2013 Recruiting Thread

[Shaddix]

EA says Addazio is still recruiting Jack McDonald, can anyone who has access to the site sum it up?

[Oliver Closeoff]

He is definitely a soft commit at the moment and unlike Spaz, Daz is putting the full court press on him. It's nice to have a coach who won't meekly walk away if the recruit says that he's committed to school X. I say there is a 50/50 chance McDonald decommits.

[31southst]

Jack McDonald has already said no to Boston College once. He did that when he said yes to Mike London and UVa. But Steve Addazio wants to try his hand with the BC High lineman.

Before the 2012 season began and Frank Spaziani even had a chance to salvage his job and build some momentum most of the top prospects from Massachusetts pledged to other schools.

John Montelus chose Notre Dame. Maurice Hurst Jr. selected Michigan. Jack McDonald committed to Virginia.

After Spaziani was fired three-star defensive tackle Tevin Montgomery committed to the Eagles. But he and Mackay Lowrie are the only two Massachusetts' residents in the Eagles' recruiting class.

With a new staff comes new opportunity, and Addazio seems to want to take full advantage of that opportunity.

"[Boston College] talked to me a bunch of times before the dead period," McDonald said on Sunday evening. "They really wanted to get me to talk to coach Addazio to see what his vision for the program is. I talked to him at my school a little bit.

"They're still trying. As of right now I'm committed to UVa and I'm looking forward to getting down there on my official visit on January 18."

McDonald unofficially visited BC during the spring and said he knows enough about the school. So don't expect him to take an official visit to Boston College.

But he does seem to at least be listening to what the Eagles and Addazio have to say.

"He definitely brings a lot of energy to the program," McDonald said. "It seems like he's big on the local guys. He doesn't want BC to miss out on the local guys like they have been. He wants to keep the talent inside Massachusetts.

"He's also big into smash mouth football, which is what we did in high school. He wants to run it up the middle and that kind of stuff. I think he's going to bring that program in the right direction."

McDonald has also continued to stay in contact with Sean Devine and Justin Frye, the Eagles' new offensive line coach.

Even though Hurst, McDonald and Montgomery have all selected different schools they still stay in contact with one another.

"I was actually just talking to Mo today as he was on his way to the Semper Fidelis All-American Game," McDonald said. "I talk to Tevin and Mack Lowrie, too.

"They're definitely trying [to flip him] but ultimately they respect my decision. They're just telling me they would love to play with me."

But that's only part of the story. McDonald is still committed to Virginia and the UVa coaches are doing everything in their power to keep him on board.

Brad Henson effectively decommitted from UVa when he flipped to North Carolina. Fortunately, the Wahoos had a suitable replacement in Eric Smith.

If McDonald were to flip it might be more difficult to find a replacement. In other words, calling him a priority would be an understatement.

"Before the dead period [UVa] had come in a few times," McDonald said.

"I've been talking to coach Wach [Scott Wachenheim] and he's really picked it up. I think he's a real good guy. I met him once in person when I went down there for my visit last April and I talked to him once in a while, but it was mostly Jim Reid. He was the coach I had really built a good relationship with.

"But coach Wach has really picked it up. He's been to my house with coach [Bill] Lazor. I had a nice meeting with him and we've got a good connection. They were just reiterating to me and my family how important we are to them.

"He [Wachenheim] thinks their O-Line [class] is going to be huge this year with me, Sadiq and Brad at the time, but now they've got Eric Smith."

McDonald had built a great connection with Henson through Facebook and their texts. He was surprised to hear that Henson had flipped to UNC.

"I was looking forward to meeting him," McDonald said. "I was just surprised. It didn't seem like he was going to [flip], but with the coaching change I understand. It's not like there was no reason. If he felt like North Carolina was a better fit then I understand."

Fortunately for UVa, McDonald still has one good connection to the Cavalier program: Sadiq Olanrewaju.

"I've built a good connection with him through Facebook and Twitter and all that stuff, too," McDonald said. "I'm looking forward to meeting him when I go down there in three weeks."

[GT BoSox]

Brian Lemelle has a top 5 of UConn, Iowa, Penn State, BC, Nebraska. 247 has him rated as a 3-star WR.

He mentions that he has no leader at this point.

"All five coaching staffs have been very active in recruiting me and I've built great relationships with each."

