- Sep 4, 2014
- 21,419
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This is so irritating as a fan.
For the past decade, EVERY offseason there is some kind of drama that leads to suspensions, arrests, internal discipline, and/or general bad publicity for the University. Not sure what the deal is with Steele and his situation being tied to JJ. Maybe it’s an anomaly, but I’m over us recruiting Cali kids...and that’s coming from someone who lives here. It just hasn’t ever worked out.
Also, pretty surprised the character concerns with Jalon Jones never came to light during his recruitment if he was a bad guy. I think that’s a bit of an oversight by Mullen. Granted, he can’t control every action these guys make, but eventually the narrative that we have a culture problem will return if we keep bringing in knuckleheads.
Just my opinion, but I think Mullen is in a situation similar to McElwain in this regard. Neither could afford to be overly selective. With McElwain it was because he was just that bad of a recruiter. So he had to take on the Lemons, Robinsons and Corrals because there was no one else. With DM, he's not nearly as anemic in recruiting(though still not great). But with our recent recruiting and overall image being what it is, he's not going to drop a 4* kid who fits his system and wants to be here, simply because there may be a slight character concern.Obviously he would if he knew the extent of the problem. But otherwise, I just don't think he has that luxury. Again, just my speculation.
Totally with you on Cali. I've said the same thing. The small adversity a kid from Florida or the SE goes through is much less likely to cause a rash decision than a kid who is now on the other side of the country from all familiar support. It just doesn't go well enough, and often enough to warrant killing days and days of flying cross country to recruit these kids.