NDFan3 Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 Irish Eyes spoke with the father of Jimmy Clausen, Jim Clausen Sr., to get an update on the 6-foot-3, 200-pound top quarterback prospect. “Jimmy’s having a pretty good season. The team is 9-0 right now and all the guys are playing very well right now,” Jim Clausen said. “It’s been a real fun year this year. Everyone on the team are the reason they’re 9-0, not just Jimmy, and everyone on the team has played really well.” But the younger Clausen is a large part of the success. The five-star prospect is 99-of-149 attempts passing, for 1,975 yards, 29 touchdowns and has thrown just one interception on the year. “We’re not really stat guys,” the older Clausen said when asked about Jimmy’s stats this season. “The only stat that matters is winning, so I guess the team is doing very well and Jimmy’s a part of that. I think he’s playing very well this year. “I don’t know how much you follow it, but Jimmy’s rarely played much in the second half, so his stats won’t be anything amazing. But like I said, winning is all that matters, and they’ve been winning.” The last time we spoke with Jim Clausen he said he wasn’t sure if Jimmy would participate in the Army All-American game, but that decision has now been made. “He’s planning on playing in the game,” he said. “We’re committed to it. I think he’s looking forward to it, but he first has to finish his season. We spoke with coach Weis and he said he didn’t have any problem with it. He told us to go ahead and play so that’s what he’s going to do.” Once the younger Clausen closes his high school chapter with the Army game he’ll move on to Notre Dame and compete for the starting quarterback position this spring. “I know he’s really looking forward to that,” Clausen said. “I think it’s all going to come down to the speed of the game and how quickly he can pick up the verbiage and the offense. “I think that his accuracy will be an advantage. I think he has plenty of arm strength. I think he has good mobility to move side to side. It’s just that the gaps he throws into right now will start to close and he’ll have to get used to the speed of the game. Casey (former Tennessee starting quarterback, his quarterback coach at Oaks, and brother of Jimmy) has really been invaluable to him with preparing him for that next level. He talks to Rick every day as well. I think he’ll be ready and we’ll just have to see how it plays out. “If Jimmy doesn’t start next year it won’t be coach Weis’s fault,” Clausen added. “Jimmy has to step it up to that level….whether that takes three months, six months, or three years, that’s all up to him.” But the younger Clausen has to finish his senior season before he moves on to Notre Dame. In fact, Clausen and his teammates have a chance to finish their high school career without losing a game. “We have one game this Thursday and then it’s the playoffs,” Clausen said. “I think it’s four playoff games and then the state championship if they’re lucky enough to get that far. It’s been a pretty exciting year.” But has it been as crazy as many anticipated with all the hype? “I don’t think it’s been a zoo at all,” the elder Clausen said. “I think we’ve tried to keep it as normal as we could. I think Jimmy’s really enjoyed his final season. He just has to finish it strong and then move on to the next chapter. Right now he’s just focusing on his school, which he’s doing great in, his teammates and his friends. He knows it will be much or business-like at the next level so he’s just enjoying this while he can.” And what about his future coach, Charlie Weis? “We told coach Weis not to even bother coming out to see Jimmy play,” Clausen said. “He wanted to come out but we told him to use that time to go out and find other great players. Go find some great defensive players because they’ll need that. We told him not to worry about us. He’s definitely coming. There’s nothing that would change our minds about that. There’s no need for him to come out here.” Considering the attention that so many of these top recruits want, it is suprising and comforting to see that Clausen is not only totally committed to ND, but that he's got a level head and understands that it takes more than one guy to win NCs. Question, once the regular season ends, does the staff kick it in overdrive on the recruiting front? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TDJesus3 Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 yea most coaching staffs will hit the road following this weeks game Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockne3d Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 JC telling Weis not to come and see him so he can concentrate on other players is one of the greatest things that I have ever heard a recruit say. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLO31 Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 yea.. i read this yesterday.. brought a smile to my face... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdrdreamer Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 What is not to like about Jimmy or his family for that matter? Sounds like dad has Jimmy mentally prepped for the next level. I especially liked the the following quote... “If Jimmy doesn’t start next year it won’t be coach Weis’s fault,” Clausen added. “Jimmy has to step it up to that level….whether that takes three months, six months, or three years, that’s all up to him.” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irishwavend Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 Ask UT what there is not to like about Jimmy's dad...but I can understand how he was overbearing with Fat Phil at the helm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SirJohn Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 Well you know me guys I have to disagree here. Since the Hall of Fame which (really track back) started the negative recruiting. Jimmy's been in seclusion. His Dad and the PR machine here is his mouthpeice. The Hall of Fame bit did us no good and I hear rubbed Weis the wrong way which is why the quiet. Put the shoe on the other foot. Suppose Weis had no intention of seeing Jimmy if he's not going to attend the game? If you re-read this release, his surrounding people really just said HE STARTS come August. This is a touching remark like from a wife "Oh I really don't want any expensive gift from you." Don't do it and you know you are in deep doo doo. I for on have to fondly hope when JC arrives his Dad and all this PR machine never take residence at South Bend. I well know I am a minority in feeling that way. I don't want anyone speaking for coach Weis or the University but authorised people Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketsurgery Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 john no offense but I find it very hard to get out of this what you seem to have. I can't possibly turn these comments into some sort of negative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SirJohn Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 No prob rocket Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irishwavend Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 I agree Sir John...His dad has a rep, and the hall of fame stuff does seem to go against what our "team" attitude is about, though I could see the opposite standpoint, too, which would be that these recruits love the lights and glamour, and what better way to attract kids than through glitz; but as we have seen...it didn't work out too well for our cause. Jimmy's dad better learn to shut his mouth and let Weis be the coach. He