Is there a favorite among the five schools that top the Keystone State standout's list?

"All those five schools rank equally with me. I need to get out to these official visits, so that I can make the best decision for me."

What's going to make one school stand out from the pack and ultimately land Lamelle?

"I'm just looking for that feeling. Once I feel that my heart's there, then I'll know which school is the right one for me."

As a senior, Lemelle put together a season to remember.

The three-star wide receiver hauled in 99 receptions for 1,590 yards and 11 touchdowns.

[bceagles24]

I think it's BC/Iowa for Lemelle. Nebraska is the wild card. Hoping Addazio negative recruits Iowa. On McDonald there's a chance wouldn't get your hopes up but it's possible.

[Oliver Closeoff]

Lemelle would make the WR class one of the best ever. Too bad Taylor got away.

[BCSUPERFAN22]

It will be interesting to see what happens with Iowa. There are rumors about Ferrentz potentially being an NFL candidate (unlikely but rumors nonetheless and I assume part of what 24 refers to in negative recruiting). Iowa has been a bit of a thorn to BC recruiting the last few years and have gotten a few guys with BC offers this year (most recently Daniels).

[UK Eagle]

Did we make DT Mike Williams final 2? I know BC and Maryland had offered but Rutgers is also showing interest.

http://bostoncollege.scout.com/a.z?s=165&p=2&c=1253408&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fbostoncollege.scout.com%2f2%2f1253408.html

[BCSUPERFAN22]

Did we make DT Mike Williams final 2? I know BC and Maryland had offered but Rutgers is also showing interest.

http://bostoncollege.scout.com/a.z?s=165&p=2&c=1253408&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fbostoncollege.scout.com%2f2%2f1253408.html

I think Williams was being held on the back burner to see what happens. Maryland offered as an OL and he originally committed to them but backed out because he wants to play DL. I saw him at the VT game this year so he has visited, I would imagine he is being held in a very similar regard to Kevin Maurice, both wait and see.

Also saw that Shane Huber, 6'3 225 LB from St Peter's Prep (same school as Mike Giacone, Charles Callinan, and one of next years top RB's Jonathan Hillman) decommited from UMASS the other day. He had an offer from Temple when Addazio was there, wonder if they would offer him to fill the spot left by Jasudowich.

[GT BoSox]

Hilton Head (SC) quarterback Michael Julian claims a new Boston College offer and says that he plans to visit the weekend of January 18th.

[eepstein0]

Hilton Head (SC) quarterback Michael Julian claims a new Boston College offer and says that he plans to visit the weekend of January 18th.

I don't understand how he's a 2* prospect. He throws the ball really well.

[GT BoSox]

Hilton Head (SC) quarterback Michael Julian claims a new Boston College offer and says that he plans to visit the weekend of January 18th.

I don't understand how he's a 2* prospect. He throws the ball really well.

If I had to guess, it's because of his lack of major BCS offers.

[eagle9903]

Hilton Head (SC) quarterback Michael Julian claims a new Boston College offer and says that he plans to visit the weekend of January 18th.

I don't understand how he's a 2* prospect. He throws the ball really well.

If I had to guess, it's because of his lack of major BCS offers.

I would think an Arizona and BC offer would be enough for a jump to 3 stars on a pure offers standpoint, he would immediately be in the top 5 of our class to date on other offers (pathetically) with his 2 BCS offers other than BC and an Indiana offer plus a slew of non-BCS programs. I think he either has some major issues which we don't see in a highlight tape or he really put it together his senior year and had some major issue (maybe he got taller or stronger or fixed decision making) which he has fixed.

[Shaddix]

Hilton Head (SC) quarterback Michael Julian claims a new Boston College offer and says that he plans to visit the weekend of January 18th.

I don't understand how he's a 2* prospect. He throws the ball really well.

I think it has to do with his frame, he certainly needs a redshirt year to build himself. He's like 6'5 180. But he throws strong, with accuracy and runs well. He made all state in SC.

[GT BoSox]

Regardless of reason, his top 3 are BC, NCST, Toledo. That's an interesting 3 to say the least...

He doesn't even hold an offer from NCST.

[Shaddix]

For what it's worth, he's a 3 star on ESPN http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/170820/michael-julian

[HJS]

Regardless of reason, his top 3 are BC, NCST, Toledo. That's an interesting 3 to say the least...

