You are a five star high school total stud football player.
It is almost certain that you are going to be an incredible success story. You can't wait for the huge crowds to embrace you, the national awards to surround you and the National Championships to fall into your lap.
In fact, the Heisman Trophy is just desperately waiting to be yours!
Stop the media hype machine and ask yourself one simple question: "Why is it that so many five star players wind up as an epic fail?" Well let me give you just some of the reasons that these highly talented players often fail:
Academics: A, B, C, D...Uh, what comes after D? Some players never get accepted and others flame out quickly when it comes to the main reason they are in college in the first place: getting an advanced education. It usually goes like this: "Coach when you said I would actually have to go to class and study and pass a test I thought you were just kidding dawg! You see in high school the teachers, well you know, they just looked the other way and gave me the grade. And that kid I had take the SAT for me well he was cool with the $250 I gave him so I could make the millions later on."
Drugs: Puff, puff, pass. Too often too many college athletes get caught up in the sordid underworld of drug use. While alcohol, steroids, amphetamines, cocaine, pain killers and other prescription and over the counter drugs are often abused by young adults nothing takes the place of the king: marijuana. When you fall asleep in the drive through of a McDonald's not once but twice while waiting for your food then you know you got the buzz working for you. Or is it against you, I forget? Who cares, just...puff, puff, pass.
Sense of Entitlement: You were a total stud in high school. You rated five stars, fast cars, loose standards and faster and looser women and all that. You wore #1, you got preferential treatment everywhere you went in your home town. So you walk into the college head football coach's office after seeing the depth chart that was just released today and you say: "Uh, Coach there must be some mistake here, you see I am a starter at (Name your position). I wear #1, I am a five star stud and just what the hell is going on here?" The Head Coach says: "Son, sit down here and let's talk about your attitude and lack of commitment to the...as Johnny five star walks out, transfers and heads to Memphis or Marshall or some other school.
Coaching Changes: Bobby five star was recruited by Head Coach A to play position X in a spread offense or position Y a 4-3 defense. That all sounds well and good until Coach A gets fired in your second season and then Coach K comes in and decides that you should play position G in a pro-set offense or position Z in a 3-4 defense. Bobby five star realizes he is totally screwed, figuratively and literally and goes into a major sulk or just transfers.
Lost sense of Ego: When you were in high school in Louisiana you were the big man on campus (BMOC). Everybody knew you from the name on your jersey since you were in Pop Warner football. The high school chicks dug you, the guys wanted to be you and the adults all respected you. Then, you go to college. Nobody knows you. The chicks are like: "Who is this freaky guy with the crawfish?" Meanwhile, the fans are all saying: "Show me what you got home boy from the Bayou!"
These are just a few of the reasons why talented high school players fail at the college level. Can you think of a few more?
1?
Posted by: Da U N Houston | January 17, 2016 at 11:36 PM
2nd.....Go Canes!!!!
Posted by: DeeCane | January 17, 2016 at 11:36 PM
Dayum!!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | January 17, 2016 at 11:36 PM
Great article! Excellent points, you hit it on the head.
Posted by: Da U N Houston | January 17, 2016 at 11:37 PM
New Shirts coming???? And Shirt ideas for the new year??
Posted by: DeeCane | January 17, 2016 at 11:37 PM
5 Star Blog Soup. Top Notch Top Notch!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | January 17, 2016 at 11:55 PM
Very interesting article and I am sure what you said is true in some cases. But you do ignore the coaching component. Deon Bush is a great example. He was 5 star I think and he got coached down for 4 years. He made some great plays for us but mostly was coached out of position. Even with his talent he could not run 10 yards to the completion to make the tackle. Same for Howard although he is no Deon Bush talent wise. He is the same player he was in high school but D No'ed. No development. At least in his last game Bush balled out, can't say the same for Howard.
I am excited about the Latrel Williams signing. This is the type of running back option Miami has missed on for a decade or more. RB needs to be by committee. Let your horse run but insert play makers there when they are out. Good pick up.
