For the second-consecutive weekend, the commitment front was mostly quiet -- at least publicly.
College football recruiting roundup: Texas A&M, Kentucky make the most of losses
A loss in a big game against a state or conference rival isn’t always damaging for the host program’s recruiting. Sometimes, it can still mean a successful weekend with prospects.
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The biggest commitment: Stanford added awesome defensive end Nifae LeaLao, a four-star out of Sacramento.
I am so proud of my best friend @NEE_FEE_ZEE for his commitment to STANFORD. Do it big boo, I love you & miss you so much
— ✞Jαsmine (@_jaaahmin) September 14, 2013
Host teams have good showings
I say all the time that the result of the game often does not matter as much as the experience of the visit for recruits.
Gig ‘em
Texas A&M played almost exactly as expected, losing to Alabama in a high-scoring game. But the atmosphere in College Station was incredible, and it was certainly enjoyed by the top recruits in attendance -- and there were certainly plenty of top recruits attending.
The result is disappointing to Texas A&M fans, but the coaching staff can sell playing time at a number of defensive positions after allowing almost 50 points. And the A&M offense remains a dream for top offensive recruits.
Here is top safety Jamal Adams, tweeting for A&M after the game.
#Gigem 👍
— Jamal Adams (@ThaJudgeKO) September 15, 2013
And here are LSU targets Speedy Noil and Gerald Willis at the game.
@SpeedyNoil: Me and my bro enjoying the moment out here in Aggieland 👍💯#Gigem @geee_90 pic.twitter.com/4Hve661h8e
— I am Speedy Noil (@SpeedyNoil) September 15, 2013
UK hangs tough
Kentucky did drop its home game against Louisville, but the atmosphere was excellent, and importantly, Kentucky did not get blown out. It was expected to lose by two touchdowns, according to Vegas, and did exactly that, in front of a decent number of recruits.
Ducks dominate
For Oregon, the result might have mattered a bit more, as the Ducks destroyed a name-brand (albeit down) SEC team in the Tennessee Volunteers. Oregon pulled its starters with plenty of time left and could have named its score.
SEC teams use the conference name in recruiting a lot, and it is important for Oregon to be able to say that it destroyed an SEC school.
Continued disappointment
Nebraska’s recruiting momentum is flat
Nebraska has not recruited all that well under Bo Pelini, and its defense has regressed sharply since 2009. In their last three games against BCS teams, the ‘Huskers have allowed 70, 45 and 41 points. Saturday, the defense allowed 38 unanswered points, and the offense was shut out in the second half.
The BCS-quality talent in the state of Nebraska and in most of the surrounding states is largely non-existent, and it’s difficult to see Nebraska recruiting the players to bring this defense back to an elite unit. There are few immediate difference-makers in the current class, and Nebraska is not a clear favorite for any other prospects who are likely to make an instant impact.
Texas headed for temporary trouble?
Like Nebraska, Texas was also shut out in the second half, and its defense was again awful. It’s tough to see Mack Brown coming back for the 2014 season, and because of that, other teams will be swooping in to try and poach Texas commitments.
Texas did host Florida running back commitment Dalvin Cook (Miami Central), but it’s unlikely that the Longhorns heavily factor into his recruitment.
Still, while Texas isn’t Texas on the field, if a new coach comes in, he’ll have no trouble quickly bringing in top recruits again. This is likely just a temporary hurdle for a program with the resources of the Longhorns.
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