He doesn't even hold an offer from NCST.

With those 3 as a final list, is it safe to assume that his Arizon offer isn't real?

[EagleNYC]

Hilton Head (SC) quarterback Michael Julian claims a new Boston College offer and says that he plans to visit the weekend of January 18th.

I don't understand how he's a 2* prospect. He throws the ball really well.

If I had to guess, it's because of his lack of major BCS offers.

I would think an Arizona and BC offer would be enough for a jump to 3 stars on a pure offers standpoint, he would immediately be in the top 5 of our class to date on other offers (pathetically) with his 2 BCS offers other than BC and an Indiana offer plus a slew of non-BCS programs. I think he either has some major issues which we don't see in a highlight tape or he really put it together his senior year and had some major issue (maybe he got taller or stronger or fixed decision making) which he has fixed.

From the YouTube link posted earlier, you can tell that he's got a BCS level arm, mobility and speed. I can't tell anything else about him whatsoever. Did he get invited to camp anywhere? If so, you'd think he would have stuck out in some way. If he didn't, he could be the classic late bloomer. There is always a risk in evaluating how a kid will play at age 19-21 based upon how he does as a 16/17 year old.

[NJM89]

Regardless of reason, his top 3 are BC, NCST, Toledo. That's an interesting 3 to say the least...

He doesn't even hold an offer from NCST.

With those 3 as a final list, is it safe to assume that his Arizon offer isn't real?

Arizona already has 2 qb commits with one being Jesse Scroggins former USC QB

[PhillyandBCEagles]

Hilton Head (SC) quarterback Michael Julian claims a new Boston College offer and says that he plans to visit the weekend of January 18th.

I don't understand how he's a 2* prospect. He throws the ball really well.

I think it has to do with his frame, he certainly needs a redshirt year to build himself. He's like 6'5 180. But he throws strong, with accuracy and runs well. He made all state in SC.

That wouldn't scare BCS teams off, the vast majority of QBs redshirt anyway

[HJS]

Regardless of reason, his top 3 are BC, NCST, Toledo. That's an interesting 3 to say the least...

He doesn't even hold an offer from NCST.

With those 3 as a final list, is it safe to assume that his Arizon offer isn't real?

Arizona already has 2 qb commits with one being Jesse Scroggins former USC QB

Last I checked BC has 2 QB commits as well. But, if you are saying that Zona's offer was real, but then they landed others and he no longer has that as an option... then, that makes sense.

[31southst]

Regardless of reason, his top 3 are BC, NCST, Toledo. That's an interesting 3 to say the least...

He doesn't even hold an offer from NCST.

With those 3 as a final list, is it safe to assume that his Arizon offer isn't real?

Arizona already has 2 qb commits with one being Jesse Scroggins former USC QB

Last I checked BC has 2 QB commits as well. But, if you are saying that Zona's offer was real, but then they landed others and he no longer has that as an option... then, that makes sense.

FWIW I think Scroggins only committed to Arizona in December, so the latter is definitely possible.

[Shaddix]

Hilton Head (SC) quarterback Michael Julian claims a new Boston College offer and says that he plans to visit the weekend of January 18th.

I don't understand how he's a 2* prospect. He throws the ball really well.

I think it has to do with his frame, he certainly needs a redshirt year to build himself. He's like 6'5 180. But he throws strong, with accuracy and runs well. He made all state in SC.

That wouldn't scare BCS teams off, the vast majority of QBs redshirt anyway

IDK, it's his only negative. He had good numbers as a junior, 15TD's

[bceagles24]

Julian offered by Wisconsin.

[eagle9903]

Julian offered by Wisconsin.

damn. Do some work Addazio.

[eagle9903]

Julian offered by Wisconsin.

I have to think this makes him a very unlikely get now. Anderson has run a much more successful offense than Addazio, its a program that is in infinitely better shape than BC right now, and they have virtually no QB depth (starter is graduating, Danny O'Brien from MD will be there for a year I think, and you have a 2 star no offer freshman who is a pure pocket type QB). Also Anderson was recruiting Julian at Utah State. This stinks, but I don't really see how they win this one unless the kid just loves the school and/or the staff.

