For all you Harbaugh "ethics" bashers, a little perspective:

[JRforUM]

My daughter had a 3.98 GPA & test scores to match at an in-state Div 1 school two years ago & was wait-listed to UM. Meanwhile, she was immediately accepted to every other school she applied, including sparty (where her mother graduated from), Wiscy, Marquette, Purdue, etc. Neither her mother nor I influenced her whatsoever in her college decision. We both would have been proud of her & supported her if she had decided to attend Schoolcraft College if that's what she thought was best for her. She was eventually accepted to UM after her first semester high school grades came in at the end of January. Much to my surprise, she was ecstatic to say the least that she had just been accepted to one of the top academic universities in the world (I always thought she'd go to sparty like her Mom). She didn't get a free ride nor a 4 yr guaranteed scholarship but today she's a sophomore at UM busting her ass to survive every single day just like tens of thousands of other students there at UM.

So now, my son, an 18 yr-old senior with a 3.97 GPA at the same Div 1 high school is wait-listed at UM since December. He is taking his semester finals this week & hoping to get accepted to UM as well on his academic merits when he finishes his finals and his grades come in at the end of this week. He also wasn't offered any guaranteed 4 year free ride scholarship to UM either & surely never will. We'll see what happens & go from there.

The bottom line here is that these18 yr-old (just like my son) football & basketball players are coddled since they're in grade-school & have benefits, tons of options, and guaranteed scholarships available to them simply for playing sports that ordinary students who actually get good grades day-in & day-out for 13 years are not entitled to.

For those who think it's kids vs. adults: Get real!! Every one of these recruits (whether 2* or 5*) has had an entourage of adults around them from the 3rd grade on calculating they're every move. I don't feel sorry for them. You wanna sit at the poker table? Be prepared to lose. As our coach says, "You reap what you sow!"

Go Blue

 

[St. Joe Blue 3]

My daughter had a 3.98 GPA & test scores to match at an in-state Div 1 school two years ago & was wait-listed to UM. Meanwhile, she was immediately accepted to every other school she applied, including sparty (where her mother graduated from), Wiscy, Marquette, Purdue, etc. Neither her mother nor I influenced her whatsoever in her college decision. We both would have been proud of her & supported her if she had decided to attend Schoolcraft College if that's what she thought was best for her. She was eventually accepted to UM after her first semester high school grades came in at the end of January. Much to my surprise, she was ecstatic to say the least that she had just been accepted to one of the top academic universities in the world (I always thought she'd go to sparty like her Mom). She didn't get a free ride nor a 4 yr guaranteed scholarship but today she's a sophomore at UM busting her ass to survive every single day just like tens of thousands of other students there at UM.

So now, my son, an 18 yr-old senior with a 3.97 GPA at the same Div 1 high school is wait-listed at UM since December. He is taking his semester finals this week & hoping to get accepted to UM as well on his academic merits when he finishes his finals and his grades come in at the end of this week. He also wasn't offered any guaranteed 4 year free ride scholarship to UM either & surely never will. We'll see what happens & go from there.

The bottom line here is that these18 yr-old (just like my son) football & basketball players are coddled since they're in grade-school & have benefits, tons of options, and guaranteed scholarships available to them simply for playing sports that ordinary students who actually get good grades day-in & day-out for 13 years are not entitled to.

For those who think it's kids vs. adults: Get real!! Every one of these recruits (whether 2* or 5*) has had an entourage of adults around them from the 3rd grade on calculating they're every move. I don't feel sorry for them. You wanna sit at the poker table? Be prepared to lose. As our coach says, "You reap what you sow!"

Go Blue

Good work Dad!

 

[JRforUM]

Good work Dad!

Breaks my heart to see my kids actually bust their asses every day & have to deal with the real stress of even getting a sniff at getting into UM while some coddled soft loafing pussies bitch about how they were done wrong for a free ride!

Go Blue!

 

[promzek]

Very well written and insightful post!!!! You are dead on. these kids are coddled. they want to commit and want M to hold a scholarship for them but they still want to "shop around". Personally, I am happy that Harbaugh is saying to them you are not guaranteed a spot until you sign.

I also believe your post highlights the huge life value of going to a school like M instead of the lower class alternatives. These kids have a huge opportunity with these scholarships. I just wish they valued it as much as you and your children do.

