2015 New Commit - Nolan Ulizio

[sub legacy]

I don't understand how people are upset. Nothing in recruiting means anything until the NLI is received. For those of you who don't follow CFB recruiting as a whole (outside of UCONN), you'd be shocked at how many flipped commits there are.

Exactly. This happens all over the country, and probably on a daily/weekly basis. That's why as much as it sucks, it's hard to be mad at him and it's useless being caught up in the "woe is me" mentality. The sky is not falling and it appears the vast majority of our recruiting class is still in tact roughly a week away from Signing Day. Kids aren't flipping because we're UConn. It happens to even the most elite P5 programs regularly.

 

[J187Money]

I much prefer this than guys that show up to camp and then leave.

 

[uconnell]

Absolutely! As I understand it, the kid who had committed to Buffalo, committed to HC Quinn. He was then fired. At that point, the kid should have every opportunity to consider his options. In this case, there was no change with our HC. I consider the two situations to be totally different!

Fair enough.

 

[Dooley]

There is an early signing period proposal on the table. I believe the proposal would allow for kids to sign their LOIs in December. Based on what we've seen from our coaching staff in terms of identifying top talent much quicker than other coaching staffs, this would certainly help us retain a few prospects from the circling vultures.

Funny how Ulizio's "rating" shot way up after his commitment to Michigan though, huh? Just further proof that rating systems are complete hogwash.

Bottomline - if Ulizio wasn't 100% committed to UCONN, then I don't want him to sign a LOI and take a scholly away from another kid who actually does want to be at UCONN. If we're going to turn this thing around, we're going to do it with kids who want to be Huskies and are ready to put in the work for the love of the school and program. All the best to Nolan. Time to move on to kids who want to be Huskies and restore our football program back to pre-Pasqualoni era levels.

 

[UCFBfan]

Another thing to think about...this kid flipped to Michigan...yeah MICHIGAN. It's not like we lost him to Eastern Michigan or Central Michigan. No one here can blame the kid for wanting a shot at a program like Michigan. As I said before, I wish him well and time to move on folks.

 

[uconndogs]

Verbal commitment means absolutely nothing in recruiting.

Sure, the vast majority end up coming because of the same reasons they verbaled in the first place, but until the LOI is signed it doesn't mean a thing.

Yes, that is exactly right. There is no legal or regulatory obligation in place.

But, presumably, at the time verbal commitments are given, the coach/institution state their intention to hold a spot for that prospective recruit and that prospective recruit agrees to honor his verbal commitment in exchange for that spot. Now, if the parties agree that it's understood that the prospective recruit if offered by another institution will go there instead, I say fine. Both parties understand. But, if these recruits are telling programs yes I am committed to you and simply playing the game, then I think we are doing a dis-service to these kids. I really do.

Yes, I know it's Michigan. But, I give my word often in life and think long and hard about it. I'm not even saying I'm perfect, but at least I know the damn difference.

"Hey Coach, sorry man, but it's Michigan." No......that's not right.

btw, my point has absolutely nothing to do with whether UCONN lost out on a good football player. It's a much bigger issue than that.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

@uconndogs You're reading too much into the semantics of "verbal commitment".

Think of it as "unofficial pending intent".

I don't think staying true to your word and eventually committing to an early non binding decision have anything to do with one another.

We're talking about a young man making the most important decision of his life and he gets a better opportunity - you're saying his unofficial word should hold greater significance?

 

[junglehusky]

btw, my point has absolutely nothing to do with whether UCONN lost out on a good football player. It's a much bigger issue than that.

I don't see it as some kind of big issue that's an indicator of the decline in society (if that's what you were getting at). On the job market (depending on the sector) it's really not uncommon to accept an offer and then drop it if a better one comes along. In some industries people will even change jobs a few weeks after the start date if they feel it's not a good fit for them. Yeah, it's good to teach young people that word is bond, etc. etc. but to say a verbal commitment rises to that ideal is a bit of an overstatement IMHO.

 

[uconnell]

The commitment works both ways as far as I am concerned, but not to all coaches,u Unfortunately. Many times a coach will recruit over a commit and tat commit loses his place. This mostly happens on so called "big time teams".

