2014 DT Travonte Valentine of Bayside High School, Palm Bay FL

[gatorbait96]

We did sign a lot of DT's this year. You know other schools are using that against us. However it's not over by any means.

[TrillGator]

Originally Posted by gatorbait96

We did sign a lot of DT's this year. You know other schools are using that against us. However it's not over by any means.

That's a very likely reason. I'm sure muschamp and company can assure this guy he will be a good fit and have a good role before its all said and done

[stomp_and_chomp]

We have 11 1/2 months to bring him back on board.

But meh, not too happy that we lost him. He is the best DT in the state and 4th best in the country according to rivals.

That said though, if he decommitted because of the DT's we took this past class, then I really don't see him coming back on board. Champ is a heck of a recruiter though, so I am holding out just a little bit of hope.

[Zanso]

He's been wavering for months, it's not a depth issue. He said he's taking a step back so he likely just wants to go through the process and make sure it's the right decision

[HudsonGator]

My opinion is that this is yet but another example of why we need to stop using the word "commitment" when it comes to recruiting. Simply say that we're a favorite and be done with it. Calling these kids a "commitment" does a disservice to the word.

[TrillGator]

Originally Posted by HudsonGator

My opinion is that this is yet but another example of why we need to stop using the word "commitment" when it comes to recruiting. Simply say that we're a favorite and be done with it. Calling these kids a "commitment" does a disservice to the word.

I agree, seems like every year the value of getting a "commitment" depreciates. I think it's getting to the point where it almost means nothing. However, every one of these guys situations is different and maybe valentine doesn't want to go somewhere he has to compete as hard as he will have to for us. maybe he just wants to step in and be the man.

[g8r925]

I get that it's aggravating to see a kid commit and then decommit, but if you look at the majority of our last class, they all committed early on in the process and shut it down..... So I think that will be the course of our classes in the future. Hope he see's the light if not GATOR BAIT

[palmbayed]

I wouldn't get to worried about this kid. I coach in the same district as he plays and lets just say I really don't have a real high opinion of him.

[gator7_5]

If you don't like the term committed, don't pay attention to it. You really have no choice. It aint goin away.

[TrillGator]

Originally Posted by palmbayed

I wouldn't get to worried about this kid. I coach in the same district as he plays and lets just say I really don't have a real high opinion of him.

Probably because you can't move the ball when he's on the field! Lol jk. But muschamp seems to have a knack for sorting out the guys with character issues. Ask quinton Powell

[palmbayed]

We beat them last year so we moved the ball on them just fine thank you. They were 4-6 last year so a lot of teams moved the ball on them. They have been 4-6 the last 2 years.

[TrillGator]

Originally Posted by palmbayed

We beat them last year so we moved the ball on them just fine thank you. They were 4-6 last year so a lot of teams moved the ball on them. They have been 4-6 the last 2 years.

Well if you don't mind me asking, what is it about him that provokes your low opinion on him? I hope he's not an Easley type guy that's boasts after every tackle he makes. That is a real annoyance and completely opposite the image CWM has done a good job of building for our program.

[rserina]

Originally Posted by TrillGator

Well if you don't mind me asking, what is it about him that provokes your low opinion on him? I hope he's not an Easley type guy that's boasts after every tackle he makes. That is a real annoyance and completely opposite the image CWM has done a good job of building for our program.

Muschamp could probably care less what a kid does after a tackle if he plays hard, gets his work done off the field, is a good teammate and stays out of trouble. Heck, Muschamp makes Jon Gruden look like Tony Dungy on the sideline, so I suspect a kid celebrating after a big ply in the heat of competition doesn't matter a lick to him.

[RayGator]

Originally Posted by HudsonGator

My opinion is that this is yet but another example of why we need to stop using the word "commitment" when it comes to recruiting. Simply say that we're a favorite and be done with it. Calling these kids a "commitment" does a disservice to the word.

You are exactly right. I have always held the opinion a different word should be used. Perhaps preference would be a better one.

I doubt that many know, or maybe care, just what commit means. Which also leads to the point that there is NO such word as decommit! Check a Webster's or good dictionary. A commitment is giving one's word, a promise. Just as when you are in a court of law and you take an oath to tell the truth. It's serious.

[OaktownGator]

I view verbal commitment more like getting engaged... some places you even get a ring (or down payment).

But it's a lot easier to break the engagement than to get a divorce after you're married. NSD (or EE) is the marriage date.

[Juggernautz]

Grades

[DieAGator]

Originally Posted by Juggernautz

Grades

Thanks, made me laugh.. you're probably right.