re: Rodney Sopsher scholarship debate - what's the RB think?

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There's no way I would entertain the thought of giving Rodney a scholarship. Ish is NOT bigger than the program. No one player should be able to hold the LSU program hostage. JMO.

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Package deals like this in college football are nothing new or unusual.

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Just my two cents but there is absolutely no way I’d give up two scholarships to get one player.

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Posted by

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Double Down

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Does not check out

Didn't we basically do the same thing by signing Lanard Fournette, Leonard Fournette's brother? Lanard came a year later, but pretty sure it was a package deal. Do it

I say push for Ish harder than ever even if it means taking Rodney. Ish is a difference maker. We will field a team with or without him, but we need guys who are better than the o-lineman in front of them. Ish will give us that, likely from day one. Best case scenario, we sign both and Rodney can't qualify thus saving one of the 85 scholarships (another board says we're in a bit of trouble on that front). Worst case if they both sign, Rodney takes a spot on the bench and at least has a role on the scout team for a couple years. Does anybody know how many years of eligibility he has remaining?

ETA: if we take both, then they absolutely shouldn't let Hampton sign until he knows for sure he's coming here. Can't waste two scholarships in one class.

We did it with Lanard and looks like we may have underestimated his talent.

If Rodney is borderline, just do it....get him on campus and coach him up and you should get some production.

If I was the coach I would do it. I would feel dirty for doing it, but I would.

do it

If it takes two scholarships to get Ishmael Sopsher you make that deal.

So your cool with this moving forward I take it? Now a 5 star can dictate things and say I want my less talented buddy to get a scholarship too or I'm not coming. Frick that and frick him!!

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When you are competing against the best program in the country

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we're not competing against Alabama anymore...

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Didn't we basically do the same thing by signing Lanard Fournette, Leonard Fournette's brother? Lanard came a year later, but pretty sure it was a package deal. Do it

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I don't know that it's really the same.

People really do not expect Rodney to bring anything to the table. Lanard, while not a huge addition, has had a little success. I could be wrong though.. who knows.

I think it's better if it's spread out, especially in case neither pan out.. If Ish, and it's a huge if, busts.. then we turned down two four star caliber players from this class.

I am also concerned a little about if he's sensitive. If things don't go exactly as he likes.. What if things don't go well with his brother.. Does he eventually become a transfer risk.

I recognize you always have this risk with any player, I'm just concerned with a brother package deal possibly affecting this.

Who were the two defensive lineman that were brothers (i think) from different classes.. and one guy ended up leaving?? But again, I don't mind packaged deals as much in different classes.

My issue with this package deal is who it may prevent from being able to come here. This is a tricky thing to manage with so many great guys left on the board. Then add in Hampton and being an MLB risk. Hampton is a guy who I have been the most excited about for the longest time in recruiting, probably ever..

I hate that LSU has to offer this, but Alabama does not. It is what it is though.. With all that said, I still think you take the gamble.

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I recall the Cam Simms- Cam Robinson ordeal. Seems like Simms was pissed LSU didn't offer and helped steer Robinson(Hootie also) away from LSU. Robinson was an immediate starter for Bama, and in that scenario, you definitely offer both to get the one you really want.

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And people on this board bitched about LSU not offering Sims to get Robinson.