http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/shared-blogs/ajc/cfbrecruit/entries/2007/05/02/bufords_hunter.html

Nice! Now we need Coach Brown to sell the defense system.

Its better news than I expected. I thought Georgia would be a player in this recruitment, and that ND would get squeezed by them, but I guessed wrong.

 

Still, I'm not holding my breathe here. He grew up a Wolverine fan, and the other SEC schools listed are hard to compete with when the kid lives in the South. We've had some success in Georgia recently (Darius Walker, Paul Duncan, Morrice Richardson, Toryan Smith), which is why I'm not completely writing this guy off, but it'll still be a MAJOR coup if we get him. Still though, he grew up watching a rival of Notre Dame's, and there'll always be good ole Urbie lurking throughout the whole process.

 

Silver lining: we keep talking about wanting to gently hint to Newman that the heat to commit is relatively on. Hearing news like this from another 6'1" 300 pound lineman could make him think a little faster. But honestly, I don't think the Newman thing is a big deal: he's still a strong Irish lean. Just throwing out another angle with which to look at things.

IC you prompted two thoughts that may have an impact on his recruitment.

 

1. If he truly was a Wolverine fan growing up, Corwin Brown provides us with a slight advantage and voice of reason. He can openly discuss the positives and advantages of playing for and getting an education at ND. Unlike other people, he can provide that perspective and comparison as someone who attended UM. This may help.

 

2. I wonder how the recent comments (or no comment insinuations) from Jimmy Walker will play in his recruitment. If Darius' family is upset with Charlie, does that get back to Omar in any negative way. BTW, I am also assuming that there is some friction right now betweeen Charlie and the Walkers. My assumption is based on wording in an article tha could easily have been taken out of context by the writer.

Stank, excellent point about Corwin's insight. I never would have thought of that in a million years.

 

I'm assuming you meant to say Omar, rather than Ethan.

 

I highly doubt the Walker situation has a negative impact on this kid's recruitment. Yes, they were probably on the same team, when Walker was a senior and Hunter a freshman, but I think thats the only link here. I don't see how Darius's father comes in and talks to Omar saying, "This guy didn't show up at my son's press conference!" Nor do I view Charlie seeing his past with the Walkers as a threat to this kid's recruitment. I just think that ultimately, how Weis handled a kid who made a rash decision to go pro is the least of a HS prospect's worries when deciding, and that neither side of this perceived or potential tiff is going to influence this kid.

 

Now, I wouldn't be surprised if Urban tried to use the Darius thing against us, but thats another story...

Great point about Corwin Stank. I was thinking about that last night, how he can really push the positives of ND, the depth, the new system. Being a former player, especially at a rival school, he can say "Listen, I know where you're at, I had to make a similar decision myself. I went to UM, will always be attached to their program, but right now the opportunity at ND is the best, coaching, depth, academics, etc." He can give a pitch that Charlie and most other coaches can't, similar to Shannon at Miami. Kids usually listen to these guys. The point about Darius is sketchy at best Stank, I'm sure Charlie addressed that already (as will Urban as Calves suggested). I definitely think there is or was friction at one point between Charlie and the Walkers; I think Charlie felt he should have been part of the decision making process, rightfully so being the coach and w/ his background. He wasn't contacted for a reason, probably because Darius knew what he'd suggest. I really can't see how the Walkers would feel that ND and/or Charlie wouldn't have helped DW make it to the next level, another year would've made him a mid-rounder IMO. Maybe the Walkers felt Charlie didn't help Darius w/ his NFL contacts, but how could they expect him to put his credibility on the line if he really didn't feel DW was ready.

True Scotty: The football decisions are made by Weis and Weis alone. I thought myself when his Dad said what would he gain by coming back, another 1,000 yards? Was an odd thing to say as it would be 1,000 yards for Notre Dame wouldn't it have been? So why phone GM's for him? Glad he got his degree wish him well but don't let the door hit you on your way out.

IMO, Omar Hunter is the best DT that we are recruiting. I mean this in no disrespect to the others.

good points fellas. we could use him

IMO, Omar Hunter is the best DT that we are recruiting. I mean this in no disrespect to the others.

even better than marcus forstone?

Hunter, williams, and forston would be quite a haul, any chance?

My point about the Walker's impact probably wasn't stated very well and may very well be a stretch.

 

It is probably fair to say that the Walker's have a very good relationship with the head coach at Buford. I don't believe there will be much if any interaction between them and Omar. If, however, they can sway the coaches feelings about Weis in any way (lack of support for our son, etc.) then that may get translated from the coach to Hunter.

 

That's all I'm saying. There may be a little negative backlash from this draft deal. I hope I'm wrong on this and like I said, it may be a stretch.

IMO, Omar Hunter is the best DT that we are recruiting. I mean this in no disrespect to the others.

even better than marcus forstone?

 

Honestly, I have not watched Fortson's videos. Looks like I have homework to do.

forston might be a DE in our system or the DE that kicks to DT in a 4-3. The kid can move for a big guy. He's def the best DL we're recruiting. I know he's interested in visiting us for an official, but i dont think he leaves Miami, if he does, then he's Irish.

forston might be a DE in our system or the DE that kicks to DT in a 4-3. The kid can move for a big guy. He's def the best DL we're recruiting. I know he's interested in visiting us for an official, but i dont think he leaves Miami, if he does, then he's Irish.

 

Yeah, its gonna be alot harder getting kids out of Miami, especially on the def side of the ball, since Randy Shannon took over at UM. I think he's gonna do very well down there.

Yeah, its gonna be alot harder getting kids out of Miami, especially on the def side of the ball, since Randy Shannon took over at UM. I think he's gonna do very well down there.

and don't forget about the impact butch davis could have at UNC, Etienne Sabino has UNC as his favorite according to scouts.