Great job Dad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

 

[detroitjohn]

My daughter had a 3.98 GPA & test scores to match at an in-state Div 1 school two years ago & was wait-listed to UM. Meanwhile, she was immediately accepted to every other school she applied, including sparty (where her mother graduated from), Wiscy, Marquette, Purdue, etc. Neither her mother nor I influenced her whatsoever in her college decision. We both would have been proud of her & supported her if she had decided to attend Schoolcraft College if that's what she thought was best for her. She was eventually accepted to UM after her first semester high school grades came in at the end of January. Much to my surprise, she was ecstatic to say the least that she had just been accepted to one of the top academic universities in the world (I always thought she'd go to sparty like her Mom). She didn't get a free ride nor a 4 yr guaranteed scholarship but today she's a sophomore at UM busting her ass to survive every single day just like tens of thousands of other students there at UM.

So now, my son, an 18 yr-old senior with a 3.97 GPA at the same Div 1 high school is wait-listed at UM since December. He is taking his semester finals this week & hoping to get accepted to UM as well on his academic merits when he finishes his finals and his grades come in at the end of this week. He also wasn't offered any guaranteed 4 year free ride scholarship to UM either & surely never will. We'll see what happens & go from there.

The bottom line here is that these18 yr-old (just like my son) football & basketball players are coddled since they're in grade-school & have benefits, tons of options, and guaranteed scholarships available to them simply for playing sports that ordinary students who actually get good grades day-in & day-out for 13 years are not entitled to.

For those who think it's kids vs. adults: Get real!! Every one of these recruits (whether 2* or 5*) has had an entourage of adults around them from the 3rd grade on calculating they're every move. I don't feel sorry for them. You wanna sit at the poker table? Be prepared to lose. As our coach says, "You reap what you sow!"

Go Blue

Way to raise them Blue and great point, this isn't evil, corporate America vs the poor childrens...

 

[JRforUM]

Way to raise them Blue and great point, this isn't evil, corporate America vs the poor childrens...

I didn't raise them to be "Blue". I've been "Blue" for 40+ years but I have never forced it on them. I've always only wanted them to be who they are & who they're going to be on their own but hard work, dedication, motivation to achieve & doing your best will get you way farther in life than loafing . As Tyrone Wheatley said in 'The Players Tribune', "I want them to forge their own path". Whatever is best for them is what is best for me.

But am I happy that they're both "True Blue"? You bet I am!!

Go Blue!

 

[michnittlion]

Your story does seem irrelevant to Harbaugh's ethics. E.g., the title of your post.

Your story is anecdotal as to two things: (1) Michigan is not easy to get into academically. And (2) the average Michigan athlete is generally less intelligent versus the average Michigan non-athlete.

Well, no offense but --- no kidding. We knew that.

In terms of treating people with respect, it doesn't matter that an elite-level athlete has more avenues to get into Michigan versus a non-elite athlete. EVERYONE should be treated with a baseline-level of respect! That baseline-level of respect is this: if you're going to deliver bad news, deliver it face-to-face as opposed to "ghosting" them.

As I said, it's a mistake --- but a forgivable mistake --- on Harbaugh's part.

I get it though: some people will never concede that ground though. Ever. They'd prefer to tell these stories that are utterly irrelevant to the point, as opposed to saying "well, that could have been handled better." Is what it is. Some humans are wired to never concede an inch.

 

[BlueKachi]

Breaks my heart to see my kids actually bust their asses every day & have to deal with the real stress of even getting a sniff at getting into UM while some coddled soft loafing pussies bitch about how they were done wrong for a free ride!

Go Blue!

Which class of "coddled" acceptees was accepted in front of your daughter?

Both of my kids got in first pass at UM based on nothing but their.

Your story does seem irrelevant to Harbaugh's ethics. E.g., the title of your post.

Your story is anecdotal as to two things: (1) Michigan is not easy to get into academically. And (2) the average Michigan athlete is generally less intelligent versus the average Michigan non-athlete.

Well, no offense but --- no kidding. We knew that.

In terms of treating people with respect, it doesn't matter that an elite-level athlete has more avenues to get into Michigan versus a non-elite athlete. EVERYONE should be treated with a baseline-level of respect! That baseline-level of respect is this: if you're going to deliver bad news, deliver it face-to-face as opposed to "ghosting" them.

As I said, it's a mistake --- but a forgivable mistake --- on Harbaugh's part.

