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re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition
Posted on 1/5/17 at 9:05 am to chattabama
Posted on 1/5/17 at 9:05 am to chattabama
He says in the interview he might take an unofficial visit here.
2
Posted on 1/5/17 at 9:07 am to chattabama
Steve Lorenz, UM247 mod, says after seeing both Harris and Akers, he'd take Harris.
Posted on 1/5/17 at 9:12 am to chattabama
Of course he would. Gotta pander to that paying audience. 
Posted on 1/5/17 at 9:13 am to chattabama
Michigan perspective on Najee:
LINK
quote:
Michigan and the Najee Harris plane ticket story: what we learned Wednesday
Brandon Justice BRANDON JUSTICE
SAN ANTONIO – It’s been an eventful couple of days here in the state that does it bigger than any other. We learned that Najee Harris won’t announce, but will simply show up. Darnay Holmes cut Michigan from his top group. And Richard LeCounte nearly destroyed a dude.
Now, it’s Wednesday. And things are getting really confusing with the Najee Harris saga – one that has more twists and turns than Star Wars. Meanwhile, things seem to have taken shape with Chuck Filiaga, who looks more and more like a Wolverine by the day.
There was no practice Wednesday. Media members were given “access” to the All-Americans for about 30 minutes. Some recruits gave us time to talk, others blitzed to their rooms.
But, in a plot twist beyond any other, Harris stayed to talk.
The Najee Harris Saga: Episode XXII
Actually, it’s probably Episode 300 of this saga. But, nonetheless, it’s winding down. The nation’s No. 1 player, according to the 247Sports composite rating system, California 5-star RB Najee Harris, will not announce, but rather arrive at his school of choice. How/when will we find out? That is still unknown. All we can hope is that the school he chooses tweets out where he signs, when he signs and maybe even how he signs.
News hit early Wednesday that Alabama QB commit Tua Tagovailoa told 247Sports at the same media session that he and Harris will board the same plane from San Antonio to Birmingham, Ala. Meaning, Harris already bought his plane ticket and made his final choice to pick the Tide.
A lot of questions remain. When Harris was asked about it, he simply answered, “What flight?”
If I’m Harris, and I’ve dragged this situation out to this extent, then I’m pretty upset that my future quarterback decided to spoil it.
Why wouldn’t Harris just say he’s sticking with Alabama and get this over with? He doesn’t want to talk to the media, unless it’s about something other than his recruitment. So why drag this out? And, especially, when someone finally says you have a plane ticket, why dispute it? And make people want to ask you even more questions?
So, to answer the grand question, I’ve talked with as many people/sources as possible. Michigan is still confident, its commits are still confident, and nothing has changed since this week started with the Harris recruitment. Despite what an Alabama quarterback commit might say.
Perhaps there’s a reason Michigan quarterback commit Dylan McCaffrey has been so mum about the situation?
A. He doesn’t know.
B. He doesn’t want to give anything away for a big surprise.
McCaffrey is a quiet dude. But, I know for a fact he’s behind the scenes talking to Harris. Additionally, they’re playing on the same West team in the Army Bowl. Harris has taken multiple handoffs from him this week.
On top of that, here are some observations gathered from Wednesday’s events:
Harris walked around with McCaffrey quite a bit.
Chuck Filiaga walked out of the event next to Harris. They were on their own, and Filiaga was doing the talking.
I’ve heard rumblings that Filiaga has been spreading good words to multiple Michigan targets throughout this week. And if that holds true, you can bet he was saying the same things to Harris.
To answer this question plainly: I’m still sticking with my feeling on the Harris recruitment. I still sit at about 55/45 Michigan.
But, as for now, despite Tagovailoa’s comments: Nothing has changed.
We will find out the final chapter to the saga on Monday, most likely.
As I always say … buckle up!
LINK
Posted on 1/5/17 at 9:19 am to chattabama
Same writer from the article before, only this was posted two days ago:
LINK
quote:
5-star RB Najee Harris to Michigan is more likely than ever before, plus other news from Day 2 of Army Bowl practice
Najee Harris is doing something different, and it might just be Michigan for the 5-star. Take a deep breath. Grab onto your seat. And relax.
For the first time in Michigan’s two-year recruitment of Najee Harris, I’m in a good enough spot to say this: I think Harris will be in Ann Arbor on Monday.
A 5-star running back, and the nation’s top prospect by the 247Sports composite, Harris is Michigan’s top target. Period.
He told Land of 10 that he does not plan to announce to the public. He said he will duck out of the Army Bowl, and immediately head to an airport to fly to his school of choice.
It’s down to Alabama, Cal and Michigan. But, it’s a known fact that this is a battle between the Tide and the Wolverines.
He’s been committed to the Tide for two years. He’s a prototypical Alabama back. He would be almost guaranteed at least one title in Tuscaloosa.
All of that brings to me to this point: Why would he do this? Why would he drag it this far?
I thought that once all of the media surrounded him at this event, he would say something along the lines of, “Look, I’m committed to Alabama. I always have been. There’s nothing to worry about.”
