But I’m back, kids.
So much happened during the past week, and the odd thing is, I’m not going to touch on most of it. I’m trying to advance news, not re-hash it, but exceptions have to be made.
Here’s what I have, which admittedly, isn’t much. But I’m back, kids. I’m back.
- James Franklin is out recruiting today in Wichita on behalf of Kansas State. Surprised? Don’t answer that. As of last night, he was supposed to be visiting Chris Harper and family and Franklin was hoping to get something lined up with the Browns as well.
- Because his cell phone isn’t accepting incoming calls, I couldn’t speak with Dominique Sutton, who is at Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, Mass. He’s there with Jamar Samuels, who is awaiting his ACT scores. Here’s the word on both players, according to Samuels, who was able to answer his phone: “I haven’t gotten my grades back yet. Coach (Dalonte) Hill is checking on that… Online, I think. But I know Dominique finished his English (requirements), and he’ll be up there (Manhattan) Dec. 10. There is a graduation ceremony and all that before then.”
- Samuels has been watching his future teammates on television recently, and this was his take: “A good team, but we could use more transition defense and rebounding. But I like it. It’s a really nice team.”
- Here’s a theory on what has happened in Manhattan offered by “someone with knowledge of the situation,” which is a nice way of saying someone who doesn’t want to be identified: When coaches coach through fear tactics, it works when the team is winning. But when things go badly, the message starts to lose its sting. Players start looking around and wondering whether the alternative – not playing – is so bad, and suddenly, the coach can’t use fear – in this case, being kicked off the team or benched – as motivation. “If kids like you and respect you, they will run through a wall for you,” this person said. Works the same with assistant coaches, too. Not saying that’s the case here, but it’s worth mulling over.
- I have calls into Brodrick Smith, who has reportedly narrowed his choices to Arizona and Minnesota, and Sutton. Samuels said he would call when he heard back from Hill, who is checking on his ACT scores. Might have more info later…
10 Comments
J-mart, with regards to “fear tactics”, could the same be said about assistant coaches and their relationship with their head coach? Also, the “fear tactic” thing is just another example of how mentally weak our team is; they would have never been able to handle Mike Stoops and Brent Venables.
Ok, so it’s obvious the rumors of Franklin’s resignation are unfounded. I’d still like to know what Prince is going to do to fix our defense. Right now, it looks like he’s banking on the Brown’s.
Yes, Zac. You’ve connected the dots.
Yeah, the DL’s probably LOL at the thought of Prince benching them.
Our offense wasnt really the problem all year. I mean yeah, it would be nice if Freeman didnt throw an INT each game and yeah, it would be cool if Franklin was a better situational play caller, but at least we could score. Plus I thought Franklin was like DJ Jazzy Jeff to the Fresh Ron Prince. Maybe they are getting who the DJ and who the rapper are mixed up. What do you think JMart?
do kids like and respect frank martin?
nice update JMart. good stuff, like always. keep it coming. can’t wait to hear word on samuels.
also, keep the recruiting info coming as much as you can. i am real interested to see what starts happening with football recruiting….and keeping my fingers crossed.
Nice work. I don’t think we’ll get a Wichita player, at least after the end to our season. Love the Sutton/Samuels info, keep it coming, any news on 08 recruiting? I know half of it depends on sutton/samuels showing up + Walker leaving or staying based on injury and performance, but I’m interested in Herrera and Evans and what they think of their situations.
We need to have our PG’s start to look for the pass inside with a kick out. That seems to be the best way to make our outside shots. Bill Walker just needs to step up and play like he practices!! Can’t wait to see Oregon…I really hope we bring our “A” game! Go CATZ!
Any update on Samuels? Has he received his results yet? I saw in another publication that he was still waiting but I thought that might be old info considering he was expecting them last week. It’s getting a little late to still be waiting.
TIA, J-Mart
Keep up the great work (even then it’s been a little slow this last week).