I get it though: some people will never concede that ground though. Ever. They'd prefer to tell these stories that are utterly irrelevant to the point, as opposed to saying "well, that could have been handled better." Is what it is. Some humans are wired to never concede an inch.

I agree -- his stories were irrelevant to the debate about Harbaugh's ethics. Comparing the difficulty of getting into UM from a mainstream student's perspective is very different than that of a 4* football recruit.

All three of my kids were accepted first pass at UM. Two of them matriculated and graduated and one is a sophomore at Yale.

And, yes, Harbaugh lost this ethical battle; but, to my earlier points, he doesn't care as his standard bearer is Saban..

 

[detroitjohn]

I didn't raise them to be "Blue". I've been "Blue" for 40+ years but I have never forced it on them. I've always only wanted them to be who they are & who they're going to be on their own but hard work, dedication, motivation to achieve & doing your best will get you way farther in life than loafing . As Tyrone Wheatley said in 'The Players Tribune', "I want them to forge their own path". Whatever is best for them is what is best for me.

But am I happy that they're both "True Blue"? You bet I am!!

Go Blue!

Better man than I, JR, I caused a significant crisis with my wife when I declared to her that would not cheer for OSU, MSU, or ND if one of our sons played for them. I'd cheer them on to have great games, but always for UM's opposition to lose. Really, congrats, that's a great accomplishment for them to be considered for UM, it's a lot harder of a school to get into today than in the 80s.

 

[bone tomahawk]

My daughter had a 3.98 GPA & test scores to match at an in-state Div 1 school two years ago & was wait-listed to UM. Meanwhile, she was immediately accepted to every other school she applied, including sparty (where her mother graduated from), Wiscy, Marquette, Purdue, etc. Neither her mother nor I influenced her whatsoever in her college decision. We both would have been proud of her & supported her if she had decided to attend Schoolcraft College if that's what she thought was best for her. She was eventually accepted to UM after her first semester high school grades came in at the end of January. Much to my surprise, she was ecstatic to say the least that she had just been accepted to one of the top academic universities in the world (I always thought she'd go to sparty like her Mom). She didn't get a free ride nor a 4 yr guaranteed scholarship but today she's a sophomore at UM busting her ass to survive every single day just like tens of thousands of other students there at UM.

So now, my son, an 18 yr-old senior with a 3.97 GPA at the same Div 1 high school is wait-listed at UM since December. He is taking his semester finals this week & hoping to get accepted to UM as well on his academic merits when he finishes his finals and his grades come in at the end of this week. He also wasn't offered any guaranteed 4 year free ride scholarship to UM either & surely never will. We'll see what happens & go from there.

The bottom line here is that these18 yr-old (just like my son) football & basketball players are coddled since they're in grade-school & have benefits, tons of options, and guaranteed scholarships available to them simply for playing sports that ordinary students who actually get good grades day-in & day-out for 13 years are not entitled to.

For those who think it's kids vs. adults: Get real!! Every one of these recruits (whether 2* or 5*) has had an entourage of adults around them from the 3rd grade on calculating they're every move. I don't feel sorry for them. You wanna sit at the poker table? Be prepared to lose. As our coach says, "You reap what you sow!"

Go Blue

finally an educated perspective.

 

[PharmD Blue]

Which class of "coddled" acceptees was accepted in front of your daughter?

Both of my kids got in first pass at UM based on nothing but their.



I agree -- his stories were irrelevant to the debate about Harbaugh's ethics. Comparing the difficulty of getting into UM from a mainstream student's perspective is very different than that of a 4* football recruit.

All three of my kids were accepted first pass at UM. Two of them matriculated and graduated and one is a sophomore at Yale.

And, yes, Harbaugh lost this ethical battle; but, to my earlier points, he doesn't care as his standard bearer is Saban..

Is this some ethical battle where you are the judge and base your decision on one side of a story? That is great.

Anyway, when you get into the money of big time college football, it ultimately comes down to doing what w

Which class of "coddled" acceptees was accepted in front of your daughter?

Both of my kids got in first pass at UM based on nothing but their.



I agree -- his stories were irrelevant to the debate about Harbaugh's ethics. Comparing the difficulty of getting into UM from a mainstream student's perspective is very different than that of a 4* football recruit.

All three of my kids were accepted first pass at UM. Two of them matriculated and graduated and one is a sophomore at Yale.