 

[uconndogs]

@uconndogs You're reading too much into the semantics of "verbal commitment".

Think of it as "unofficial pending intent".

I don't think staying true to your word and eventually committing to an early non binding decision have anything to do with one another.

We're talking about a young man making the most important decision of his life and he gets a better opportunity - you're saying his unofficial word should hold greater significance?

As I stated, it all depends on the understanding between the two parties (the potential recruit and the coach). If that handshake is "I'm committed to you" and "I'm holding a spot for you based on that commitment" with both parties saying it's a done deal, then I think taking another offer or pulling the schollie are using semantics.

 

[ConnHuskBask]

As I stated, it all depends on the understanding between the two parties (the potential recruit and the coach). If that handshake is "I'm committed to you" and "I'm holding a spot for you based on that commitment" with both parties saying it's a done deal, then I think taking another offer or pulling the schollie are using semantics.

I think you have to look at recruiting (and job offers for that matter) in a vacuum.

In 5-10 years is this young man better served by keeping a verbal commitment with a football coach who BTW could leave at the drop of a hat or going to a place where he feels he can best succeed?

Same with a job offer - if something comes along with more money opportunity you have to take it for yourself or your family.

To me, my word is saying I'll be there for a friend or family member and following through whatever that may mean.

An organization/corporation gets my loyalty and word to the extent that I'll work hard when employed there - and nothing more than that.

 

[uconndogs]

Yeah, it's good to teach young people that word is bond, etc. etc. but to say a verbal commitment rises to that ideal is a bit of an overstatement IMHO.

I think you have to look at recruiting (and job offers for that matter) in a vacuum.

In 5-10 years is this young man better served by keeping a verbal commitment with a football coach who BTW could leave at the drop of a hat or going to a place where he feels he can best succeed?

Same with a job offer - if something comes along with more money opportunity you have to take it for yourself or your family.

To me, my word is saying I'll be there for a friend or family member and following through whatever that may mean.

An organization/corporation gets my loyalty and word to the extent that I'll work hard when employed there - and nothing more than that.

But you are not giving your word to your employer (typically) that you will not entertain other offers. In fact, it's implied that that you have every right to do so. You are an "employee at will" with most employers. I don't see the job analogy as lining up.

 

[Jimmy Serrano]

You guys that follow this nonsense crack me up. Haven't the actual games been hard enough to stomach without getting all wrapped up in this nonsense? People following kids on twitter and the like. Just strikes me as a big waste of time. Start paying attention when they actually sign and take the field.

 

[Waquoit]

I understand what you all are saying, but this guy anyway.

 

[junglehusky]

You guys that follow this nonsense crack me up. Haven't the actual games been hard enough to stomach without getting all wrapped up in this nonsense? People following kids on twitter and the like. Just strikes me as a big waste of time. Start paying attention when they actually sign and take the field.

I agree it is nonsense, but compare the number of posts on Ulizio versus the Diamond Stone thread on the MBB board... now that's a nonsense thread!

 

[Woof 101]

You guys that follow this nonsense crack me up. Haven't the actual games been hard enough to stomach without getting all wrapped up in this nonsense? People following kids on twitter and the like. Just strikes me as a big waste of time. Start paying attention when they actually sign and take the field.

And here you are following the nonsense...........Just say'n

 

[FfldCntyFan]

Personally I do hope that an early signing period is enacted as that will greatly help programs such as ours. Unfortunately, standard operating procedure in this sport has always been that the big boys will start looking very late in the game at under rated prospects. This is a large reason why there hasn't been an early signing period.

As far as this kid goes, he had the choice between:

Playing home games at the Big House vs playing home games at Rentschler Field.
Playing in the B1G vs playing in the American.
Playing for Harbaugh vs playing for Diaco.
Playing for Michigan vs playing for UConn

As much of a UConn fan as I am, I don't see how any reasonable person can look at the above and blast this kid for changing his mind.

 

[uconnell]

Ffld city fan. It all depends on if he was recruited as a player or a filler.