Instead, he said this: “What do you want me to say in these videos? Go Blue? Roll Tide? I’m not doing interviews.”
Which led me to ask him: “OK, we get it, you’re not saying anything. Tell us one thing: How will this happen?”
“I’m going to show up at the school after the Army Bowl … I’m not announcing or anything.”
He clarified that he plans to duck out of the game, head to an airport and be at the school he chooses on, or before, Monday.
So, in the era of recruiting divas, announcing with a drive-in movie and decommitting from 15 schools – Harris is a breath of fresh air. He didn’t want this bright light. Sure, it’s not great from a media standpoint for a kid you have covered for years to not give you two minutes on video to talk. But you have to appreciate the old-school beauty of it.
Moving on to why I think it’s Michigan.
Everyone is beginning to shift their views. The best saying I have is “always get two sources before you believe it.” And, the belief that Harris is headed to Michigan over Alabama is near 10 to 12 sources. Whether it be Michigan’s circle, other writers, Michigan commits and recruits committed on the other side of the country, several of each have told me they have more confidence in the Wolverines landing him than the Tide.
I’ve had that information for weeks. But the circle around the Army Bowl has given me an extra push to pull the trigger on this. I’m not guaranteeing anything. And if it isn’t Michigan, I understand if you all show up with pitchforks at my front door. I just hope you show up at everyone else’s house, too.
So, yes, for now, I think Harris is a member of the Wolverines by Monday.
LINK
Posted on 1/5/17 at 9:21 am to chattabama
55-45 is a good way to dodge blame if you're wrong.
Posted on 1/5/17 at 9:33 am to chattabama
quote:
pparently Solomon said "frick Michigan" in Jeremiah Holloman's (UGA WR commit) periscope.
He said that Michigan disrespected him, something about when he visited they didn't even know who he was, and another kid chimed in to say that Michigan didn't even get his name right. Not sure what that's about, though.
This post was edited on 1/5/17 at 9:34 am
Posted on 1/5/17 at 9:54 am to mre
quote:
Another Najee Harris twist: Sources say he is flying to Oakland @247Sports #RollTide
LINK
quote:
In the latest turn in what's been a dizzying few months of tracking Najee's every movement, 247Sports has since learned from two sources that Harris' departing flight from San Antonio actually has Oakland — his hometown — as its final destination. Both sources have knowledge of the logistics of Harris' travel plans to and from the Army Bowl.
This post was edited on 1/5/17 at 9:56 am
Posted on 1/5/17 at 9:57 am to AHM21
I can almost guarantee you that if he is an EE that he has already decided and packed and his luggage is probably already at the school/airport of the destination.
Posted on 1/5/17 at 10:01 am to chattabama
quote:This is what pisses me off. Want to bet there was money handshakes from UM boosters to get McCaffrey & Harris on the same team?
McCaffrey is a quiet dude. But, I know for a fact he’s behind the scenes talking to Harris. Additionally, they’re playing on the same West team in the Army Bowl. Harris has taken multiple handoffs from him this week.
Tua is from a state the furtherest West you can get... but they decide that he plays on the East team..... Yeah, right.
Posted on 1/5/17 at 10:11 am to jatebe
Harris situation is a bit ridiculous at this point. Not sure how much to put on the kid vs how much to put on those covering this situation. Either way, whichever direction he chooses, it will be good to finally put an end to it within a few days.
Posted on 1/5/17 at 10:13 am to chattabama
Im still around. Kind of took a few days away. I had a bad feeling going into the game, even though I had some faux confidence
Warning: somewhat of a long post as I cover my Clemson feels and recruiting
I'm really surprised that they thought their offensive gameplan would work. Like, there was the offensive braintrust sitting at a table going "this is going to be successful against Clemson." They got away from what makes OSU OSU, which is all predicated on the inside running game (which they didn't even try). It was a cluster all around but I'm happy Meyer took action and is bringing in some new offensive blood.
In recruiting, not much to say about OSU's class at this point, aside from they are trying to take as many DBs as possible. If things go as they are recently projected, Okudah and Holmes will join, and Sheffield may as well. According to my calculations, that will give us 6 corners in this class, with one being a Juco (Sheffield) along with the #1,2,4,14, and 16. I'm usually one to say it's bull that kids don't want to compete, but those numbers just don't add up. However, OSU has had 5 EEs in the secondary in the last 2 years, with the chance Lattimore makes it 6.
Aside from that, OSU would love to add a DT, if they could get Wilson or Tufele (trending away from Wilson and Tufele is so quiet), and if they miss out, will probably offer Munford, a 4* OT in Ohio. Then they will take 1 more receiver (J. Harris likely) and that will likely be the class with 22 kids and 1 of those 22 greyshirting.
Warning: somewhat of a long post as I cover my Clemson feels and recruiting
I'm really surprised that they thought their offensive gameplan would work. Like, there was the offensive braintrust sitting at a table going "this is going to be successful against Clemson." They got away from what makes OSU OSU, which is all predicated on the inside running game (which they didn't even try). It was a cluster all around but I'm happy Meyer took action and is bringing in some new offensive blood.