And, yes, Harbaugh lost this ethical battle; but, to my earlier points, he doesn't care as his standard bearer is Saban..

Are your feelings hurt? Sorry, but go ahead and pass judgement all you want without knowing the entire story. If you want to relive the brady hoke glory years go ahead and watch some replays of his weekly embarrassments that he would field on the team year after year.

 

[tarun262]

Which class of "coddled" acceptees was accepted in front of your daughter?

Both of my kids got in first pass at UM based on nothing but their.



I agree -- his stories were irrelevant to the debate about Harbaugh's ethics. Comparing the difficulty of getting into UM from a mainstream student's perspective is very different than that of a 4* football recruit.

All three of my kids were accepted first pass at UM. Two of them matriculated and graduated and one is a sophomore at Yale.

And, yes, Harbaugh lost this ethical battle; but, to my earlier points, he doesn't care as his standard bearer is Saban..

I think neither of you guys (MichNit & you) read the post properly did you? His point is, there is no shame in being offered even a PWO role at Michigan because you are being given the chance at a world class education and from what I hear they are given a scholarship, just not an athletic one. Remember the PRIMARY role of a university is EDUCATION - let me repeat that EDUCATION, not football, not getting you to the Pros, none of that. Of all the kids that we recruit maybe 4-5 will make it in the Pros and maybe 2-3 will have a sustainable and successful stint there - the rest of them will have to rely on a great education. So yeah all these kids that recently decommitted they are getting a massive favor from Michigan already by being accepted into the University with a chance for a great education WELL AHEAD of tons of deserving students with way better grades and academic merits but yet a few of you guys want to talk about ethics and paint a bad picture of JH or the University? Seriously? The real gift is education and that is the point of the original post. I commend the JRForUM, I totally get your post and congrats to you for what both your kids are about to accomplish. His point is simple, the true blessing is the gift of education that JH is still offering these kids which will stay with them for life where as football may not, and he is offering it to them ahead of others that are probably more deserving academically!

 

[michnittlion]

I think neither of you guys (MichNit & you) read the post properly did you? His point is, there is no shame in being offered even a PWO role at Michigan because you are being given the chance at a world class education and from what I hear they are given a scholarship, just not an athletic one. Remember the PRIMARY role of a university is EDUCATION - let me repeat that EDUCATION, not football, not getting you to the Pros, none of that. Of all the kids that we recruit maybe 4-5 will make it in the Pros and maybe 2-3 will have a sustainable and successful stint there - the rest of them will have to rely on a great education. So yeah all these kids that recently decommitted they are getting a massive favor from Michigan already by being accepted into the University with a chance for a great education WELL AHEAD of tons of deserving students with way better grades and academic merits but yet a few of you guys want to talk about ethics and paint a bad picture of JH or the University? Seriously? The real gift is education and that is the point of the original post. I commend the JRForUM, I totally get your post and congrats to you for what both your kids are about to accomplish. His point is simple, the true blessing is the gift of education that JH is still offering these kids which will stay with them for life where as football may not, and he is offering it to them ahead of others that are probably more deserving academically!

The original post never used the terms "PWO" or "preferred walk-on." I honestly don't see how I was supposed to get that meaning from the post?

Anyway, let's talk about a PWO offer. Of course, there is no "shame" in being offered a PWO. But there's a VERY big reason players are hesitant to accept a PWO.

Let's use Weaver --- he is most definitely considered a "recruited athlete" as regards Michigan by NCAA rules. He's eligible for a PWO, but he's classified as a "recruited athlete." ALL "recruited athletes" --- regardless of whether they signed a NLOI and got a scholarship or are a PWO --- are subject to the exact same transfer rules.

E.g., if situations "change" (and Weaver has already seen situations "change" as regards Harbaugh) and Weaver wants to transfer and play football (with or without a scholarship), he's going to have to sit out a full year.

There's an obvious reason for this rule: to curb the risk of coaches abusing the PWO offer.