Posted by: SJMPARMAN | January 18, 2016 at 12:16 AM
Mullins, Williams, Bruce to go along with Wims and Richards - the Canes will have a strong WR class. Again, I saw Bruce play a few times this season, and there is noone like him on the current roster or recruiting class. Bruce is a true playmaker. Each WR recruit brings something different. They are not cookie cutter types. The will give CMR and Duggans a lot of weapons to work with. The offense can be explosive
Still need OLs and DTs, and a couple of DBs.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 18, 2016 at 12:47 AM
We haven't been recruiting elite guys at DL OR OL for years until this year. I would guess Seantrel was the last guy rated that high. Terribly under utilized during his UM career. NFL tackle today.
I am more worried about the D actually. You don't lose both 5 stars and not be worried. Imperative the younger kids play.
Posted by: SJMPARMAN | January 18, 2016 at 01:51 AM
Wow deep stuff. Soup. You sure this is a football blog?
Posted by: Old Skool | January 18, 2016 at 05:25 AM
With less than three weeks before National Signing Day, UM has assembled a recruiting class that’s strong at quarterback, receiver and linebacker but bereft at offensive line (where Miami loaded up last year) and defensive tackle.
And with the new staff working to add several more high-end recruits, views differ considerably about how good this class is. Rivals has dropped UM’s class to 32nd.
But ESPN rates it 16th and ranks six UM commits between 67th and 106th among all 2016 prospects. 247sports.com has the class 18th, and Scout.com ranks it 29th.
Feedback on UM’s 17 oral commitments, five of whom are already enrolled:
### Quarterback: Jack Allison (rated 79th among all players by ESPN, Rivals’ No. 9 quarterback) enrolled last week and is expected to be the only QB in this class.
“He reminds me a lot of Brad Kaaya on how he drives the ball, how he throws the deep outs and comebacks,” former UM offensive coordinator James Coley said. “He's got a swagger about him, a lot of personality. EJ Manuel was that type, very confident, walked into the room, spoke to everybody. That's Jack. Very talented, very tall [6-5], really good athlete for his size. Doesn't run [a lot] but he can” if needed.
Said ESPN’s Jamie Newberg: “He's absolutely phenomenal. He's an old school, classic drop back passer, loves to stand in the pocket and fire away. Can make all the throws and he has the ‘it’ factor.”
### Receiver: Three are committed: two four-star prospects in Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas’ Sam Bruce (ESPN’s No. 67 prospect) and Gulliver Prep’s Dionte Mullins (ESPN’s No. 106 prospect); and speedy two-star Latrell Williams, who committed Sunday after visiting the campus.
UM hopes to add one or two more; the Canes are in hot pursuit of Wellington’s four-star Ahmmon Richards, a former UM oral commitment who’s considering Miami, Alabama, Auburn and Tennessee.
Though Bruce has expressed positive feelings about Mark Richt, he has stopped short of saying he’s definitely coming to UM and said he won’t announce until Signing Day Feb. 3. He’s visiting South Carolina this weekend and then UF and expressed a fondness for Ohio State coach Urban Meyer. So there's definitely reason for UM to feel anxiety.
Locally-based recruiting analyst Charles Fishbein calls Bruce “the best receiver I’ve seen since I’ve been doing this, over 10 years. He’s so explosive, very good in and out of breaks. Runs great routes, good hands. When the ball is in air, he will snatch it. Mullins can play corner or receiver.”
Mullins has said he’s a solid commitment.
“Mullins has some of the best ball skills you will ever see in a receiver,” Newberg said. “He makes the spectacular catch look easy. Phenomenal talent. And Sam Bruce can be the best player in the state. If there's a better inside receiver in the country, I want to see him. His game is perfectly suited to today's game, and he’s a great return man.”
Williams was a USF commit before UM offered him a scholarship. Williams, who had 11 scholarship offers (including Tennessee and Virginia Tech), finished with 1096 receiving yards last season and 10 receiving touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns and three kickoff return touchdowns (all in excess of 90 yards).
He has a big fan in receivers coach Ron Dugans, who recruited him for USF before Dugans left to join Richt's UM staff.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2016/01/feedback-on-ums-recruiting-class-dolphins-marlins-heat.html
Posted by: UMike | January 18, 2016 at 06:29 AM
Nice blog.. Well thought out.. however 5-star HS means nothing in college.. It's a different level and everybody goes back to zero.
Nothing wrong with being a 5-Star if they are willing to work hard and have some humility and a positive attitude.. Education begins at home and some kids get bad advice.
Posted by: Al | January 18, 2016 at 07:11 AM
SJMPARMAN...Williams is a WR.
