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Posted on Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 3:50 p.m.

Michigan won't accept Penn State transfers because 'it's not our personality,' Brady Hoke says

By Kyle Meinke

BradyHoke_Preview.jpg

Michigan coach Brady Hoke will not accept Penn State transfers, even though his team faces depth issues on the offensive and defensive lines.

Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com

CHICAGO -- One Penn State player's parent called Michigan this week to discuss a possible transfer to the Wolverines.

Brady Hoke said thanks, but no thanks.

The Michigan football team's head coach said Thursday at Big Ten media days in Chicago that his program will not accept Penn State players, even if they express interest in joining Michigan.

"It's not our personality," Hoke said.

Big Ten Media Days

AnnArbor.com Michigan beat writers Kyle Meinke and Nick Baumgardner are in Chicago for Big Ten Media Days, which run Thursday and Friday.

Full schedule of Big Ten Media Days

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The Nittany Lions were leveled this week with NCAA sanctions in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal, and players were granted freedom to transfer anywhere without incurring the one-year sit-out rule.

Some schools already have taken advantage of the fluid situation. Illinois sent a large contingent to Happy Valley -- and reportedly to the campus itself, although coach Tim Beckman denied it -- and USC is widely reported to be courting star tailback Silas Redd.

But don't expect Michigan to follow suit.

"It's a philosophical choice," said Hoke, who has reached out to Penn State coach Bill O'Brien in the aftermath of the scandal.

Some coaches, such as Wisconsin's Bret Bielema, are taking a similar approach. Others, such as Illinois' Beckman, are going all-out to better their teams.

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said his approach lands somewhere in the middle. He has elected not to openly recruit Penn State players, but will engage in talks if a player calls him.

Hoke indicated even if a player calls him, he's not interested.

"You have team chemistry you worry about, and I think that's a big part of it," he said. "There's a lot of different answers and a lot of things you have to worry about."

Michigan did accept a former Penn State commit, four-star cornerback Ross Douglas, who defected from the Nittany Lions' 2013 class just hours after the NCAA delivered its sanctions Monday.

He joined the Wolverines' class Tuesday.

Since recruits can join and leave programs freely until they sign letters of intent in February, Douglas' situation is different than a current Penn State player joining Michigan.

Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.

Comments

golfer

Sat, Jul 28, 2012 : 4:55 p.m.

any recruits can de-committed anytime up until he signs. so just because a guy said psu. he could change his mind anytime up to the time he signs. he is not part of psu. he is a high school football player. so we did not take anyone one FROM psu. so try comparing apples to apples.

eom

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 6:20 p.m.

For the love of Pete, hire someone to edit your writing. Sheesh. Brady Hoke said thanks, but not thanks.

Ted Bundy

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 4:58 p.m.

GoBlue1984, RightMind250 and SEC Fan- You guys should be comedians, because your posts crack me up! Ross Douglas is in HIGH SCHOOL. He doesnt attend Penn St. He wanted to, but we all know what made him change his mind.

truebluefan

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 3:43 p.m.

"It's not our personality"? What does that mean? I don't think there is anything ethically wrong with fielding a phone call from a current PSU football player. If they are interested in going to Michigan, they meet the academic standards, and they fill a need on the team, then why not?! These are kids that want to better their situation. Why not help them out? I don't agree with Hoke here. Dantonio has the right approach.

Ted Bundy

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 5:01 p.m.

It will limit the scholarships available for next year. They wont count this year, but this year is the only exception imposed by the NCAA. Its more complicated than people think.

Robert Granville

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 2:55 p.m.

Brady Hoke has made a commitment to the players that are committed to Michigan. Each and every one of them has sat down with Hoke and discussed how they can contribute and what they need to do to see the field. It would be dishonorable for Hoke to renege on his commitments to the current players by bringing in transfers. Many are taking the view that Hoke is further punishing PSU players by refusing to take any. That simply isn't a logical line of thinking. Regardless of the situation at PSU, their former players are not entitled to transfer anywhere they chose, they're only permitted to by the NCAA. They will have a multitude of options across the country. It's not Michigan's or Brady Hoke's job to assure they have a place to land. Brady's only commitment is to Wolverines.

truebluefan

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 3:48 p.m.

