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The Daily OrangeFB | Uneasy state of program led prized recruit Scott to de-commit
By Jared Diamond
Posted: 8/1/08, 7:39 PM EST Section: Sports
"I got leery because I didn't want to get up there and be stuck," Scott said. "If I went there and Coach Robinson and his staff was gone, now what am I going to do? I would have to deal with new coaches who don't know me or how I play."
Apparently, Scott's teammates and peers had similar concerns. After committing to Syracuse, Scott went on the recruiting trail himself, hoping to convince his friends and other Division I prospects from the Maryland and Washington D.C. area to lose their preconceptions and consider signing with Syracuse.
Each time, Scott was rejected, often with little or no explanation.
"One kid, Anthony Young-Wiseman out of Bethesda, (Md.,), he and I were talking, and I thought he would be good for Syracuse," Scott said. "He said, 'Hey man, I'm going to Duke. I'm sorry.' I don't know why, but he didn't even think about it."
Scott's fears about Robinson's job security put the cornerback over the edge, and Scott started searching for a better opportunity.
Central Michigan immediately stuck out. Two of Scott's close friends, Leron Eaddy and Malek Redd from River Hill High School in Clarksville, Md., had already signed with the Chippewas and were coaxing him to de-commit from Syracuse. Also, Scott knew CMU defensive coordinator Tim Banks, who Scott met at a football camp his freshman year of high school.
Scott said Eaddy and Redd were both willing to sign with the Orange so the three of them could play together, but they never received scholarship offers. They both latched on with Central Michigan instead and hoped Scott would jump ship and join them.
That's exactly what happened, leaving SU without its lone bright spot this recruiting season.
Just more bad news for Syracuse in a summer already blighted by the loss of leading receiver Mike Williams and defensive end Brandon Gilbeaux for academic reasons.
"I said, 'Wow, why can't I pull people in?'" Scott said. "Nobody wanted to bite on Syracuse. That's my honest opinion. I thought I was going to be there by myself."
jediamon@syr.edu
Apparently, Scott's teammates and peers had similar concerns. After committing to Syracuse, Scott went on the recruiting trail himself, hoping to convince his friends and other Division I prospects from the Maryland and Washington D.C. area to lose their preconceptions and consider signing with Syracuse.
Each time, Scott was rejected, often with little or no explanation.
"One kid, Anthony Young-Wiseman out of Bethesda, (Md.,), he and I were talking, and I thought he would be good for Syracuse," Scott said. "He said, 'Hey man, I'm going to Duke. I'm sorry.' I don't know why, but he didn't even think about it."
Scott's fears about Robinson's job security put the cornerback over the edge, and Scott started searching for a better opportunity.
Central Michigan immediately stuck out. Two of Scott's close friends, Leron Eaddy and Malek Redd from River Hill High School in Clarksville, Md., had already signed with the Chippewas and were coaxing him to de-commit from Syracuse. Also, Scott knew CMU defensive coordinator Tim Banks, who Scott met at a football camp his freshman year of high school.
Scott said Eaddy and Redd were both willing to sign with the Orange so the three of them could play together, but they never received scholarship offers. They both latched on with Central Michigan instead and hoped Scott would jump ship and join them.
That's exactly what happened, leaving SU without its lone bright spot this recruiting season.
Just more bad news for Syracuse in a summer already blighted by the loss of leading receiver Mike Williams and defensive end Brandon Gilbeaux for academic reasons.
"I said, 'Wow, why can't I pull people in?'" Scott said. "Nobody wanted to bite on Syracuse. That's my honest opinion. I thought I was going to be there by myself."
jediamon@syr.edu
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 8
Bruce Connors
posted 8/01/08 @ 8:09 PM EST
This is why I said let's have thanksgiving early and put a fork in this turkey. Robinson is now the problem. The AD shoould have corrected his error sooner. (Continued…)
Ed Brooks
posted 8/01/08 @ 8:36 PM EST
This story should come as no surprise. After this year's team goes 2-10 at best, including a win over Northeastern, GRob will be gone. GRob appears to be a nice guy, but as a football coach, he's awful. (Continued…)
Gene
posted 8/02/08 @ 2:54 AM EST
Syracuse is going to be embarrassed by Northwestern, a weak Big-10 football school known more for its academics. The AD shoud try to get out of this ASAP. (Continued…)
marc
posted 8/02/08 @ 8:41 AM EST
A bad situation 3 years ago has only gotten worse. It's disappointing to see a once winning program go completely down the tubes. If Robinson can't get to . (Continued…)
Damon Cherico
posted 8/04/08 @ 11:38 AM EST
This one goes out to everyone that wanted Coach P fired. All Coach P did was recruit GREAT talent and win games. His worst seasons when everyone started calling for his head were better than the seasons we've had under Robinson. (Continued…)
Paul McCain
posted 8/06/08 @ 9:13 PM EST
The Big East should replace Cuse football w/ ECU or Memphis from C-USA.
Kaylen Thorpe
posted 8/08/08 @ 10:05 AM EST
Just goes to show that GRob is the millstone around SU football's neck. He is scaring away the talent, to say nothing of a pathetic record and poor attendance. (Continued…)
g33k
posted 8/12/08 @ 5:35 PM EST
Its funny that everyone is now realizing what I was saying when he came in. He cost the school 2.5 million dollars thus far. And thats just his salary for the years he's been here. (Continued…)
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