[DomingoOrtiz]

Julian offered by Wisconsin.

damn. Do some work Addazio.

I would prefer 2 more RBs and a DT in this class, but thus far I am underwhelmed by Daz's recruiting prowess.

[eagle9903]

Julian offered by Wisconsin.

damn. Do some work Addazio.

I would prefer 2 more RBs and a DT in this class, but thus far I am underwhelmed by Daz's recruiting prowess.

I don't know if I have an opinion yet. If he flips the McDonald kid from BC high, that's be a nice showing that he has some ability. I don't like that I read that Kevin Maurice from Florida is less interested than he was previously but it seems as if the Spaz staff slow played him for months so I don't know whether to blame Addazio for that.

The loss of Daniels is one of those things where since Martin or Bollman was the recruiter and his relationship was to them not the school nothing could be done, but it is certainly not a positive. Conversely, I was impressed but with the same caveat that it could have been things other then good recruiting that Montesero appears to be staying as he had options and Martin was his connection.

I don't really understand the rest of the RB stuff. Specifically, do Coppett, Webb and Robert Davis actually have offers? Do we have a list in which we would accept their schollies?

The idea of Julian has grown on me exponentially and I think he could be a good QB if we abandon pocket passer types, but I won't kill Addazio if he loses him to Wisconsin or even for not locking him down already since he's had like 10 days since being hired that weren't dead period.

Also Spaz stink is still everywhere.

[HJS]

I think Daziani needs to focus on getting members of his staff that have connections outside New England. He needs to get someone who knows OH, PA, FL, etc.

Is it difficult for Daz to come in and grab some of these targets? Sure. But, Jags and even Spaz was able to bring in a few quality players after taken over much later in the recruiting process. He obviously should not be judged based on the first month, but, it just raises more questions as he was supposedly hired (in part) because of his ability to recruit.

[eagle9903]

I think Daziani needs to focus on getting members of his staff that have connections outside New England. He needs to get someone who knows OH, PA, FL, etc.

Is it difficult for Daz to come in and grab some of these targets? Sure. But, Jags and even Spaz was able to bring in a few quality players after taken over much later in the recruiting process. He obviously should not be judged based on the first month, but, it just raises more questions as he was supposedly hired (in part) because of his ability to recruit.

I am agreeing with you more than usual and could not agree more than the seeming lack of an Ohio presence is very troubling. Brown is apparently well connected in FL (will he recruit? who knows?), I have literally no idea where Leonard's connections lie although I get the impression he might be a decent recruiter, Albert (if he's the higher) likely has some PA connection.

I want to give Addazio at least until signing day. Even then isn't really a great indicator, but right now is no indicator. A major difference between Jags in 2007 and Spazoo in 2009 and now is three fold 1) the program was in great shape in both of those years; 2) there was a lot of retention 3) they didn't have the class filled up with no offer two stars that Spaz signed 8 months too early clogging up the class and limiting options (I admit this is more of a problem than I initially thought now that we're here).

On December 19, 2006 Jags inherited an 11 person class (he then lost Reiskamp to TOB, told Plue he wouldn't play and there may have been other decommits), which he brought up to 18. He made one awesome pick up in Castanzo and some significant contributors like Gause, Momah and Newman and a player that turned out good elsewhere and started (terribly) for one year in Davis. He added one complete reach in Chris Johnson. He also closed on Elliott, Spinney and Cory Eason. All in all he did a commendable job but had a lot of spots available and TOB had already done a lot of leg work for the last three guys.

On January 13, 2009 a day that will live in infamy, Spaz inherited an 11 person class. There may have been losses, I really don't remember. This was the O'Boushi and Athur Lynch-Fontaine class but I think both losses were pre-Spaz hire and one at least had nothing to do with recruiting. Other than Shinskie and I believe Freese, I don't think Spaz independently found too many of the remaining players, I think he should get some credit for closing on them but I believe they were all Jags guys (O'Neal may not have been?). Kuechly and Wetzel were definitely carry over recruits and I believe Finch was too. I have zero idea about Bryan Davis but the fact he was from Georgia makes me think he was not a Spaz guy. Anyway, Spaz didn't really add much but did an OK job overall. Again though its just not comparable to now. Spaz had space (he didn't use much of it which is another part of the reason we have no space now) and he had Jags guys considering committing.