2018 Recruiting Thread

[Exit 4]

I was at that game. Good news for us is the quiet game #6 had was pretty much what I heard happened all year. Teams generally stayed away from him. He played to the boundary and matched up with their main guy Marquis Wilson (offered by PSU, Maryland, Rutgers). He shut him down. They started off with a few bubble screens that got no yards. Afterwards, their QB would look Lucien’s way then quickly try and go through his progressions away from him. Nico played well. The catches he had were primarily a result of Avon’s QB scrambling and extending plays which is always tough on DB’s. Definitely a good slot type receiver. I don’t necessarily agree that he has P5 speed. The way Lucien smothered Wilson I would surmise that a bigger faster corner such as him would have made it tough for Nico. Perhaps that’s what RE2 is thinking? Just a guess.
The Erickson League that Avon plays in has marginal corners at best. Definitely the weaker of the divisions as Choate has dominated every team they played en route to their four consecutive championships.

Great info. What did you think of Rogers and Taisun?

 

[Exit 4]

Knox is from a middle TN football power. Brentwood Academy has several 4 stars this year and has produced a bunch of P-5 players over the last decade. Knox played next to Jack Sirmon a 4-star Washington commit. Played against a high level of competition and has been coached well. By going to Brentwood Academy tons of recruiters have seen him play, which begs to ask where are the FBS or G-5 offers. His brother walked on at Ole Miss and became their starting TE. The thought may be that he will follow in his brother's footsteps to walk-on at an SEC school rather than take a scholly from an Academy, G5 or FBS.

Nice to see that Lashlee is at least dipping into the Middle TN recruiting as the football talent is exploding along with the population growth.

While we have good mutual twitter interest going on with this prospect, it might be hard to lure him away from Ole Miss where his brother Dawson is a walk on QB/TE that rose to starter TE this past season as a RS Sophomore.

 

[Hornet22]

Great info. What did you think of Rogers and Taisun?

Taisun is the real deal. He has all the tools to make it at the next level. He uses his legs to escape trouble but his eyes are always down field. And he has the ability to throw on the run and the ball definitely comes out of his hand hot. It was two undefeated teams with lots of D1 talent which is what drew me to the game. As for Rogers, When I heard that he had a visit scheduled with Alabama I was curious to see how he would play against a team that quite frankly has dominated prep ball in New England for four years. Honestly, he didn’t impress me at all. Could have been an off game but he didn’t impose his will on Choate at all. They measured up with him talent wise.
I was interested in the Lucien/Wilson matchup as everyone was saying the Avon kid was tearing it up and was athletically superior to everyone else. Again, wasn’t impressed. Lucien was too much for him. People on the sidelines even commented that Wilson looked like he didn’t want to play anymore. Taisun kept the game close. I enjoyed watching him.
Hope that helps!

 

[huskyblooz]

Nico also dominated the best HS league in the state. Look at his highlights a New Canaan and tell me he doesn't have D-1 speed. All-time leading receiver in CT history!

 

[Hornet22]

Nico also dominated the best HS league in the state. Look at his highlights a New Canaan and tell me he doesn't have D-1 speed. All-time leading receiver in CT history!

Definitely respect your opinion. He’s a good player. Don’t get me wrong. But I believe the New Canaans and Dariens, although they generally dominate the public leagues, don’t have some of the athletes that you see in the Prep/Boarding School leagues with the allotment of Post Grads. I believe those teams would dominate the public leagues just because they have more mature athletes and PG’s that are already committed to Ivy’s that need to maybe get a better test score, etc.
Again, he’s a good player. I just don’t see him sprinting past any corners at the next level.

 

[UConnJim]

Ragaini is bigger and faster than Nick Williams

I'm skeptical that he is faster than Nick Williams although Williams was really quick more so than really fast. Williams was overlooked in high school (like Larry Taylor) due to his size, not due to his speed. I looked up Raigani's track times and I saw he had a personal best 6.91 in the 55 meters indoor in 2016. That is a good time and maybe he has improved his speed, but it was not close to fastest in the state.

 

[Hornet22]

Nico also dominated the best HS league in the state. Look at his highlights a New Canaan and tell me he doesn't have D-1 speed. All-time leading receiver in CT history!

I’ll give you one better. If I had a pick to add to our receiving core I would take Chase Kinzly from Cheshire over Nico. He’s an exceptional receiver that can play to the boundary and catch almost any jump ball that gets thrown his way. He’s a legit 6’4 and can jump and has excellent body control. I’m telling you, guys like Nico with ok speed would get jammed at the line of scrimmage by long fast corners in press man.