If the PSU player WANTS to get out of PSU, is actively pursuing Michigan (i.e. calls or texts the coaches), WANTS to go to Michigan, meets Michigan's academic standards, and fills a position of need on the team, then WHY NOT at least talk to him? Hoke's stance here does not make any sense. It's like a false "ethical high ground". That said, I do not agree with making first contact with PSU players, like Illinois and USC are doing.

Ricardo Queso

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 2:58 p.m.

Still doesn't pass the smell test.

bunnyabbot

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 2:50 p.m.

It's very sad and I can see the different points of view on this. you have innocent players who worked hard to get scholorships or chosen to play at Penn St, many went to the team and coach they grew up watching and idolized. Many might have pro potential that now may be in jeopardy because of their sports program being decimated. I understand why the NCAA would allow for players to transfer to another team, you may have some top players who would otherwise be in the sights of pro leagues. on the otherhand you have M players who have worked hard to be on the team, may not get much playing time but who have earned a spot on the roster, they would be bumped in order to take a transfer. They deserve to be there in Hokes eyes or at least bumped by a michigan man and not some transfer.

Dwayne

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 1:47 p.m.

My gut reaction was, "Come on, Coach! This is a little extreme". However, after reading the comments and hearing different perspectives (particularly, Scott), I'm supporting Coach Hoke on this one. Obviously, this is unfortunate for the student athletes at PSU, but that is the choice that they made. Not saying the situation is their fault, but they own the results of that choice. I respect Coach Hoke's decision not to allow a student athlete who's second choice was Michigan, to take an opportunity away from a Michigan Athlete who's first choice was Michigan...Redd & Rawls. I also think it's a stretch to compare this with a recruit that decommitted (from a verbal) and hadn't even signed a letter of intent.

Hailmary

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 12:58 p.m.

There is nothing I can do about it. I'll turn on my Television game day or night and just enjoy the show. Brady is paid the bucks to figure all this out and I go with whatever Brady wants to do.

bluemax79

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 11:53 a.m.

I am reading a lot of sparti type comments on here. NOT well thought out with little information on the situation. Coach Hoke is a TEAM first guy, things that are good for the TEAM are things he does. things that could hurt TEAM chemistry and TEAM unity he doesn't go for. he wants kids that WANT to be at Michigan and LOVE Michigan, if any of those penn state kids wanted to be at Michigan they already would be. lesser coaches with ONLY winning in mind will take some of these transfers (how many have even been mentioned to be transferring? 1? 2? ) those teams care nothing for their current players that have sweated all summer working together to make their team better. Let those coaches do what they do. That is NOT the Michigan way. Some will call that arrogant, so be it really don't give a DAMN what they think.

local

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 11:40 a.m.

If these student athletes are looking for a place to play competitive football with the opportunity to play for something, Brady needs to take another look at this. Michigan is about opportunity and these kids are getting punished for something they had know part of. These guys just want a chance to play football and get an education along the way. I think if they call and inquire, Brady should allow them the opportunity at least to discuss the "why Michigan?" I am guessing we are talking about a few kids, a few who want to be part of a better program with opportunities they will miss out on at Penn State.

bluemax79

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 11:56 a.m.

they still have a place to play! at penn state! they didn't shut the program down and deny kids scholarships! did you even READ what happened? they won't be playing for a championship or in a bowl game but so what. Michigan already has a great recruiting class coming in for 2013 and the team is set for 2012. no need to disrupt things with less than 2 weeks to go before the fall practice starts.

Bulldog

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 11:52 a.m.

And potentially knock a current player, who has put the time in, out of a spot? I feel for the PSU players, but Michigan first.

Scott

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 5:20 a.m.

