PING: CraigSca and other Maryland fans who've inquired about Brandyn Young

[Ben E Lou]

Well, the national recruiting press has finally picked up on what was the worst-kept secret in Tucker this year--the fact that B.Y. isn't really committed to Maryland. Sorry that I've been a bit evasive when asked about his level of commitment, but I didn't think it appropriate to say anything here until it was in the press. I think the bottom line is that Maryland was the only semi-nearby school to offer before his Senior season began, and he didn't want to have to deal with heavy recruiting during the season.

Brandyn Young (Tucker HS, 5-11, 180, 4.5) is one of the top running backs/cornerbacks in the state of Georgia. Not only a good player, but a good student as well, Brandyn talked recruiting with Gene's Page.

Brandyn Young Profile: Early in the recruiting process Young committed to Maryland. However, that commitment is no more.

"I'm not committed to Maryland anymore," said Young, a three-star runningback/cornerback who is ranked among the top 50 in the nation at his position. "I've opened it up."

Now that he is no longer committed, what colleges are showing him the most attention?

"Ole Miss, South Carolina and Vanderbilt have come to my home. Mississippi State has talked to me about coming in sometime this week. (South Carolina head coach) Steve Spurrier is supposed to come in next week."

What about in-school visits?

"A bunch (of coaches) have come by the school. (MSU assistant) Coach Holliday came in earlier in the week and (MSU) offensive coordinator (Woody McCorvey) also came in."

Although he wasn't sure of the actual dates, Young set up all of his official visits for January.

"I've set up my official visits for next month," said Young, who has 15 scholarship offers. "I'm talking to South Carolina, Georgia Tech, Mississippi State and Ole Miss."

Two teams top his list with three more still in the picture.

"Georgia Tech and South Carolina are my two favorites right now, then comes Mississippi State and Ole Miss. You can also list Maryland right in there with Mississippi State and Ole Miss."

Georgia Tech and South Carolina offer something that the other three don't.

"I can stay close to home with Georgia Tech. It's the same thing with South Carolina, along with Coach Steve Spurrier coming in. I like the offense he brings to the table."

[CraigSca]

This must be the most difficult thing about recruiting - the fact that you're dealing with kids. I admit, I feel a little burned (even though I'm just a fan and have really nothing to do with the actual program).

Does any of this have to do with Maryland's 5-6 record this year?

Eh...it would have been nice to have him, but Friedgen's a great coach. I hope Brandyn makes a decision he's happy with and has a nice career.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by CraigSca

Does any of this have to do with Maryland's 5-6 record this year?

Not even remotely.

As I said, this was the worst-kept secret in town, and I'm talking all season long. Before the high school regular season had started (so, we're talking early August), I asked him if it was a "soft" commitment. He gave a sly grin, said "extremely soft," and then he winked. I don't think I talked to a single person in Tucker all year long who thought for a minute that B.Y. was going to end up at Maryland, but the funny thing is that whenever opposing fans asked any of our parents/fans, "Is #4 going to play in college?", all year long Tucker folks would dutifully respond, "He committed to Maryland a while back," and leave it at that. My take on it is that Maryland was the first semi-nearby school to offer a scholly, and he wanted to say something before his Senior year started to lower the recruiting noise around him. He *really* wanted that State Championship this year, and that was his primary, if not only, focus at that point.

[Ben E Lou]

Dola: As far as feeling "burned," I sure understand that one. To be completely blunt, the fact that no one in Tucker cares an iota about the Maryland program is probably why y'all ended up getting this word in the 11th hour like this. If B.Y.'s "extremely soft" commitment had been to somewhere nearby like Auburn/Clemson/Georgia/Tech, the word would almost definitely have leaked out, simply because *someone* in Tucker who cared about the school he had semi-committed to would have wanted their coaches to know that they needed to recruit another player.

[timmyw3]

I feel used.

With Josh Allen's availability for next year up in the air, not only would Brandyn have probably been in the offensive backfield instead of DB, he would have seen some PT.

[CraigSca]

I wonder why MD was the only school to offer him a scholarship if he's so great? Didn't you mention that he's not even the fastest guy in the backfield. I wish him the best, but I too feel used. If he goes to an ACC school, I'm sure the coaching staff will love to use this as an added impetus in the week leading up to the game.

[Noop]

I love when a guy decommits and suddenly he aint so good... haha fans are fickle like a cat. ( I mean this about all fans not just Maryland fans)

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by CraigSca

I wonder why MD was the only school to offer him a scholarship if he's so great?

B.Y. isn't a top-tier player. He's a consensus Top 50 player at his position. Most pre-season offers go out to guys in the Top 25 or so in their position group. Heck, Tucker's Brandon Lang, a consensus Top 15 DE last year, didn't receive an offer from UGA until late December of his Senior year. B.Y. got more attention than is normal for a player at his level, because he replaced a Top 5 back due to injury, performed very well, and was on a team as a Junior that was heavily scouted--so people saw him.

College scouting and recruiting isn't always as impressive and exhaustive as you might think. 9 of the 12 kids from Tucker last year who went on to the next level didn't receive the offer that they accepted until after the high school season was over.