In recruiting, not much to say about OSU's class at this point, aside from they are trying to take as many DBs as possible. If things go as they are recently projected, Okudah and Holmes will join, and Sheffield may as well. According to my calculations, that will give us 6 corners in this class, with one being a Juco (Sheffield) along with the #1,2,4,14, and 16. I'm usually one to say it's bull that kids don't want to compete, but those numbers just don't add up. However, OSU has had 5 EEs in the secondary in the last 2 years, with the chance Lattimore makes it 6.
Aside from that, OSU would love to add a DT, if they could get Wilson or Tufele (trending away from Wilson and Tufele is so quiet), and if they miss out, will probably offer Munford, a 4* OT in Ohio. Then they will take 1 more receiver (J. Harris likely) and that will likely be the class with 22 kids and 1 of those 22 greyshirting.
Posted on 1/5/17 at 10:23 am to mre
If I recall correctly, Solomon got a thank you letter for attending a bbq at Michigan, a bbq he did not attend. Additionally, the thank you letter mispelled his name
LINK
quote:
"A day or two ago, they sent my mom a card thanking us for going to the Michigan BBQ, but we never went," Solomon said. "I do not know which recruit they were talking to, but it was not me. It was just a little heartbreaking, for me to supposedly be so high on their list, for them to confuse me with someone else. Plus they spelled both of my names wrong after I told them, but that was not the main issue. I guess they do not have tabs on me."
LINK
This post was edited on 1/5/17 at 10:24 am
Posted on 1/5/17 at 10:29 am to bamasgot13
quote:
Harris situation is a bit ridiculous at this point. Not sure how much to put on the kid vs how much to put on those covering this situation
That's the bullshite. He's basically said nothing other than he doesn't want to talk about it. While dozens of writers and even more "insiders" are constantly putting words in his mouth.
"He would have just said this..."
"If her were going to ___ , he'd have done..."
"why doesn't he just..."
Don't know where the kid is going, don't really care. But these grown men are constantly hounding these kids looking for insight or a soundbite or some other BS. And make them out to look like they are 'trolling' schools or being shady about things. They are basically making promises on behalf of these kids, and making the kids look like the bad guy when it doesn't come to fruition.
Posted on 1/5/17 at 10:31 am to bamasgot13
quote:
Harris situation is a bit ridiculous at this point. Not sure how much to put on the kid vs how much to put on those covering this situation. Either way, whichever direction he chooses, it will be good to finally put an end to it within a few days.
I tend to lean towards the media with all this bullshite, but all it would take from Harris is to either flip or reaffirm to Bama. He isn't doing that, which tells me he's either extremely conflicted, or he really does like the attention he's getting. I think it's the former. I hope so anyway.
Posted on 1/5/17 at 10:31 am to Buckeye06
quote:
I'm really surprised that they thought their offensive gameplan would work
we all are/were. they took forever to decide to final challenge Clemson on the deep ball. Clemson has a secondary that is among the leaders in CFB in pass interference and holding calls. I would think you go deep on them once every other series or so. There are only 4 possibilities - Catch, Incompletion, Penalty, INT. 3 of those are acceptable outcomes AND it makes the running game a little easier.
Posted on 1/5/17 at 10:36 am to UAtide11
quote:
He's basically said nothing other than he doesn't want to talk about it. While dozens of writers and even more "insiders" are constantly putting words in his mouth.
In their defense he could put an end to it with a single statement. Either say:
"I'm committed to Bama and that's where I'll be going next week"
"I'm decommitting from Bama and I'll be going to Michigan next week"
or
"I'm pretty conflicted right now and I just need to think it through. I'd love to tell you where I'm going but I don't know, so please do not ask me about or speculate about it b/c if I don't know, then no one else does either"
He's not done any of that. Also, it is their job to sell subscriptions and generate page views for the ad impressions. This situation has done both of those things, so, unfortunately, I anticipate this type of "controversy" more in the future b/c it's making money for those who cover recruiting.
Posted on 1/5/17 at 10:39 am to chattabama
Elite pass rusher Jarez Parks shares biggest factor in his recruitment
quote:
Elite defensive end Jarez Parks has several big-time programs vying for his services, but there's one factor that stands out above the rest when the four-star Sebastian, Fla., recruit makes his college decision.
"Probably my mother," he said...
Alabama and Florida are generally considered the favorites for Parks, but he remains open. Still, Alabama has made a positive impression through multiple visits...
Posted on 1/5/17 at 10:41 am to bamasgot13
It's just such a strange situation with Harris. Getting to the point to where I almost don't care. Don't mind recruits playing the game and doing hat tricks. Just don't string people along and be all coy about it.
Best guess now is that he's going to Michigan.
Best guess now is that he's going to Michigan.
Posted on 1/5/17 at 10:50 am to Patton
quote:
. He isn't doing that, which tells me he's either extremely conflicted, or he really does like the attention he's getting. I think it's the former.
I have to think so as well....you would have to be real douche to play this look at me game and be all coy.
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