Gotta say I love that Hoke isn't doing what Layne Kiffin is. And he is right about team chemistry and morale. If Redd came in and displaced Rawls would that be right? Rawls has done everything he could to earn that spot. The arrival of Douglas in 2013 is in no way unethical or disruptive to our team morale. Now can Clark as soon as he's convicted. Stonum did a lot to screw up team chemistry. Leaving with everyone's best wishes. We should learn from that long and costly charade.

jusayin

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 2:37 a.m.

Just absolutely GOTTA LOVE this guy! Integrity Honor Truthfulness Loyalty...Straight from the MBO tree GO BLUE

Ricardo Queso

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 3:24 a.m.

What integrity?

Terry Star21

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 1:56 a.m.

Brady Hoke is correct in his assessment on not talking to or signing players from other teams. I would like to thank all the Michigan Faithful for commenting and supporting our great football team. Good luck to all. MgoBlueForTim.....signing off for good.

truebluefan

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 3:50 p.m.

Terry - Hoke is not correct all the time.

Ricardo Queso

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 1:36 p.m.

Just the kind of blind allegiance the NCAA warned about.

Laura Jones

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 1:34 a.m.

Why punish the kids at Penn State who want out of what is essentially a dead program? They should all leave. The NCAA has opened the door for them, understanding that they have little chance at careers coming from that program now. That was the right thing to do, and waiving the one year sit out was a strong endorsement of not punishing the players, but punishing the school. Refusing to look at these kids is somewhat strange. They are legitimate in leaving and deserve the chance to be seen. Why not do it? Smacks of somehow saying that doing so is offensive, which would be true in any other circumstance, but not this one. Is this some closet support for Jo Pa or Penn State? Some critique of the NCAA decision? I sincerely hope not and hope Hoke will rethink the way this looks. It's not flattering.

bluemax79

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 12:08 p.m.

Hoke's decision is based on what is best for MICHIGAN nothing else. he is the head coach at Michigan, he isn't supporting paterno (how did you get there? ) critiquing the ncaa or anything else. ' Michigan is full, no extra scholi's to give. these kids didn't want to go to Michigan in the first place why take another look now? because they are good players? this isn't the nfl where you buy players (unless your ohio) he doesn't want to disrupt his TEAM. this decision is what is BEST FOR THE MICHIGAN FOOTBALL PROGRAM. get over yourself

tim

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 11:20 a.m.

I can see both your points, but coach Hoke has only been in A2 for one year and needs to build trust with his players. If he had been UMs coach for years then the programs culture would be well established and asking to change for a special circumstance wouldn't be a problem.

1998pa

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 9:13 a.m.

I see your point, Tim, but it's not like we're talking about a complete overhaul. I doubt more than a couple players end up at the same school. And you're not necessarily talking about starters. If some sophomore LB can't handle some competition from a transfer, he's probably not going to handle competition from anyone very well.

Laura Jones

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 2:12 a.m.

I understand that sentiment and in any other circumstance I would applaud it. In this one, not so much. As a part of a society it is often important to ask others to make room for one more in difficult circumstances.

tim

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 1:53 a.m.

He's not punishing PSU players, they have put nothing in and UM taking nothing out. On the other hand there are kids at Michigan that have put in years of practice at UM and they would be the one being punished if Hoke accepts transfers.

tim

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 1:27 a.m.

It hurts moral in any organization if you don't promote from within --- You put in years of work to be part of the line up only to have your job taken away from a transfer. Good move coach Hoke, your teaching the kids that hard work pays off and that you care about your players.

SEC Fan

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 12:19 a.m.

I think the fact is that no Penn St. player would want to come to um...they'd rather go to a team that has an actual chance of winning something! heck, I think 50+ have said they'd rather stay at a school with NO chance of making a bowl game in their careers than going to a team (ummmm) that has virtually NO chance of making a bowl game.

Yost Ghost

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 3:13 p.m.

It's funny how sad, pathetic little people always resort to irrational hate speech when facts get in the way of their desired narrative.

MRunner73

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 11:10 p.m.

The last sentence was obviously missed by several comments above this one. I get it and understand. FYI: Michigan is not interested in Silas Redd who wants to transfer, a Junior tailback for PSU. He's probably heading to USC. Also refer to to the middle of the article: MSU Mark Dantonio would entertain talks if any current PSU player contacts them while Hoke said he would not. What's is there not to understand??

