So let me get this straight out of "all" these decommits their have been two real ones, two told to go another route because of size issues, and a kid that had a 24 hour relapse. Let's look at that.
Tevin Mitchell was a long time commit and stings the most. He decided to go to a school that was closer to home and family and was his other finalist in his decision. Mom is given a job and personal comfort won out. Can you blame the kid no. Yes it sucks, but as we have said all along these are 18 year old brains we are dealing with.
Nik Sade same thing. One, it was shocking to me that the kid was coming all the way out to Nebraska in the first place. Two, when the home state favorite school comes a calling of course more often than not you will answer that call. Again personal comfort wins out.
Bouzos and Aldmire are in the same boat. They weren't cutting it in terms of expectations of NU's staff. If anyone has ever seen a written offer from a D1 school there are requirements each school has that the athlete needs to meet in order to keep the offer. Most schools include a stipulation that the athlete must meet/maintain certain physical attributes. Both we're not as big as they said they were and are not massive losses.
*If you have never seen a letter, go to Tate Forcier's website. I think it is qbforce.com or something like that. He has copies of a bunch of offers he has received, including Nebraska. The guy is a tool but the site is kinda interesting in reference to the recruiting side of things.
Darian Bryant is the one that I am most disappointed about. TE is getting to be a pretty big need with Ryan Hill giving up football, and leaving only two game experienced good TEs. Look for two signed next year. Anyways I thought this kid was ready to commit and he seemed to just rush it. But now it looks like he is heading to a school(WVU) that wasn't even one of his "finalist". Again it is the rollercoaster ride that is recruiting. You get hopes up and get a little stoked, and it all depends on what goes on in a 17/18 year olds head. Someone for the most part can't figure out what they will do tomorrow let a lone the next four/five years of their life.
Skerschicago has hit it on the head post after post usually, and this one is no different. The core of this class was what NU got early especially on the offensive side. Everything else has/will be icing on the cake.
I find it kinda funny how so many people get their feathers ruffled over kids that we really start making a push for late, that commit elsewhere. This is more of an issue about the lack/effort made during the inseason recruiting phase IMO especially in terms of official visits. The ball was dropped, even though I understand they are busy with game planning and prep. Some staff members are everywhere recruiting(JP, Ron Brown) while some appear to need a kick in the a$$, something thathas been hashed about in other threads.
So while there have been some disappointments along the way, none have been an overly suprising shock. Just like in 2007. Remember this, these athletes have to do what they feel is best for them. If that means turning down an opportunity to play for some of the graetest minds(well defensively) in the game to stay closer to home for personal comfort so be it. It happens every year. And it will continue to happen.
Tis the game of recruiting, and in the immortal words of Kevin Bacon I end with this
