Recruiting

Understood, Panther. Again, I have never seen this kid play.
You make a good point about the recruiting coverage in the state. Is that net good enough to ensure we don't miss anybody? I doubt it very much, but that is why we and everyone else needs to rely on high school coaches and fans to provide some leads on the kids that don't have every school salivating.

As we all think anyway, improving the relationships with state coaches is an area that offers a significant opportunity for improvement.

Rome, what is the deal with this coach? Why doesn't he try to help his own kids? That doesn't make any sense.
 
PW,
I realize I'm answering questions with a lot of "I don't knows" but that is exactly the case. I'm not necessarily a follower of Darlington since I played against them in HS myself. But with this Hyder kid on the scene, I have gone out of my way to see him play. A friend and customer of mine who is a parent of a Darlington student tells me that he hears the coach is very hesitant to help his players to a college. I don't really buy that but that's what I'm told. I hear the reason for this line of thought is that if a kid he recommends someone and the kid gets to college and let's the college down, he (the coach) doesn't want to have that hanging over his head. I understand he just leaves it to the kid and the kid's parents. Possibly could be, just don't know. I have tried to reach the coach via phone and email but no response. I get a answering machine on the phone but no return call. Darlington is a highly regarded private school that should not have a problem placing kids in college. AP says that the kid would have been contacted if GT thought they had a place for him, or something to that effect. Personally, I think some big schools are dropping the ball this time.
He can run, he can block, and he can tackle and he does them outstandingly well. He is very coachable, and I've already stated his other attributes. He deserves a lood see. Whether or not GT would have a use for him, I can't say. Like I said before, if you like Kelly Rhino, you'd love Hyder. He's a muscle with a great brain. He has work ethics that his coaches are proud of. Just looks like he may be caught betwixt and between at GT.
I had Service Master in our home to clean carpet not long ago. The man who came is part owner of this company, and we wound up having a loooooooong talk afterward. He used to coach the Hyder kid in the Pee Wees, Mites, and Jr. Midgets plus they go to the same church. I asked what he thought of Hyder and he stated that he was the best kids he had ever coached, not only best in football, but best all round person too. This even took in the man's own son. That tells me something. He also said that he would be very surprised if GT or Fl St. or Auburn didn't go after him. I know kids change a lot from the Peewees and Mites, but I'm just telling you what people that know Hyder think of him.
Beats me!!!!!
 
First, let me say that Hyder was a bigger impact player in Rome than two other guys, one headed to FSU and the other to Notre Dame. His football size is about 195 and his quoted speed is real. Racked up 238 yards against Calhoun, State AA runner up while playing both ways on a hot night with cramps. 100% intensity on every play. Made tackles when it looked hopeless. In other words, real football speed.

Here is what I think hurts him. I have personally spoken with an assistant as to why they do not push him to a big program. The statement was they think he is to small. Also, at a group dinner one night, I asked him what he "wanted to do". He basically did not know even as to football or wrestling. His father felt that if a big time D1 school had approached early he would have gone with football at that level. But when they did not call, he started to consider other things. Plus his father is wheelchair bound and likely just does not have the resources or energy to promote him.

I will not comment about the GT coaches but I thought you guys may want some personal insight. He is everything Rome said he is and more.
 
Re: Got to go with NC

JD,
I suppose that may be a good angle to pursue.
Question:
Does GT offer wrestling schollies?
 
Thanks for the input Flyjacket. Am I correct to assume you are either alumni or have a family member at Darlington?
 
Re: Got to go with NC

As far as I know we don't have a wrestling team, another Title IX pre-victim
 
Re: Got to go with NC

[ QUOTE ]
As far as I know we don't have a wrestling team, another Title IX pre-victim

[/ QUOTE ]

Isn't this what Bear Bryant would do?
 
No one should EVER be contacting a possible S/A or his family about recruiting...DANGER THERE! NCAA could be knocking on your door. Anytime someone knows of a possible recruit needs to contact our coaches. It is just plain wrong to be doing this. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nono.gif
 
My son goes to Darlington and they are good friends. Known his fine family for about a decade. Due to NCAA issues I have never talked directly to him about GT football. Don't need my name in the paper!!

In my humble opinion, he would be a great preferred walk on. If nothing else, with his speed at 195 pounds with his fearless desire, he would be a great special teams guy. However, even with the Hope it may be a stretch for him to walk since I understand the hope does not pay for everything. But man would I love to see him there. He never quits. In fact, after he racked up 236 yards against Calhoun in a losing effort, with cramps, the local call in shows were filled with Calhoun folks saying they had never seen a kid like that. Twice after being helped off the field he came back two plays later for twenty yard gains up the middle.

PS. In his case I think it hurt him to play both ways. He led in rushing and tackling and played every single play unless hurt. If he could concentrate more on just one, I think he would have actually attracked more attention. Like I said, I think he outplayed the FSU and Notre Dame signees. Not short, but boy with three more inches giving him room to grow...

I appreciate your saying such kind things about him. Your observations are excellent for someone who does not know him.

Finally, all you fine folks out there keep your prayers going for my son to gain admission to GT this month. He wants to go nowhere else but is a "bubble boy".
 
Right. I have known them for a long time but have stayed away from these kinds of conflicts.

Excellent point.
 
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