Jake Locker/Seantrel parallels

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http://www.theolympian.com/sports/college/story/1071227.html

I think this story is a good example that NFL scouts will find you wherever you go to school -- you don't need USC or OSU to be noticed. Especially when you are already the no. 1 recruit in the nation.

I think this story also sets the precedent for how admired and respected a player can be if he plays for his home state and helps them return to glory, so to speak. Very similar situation Seantrel could find himself in.

Of course, there are many other variables to Seantrel's decision other than the "NFL" aspect. Just wanted to point out he will no doubt be noticed...
 

I don't think anyone thinks that Seantrel would have a difficult time getting noticed playing for a Big 10 football team. I think the argument that some people make is that Seantrel will develop better as a lineman at USC. He will be practicing against scout teams that are better than most team's defenses (everyday), and even taking reps against a slew of 5 star recruits.

Additionally, the Locker situation could almost be a warning sign to Seantrel. I don't think it's a bad thing for people to want to play in extremely important football games. Locker is one of the best players in the country, and he is stuck going 5-7 and never getting to experience a National Championship game or a Rose Bowl. I'm sure Locker has loved his time at Washington, but he'll likely never get to experience some pretty awesome things that he could have experienced had he chosen a different school.

Lastly, the comparisons between Locker and Seantrel are not quite apt. Locker has become a super star, but he wasn't even considered the best player to come out of the State of Washington that year. He was considered the 4th best QB in the country, and the 70th best nationally. He also had to consider the very real possibility that he could go to USC and never take a snap. There is virtually no chance (barring injury) that Seantrel never takes a meaningful snap at USC, and he is the clear cut #1 recruit in the nation.
 

But it does suggest that if the path is wide open, pick the one that carries the most meaning. Accomplishments aren't just measured in terms of dollars. or in tems of prestige. Sometimes they are measured in terms of the difference that you can make, and the legacy you can leave.
 





It almost sounded like he wasn't answering the question asked. sounds like he was answering which schools he was visiting. and not the question on what his top five are. But i did find it interesting that when asked if Ohio was his top school he said, "I guess you could say that, but it's still kind of wide open still." hmmmm.
 


Schnoodler said:
But it does suggest that if the path is wide open, pick the one that carries the most meaning. Accomplishments aren't just measured in terms of dollars. or in tems of prestige. Sometimes they are measured in terms of the difference that you can make, and the legacy you can leave.
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That's sort of my point. Locker has been a tremendous player for the University of Washington, and he has yet to finish a year over .500 (9-28 career record). They had as many wins in the three years prior to his arrival as they have had during his three years of playing for the Huskies.

Locker is going to leave a legacy as being a very good player on very bad-average football teams.

Money has nothing to do with this argument. If Seantrel is as good as he is supposed to be, he will be a top pick in the draft no matter where he goes. I think it is sour grapes to label the draw of USC as "glitz and glamour" or "all about the money". I would guess that if Henderson was purely a glory hound and looking for the glitz and glamour, he would stay at MN. He would surely get more local attention by signing with the hometown team, he would be the face of the program Day #1.
 



Bob_Loblaw said:
Money has nothing to do with this argument. If Seantrel is as good as he is supposed to be, he will be a top pick in the draft no matter where he goes. I think it is sour grapes to label the draw of USC as "glitz and glamour" or "all about the money". I would guess that if Henderson was purely a glory hound and looking for the glitz and glamour, he would stay at MN. He would surely get more local attention by signing with the hometown team, he would be the face of the program Day #1.
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That's my message. I don't think it's as obvious as it might seem to kids though. After seeing so many bright lights fade or burn out throughout my life, I know that glory is found in making a difference and being remembered. kids see it differently, more as prestige. Delayed gratification is a rare commodity these days.
 

I guess that is where we differ in opinions. I think the "instant gratification" and obvious succumbing to the "bright lights" pick would be the Gophers. If Seantrel picks the Gophers he will be the big man on campus, immedietly. He will pretty much be handed a starting spot, and I gurantee you that it will be considered one of the biggest days in Gopher football in the past 20 years. If Seantrel picks USC (it'd be a big deal), but it will simply be business as usual at USC. He would be forced to work hard to see the field (could be red shirted), he will be one of their many great recruits (not THE recruit). The gratification surrounding his choice would be more delayed at USC.
 

I definitely see it the other way around. But that's the beauty of opinions.
 

How do you think Locker felt after he helped his hometown team beat USC? I realize it's not playing for a NC or in a Rosebowl but I bet Locker will never forget it. S. Henderson can do the same and more, much more, with the Gophers.
 




Mick Turition said:
That's a big stretch.
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How so? Where do you think he gets more hoopla and attention if he signs, here or USC? If you read my entire post, that is obviously what I meant.

As far as how Locker felt beating USC, i'm sure he felt great. But how do you think he felt going winless? How do you think he has felt never experiencing a Bowl Game (much less Rose Bowl or Nat'l Championship)? I'm sure there are plenty of great experiences to be had in improving your hometown team, but that doesn't make those potential experiences at USC shallow as some posters would suggest.
 

Bob_Loblaw said:
How so? Where do you think he gets more hoopla and attention if he signs, here or USC? If you read my entire post, that is obviously what I meant.

As far as how Locker felt beating USC, i'm sure he felt great. But how do you think he felt going winless? How do you think he has felt never experiencing a Bowl Game (much less Rose Bowl or Nat'l Championship)? I'm sure there are plenty of great experiences to be had in improving your hometown team, but that doesn't make those potential experiences at USC shallow as some posters would suggest.
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Minnesota is much better positioned talent wise than anything Locker has had on the field with him. Remember, that program was crippled by sanctions after NCAA violations and struggled after that. It didn't have a brand new stadium and 3 years of great recruiting.
 

I don't think Nolan Brewster is regretting his decision to play for Texas instead of his dad.
 

wait!what? said:
I don't think Nolan Brewster is regretting his decision to play for Texas instead of his dad.
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How do you know this? There is alot to be said to be playing for your dad and just because you play for a top team every year doesn't necessarily mean you are happy.
 

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