SEC Fan

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 12:21 a.m.

I don't think they "missed" it...they chose not to understand it. again...the only teams decrying going after Penn St. players are the ones with no chance of getting any! i.e., ummmmm.

Itchy

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 10:37 p.m.

Brady!!! Dumb move!!!

Goober

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 10:34 p.m.

Is this another example of MU arrogance? I think so! Talent is talent. Take it anyway you can, is my motto. But, I admit I am not a college football coach where other logic and criteria might apply. Dumb move, if you ask me!

azwolverine

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 12:56 a.m.

Goober, The problem here is, and Hoke is too classy to say it, there is not one player on PSU that is better than any player on Michigan.

Terry Star21

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 11:16 p.m.

MU is 'Moo University' up in east lansing

MRunner73

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 11:12 p.m.

Where is MU? Never heard of them.

Billy Bob Schwartz

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 11:12 p.m.

Goob...Didn't ask.

Bulldog

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 10:22 p.m.

Brady Hoke is Michigan Man! We do not need any Lions added to the mix!

ted

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 10:14 p.m.

Seems kind of foolish. They could get Zettle.

Terry Star21

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 11:25 p.m.

Ted...we need you on board here, come tailgate with us....choose MICHIGAN !

Billy Bob Schwartz

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 11:11 p.m.

Hoke won't settle. Forget about Zettle.

rightmind250

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 9:15 p.m.

Hoke indicated even if a player calls him, he's not interested. That is 100% Kyle Meinke. Hoke didn't say anything close to that statement.

Scott

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 5:24 a.m.

Saying someone is a liar without evidence is slander. That use to be called bearing false witness against your neighbor. A seriously wrong and destructive act.

azwolverine

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 1:05 a.m.

BTW, rightmind. Meinke never QUOTED Hoke as saying he's not interested. He wrote, and I quote, "Hoke INDICATED even if a player calls him, he's not interested." Reading Meinke's response to you above, that's exactly what Hoke's comments would INDICATE. Get it?

azwolverine

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 1:02 a.m.

Rightmind, Stating facts. As usual.

rightmind250

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 10:26 p.m.

haha, too funny. Let me know when you get to the "I'm not interested" part.

Kyle Meinke

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 10:15 p.m.

rightmind, that's not true. Talked to Hoke this afternoon, and he said "no" when asked if he would take Penn State transfers. Someone followed up by asking if he would take a kid who called him with interest, and again, he said "no, it's not our personality."

Terry Star21

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 9:03 p.m.

Brady Hoke is correct on that issue. Just like his 'zero-tolerance' policy of Michigan commitments visiting other schools - they be gone ! Being the nations best head coach, Hoke sets the highest standards of ethics for Michigan football that other coaches fail to. It is true, there was a Penn State 'commitment''. He 'decommitted' from the school on Monday after the NCAA ruling. On Tuesday as a free 'recruit', he contacted Michigan. Michigan will only talk to high school recruits and not current players - and sorry outsiders, "That is the Michigan way". Then you have a few idiot media people, as I was listening to 97.1 the person in the booth at the station said. "Yeah, Brady Hoke talks at the Big Ten meeting saying Michigan won't accept Penn State transfers, then he picks up one of their recruits". Hello ? Of course that sparty mentality always hurts people's credibility. MgoBlueForTiM...Brady Hoke, sets the Ethics Standards.

bluemax79

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 11:46 a.m.

agree 100%! a recruit and a player that signed to play with psu are totally different. some in the media have NO credibility but they openly question everyone elses. Coach Hoke is in the right here

1998pa

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 9:06 a.m.

