Verbal commitments are what they are . . .

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DL65

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nothing more than an expression of intent at the present moment. As coach Kill has said frequently, it's a long way until signing day . . . players commit and decommit.

There's an interview on Scout related to Harbison's commitment to the Gophers. He said at this time he's committed to Minnesota. He enjoyed his visit, likes the coaches, facilities and fans. Nevertheless, he plans to take more visits including Vanderbilt. He went on to say that he didn't sign anything, "This is just a verbal commit I haven't signed on the paper . . ."

Would his commitment be considered a "soft" verbal? Sure sounds like it.


Go Gophers!!
 

They should change the word they use, then. Commitment means binding, unyielding obligation.

Maybe they should use the word placeholds? "I've given my placehold to Minnesota."
 

Just do away with verbal commitments. They're not worth the cost of the phone call. Signing day would become a free-for-all.
 




Verbal commitments are what they are . . .

I totally agree with this. Several years ago, I committed verbally to a job, i.e., when a school committed to me verbally for a job, I VERBALLY COMMITTED TO THAT SCHOOL, that I would take myself off the job market. Lo and Behold, the next day an official offer in writing came to me and I DE-COMMITTED to the verbal offer and took the written offer. It doesn't just happen to kids....It also happens to adults. How do I know that? EXPERIENCE.
 

Dr. Don,
No offense--- and I'm not saying I wouldn't have done the same thing--- but your move was unethical.

If you commit to something, that's your word. You can't change it just because a better offer comes along.

It's about integrity. Ideally, we wouldn't want any kid who would give his word and then take it away but we're not in a position as a program to be so selective.
 

wels...I kept my word and took myself off the job market, and applied for NO further jobs. Now you have it.
 

In general, I think the verbal commitment is good to have so kids can get use to the idea of giving their commitment until the LOI is signed.

It is a different day...I may be mistaken but it use to be for the most part a verbal commitment was generally honored by other schools when recruiting players, although there were occasional exceptions to the rule.

Today schools hound athletes even if they have given their verbals.

Still would not do away with the process, though. I think overall it still has value.
 



Love this comment by Harbison

"I know that Minnesota it on the verge of big things and I am going to be part of that."
 

calminnfan said:
Love this comment by Harbison

"I know that Minnesota it on the verge of big things and I am going to be part of that."
Click to expand...

Did he say this before or after NMSU?
 

Per scout thread:

"I’m totally committed right now to Minnesota"

“This is just a verbal commit I haven’t signed on the paper so I plan on taking my other visits to Kentucky, Vanderbilt and East Carolina.”

Does not sound set in stone at all.
 




I just read that one of Iowa's big recruits tore his ACL and will miss the rest of his senior season. So much can happen between committing and February. Not saying Iowa should pull an offer, but this could be the first adversity the kid has faced. Maurice Fleming Jr.
 

MaxyJR1 said:
I just read that one of Iowa's big recruits tore his ACL and will miss the rest of his senior season. So much can happen between committing and February. Not saying Iowa should pull an offer, but this could be the first adversity the kid has faced. Maurice Fleming Jr.
Click to expand...

Hate to see things like that happening to the players...prayer for him.
 

My bad Dr. Don--

You're spot on, and most people wouldn't have the same integrity.
 

People are thrilled at the prospect of a highly regarded recruit pulling back his verbal and committing to the Gophers. That street has to go both ways. You can't praise a kid on one hand when it runs the direction you want then beat one up when it runs the way you don't. Well, I suppose you can but it's not consistent.

This is basically a semantics discussion, and it arises largely from coaches pushing these kids to verbal when they're still going through the process.
 

calminnfan said:
Hate to see things like that happening to the players...prayer for him.
Click to expand...
I couldn't agree more. Such an event has to be so stressful. Worrying about getting healthy and hoping the school will stick with you.
 

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