Moving this here bc I didn't think it fit the bussey thread but felt it was worth discussing
Originally Posted by DD4ME:
If the rumors of Hendrix packing his locker are true I am struggling to understand how we let a guy with that much potential get to that point."
My post:
It might not be the popular opinion, but this might be an SEC learning curve for the coaches. At CM and cincy, you don't have to worry much about guys feeling like they need all star treatment. Maybe a little, but they know they're at a 2nd rate program. In the SEC, you have to deal with guys who feel like they are an NFL lock as soon as they graduate high school.
There has to be a fine line between the "workmen like" mentality Butch talks about and working with some divas.
You can't let the prisoners run the jail (uga) because they will never have the discipline to pull through in the big games, but you can't be so hard nosed that the prime time ego that comes with prime time talent won't play for you.
I'll jump in here.
The fact is, this happens everywhere... especially with the freshmen. Many reasons, but here is the general progressions.
1. First 18 years, live at home with parents and friends.
2. HS football, big fish in a small pond. Out "talent" most players due to natural ability. In many cases, don't need to push yourself to the limits in the weight room, practice or games.
3. Catered to as a king as a recruit, because that is the only way you get a recruit.
Enter college football:
1. For the first time in your life, you are away from your family and everyone that you know. The world is now a bigger place.
2. Small fish in a big pond. Now, most are bigger, faster and stronger. That natural ability only carries you so far.
3. What was once "fun" is now really, really hard work. The coaches and SC staff push you to your limits, because that is the only way to build a college football program. It tests your physical, emotional, and mental limits. You either get stronger, or flounder.
4. The collective toll of a college class schedule, move away from friends and family, disappointment in self and beginning to doubt one's own abilities, discouragement at place on the depth chart, physical pain, mental blocks, and the emotions that come with all of these things simply cause some players to transfer, or give up football all together.
Every recruiting class has attrition. It is highly likely that at least 2 will leave after every freshman year. We just "feel" the hit of it more because we are recruiting at such a higher level, and the fan's "savior" mentality of the incoming freshmen is even higher than usual.
The coaches are not necessarily doing anything wrong.