 

[JRforUM]

I think neither of you guys (MichNit & you) read the post properly did you? His point is, there is no shame in being offered even a PWO role at Michigan because you are being given the chance at a world class education and from what I hear they are given a scholarship, just not an athletic one. Remember the PRIMARY role of a university is EDUCATION - let me repeat that EDUCATION, not football, not getting you to the Pros, none of that. Of all the kids that we recruit maybe 4-5 will make it in the Pros and maybe 2-3 will have a sustainable and successful stint there - the rest of them will have to rely on a great education. So yeah all these kids that recently decommitted they are getting a massive favor from Michigan already by being accepted into the University with a chance for a great education WELL AHEAD of tons of deserving students with way better grades and academic merits but yet a few of you guys want to talk about ethics and paint a bad picture of JH or the University? Seriously? The real gift is education and that is the point of the original post. I commend the JRForUM, I totally get your post and congrats to you for what both your kids are about to accomplish. His point is simple, the true blessing is the gift of education that JH is still offering these kids which will stay with them for life where as football may not, and he is offering it to them ahead of others that are probably more deserving academically!

AGP. At least someone get's it.

Go Blue!

 

[JRforUM]

Which class of "coddled" acceptees was accepted in front of your daughter?

You're a smart guy - apparently a UM alum & Tier 1 VP with 3 brilliant kids. Go to the Football Recruiting Front Page and pull down the 2014 Commitment List. That list will only give you the comimits who signed a LOI though. The other 100 or so offered & accepted kids are probably listed somewhere there too.

Go Blue!

 

[michigangoblue999]

The funniest thing about this whole episode are the people who think that their stance on Harbaugh's recruiting somehow reflects negatively or positively on their own character. Using this "logic" you could quickly conclude that all OSU or Alabama fans are bad people. This is also how people can demonize the half of the country that doesn't belong to their political party. Pretty ridiculous, I would say.

In my opinion people are defined by their actions, not what they think about a certain topic. Sadly people can't disagree any more without calling into question somebody's basic decency.

 

[smaturin]

JR it is an issue and a problem which is why it has blown up.

Here's the comparable for your daughter's situation. Assume that your daughter' s first choice was Yale. With her numbers she elects to apply SAED. Yale says yes she is in. On April 1 of her senior year she gets a letter from Yale thanking her for her interest and saying that because other candidates have applied who look to be a better fit Yale is withdrawing her acceptance but wishes her all the best. You and she are of course angry but you now also have to figure out where she can go in the Fall. She is obviously a good student but all the top schools she would have applied to and probably got in now are full. You and she hear lots of "apply next year" and "do a year of community college". She can still get in at a tier two school where she could have gotten a full ride, but all the scholarship money is used up.

Has your daughter been treated fairly? Would it make you happier if the Yale admissions office had said somewhere along the way that not everyone who was an early admit really is Yale material. Or that Yale liked all early admits to spend a day on campus during their spring break and your daughter did not because she had other plans.

I had a kid go through the recruiting process. No there are not people advising or coddling. Yes the first couple of tours are fun but also nerve racking. By the seventh or eighth visit there is no fun left. It is extremely stressful for kids and parents -- way more than college admit process because there are so many variables beyond your and your kid's control. I know we were very envious of those who were done early. All of those were verbal commits of course.

To paraphrase Mrs. Lansing, we have a perception problem because we have an actual problem.

 

[St. Joe Blue 3]

The funniest thing about this whole episode are the people who think that their stance on Harbaugh's recruiting somehow reflects negatively or positively on their own character. Using this "logic" you could quickly conclude that all OSU or Alabama fans are bad people. This is also how people can demonize the half of the country that doesn't belong to their political party. Pretty ridiculous, I would say.

In my opinion people are defined by their actions, not what they think about a certain topic. Sadly people can't disagree any more without calling into question somebody's basic decency.

AGP.

 

[michigangoblue999]

I had a kid go through the recruiting process. No there are not people advising or coddling. Yes the first couple of tours are fun but also nerve racking. By the seventh or eighth visit there is no fun left. It is extremely stressful for kids and parents -- way more than college admit process because there are so many variables beyond your and your kid's control. I know we were very envious of those who were done early. All of those were verbal commits of course.

Having schools offer your kid a scholarship to play a sport is a problem a lot of people wished they had, man. Do you know how much debt the average college grad has these days? Now that's stressful!

Let's get a grip here. We're talking about a very privileged few who are good enough athletes to get a free education. Making them into victims is preposterous. At any time, they are free to give up sports and just go to college and pay for it like the vast majority of college students.

 

[St. Joe Blue 3]

Having schools offer your kid a scholarship to play a sport is a problem a lot of people wished they had, man. Do you know how much debt the average college grad has these days? Now that's stressful!

