Michael Carter/Taikwon Paige theory

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eker0016

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I have a theory about why Michael Carter may be thinking about switching to MN.

Michael Carter (High School **** CB) commits to West Virginia on January 3rd.

Taikwon Paige (JUCO **** CB) commits to us on the same day.

Taikwon Paige decommits from us on January 15th. Two weeks later, we hear Michael Carter could be reconsidering us.

My take on what this could be, with no insider knowledge:

Carter wanted to have a three year stay here and head to the pros. He thought his chances of doing this with Taikwon Paige in the fold for the next two years somewhat bleak. Brewster tells him they want him here but they need immediate help, thus signing Paige. Carter likes his chances in West Virginia better, and pulls the trigger on national TV.

Now that we've lost Paige and missed on other DB prospects, it's looking like he could see some early playing time here. Brew is thinking the same thing and gives him a call and renews his offer. Carter likes making a big splash, so he plans on making a signing day change of heart.

Possible? Yes. Likely? It all came from my head, so I have no idea. Just some Monday afternoon musing.
 

I thought Paige couldn't get in because of grades.
 

Sounds good to me......hopefully you are right!!
 


eker0016 said:
Yes, he wasn't going to qualify, so both sides parted ways mutually.
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Just like Leon had problems getting into Oregon. And now both Leon and Paige are leaning toward the SEC. When all else fails, try the SEC.
 


eker0016 said:
I have a theory about why Michael Carter may be thinking about switching to MN.

Michael Carter (High School **** CB) commits to West Virginia on January 3rd.

Taikwon Paige (JUCO **** CB) commits to us on the same day.

Taikwon Paige decommits from us on January 15th. Two weeks later, we hear Michael Carter could be reconsidering us.

My take on what this could be, with no insider knowledge:

Carter wanted to have a three year stay here and head to the pros. He thought his chances of doing this with Taikwon Paige in the fold for the next two years somewhat bleak. Brewster tells him they want him here but they need immediate help, thus signing Paige. Carter likes his chances in West Virginia better, and pulls the trigger on national TV.

Now that we've lost Paige and missed on other DB prospects, it's looking like he could see some early playing time here. Brew is thinking the same thing and gives him a call and renews his offer. Carter likes making a big splash, so he plans on making a signing day change of heart.

Possible? Yes. Likely? It all came from my head, so I have no idea. Just some Monday afternoon musing.
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I agree that Paige's commitment was probably tied to Carter choosing WVU. I can't agree that Carter is now allegedly considering Minnesota because Paige is gone.
 

Handsome Pete said:
I agree that Paige's commitment was probably tied to Carter choosing WVU. I can't agree that Carter is now allegedly considering Minnesota because Paige is gone.
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I agree, I have a hard time believing that a kid who plans on being in the NFL in 3 years is scared that he wouldn't be able to beat out paige or any other player for playing time and would use that as a reason to not pick minn. initially. Most of these kids think they are the best and no one can beat them out.
 

I don't think Carter is switching because of Paige. I am sure that when Paige saw Carter go to WV, he figured there would be less competition and committed. But he was always being Carter, waiting for him to make the decision. Carter was the first priority, I don't think Paige not making affected him at all.
 

I agree

If you saw Carter's verbal at the USAAB game, two things were very clear. He's only playing 3 years and he's not worried about competing with anyone.

I think he wants the best situation for moving on to the next level.

Tyrone has some influence on the young man, and obviously Brew (Lee and maybe Cos) have been in his ear.
 



I don't think this scenario is impossible. Michael Carter may be confident, but he can't possibly think as a true freshman with his measurables (154 lbs?) that he would beat out Sherels (or Simmons) for the second CB spot. Much less competing for the nickel with a JUCO, who usually are brought in to play right away, not ride the pine. With Paige out of the way he is all but penciled in to beat out Collado for the 3rd CB. All things considered, Paige leaving can't hurt our chances in landing Carter. Let's hope for the best!
 

dayjoh said:
I don't think this scenario is impossible. Michael Carter may be confident, but he can't possibly think as a true freshman with his measurables (154 lbs?) that he would beat out Sherels (or Simmons) for the second CB spot. Much less competing for the nickel with a JUCO, who usually are brought in to play right away, not ride the pine. With Paige out of the way he is all but penciled in to beat out Collado for the 3rd CB. All things considered, Paige leaving can't hurt our chances in landing Carter. Let's hope for the best!
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He was one of few kids selected to play in the most prestigous high school all-american game. I virtually guarantee that every kid in that game thinks they can play as a true freshmen, especially at a school like the U of MN or WVU where they are not stacked with HS all americans like USC is.
 

GopherGod said:
He was one of few kids selected to play in the most prestigous high school all-american game. I virtually guarantee that every kid in that game thinks they can play as a true freshmen, especially at a school like the U of MN or WVU where they are not stacked with HS all americans like USC is.
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GG-I completely agree with this sentiment. From what I saw, I don't think a single player in that game is lacking in the confidence department. They've grown up being the best on their team and being told by everybody around them that they are the best.
 

I think Paige could have an impact

Paige might not be the reason, but Brew could certainly use the loss of Paige as more ammunition when trying to convince Carter to switch his commitment. We are thin at CB this year and worse next year. Nickel as a freshman and he can start at CB the next two years.
 



I agree on the confidence part. Most of these guys have been lauded since pee wee football and have no idea how difficult the game gets the higher you go, but they do believe they can step right in (and I'm not dogging on them for that--most good athletes have that quiet arrogance) and play just about anywhere.

From the way things unfolded, I agree that Paige waited on Carter's decision. I don't know what Carter is thinking, but I wouldn't argue with him if he changed his mind at the last minute and wanted to play here.
 

If I have learned anything over the past five years it is that there are two people involved in recruiting and each has his own priorities.
 



I can concede that Paige's absence didn't cause Carter to change his mind, but I absolutely think it could still be a factor in his reasoning.

At the root of pride and arrogance is insecurity. I'm sure Carter thinks he is all-world, but the guy is also 5-11 and 154 pounds and runs a 4.5. Paige is 5-10 and 175 pounds and runs a 4.4. If I had to take these guys solely for next year, I think Paige would be the better player. Ultimately over a couple of years? Carter.

I wouldn't be surprised Brew mentioned to Carter that we don't have Paige anymore when he heard Carter might be interested. It can't hurt.

And after that, I'm done speculating about 18 year olds. I teach a bunch of 16-18 year olds and I can guarantee you there is seldom anything mature or logical about their reasoning process. Don't get too worked up about these kids!
 

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