Posted by: CaneRock | January 18, 2016 at 07:50 AM
CR, if I make it down for the FSU game.. you should slide through man. Or maybe get together Friday night..share some North Miami/NMB stories lol
Posted by: UMike | January 18, 2016 at 07:52 AM
Coaching Changes: Bobby five star was recruited by Head Coach A to play position X in a spread offense or position Y a 4-3 defense. That all sounds well and good until Coach A gets fired in your second season and then Coach K comes in and decides that you should play position G in a pro-set offense or position Z in a 3-4 defense. Bobby five star realizes he is totally screwed, figuratively and literally and goes into a major sulk or just transfers.
Totally screwed is right. This kid should be allowed to transfer ANYWHERE and not have to sit out.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | January 18, 2016 at 08:04 AM
Say what u want about bobby five stars and his bros, if u have enough of them, ala bama, u can withstand a couple flame outs here and there. I'll say this, except for duke johnson, the last 10 years worth of 5 stars we've gotten have been flops.
Posted by: Herbieibis | January 18, 2016 at 08:27 AM
My two biggest reasons 5-Stars dont work out... The coaching/scheme (see last 3 Cane coaches) or the "experts" were simply wrong. But I got to admit, the "experts" have done a much better job the last few years or so. Much more 5-Star guys going early in draft.
Posted by: UMike | January 18, 2016 at 08:57 AM
This is not something that ever garners any attention, but it should, and the decision of a currently unemployed college assistant coach named John Lilly should be lauded. Nothing epitomizes the lack of nobility in college football more than the flood of college assistants who annually skip to the NFL in the 48 hours after national signing day, after luring recruits to sign a binding agreement. Former Georgia assistant John Lilly chose to avoid that path this off-season. He turned down the chance to be co-offensive coordinator at Miami for Mark Richt, as he exclusively wanted to pursue an NFL job. He couldn’t stomach taking the Miami job, only to leave a few weeks later if an NFL job surfaced. Lilly has an extensive résumé at Georgia and Florida State, but his proactive choice not to game the system might be most impressive.
http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2016/01/18/cardinals-packers-hail-mary-coin-flip-nfl-divisional-playoffs
Posted by: VfB_Cane | January 18, 2016 at 09:09 AM
I'll give my opinion on this... Kind of a follow-up on me saying I'd take Richards over Bruce.
Sam Bruce is an elite player, and I want him in this class. If not for his stature, he'd be a 5* WR and probably top 5 in the country.
That said, my earlier comments between him and Richards was based on only getting to pick one. Obviously I want both.
At this point, I'll be surprised if he sticks with UM. Richt and Dugans have work to do. If he cancels the in-home with Richt again this week and/or doesn't visit the weekend of the 29th, it's over. He's gone.
I don't care that he's committed to us but announcing on NSD. Plenty of kids reaffirm on NSD so they can have their time in the spotlight. Nauta just did "committed" to UGA a while ago when he was already committed to them. Chad Thomas announced for UM on NSD when he was already committed to UM. It happens. Like I said, the keys here are the in-homes and OV on the 29th
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 18, 2016 at 09:20 AM
How did you miss injuries when you reposted this?
Linemen are waiving the white flag on college playing days thanks to neck/brain repeated trauma pretty regularly now. Most of those are in the trenches but you'll get Lattimore at south Carolina tearing up knees too often to play anymore here and there farther from the scrimmage car crash.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | January 18, 2016 at 09:47 AM
I think we have a great shot at pulling Richards back in. I never thought Bruce would stick, but I would LOVE to be wrong. Man I would hate for another stud commit to be making plays for the fu%^king Gators or Noles on Saturdays!
Posted by: UMike | January 18, 2016 at 09:59 AM
Bruce basically eliminated UF. It's down to us, USCe, and OSU
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 18, 2016 at 10:07 AM
Posted by: SJMPARMAN | January 18, 2016 at 01:51 AM
Grandson Chikallo was 5 on the line, shitiest coaching staff in America tried to kill his career like they did the steal of that draft year in Seantrel. Doesn't matter how much better than everybody in high school you are at a game, losers call the shots and you end up a loser with them at the next level. I'm sure fatso is gameplanning how to get a new job using the only plan he knows how to implement at any arena, scared bitch Jerry Sandusky prevent zone between the 20's, think you got a stop if they only score three and get into a rythym they'll end up riding down the field for the winning score on you with no time left to answer then blubber to the press about how it all starts with you while sockpuppets climb over themselves to gobble your meat sloppily in competition with none but their alternate id's on blogs. He'll land that big score yet like his dumbass agent swore he would, just keep holding your breath.
Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | January 18, 2016 at 10:07 AM
Very good posts Ohio.
Excellent info and viewpoints as always.
Posted by: Go Canes! | January 18, 2016 at 10:13 AM
Bruce basically eliminated UF. It's down to us, USCe, and OSU
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 18, 2016 at 10:07 AM
Same deal. I hate seeing kids that were once commits and/or locks making plays for other teams.
Posted by: UMike | January 18, 2016 at 10:26 AM
Jim Larrañaga's 2016 recruiting class now has a McDonald's All-American.
Miami Norland senior Dewan Huell, who committed to the Hurricanes in November, was chosen for the most prestigious high school basketball all-star game Sunday night.
The 6-foot-9 power forward is ranked the nation's No. 21st overall prospect by ESPN. He was named the All-Dade Class 8A-6A Player of the Year by the Miami Herald last year after averaging 19.2 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.
This year's McDonald's All-American Game will be held March 30 at the United Center in Chicago.
Posted by: CaneRock | January 18, 2016 at 10:41 AM
Great post Soup! I recall Phillip Dorset was a 3 star WR at STA, while his teammate at STA Rashad Green was rated higher (4-5 star) and went to FSU. Dorsett was a first round NFL pick because he worked hard and was truly faster than Green when they arrived at the combine.
If a recruit works hard and run in the 4.3s, the NFL is waiting when your college eligibility runs out.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 18, 2016 at 10:41 AM
If we wanna get the 4 & 5*s, we have to prove that we can win with the 3*s. Dantonio's doing it...Shaw's doing it...Coach L's doing it.
Posted by: CaneRock | January 18, 2016 at 10:51 AM
What's good Legion/Canespace? The reason why it appears the Alabama's, OSU's, etc. look like they don't miss out too often on developing top 5 & 4 star recruits is because they purge the lower bottom part of their roster, yearly. If you are a 5 or 4 star red-shirt sophomore and is not contributing on the two-deep roster, they can or will pull your scholarship and either invest it on a two-deep walk-on or give it to another incoming 5 or 4 star recruit/JUCO the following.
If you keep the purge going (like Saban and Meyer do), then it does not look like they failed in recruiting/player evaluation; but, rather that player was not cut out to be at Alabama or OSU. Since this concept does not work in the pro's, I find it very unlikely Saban or Meyer would bolt to the NFL anytime soon. Happy MLK/Civil Rights Day, enjoy your day.
Posted by: Alex D | January 18, 2016 at 10:52 AM
Shh Alex D! Never let anyone behind the curtain.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | January 18, 2016 at 11:17 AM
#Miami #Canes making strong run at #ESPN300 DT & #LSU commit Glen Logan. Will OV this weekend
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 18, 2016 at 11:20 AM
Logan is a canes fan but we've all heard the( I grew up a canes fan) speech before only to see them go somewhere else.
Posted by: Herbieibis | January 18, 2016 at 11:26 AM
I can see Bruce having an interest in OSU because Meyer can sell him on their style of offense fitting his skill set. South Carolina on the other hand, has T-Rob, the DC, selling him. T-Rob is from Miami, so I guess that is why he is recruiting him.
But where is the OC Kurt Roper and WR coach Bryan McClendon on Bruce's recruiting visit? Why weren't they mentioned in his comments? Roper had some success as Duke's OC, but we can see now that Duke's offensive success had more to do with their HC. At UF, Roper flamed out with Muschamp. Their offense couldn't score, and he forced the best QB on his roster to transfer to NC State.