 

[Dizzy21]

As I stated, it all depends on the understanding between the two parties (the potential recruit and the coach). If that handshake is "I'm committed to you" and "I'm holding a spot for you based on that commitment" with both parties saying it's a done deal, then I think taking another offer or pulling the schollie are using semantics.

Are you upset with Diaco also? He has offers out to way more kids than he could ever take. Isn't it a bit dishonest to not have a real offer out there? I mean if the best of the bunch committed, he would take them over the 2 stars. Where is the integrity there? It's how it works in the end and unfortunately how the rules are set up. Until that changes, you can't fault either side for trying to be the best.

 

[formerlurker]

The kid made a decision and we'll all find out in 4-5 years if it was a smart one.

I'll spend that time supporting those who chose to be a University of Connecticut student and Football player.

 

[sub legacy]

For those who care. Ulizio went from a "not rated" commit for us on ESPN to a 78 rating for Michigan. Would have made him our highest rated recruit according to Espn.

Good luck to the kid. Can't blame him. If we only lose one recruit I'll be happy coming off the year we had. Shows the coaches are doing their jobs on the recruiting trail. Looking forward to 2/4.

All the more reason star ratings are a joke. These kids are only acknowledged if they're playing for a big time program.

 

[WhereistheDove?]

The people here taking personal offense to this kid flipping to Michigan need to step away from their computer and take a deep breath. As a senior in high school, he is making a choice that has the potential to be worth big money for his future and after committing to UConn, received an offer from a significantly better program with a proven and much higher profile coach. For all the complaining, I think if it came down to it and you were in his position, almost all of you would make the same choice.

 

[Waquoit]

For all the complaining, I think if it came down to it and you were in his position, almost all of you would make the same choice.

Well said. I still hope his feet fall off.

 

[uconndogs]

The people here taking personal offense to this kid flipping to Michigan need to step away from their computer and take a deep breath. As a senior in high school, he is making a choice that has the potential to be worth big money for his future and after committing to UConn, received an offer from a significantly better program with a proven and much higher profile coach. For all the complaining, I think if it came down to it and you were in his position, almost all of you would make the same choice.

I'm not complaining. I'm simply stating that the process as currently constituted is putting kids in a position where they are often making commitments they don't intend to keep if something better comes along. I think it's a lousy life lesson at a time in their lives when life lessons are very important.

Just to reiterate. If this kid or any other kid says "Coach, I'll commit to you, but if Big Deal U offers I intend to go there." And the coach is willing to hold the schollie knowing that is a potential risk. Then I am fine with it. Everyone is up front.

But, if the conversation is "Johnie, we're holding this schollie for you are you committed to us?" "Yes, coach, I absolutely am." Then I think these kids are being taught a terrible lesson.

Same goes for the schools btw. They commit to a kid, they damn well better take them. To the best of my knowledge that is absolutely the case at UCONN. In the SEC I know it often is not the case. Of course, those programs have the luxury of teaching situational ethics.

Just my feeling on the issue.

 

[uconnflyer88]

I'm not complaining. I'm simply stating that the process as currently constituted is putting kids in a position where they are often making commitments they don't intend to keep if something better comes along. I think it's a lousy life lesson at a time in their lives when life lessons are very important.

Just to reiterate. If this kid or any other kid says "Coach, I'll commit to you, but if Big Deal U offers I intend to go there." And the coach is willing to hold the schollie knowing that is a potential risk. Then I am fine with it. Everyone is up front.

But, if the conversation is "Johnie, we're holding this schollie for you are you committed to us?" "Yes, coach, I absolutely am." Then I think these kids are being taught a terrible lesson.

Same goes for the schools btw. They commit to a kid, they damn well better take them. To the best of my knowledge that is absolutely the case at UCONN. In the SEC I know it often is not the case. Of course, those programs have the luxury of teaching situational ethics.

Just my feeling on the issue.

If you job hunt for 12 months and only have one job offer, you are going to take it regardless. Two months into that job if a CEO of another company comes to you and says, whatever that company is paying you, we'll pay you triple....guarantee you take it any day and twice on Sunday.