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What names will they call Joe Paterno?
One wonders if the “gentleman’s agreement” in recruiting will follow this story, as well.
After many criticized Michigan’s Rich Rodriguez for signing recruits in February who had originally committed to other schools, we learn today that Penn State has gained two verbals for their next recruiting class.
One is a cornerback named Darrell Givens, someone Ohio State fans might remember.
And Givens was originally an Ohio State verbal before changing his mind.
Rodriguez caught criticism from, among others, Purdue coach Joe Tiller when he added several recruits in his first class who has committed to Purdue, Penn State and Florida. The situation spotlighted the issue of early commitments — for instance, what does such a verbal agreement actually mean? And, if a player has said he will accept a scholarship elsewhere but hasn’t signed, should other coaches stop recruiting?
Some commentaries were quick to note the similarity to the Rodriguez situation:
Givens rushed into a commitment to the Buckeyes after an unofficial visit. His teammate Malcolm Willis committed to Penn State a few weeks later. Could that have come into play? Maybe, but I think Givens was more impressed with our favorable depth chart that will give him the opportunity to play early at Penn State. I’m sure that certain people who swear there is no gentleman’s agreement between Big Ten coaches will claim that we just violated it. Whatever. It’s pretty obvious since Rodriguez joined the conference that anything goes, so when in Rome …
Either way, Ohio State is out of a cornerback.
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Comments
By ADUB
May 14, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
Who cares? Name the last Penn State cornerback to be drafted in the top ten NFL picks??? Can’t do it. How many OSU CBs get drafted in the first round. Givens will get picked on every game OSU plays against PSU. The gentlemen’s agreement? Joe Pa is more respected in college football then Lil Rich Rodriguez could ever dream about. Not to mention Joe Pa being more of a gentlemen. Joe Pa is that cool grandpa figure you can’t help but love. Who does not laugh when he runs across the field to use the bathroom right when OSU lines up to kick a point after. GO BUCKS, MICHIGAN SUX!