Didn't you mention that he's not even the fastest guy in the backfield.

No, he's not, but that statement is like saying that Anna Nicole Smith's boobs aren't as big as Morganna's. Trust me, he's very fast--fast enough to have gotten offers to play CB at BCS schools. There's a very good chance that you've never, ever seen a high school team with the ridiculous team speed that Tucker has had for the past several years. Thomas Brown is considered to be a speed back at UGA, and HE wasn't even the fastest player at Tucker last year. B.Y. is a legit sub-4.5 player, but RB2 Asher Allen (remember that name, by the way) and RB3 Bryant Flenoury are both right around 4.45. Last year, Jimmy Coleman ran the first leg of the 4X100 relay for Tucker, was the Region Champion in the hurdles, was timed at 4.51 at Auburn's camp between his Junior and Senior year, and played fullback and linebacker for Tucker.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by Noop

I love when a guy decommits and suddenly he aint so good... haha fans are fickle like a cat. ( I mean this about all fans not just Maryland fans)

Yeah, but it is even MORE fun when a Top 5 guy disses his home-state school, goes somewhere else, then has a mediocre college career.

{Looks in Jabari's direction, hoping he enjoyed the Peach Bowl. }

[kcchief19]

Originally Posted by SkyDog

If B.Y.'s "extremely soft" commitment had been to somewhere nearby like Auburn/Clemson/Georgia/Tech, the word would almost definitely have leaked out, simply because *someone* in Tucker who cared about the school he had semi-committed to would have wanted their coaches to know that they needed to recruit another player.

No offense to Brandyn, but this is a good reason why it's hard to choose sides in the schools vs. athletes debate in college sports -- both sides abuse and use each other. I understand Brandyn wanting to avoid all the recruiting talk and focus on the season, but there is no one looking at this other than he used Maryland. They surely thought they had a recruit and other kids they were recruiting may have shied away because Maryland already had a player at their position.

Unless Maryland knew it was soft and that he had no intention of going there, then I definitely think he screwed Maryland. I wouldn't go to an ACC school if I were him -- Friedgen would probably have a bounty on his head. And if Friedgen did, would it be that much worse than Brandyn using Maryland for his own purposes?

Of course, maybe I'm bitter because now I'm afraid that's the same thing Chase Daniel from Dallas did when he committeed to Missouri.

[duckman]

Originally Posted by Noop

I love when a guy decommits and suddenly he aint so good... haha fans are fickle like a cat. ( I mean this about all fans not just Maryland fans)

I don't think that Craig was saying he's not any good. I think he was asking as to why Young received a scholarship offer so early when he's not in the Top 25 for his position.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by kcchief19

No offense to Brandyn, but this is a good reason why it's hard to choose sides in the schools vs. athletes debate in college sports -- both sides abuse and use each other. I understand Brandyn wanting to avoid all the recruiting talk and focus on the season, but there is no one looking at this other than he used Maryland. They surely thought they had a recruit and other kids they were recruiting may have shied away because Maryland already had a player at their position.

Unless Maryland knew it was soft and that he had no intention of going there, then I definitely think he screwed Maryland. I wouldn't go to an ACC school if I were him -- Friedgen would probably have a bounty on his head. And if Friedgen did, would it be that much worse than Brandyn using Maryland for his own purposes?

Of course, maybe I'm bitter because now I'm afraid that's the same thing Chase Daniel from Dallas did when he committeed to Missouri.

Well, now keep in mind that the reason I listed is purely speculative on my part. I never asked him, "Why Maryland?" It could also be that we're dealing with the random whims of a 17-year-old. That being said, it should be mentioned that B.Y. is a bit of an unusual case, as far as "working the system" goes. I would imagine that he's gotten some words of experience on how to work the system to his advantage. Read on...

Falcons give advice to Tucker standout
He's got experts on call
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 11/16/04

When Tucker's Brandyn Young needs tips on how to improve at running back or at defensive back, he just asks one of the players on the Atlanta Falcons team.

Young's grandfather, Horace Daniel, is a longtime equipment manager for the NFL franchise. When the Falcons play in town during the football season, Young works during games as an assistant to his grandfather.

"It's pretty neat; I get to see how the best football players on Earth prepare and play in games," Young said.

Several of the Falcons players and assistant coaches have taken interest in Young, a high school standout. Young is a two-way starter and team captain for Tucker (12-0), which plays Statesboro at 7:30 p.m. Friday at DeKalb's Adams Stadium.

"Everyone knows Brandyn is a great football player, but more importantly he is a great leader," Tucker coach Bill Ballard said.

"He has really taken off as one of our leaders, and I think a lot of it has to do with him being around his grandfather and the Falcons. He comes to practice every day with a great attitude and great focus."

Young has been on the varsity since his freshman year, but was shoved into the spotlight last year after all-state tailback Thomas Brown broke his leg in the seventh game. Young took over for Brown, and there was little, if no, drop-off as Tucker advanced to the Class AAAA semifinals last year.

"You never want to see anybody get hurt," Young said. "When Thomas went down, the coaches turned to me, and I was glad I was able to come through for the team."

