Quote:
Originally Posted by wadc45
I'm asking because I am interested in learning a little more about PSU's recruiting...not to flame.
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We have no doubt about that.
I think a lot of coaches will kiss a talented recruit's butt, and you don't see that from Paterno and gang. For example, when Willie Williams was writing about stuffing his face on lobstas at a restaurant, PSU recruits were eating at the training table; while Willie was marveling at the posh hotels he got to stay in, PSU recruits were staying in dorms with players. It seems to be a spartan kind of recruiting approach to go along with uniforms that don't even have the kid's name on them.
And they also seem to want to see some genuine interest from a kid. Two years ago I recall reading something to the effect that #10 ranked (according to Scout) safety recruit Nick Sukay was miffed because PSU wouldn't offer him a scholie until he visited Happy Valley and worked out; other schools were showering him with love without making him show some love back like that. Some kids will prefer to focus on the schools that flatter them the most, but in Sukay's case he got over his initial indignation, made the trip and committed soon after getting his offer.
But there's some gamesmanship going on here too -- I think in Sukay's case they knew the PSU offer was the one he wanted, so they made him work for it a bit. Since Shrive appears to be headed to ND, they probably figured they had to offer him just to get a foot in the door.
But I doubt they would pursue him as desperately as someone like Zook would -- they'll keep the door open for him to visit. But if Shrive can visit ND this spring but can't find time to make it to PSU, well, then it would seem like he is telling the staff he ain't interested. I'm sure the coaches will stay in touch anyway just in case Shrive's former QB who will walk-on at PSU can convince him to take a visit, and who knows -- Shrive may decide it will be easier for his folks to see him play at Beaver Stadium instead of making them drive another 7 hours to South Bend or just watch him on tv.