For fans of any nouveau riche program in college football having won a major recruiting battle over a more traditional power, many times the most difficult part isn’t securing the commitment, it’s in keeping the commitment.
Should Baylor Worry About Robbie Rhodes Decommitting?
Recent comments from the top 2013 Baylor commit have some Bears fans a bit worried.
Presswire
After a story from ESPN on Monday in which 2013 Fort Worth Southwest wide receiver Robbie Rhodes said that "my mind is still not made up ($)" about whether the Texas Longhorns still have a shot in his recruitment, many Baylor Bears fans began to worry about the solidity of his pledge, which was given back in the early part of June. Rhodes had just spoken with Texas wide receivers coach Darrell Wyatt for the first time in quite a while.
The Longhorns were widely considered to be the runner up for the services of the composite top-30 prospect nationally, who is by far the best high school prospect in the Baylor class.
But should Baylor fans really be worried?
After all, Rhodes said in the same interview that he doesn’t currently have any plans to take visits, presumably the first step towards a decommitment.
On one hand, Rhodes was sold on Baylor because of the potential to be the next Kendall Wright and to play in the incredibly prolific offense run by head coach Art Briles.
On the other hand, the Longhorns have been experiencing an offensive renaissance this season after two poor years, with the offense currently ranked 11th in the country in the offensive S&P+ ratings. Much of the improvement is due to the quality play of sophomore quarterback David Ash, who is fourth in the country in quarterback rating after struggling mightily as a sophomore.
Thing is, Rhodes was never particularly high on the Longhorns -- whereas most schools receive a post-visit bump in the aftermath of a trip to campus, it never happened for head coach Mack Brown and his staff.
Furthermore, the 6-1, 190-pound prospect had this response in the same interview ($) when asked about if he is interested in Texas -- “Not really right now.”
In a nutshell, then, Baylor fans can probably step back from the ledge. Unless Rhodes decides to actually take another visit or two, that is. At that point, it could be time for some old-fashioned panic. Welcome to the recruiting big leagues, Baylor. It can be hazardous for the blood pressure.
For more on Bears football, visit Baylor blog Our Daily Bears, plus SB Nation Dallas.
For more on Horns football, visit Texas blogs Burnt Orange Nation and Barking Carnival, plus SB Nation Dallas.