Let's get a grip here. We're talking about a very privileged few who are good enough athletes to get a free education. Making them into victims is preposterous. At any time, they are free to give up sports and just go to college and pay for it like the vast majority of college students.

agp

 

[JRforUM]

Having schools offer your kid a scholarship to play a sport is a problem a lot of people wished they had, man. Do you know how much debt the average college grad has these days? Now that's stressful!

Let's get a grip here. We're talking about a very privileged few who are good enough athletes to get a free education. Making them into victims is preposterous. At any time, they are free to give up sports and just go to college and pay for it like the vast majority of college students.

Bingo!

Go Blue!

 

[tarun262]

JR it is an issue and a problem which is why it has blown up.

Here's the comparable for your daughter's situation. Assume that your daughter' s first choice was Yale. With her numbers she elects to apply SAED. Yale says yes she is in. On April 1 of her senior year she gets a letter from Yale thanking her for her interest and saying that because other candidates have applied who look to be a better fit Yale is withdrawing her acceptance but wishes her all the best. You and she are of course angry but you now also have to figure out where she can go in the Fall. She is obviously a good student but all the top schools she would have applied to and probably got in now are full. You and she hear lots of "apply next year" and "do a year of community college". She can still get in at a tier two school where she could have gotten a full ride, but all the scholarship money is used up.

Has your daughter been treated fairly? Would it make you happier if the Yale admissions office had said somewhere along the way that not everyone who was an early admit really is Yale material. Or that Yale liked all early admits to spend a day on campus during their spring break and your daughter did not because she had other plans.

I had a kid go through the recruiting process. No there are not people advising or coddling. Yes the first couple of tours are fun but also nerve racking. By the seventh or eighth visit there is no fun left. It is extremely stressful for kids and parents -- way more than college admit process because there are so many variables beyond your and your kid's control. I know we were very envious of those who were done early. All of those were verbal commits of course.

To paraphrase Mrs. Lansing, we have a perception problem because we have an actual problem.

I am sorry your example is really dumb dude. You should read up before you post such things. The real example would be...Yale offers you a scholarship and then tells you - "hey we found someone way smarter then you who we will offer but you still have a place at Yale and a scholarship" - that is what happened and in that case my response would be - sounds great. JH is still offering these kids a PWO spot and an admission and in most cases and an academic scholarship - so you know what, the kid is still getting something far more kids are more deserving off - a free education. They may not get to play football for Michigan but what the heck to people go to school for? School = to learn, education...not play football. Football is a previledge. Get your stories right man!

 

[smaturin]

Well excellent dude. Considering almost all preferred walkons in football have to wait until their Junior year for a scholarship I assume that in the meantime you will be picking up the $115,000 out-of-state tuition/room/board tab as your "gift". Why didn't you just say you would cover that cost. I'm sure It would have saved everyone a lot of concern. That's really nice of you "man". The problem, of course, is that makes you a "booster", and the gift would be a major violation of NCAA rules.

Is it a violation of NCAA rules to pull an offer? No. Is it done regularly by some programs? Yes. Now we are one of those programs. But, don't ever pretend that in doing so that kids and families are not hurt in the process.

 

[detroitjohn]

Well excellent dude. Considering almost all preferred walkons in football have to wait until their Junior year for a scholarship I assume that in the meantime you will be picking up the $115,000 out-of-state tuition/room/board tab as your "gift". Why didn't you just say you would cover that cost. I'm sure It would have saved everyone a lot of concern. That's really nice of you "man". The problem, of course, is that makes you a "booster", and the gift would be a major violation of NCAA rules.

Is it a violation of NCAA rules to pull an offer? No. Is it done regularly by some programs? Yes. Now we are one of those programs. But, don't ever pretend that in doing so that kids and families are not hurt in the process.

I'm sure the parents of those players likely going to Northwestern, Wisconsin, Temple, or Maryland, etc. are really appreciative of you advocating for them.

 

[purplewreck]

Are 85 kids with 4.2 GPAs going to be center stage and an integral part of generating $85,000,000 in revenue for Michigan next year? A million bucks a kid comes into the coffers and Michigan spends about $45K (real cost, not sticker price for tuition) per kid. The entire roster costs the university less than Harbaugh makes in 6 months.