You wouldn't contradict Hoke if you told you to sacrifice your first-born, TS, so it's hard to take anything you say seriously. Recruits are free agents, but transfers aren't? I believe the NCAA released PSU recruits from their NLIs, so yeah, they're free agents. Current players can transfer and are immediately eligible to play at any other university in the country. So yeah, they're free agents, too. Personally, I have no problem with Michigan getting Douglas. Even as a Michigan State fan. But I'm not going to sit here and judge transfers any differently, which is where, I believe, Hoke appears to be getting smug. Maybe not. Maybe he really feels that way, but I've yet to hear any valid reason why recruits and transfers are different. As long as they're handled in a proper and respectful way, there's nothing wrong with giving a kid another opportunity, to which they're entitled.

aareader

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 3:55 a.m.

The comment by "Birdie" outweighs Hoke's zero tolerance policy and your comments. They are kids and the NCAA did allow no penalties if they choose to leave. If Michigan wants the best program possible Hoke should at least evaluate these players IF they show an interest in Michigan. This appears to be NOT a well thought out process by Hoke.

7718

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 1:31 a.m.

Let's wait and see how well he sets these high ethical standards with all the problems his players are having right now. If it keeps going at this rate he'll have to have student body tryouts to field a team.

SEC Fan

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 10:22 p.m.

but the criminals are ok? hmmmmm... I think the best quote I heard was that the only coaches who would complain about taking Penn St. transfers were the ones who couldn't get any!

Ricardo Queso

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 9:09 p.m.

Hokes actions appear at odds with the NCAA and smell of a fondness for Jo Pa.

Birdie

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 8:59 p.m.

He should re-evaluate this position. All this is not the players fault. They should not also be (lesser, of course) victims of the dysfunctional athletic department at Penn State. Consider them on merit alone and if they deserve a spot, take them. No way should they have to lose their shot at playing or having a career in football because of the idiots at Penn State.

Robert Granville

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 2:49 p.m.

Not Coach Hoke's job to give them a place to land. There are literally hundreds of other schools that might not take Hoke's stance. You also have to consider his commitment to current players. How would they feel if a new transfer suddenly jumped them on the depth chart?

Birdie

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.

Actually, I do know what is going on, and yes, they can play regular season games, no post season (no bowl games) so that means they won't have equal footing with other players who have the opportunity to play post season. My point is that this is not the players fault and they deserve the same shot everybody else gets.

bluemax79

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 11:44 a.m.

those kids CAN still play at penn state! they are not cancelling the season. some of you do not even know what's going on and are making ill informed comments. you can't just take players with no spot for them. you also notice Coach Hoke mentioned team Chemistry that is HUGE! last years team HAD great chemistry, RR teams did not and you could tell the differnce.

Craig Lounsbury

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 9:04 p.m.

I agree

Ricardo Queso

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 8:57 p.m.

"Not our style"? The NCAA gave these kids a legal exit out of the mess that is Pedo State. Does Brady not accept the NCAA sanctions? It smells Brady. The bigger thing would be to "review" the kids and decide on each one individually.

greg, too

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 10:03 p.m.

I think he is trying to be diplomatic instead of saying he didn't want the kid.

bluemax79

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 11:41 a.m.

he mentions Chemistry, that is TEAM chemistry kids that have been at Michigan and have bene working all summer could loose their spot to a kid that leaves penn state wold not sit well. you also have to look at scholarship #'s Michigan already has committments from a VERY good group of players for the fall of 2013 & the ncaa is only allowing an exemtion for one year on scholi #'s so even IF there was a kid we needed and he would work out chemistry wise we woul dhave to dump someone to keep the psu player in 2013.

perfectlyflwed

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 12:20 a.m.

How bout we stop making childish, fictional names about Penn State University. First and foremost, a lot of great people have attended, currently attend, and will attend PENN STATE. Sandusky is not a reflection of the entire university or the people that are part of the Penn State family. I for one am all about the Maize and Blue, but as I said Saturday at the statue of Joe Paterno, I proudly discussed with Penn Staters that in the immortal words of the Bo, "Those Who Stay Will Be Champions" and was happy to say We Are, Go Blue!!!

Craig Lounsbury

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 9:03 p.m.

I agree

Terry Star21

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 8:48 p.m.