Before his senior season even began, Young said he would accept a football scholarship from Maryland. The Terrapins plan to try Young at tailback first, and then maybe give him looks at wide receiver and cornerback.

This past Sunday, Young worked with his grandfather at the Falcons game. After the game, Falcons all-pro linebacker Keith Brooking had some advice:

"[Brooking] said I should play corner in college," Young said with a smile. "He said running backs are a dime a dozen, and if you play corner, you will have 10 times the opportunities down the road."

At some point during just about every Falcon home game, I usually catch a glimpse of B.Y. on the sidelines.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by duckman

I don't think that Craig was saying he's not any good. I think he was asking as to why Young received a scholarship offer so early when he's not in the Top 25 for his position.

If that's what he was implying (and I don't really think it was), I'd say that the primary answer is "exposure." All the way back at spring practice this year, there were around a half-dozen college scouts watching Tucker every day. That's the sort of thing that happens when a relatively small high school has multiple backs playing D-1 ball at the same time, one in the NFL, and three or four others on the team who'll likely play D1.

[Noop]

Originally Posted by duckman

I don't think that Craig was saying he's not any good. I think he was asking as to why Young received a scholarship offer so early when he's not in the Top 25 for his position.

I wasn't saying that... I was making the point that when someone lets use for example Derrick Williams is deciding between schools. When he was just about ready to commit to Florida to the mullet heads in Hogtown he was the greatest player hands down. When it looked like Florida was out of it the opinions changed to well ..."he is to short to really make an impact he is overrated I like so and so..." Now that Florida is back in the rest the mullets love him... fickle like a cat.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by Noop

I wasn't saying that... I was making the point that when someone lets use for example Derrick Williams is deciding between schools. When he was just about ready to commit to Florida to the mullet heads in Hogtown he was the greatest player hands down. When it looked like Florida was out of it the opinions changed to well ..."he is to short to really make an impact he is overrated I like so and so..." Now that Florida is back in the rest the mullets love him... fickle like a cat.

There is a lot of that. Skydog mentioned Jabri Davis, and that happened with him around here. He was going to be a future starting Dawg tailback untill he went with Tennessee. Then people were saying "he is a head-case and probably will never be a regular starter in the SEC." Of course, it ended up being true.

My pet-peeve on recruiting is how many guys, when being courted or have committed to top schools, are ranked 3-5 stars, but if/when they commit to a lower-tier program, they suddenly lose a star.

[Ben E Lou]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

There is a lot of that. Skydog mentioned Jabri Davis, and that happened with him around here. He was going to be a future starting Dawg tailback untill he went with Tennessee. Then people were saying "he is a head-case and probably will never be a regular starter in the SEC." Of course, it ended up being true.

My pet-peeve on recruiting is how many guys, when being courted or have committed to top schools, are ranked 3-5 stars, but if/when they commit to a lower-tier program, they suddenly lose a star.

Well, Jabari wasn't really a head case. He was just a hair lazy. If he'd worked just a little bit harder, he could have backed up the things he said on the field. However, the writing was on the wall pretty early with him; he gained 15-20 pounds, mostly fat, from Signing Day in early February until graduation in late May. I get the impression he's one of those guys who got in the doghouse from Day 1 in Knoxville, and never really ever got out.

[MrBug708]

YOu guys are talking about a 3 star player and yet teams will want revenge on him? Chances are when he starts, if he does in 4 years, half of the coaching staffs will be gone and it seems very petty.

[Suicane75]

Fickle as a cat?

[duckman]

Originally Posted by Suicane75

Fickle as a cat?

Yeah, I don't understand Florida speak either?

[Noop]

Fickle as a cat...comes from Bobby Bowden. I am just making a lil fun at the old guy... he said offense's were fickle like a cat during half time of one of Florida State's games.

[Ben E Lou]

The Evil Genius got him. He'll be heading to USC.

[CraigSca]

To offset this bad news, Maryland somehow was finally able to keep a top prospect in-state from going someplace else. Melvin Abraeze, the #1 DE in the nation (according to Lemming anyway), has verbaled to MD. Go figure.

[timmyw3]

Originally Posted by CraigSca

To offset this bad news, Maryland somehow was finally able to keep a top prospect in-state from going someplace else. Melvin Abraeze, the #1 DE in the nation (according to Lemming anyway), has verbaled to MD. Go figure.

Alaeze is going to be a force from Day 1. I've seen him play in person a few times and he's scary good. He'll make Maryland fans forget about Shawne Merriman real fast.

[vex]

Skydog, you and your Bulldogs need to leave the Duke alone

[Blade6119]

Originally Posted by kcchief19

Of course, maybe I'm bitter because now I'm afraid that's the same thing Chase Daniel from Dallas did when he committeed to Missouri.

I think chase will stick...in my mind he honestly believes he could come in next year and be a player for them. Behind smith with have coleman(ok talent...not a superstar), and two young missouri QBs who are freshmen this year..i think he believes at mizzou he could start in two years, especially after just leading his team to the 5A state title this year...he sounds like a stick to me, but ya never know. I just heared he has been pretty active in recruiting for mizzou, and i dont think he would do that if he was just committed to avoid recruiting