An elite football player with a 2.9 GPA is worth a boat load more to a major university than 100 smart kids with 4.2 GPAs and no distinct talents beyond good grades. Smart kids are a dime a dozen in the admissions office. Many of these kids are just as coddled. Private schools, tutors, well to do families, helicopter parents. There are wait listed kids with great GPAs but obviously they didn't do much to differentiate themselves from the pack. Admissions officers at elite universities look for the standouts among standouts. Same thing coaches do when they recruit an elite athlete.

Big-time programs invest about $200k (not sticker/retail, actual expense) into a 4 year scholarship and over a 4 year period the program will reap close to a quarter billion in revenue, potentially more if the team is great. Stands to reason it is wise to recruit the best guy for the spot.

3-4-5* football players with 10-15-20 universities vying for their services are valuable commodities. How many 4.2GPA kids with above average skills have deans of the business school trying to close a deal with them while deans from 4 other schools wait out from for their chance to lure a kid into their program?

 

[gregstew]

Are 85 kids with 4.2 GPAs going to be center stage and an integral part of generating $85,000,000 in revenue for Michigan next year? A million bucks a kid comes into the coffers and Michigan spends about $45K (real cost, not sticker price for tuition) per kid. The entire roster costs the university less than Harbaugh makes in 6 months.

An elite football player with a 2.9 GPA is worth a boat load more to a major university than 100 smart kids with 4.2 GPAs and no distinct talents beyond good grades. Smart kids are a dime a dozen in the admissions office. Many of these kids are just as coddled. Private schools, tutors, well to do families, helicopter parents. There are wait listed kids with great GPAs but obviously they didn't do much to differentiate themselves from the pack. Admissions officers at elite universities look for the standouts among standouts. Same thing coaches do when they recruit an elite athlete.

Big-time programs invest about $200k (not sticker/retail, actual expense) into a 4 year scholarship and over a 4 year period the program will reap close to a quarter billion in revenue, potentially more if the team is great. Stands to reason it is wise to recruit the best guy for the spot.

3-4-5* football players with 10-15-20 universities vying for their services are valuable commodities. How many 4.2GPA kids with above average skills have deans of the business school trying to close a deal with them while deans from 4 other schools wait out from for their chance to lure a kid into their program?

One of the reasons we are proud of the University is that it is a great school and very competitive to get in. I don't think the Harbaugh issue is implicated by the fact that athletes want to get in too (with a scholarship they have been tentatively offered). And I don't think it is resolved by calling them coddled if they are disappointed when it does not work out. I personally see differences between actually issuing and signing an LOI and making plans to issue and receive an LOI, and therefore perceive limited ethical issues when more athletes want to accept M's offers than it has spots. (Of course we need to keep recruiting and making offers, and of course we need to take the kids who keep the promise of continuing to improve and are most likely to contribute to the Football teams success). But I don't think that it means these athletes (who have to do all sorts of things to excel that "normal" qualified students may not do) are "coddled" or need to be demeaned in any way as they move on to other options.

 

[purplewreck]

I don't feel athletes are coddled. I do feel like it is in the best interest of a football program to "invest" in athletes who will produce the best ROI. I also believe great recruiters don't miscalculate all that often and shouldn't cut ties with more than a couple guys every cycle. Occasionally things change, I get it, but it seems odd that 5-6-7 guys would not meet the standards of his meritocracy.

It brings a couple of questions to bare: Harbaugh wanted the kids he processed at one point. Did he simply elevate his own status with a successful season and suddenly have access to better talent? Did he misjudge the recruits he processed early on? Is there a fundamental issue with how he and his staff evaluate JR talent?

If he suddenly had access to better talent this will be a one time thing and a fairly benign outcome. Frankly this is the first time he has ever been in a situation where he can chase the big fish without ultra-competitive admissions looming over the process. I know Michigan is a first-rate school but a marginal student with elite football skills will get an acceptance letter if Jim wants him. That wasn't the case at Stanford c

If he gathers recruits for '17-'18 and cuts them loose at a similar clip it points to a shortcoming in his evaluation process. It also points to a recruit management issue. A kid who commits as a junior is getting exposed to the "Michigan way" at camps, unofficial visits, communication with coaches, fellow recruits etc starting as early as his FR year. If a half dozen kids are failing to live up to the meritocracy then some disconnect between coach and player exists.

There are a great number of non-commitable offers from elite programs made to juniors. They come with conditions and stipulations. Most top-5 recruiting programs can effectively wait-list high 3 and low 4 star talent. It is a much more reasonable approach than taking a commitment 12-18 months out only to rescind it after the SR season.