Question about Recruiting???

[gurlybull]

I just had a question...I know that a lot of times a recruit signs a commitment to a school because he is promised things by a coach or told things to sway their decision.  If a recruit is looking at UF and USF, one of USF's major selling points is probably the potential for more playing time for example.  Are there any guidelines for promises made by coaches.  Like if an athlete is promised a starting postion or "lots of playing time" and then the promise falls through?  Are their any rules to govern things like this?  

Just curious...                      -Gurly

[Guest]

I don't believe so...

But...

If word spreads that Coach X at Univ Y doesn't follow through on his word, and it certainly will spread faster than wildfire through the recruiting circles, then you can bet recruiting will suffer.

I don't think any coach makes a promise he or she can't fulfill in any sport.

[E.T.]

No rules against "lying" . . . or "promises"  

But I am sure that any coach really wouldn't promise and what 18 year old would honestly believe that he wouldn't have to complete?

[VeryBullish]

Yea, its called the Nick Saban Code of Ethics.

[gurlybull]

Haha, I bet that would be a great read!!   ;D

[JoeB]

I seem to recall back in the late 80s or early 90s a QB that chose UM and was promised to be the starter, but ended up not playing because Toretta or someone else beat him out.  I think his name was Bryan Fortay.  Didn't he try to sue the school or something based on promises made by the school and coaches??  Maybe he threatened to sue, because it didn't go anywhere.  I know he transferred to Rutgers eventually (during part of their historically really bad years), and had a somewhat meaningless career.

[JoeB]

And then there is the whole Chris Simms thing at Texas.  Most say he was promised that QB spot, even though Applewhite outplayed him for most of their careers.  Ask any Texas fan and they are convinced of this.

[TKBlue]

Coaches rarely promise a stating spot but MANY if not most promise the recuits that they can immediately compete for playing time because virtually all quality recruits think they can step right in even though few can. So, the coaches graciously participate and feed these players rose colored view of their chances while not "promising" anything. Misleading, yes, promise no. But if coaches were completely honest they would lose out on most of the quality recruits who have greatly expanded view of their talent and potential. Example, virtually all the incoming kids think they have a chance at the pros when few really do.

[E.T.]

... but MANY if not most promise the recuits that they can immediately compete for playing time ...

And it's not too far from the truth though ... if a kid can compete and would play enough on the 2 Deep, most wouldn't RS him ... even if he can help on kick coverage.