I don't think T-Rob can honestly tell Bruce what to expect for a recruit with his skill set in USCe offense. Bruce may have enjoyed himself and he may like T-Rob, but I think he is smart enough not to make important life decision purely on a relationship with a coach that will not coach him, and an unproven QB, Kurt Roper
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 18, 2016 at 11:33 AM
Ariz: #Canes WR Coach Ron Dugans offered 6-3 Kelvin Harmon (NJ) last week. Harmon tells me he will take his official visit to Miami this weekend
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 18, 2016 at 11:33 AM
T-Rob is one of the best recruiters in the business. Thats why he is on top of Bruce and not so much the position coaches. I don't see him at USCe, but T-Rob could make it happen if anyone could
Posted by: UMike | January 18, 2016 at 11:35 AM
Windy, I agree that I don't think Bruce goes to USCe. It's between us and OSU, IMO. Urban probably pitching the "Next Percy Harvin" crap for the 100th time. OSU insider says they are "very confident" with their chances to flip Bruce, too. We'll see on Feb 3rd
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 18, 2016 at 11:36 AM
Seems like every year it becomes about one kid who strings it out.
Posted by: Go Canes! | January 18, 2016 at 11:40 AM
OSU also has the Bosa brothers from STA, the old Chris Carter connection etc..He could easily end up at OSU. Just dont want him to become another Powell, Calloway, Rudolph, Collins etc etc etc. But looks like he will.
Posted by: UMike | January 18, 2016 at 11:40 AM
T-Rob invites Bruce to USCe, and gives him the royal treatment. Dugans says, ok, you screw around with our commits, we will take yours. Dugans offers Harmon, a USCe commit, and he is taking an OV this upcoming weekend. I love it!
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 18, 2016 at 11:46 AM
Thats nice and all, but I think we still look like the losers there lol
Posted by: UMike | January 18, 2016 at 11:48 AM
He could come here and be another Hank, Linder or Dorsett.
We've put a lot of STA guys into the league.
Posted by: Go Canes! | January 18, 2016 at 11:55 AM
Go Canes, I agree. We have a lot of selling points.
Posted by: UMike | January 18, 2016 at 12:02 PM
From CIS:
Shaq quarterman and Tyler bryd in Rivals 100
As well as Bruce.
Quarterman made a big jump jumping 125 spots and Tyler Byrd went from n/a to like 75th in the country. Bruce is at 47 and quarterman is at like 74
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 18, 2016 at 12:17 PM
The U has a long and distinguished track record for putting STA alumni in the NFL. Hopefully, track records should sway Bruce.
Can't afford any more Calloways, Collins or Rudolphs, UMike. I think CMR and Dugans are doing their best to avoid this year. However, the current coaches need to win in this "what have you done for me lately" college football culture. From the fan base to the recruits, everyone wants to see instant results. With the current Canes roster returning most players from an 8-win season, a 10-11 win season under good coaching staff, Coastal Division championship (which is achieveable) will completely change the dynamics of this conversation leading up to NSD 2017
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 18, 2016 at 12:19 PM
Canespace @86Cane 3s4 seconds ago
Tyler Byrd and Shaq Quarterman finally getting the love the deserve in the @Rivals Top 100. Byrd all the way up to #75, Shaq at #74
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 18, 2016 at 12:23 PM
BigWindy..I agree 100%
Posted by: UMike | January 18, 2016 at 12:24 PM
Sam Bruce at #47, just FYI ^^^
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 18, 2016 at 12:24 PM
From CIS:Shaq quarterman and Tyler bryd in Rivals 100As well as Bruce.Quarterman made a big jump jumping 125 spots and Tyler Byrd went from n/a to like 75th in the country. Bruce is at 47 and quarterman is at like 74
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 18, 2016 at 12:17 PM
Seems like Rivals is starting to see what we have seen all season, Byrd, Bruce and Quarterman are among the best in the country. It's obvious for anyone who has seen them play. They are not the only canes commits that are better than their current rank and star rating. This is one of the Canes best recruiting classes at every position, except DTs and OLs, that we desperately need.
Posted by: BigWindyCane1 | January 18, 2016 at 12:28 PM
A little more S&C info from a recruit:
From Travis homer
As someone who had been in Coral Gables on plenty of occasions, Homer was able to pickup on even more subtle differences below the surface.
"I think the program is on the way to doing great things next season," Homer said. " I know they're changing up the way they workout, using smaller groups than they had before. The players were talking about how the lifts are different. Even after a week, they can feel it to the point where they're getting bigger, faster, and stronger."
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 18, 2016 at 12:37 PM
Sam Bruce at #47, just FYI ^^^
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | January 18, 2016 at 12:24 PM
Now how can a kid that is 5'5" be the $47th ranked playing in the nation??? LMAO Just bustin some chops
Posted by: UMike | January 18, 2016 at 12:38 PM