didn't do that at UT and became a huge pain in the ass despite the fact that his sons were mediocre. Jimmy seems like a great kid, though, and Charlie doesn't seem like the type to put up with any BS; so I think we will be fine. Hell, for the first time in years, we have true depth at QB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SirJohn Posted November 24, 2006 Share Posted November 24, 2006 I agree wave. JC should need no publicity...Isn't he said by all to be the best? His Dad apparatly wants in the act. That is a Notre Dame No, No. (I hope that hasn't changed.) Be great at University of louisville with two brothers in the athletic dept, their Dad in the newspapers, and youngest son QB of Louisville (Good ole boy network) but this is Notre Dame. Whoever wins the spot I love till gosh March? August? Let the dad's be seen and not heard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty88 Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 The Hall of Fame bit did us no good and I hear rubbed Weis the wrong way which is why the quiet. I don't want anyone speaking for coach Weis or the University but authorised people Huh? Isn't that redundant John? Charlie can't speak about Jimmy, so that's why the quiet, not sure where you heard Charlie was upset, he couldn't tell anyone anyway! Jimmy's dad has stated he will steer away from the media, that article was the only interview the Clausen family has done in months, it's weeks old BTW. I totally disagree that Charlie didn't like or know about Jimmy's announcement, it was supposed to create a stir, which Charlie has definetly done w/ ND recruiting. If you don't like JC, better find a new team for the next 4 years....I know you like the service academies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SirJohn Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 Oh Scotty my friend. We disagree but remain friends. I'm labled the hater Now just how many interviews since the HOF does it take? 1 is all..... and this is it. It's like how many cheating instances does it take to upset a husband? I stand corrected I have no idea Charlie did not ejnoy the HOF incident over which he had no control but which that old fool Lemming, who pretends an inside tract, said he did. He just tends not to let anyone talk without his OK if he has the power over them, which is anyone who has signed an ND contract. Sorry Jimmie and Dad...I mean just Jimmie has not yet signed. Then he will be shut up. My love for the Sevice Acadamies I admit, because they are going to not make a bunch of money and protect all of us. I resent 100% pure blooded Americans calling them our 'cream puffs' (By the way that term pointed towards us came up just to night in the LA Times) when they play Ball State, Iowa or some bottom feeder college. I have no idea why say a North Western bottom team in Big Ten is better then Navy or Army? I wish someone would define why the Military are cream puffs but pac 10, Big 10 has none? Non of the above except for Jimmies Dad/PR machine blowing off in the media once more has anything to do with the Service Acadamies. The ND fans annoited Ron Pawlus as three Heismen repeat. Funny thing happened on the way to that. I am just saying hype and PR there seems to be a Junior and two Sophmores in front of JC. Let's let that play out and not say "for the next four years." Last thing i want is media, Blue and Gold, Rivals some kid or....his Dad telling me this is Notre Dame's future. I see no conflict in saying like the Apostle Thomas, unless I see.....And to be honest we are just talking about some High School kid with one game to go in High School as we face our last game with booty and USC. Let's all check how many 'true freshmen QB's' had a winning season. Remember the first four are georgia Tech...again and all thought we would cream them, Penn State, Michigan..ouchie and Michigan State. I don't think I want some Dad in that mix talking about his son JC or any son. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soko Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 I agree, that comment about starting is a little too far ahead of himself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty88 Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 Oh Scotty my friend. We disagree but remain friends. You're right SJ, this is one thing we disagree on. I wasn't questioning your loyalty to ND, sorry if it came off that way. My point was that the announcement was planned and happened for a reason, to create hype...to change the idea that top athletes can't come to ND. You're right, it may have backfired a bit, but I think Mr Clausen get treated unfairly all the same. Regardless, I am ecstatic that Jimmy's coming to ND.....nonetheless I want the best guy behind center. Enough recruiting, lets GO IRISH, BEAT SC!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketsurgery Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 I am sorry but the negative reaction toward Mr. Clausen here is way out of bounds. I mean, give the guy a break. And if you think Charlie is in any way intimidated by a player's father, you are way out of bounds yourself. Look, Clausen is one of ours. How about we support him like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SirJohn Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 Rocket love ya what is negative? JC is a HS kid. I will show him support when he dons blue and gold. Right now his Dad/PR machine feels he is better then those already in blue and gold. There's at least 60 guys ahead of him that are not part of this incoming 'freshmen group' I support them, where some want to over look it for 'hype' and what is it but hype since not one pass has been thrown in a ND game? How can i judge? Sharpley's thrown few. Zach non and Jones non. Yet i have to kiss JC's HS california rings? I say no. Don't show ME show ND. We can revisit all of this come Georgia Tech in September. But i do not need his Dad to tell me he is the second coming. The kid's about to be in College daddy let your relived youth go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NDFan3 Posted November 25, 2006 Author Share Posted November 25, 2006 Everyone's got their own opinion...We will see soon enough how JC and his family behaves when he EE's. But, for the time being, we should be talking about the talent that this kid brings to the table. The five-star prospect is 99-of-149 attempts passing, for 1,975 yards, 29 touchdowns and has thrown just one interception on the year. JC is completing 66% of his passes!! We need to keep in my that this kid probably hasn't played a full game this year, and also that he seldom sees second half minutes. That coupled with one of the best running backs in the country getting a good amount of touches, those are some pretty nasty statistics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SirJohn Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 Agree NDfan3 He's going to be good I never said he was not. This stirred up the nest here. Please don't make me 'anti' He's not in till he is in then we can judge I think there's a few HS guys talking about '60-70 pancake blocks' in HS. Just how many of those do you see in division 1? Peace, it sure stirred Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Irish4life Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 jimmy clausen is going to do tremendous things for this team. a leader, maybe a role model? he will follow in Brady's foot steps and do just fine if not better...i believe in this kid 100% Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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