Today is the day that many kids dreams will come true--and good for them, seriously!
It's proof that their hard work has paid off....at least to the college level.
Now, the respective coaching staffs for the Ducks, Beavers, and Vikings will all wax philosophically today that "this was a great recruiting class". Mark my words! Never--and I do mean NEVER--will a coach go on camera and say they are disappointed about incoming freshman/transfers. And that creates an interesting dilema for fans.
They--meaning Bellotti, Riley and Walsh--want you to believe everything they say. Each of these guys are all very good to the media....and they are genuine. That's different than alot of media markets, yet it's also very refreshing. As someone who covers them on a regular basis....I want some negative feedback spewing from their mouths on this treasured day. Recruiting is big business this day in age....we all know that. Heck, ESPNU ran 6 hours of "Letter of Intent" coverage this morning.
I'm not at all interested in 4 or 5 star recruits....it's all jambalaya! Each head coach--regardless of their collegiate level--needs to begin developing these kids. That's what's missing in our states' programs. Too many can't cut it academically, and are living on their past accolades. Bellotti has had trouble with this in recent years....Cameron Colvin anyone?? Riley has dealt with off field issues involving many of his players....Joe Rudolph comes to mind first. As for Walsh, he gets leftovers....the guys nobody seems to want. And all he's looking for is the proverbial "needle in a haystack". Anyways, I've rambled on....but don't judge an incoming player by what you've seen him do in high school or junior college. And definately don't believe all the hype that the coaches endlessly feed you. These kids can't continue to live on their past success(es). Make your own opinion when you see him for the first time. That's about as honest as it gets.

Adam Bjaranson