debate: Prospects waiting til NSD and AAG to make announcements

By all means, kids should take as much time as necessary to make an informed decision. However, I think it is in the best interest of the kids to make their decision known to the coaches as soon as the decision is made. I don't see a problem with kids waiting for their big moment and their time in the spotlight. While those last two statements seem contradictory, I'm talking about the fabled "silent commitment." Talented recruits should obviously want to be surrounded by other talented recruits, and early commitments would certainly seem to benefit the team as a whole. A silent commitment to the coaches would seem to benefit the team without depriving the recruit of his well-earned moment of glory.

If kids are gong to wait till an all star game, they need to come up with something better than "I'm going to take my talents to _________"

I still think they need an early signing period. I don't care if a kid waits, but if he is 100% sure like the majority of the class is when they commit, they should be able to sign. EEs and letting them sign is a good step. I just think an early signing period could cut down on a lot of BS. It's a game and both sides play it.

I used to watch the all-star games to see future Tigers play. I refuse to watch the games now due to all the hype.

Shame on ESPN for their high school coverage, influence, and for perpetuating the negatives associated with recruiting.

I can't believe adults eagerly watch as a guy pulls a hat out of a bag to announce where he's going. I remember the days when it was all about football. These days is just about the "show" and we wonder why these guys keep getting in trouble.

It's a bit of a trade off, no? The kids who make firm verbal commitments early in the process have their names largely removed from chat boards and crystal balls and their plans aren't fodder for supposition, guesswork, and misinformation. Those who wait can endure the b.s. and make their announcement to Dari Nowkhah on ESPN. Whatever floats your boat.

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Is it fair to ask/expect a kid that is enjoying a once in a lifetime moment to do it any other way than his own?

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Absolutely and unequivocally no, it's not fair. As fans we can be extremely frustrated by the entire process, and I'm sure coaches are too, but if you don't like the game you can go sell insurance. Every story of a prospect lying or misleading a staff can be countered with one of a coach pulling an offer on signing day. While I commend the guys who are less than dramatic about the process, we'll never know all the pressures and adult influences that encourgage an eighteen year old to make certain decisions. It's their moment, and statistically probably the only one they will get. Whenever I catch myself taking this shite a little too seriously, I think about this article, and I chill the frick out.