GoBoo1984....Azwolverine is right. This kid decommitted from Penn State on Monday after the NCAA ruling. As a perfectly legit recruit on Tuesday morning, 'he' contacted Michigan.

SEC Fan

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 4:58 p.m.

Sorry Garrisondyer...was typing from phone :-) point taken and accepted!

garrisondyer

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 12:27 a.m.

Who is this 'Gory' you speak of? :) Good point on the 'losing interest' factor, but I still think I agree with Hoke's approach. Assuming he's created a family atmosphere among the current players at UM, it could be pretty dicey to bring in an outsider who could possibly surpass those who have appeared to have put in more time and effort, regardless of skill level. Whereas, if you take a decommitted commit, they still come in with a fresh class in 2013, on the same level as all the other freshmen. And skill level is skill level, but team unity can make or break a whole team. So I see and agree with Hoke's stance.

SEC Fan

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 12:17 a.m.

uhh...I believe the SEC has said any players currently attending Penn St. can also be recruited. If they express interest in leaving Penn St., isn't that the same as saying they "lost interest" in attending/playing for Penn St.? So, yes, Nic and Gory...What's the difference?

garrisondyer

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 11:57 p.m.

@SEC Fan, you're seriously asking what's the difference? The difference is this: he wasn't part of the team. Plus, he de-committed, basically telling PSU that he had lost interest in joining their team in the year 2013.

Nic

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 10:38 p.m.

Of course you sec fans wouldn't understand the difference. He is jus as open to being re-recruited as any of the 2013 Michigan pledges are. So are all the other coaches not allowed to talk to any of our recruits now?

SEC Fan

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 10:21 p.m.

what's the difference? He was going to go to penn st.

Itchy

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 8:47 p.m.

Egos are amazing, eh?

Al Hunter

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 8:41 p.m.

Douglas is a 2013 class member. They don't sign until Feb 2013.

GoBlue1984

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.

So he won't take current players, but he will poach their recruits... so classy!

1998pa

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 8:56 a.m.

Actually, I don't see what's wrong with accepting a transfer. What's happening at Penn State can be legitimately DEVASTATING to a football player's career. And you're going to try to judge loyalty? I'm pretty sure I (nor anyone else on this website) am not qualified to make that call. If a kid wants to stay at PSU, good on him. If not, I understand. But there's nothing wrong with Big Ten coaches giving the opportunity to someone else. There's no need to be unscrupulous, but if a kid is going to transfer out of conference, why wouldn't you give him a chance to stay in the Big Ten?

jen777

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 2:38 a.m.

No there is o letter of ntent until February for the recruit who decommited. These are the recruits for next fall, not this fall.

tim

Fri, Jul 27, 2012 : 1:33 a.m.

Recruits have not dropped one drop of sweat for either team so they are free game, but a transfer might take the job away from a kid that has put in years of work for his team.

Billy Bob Schwartz

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 11:07 p.m.

SEC Guy...I've read your comments for some time now and I'm pretty sure that you see the difference between accepting a 2013 recruit who hasn't signed a letter of intent yet (not till Feb. 2013) and a player already committed to Penn State. That's a lot more than semantics, isn't it?! I think you're just ribbing us a bit.

SEC Fan

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 10:20 p.m.

oh...the semantics begin...

Itchy

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 8:48 p.m.

UM egos are amazing, eh?

skigrl50

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 8:48 p.m.

Hoke is a class act!! A recruit has NOT yet signed a letter of intent...

a2citizen

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 8:39 p.m.

Did Douglas sign a Letter of Intent with PSU?

azwolverine

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 8:26 p.m.

Hoke didn't poach anyone. It's my understanding that the kid de-committed from PSU before UM spoke to him. In other words, he was no longer a PSU recruit. Personally, I'd like to see Hoke take the D'antonio stance and talk to players if they call, but I understand and respect Hoke's stance on the matter.

Ghost of Tom Joad

Thu, Jul 26, 2012 : 8:15 p.m.

Yeah, how terrible of him to offer that incoming student a legit opportunity at a school that stands a chance to do something other than serve as a weekly punching bag. Hoke is such a hypocrite! /s