 

[kcc1442]

I was at that game. Good news for us is the quiet game #6 had was pretty much what I heard happened all year. Teams generally stayed away from him. He played to the boundary and matched up with their main guy Marquis Wilson (offered by PSU, Maryland, Rutgers). He shut him down. They started off with a few bubble screens that got no yards. Afterwards, their QB would look Lucien’s way then quickly try and go through his progressions away from him. Nico played well. The catches he had were primarily a result of Avon’s QB scrambling and extending plays which is always tough on DB’s. Definitely a good slot type receiver. I don’t necessarily agree that he has P5 speed. The way Lucien smothered Wilson I would surmise that a bigger faster corner such as him would have made it tough for Nico. Perhaps that’s what RE2 is thinking? Just a guess.
The Erickson League that Avon plays in has marginal corners at best. Definitely the weaker of the divisions as Choate has dominated every team they played en route to their four consecutive championships.

Don't want to belieber this point as we have talked a great deal about Nico. But he definitely has P5 speed. Not saying he would play as a freshman for any P5 school out there but he would compete well early on in any program. If interested go back and check out my post earlier. A family member of mine coaches for Choate. He said there is no question Nico was the best athlete on the field in that game. He has coached many kids to D1 scholarships and said that there is no reason he shouldn't have bigger programs in on him and especially a school like UConn. He said that he was the best athlete full well knowing the abilities and offers that Tpho and Marquis got. He also said that many of the coaches that he talked to that had played Avon raved about Nico first and foremost before anyone else. Lucien being a bigger corner was matched up against the bigger WR in Marquis for size purposes. I wouldn't go assume Lucien would or could've just shut down Nico had he been matched on him.

 

[Hornet22]

Don't want to belieber this point as we have talked a great deal about Nico. But he definitely has P5 speed. Not saying he would play as a freshman for any P5 school out there but he would compete well early on in any program. If interested go back and check out my post earlier. A family member of mine coaches for Choate. He said there is no question Nico was the best athlete on the field in that game. He has coached many kids to D1 scholarships and said that there is no reason he shouldn't have bigger programs in on him and especially a school like UConn. He said that he was the best athlete full well knowing the abilities and offers that Tpho and Marquis got. He also said that many of the coaches that he talked to that had played Avon raved about Nico first and foremost before anyone else. Lucien being a bigger corner was matched up against the bigger WR in Marquis for size purposes. I wouldn't go assume Lucien would or could've just shut down Nico had he been matched on him.

Hey, it’s all speculative at best right? Of course that was all my opinion. I do agree with you though- Nico is a very good receiver. And yes, in the projection game he does have a solid base to build on with coaching and reps. The thing I was most impressed about was the fact he never seemed to take any plays off. He has a high motor and runs his routes as if he’s getting the ball all the time. As for best athlete on the field that day? I’m sorry. I just can’t agree with that. I was there and have a pretty good grasp of football. There were better athletes than him on the field that day. Not many though.
We’ll agree to disagree?

 

[Exit 4]

Taisun is the real deal. He has all the tools to make it at the next level. He uses his legs to escape trouble but his eyes are always down field. And he has the ability to throw on the run and the ball definitely comes out of his hand hot. It was two undefeated teams with lots of D1 talent which is what drew me to the game. As for Rogers, When I heard that he had a visit scheduled with Alabama I was curious to see how he would play against a team that quite frankly has dominated prep ball in New England for four years. Honestly, he didn’t impress me at all. Could have been an off game but he didn’t impose his will on Choate at all. They measured up with him talent wise.
I was interested in the Lucien/Wilson matchup as everyone was saying the Avon kid was tearing it up and was athletically superior to everyone else. Again, wasn’t impressed. Lucien was too much for him. People on the sidelines even commented that Wilson looked like he didn’t want to play anymore. Taisun kept the game close. I enjoyed watching him.
Hope that helps!

Appreciate the opinion. In the little bit of game highlight video I watched very closely for Rogers. It seemed like he didn't have his motor fully revved up. There were a few plays where he didn't make a best effort when on DL.

As for recruiting, three new names to watch in the weeks ahead:
Christian Arlington - OLB from Mechanicsburg PA
Marcus Hillman - RB from Camden NJ
Tyrese Ross - big time safety recruit from Jacksonville FL - Miss State decommit

 

[UConnRock]

Did Ragaini camp at Uconn? If so the coaches saw him in direct comparison to multiple other commits. I trust Edsall to know and understand talent.

 

[UConnRock]

I'm skeptical that he is faster than Nick Williams although Williams was really quick more so than really fast. Williams was overlooked in high school (like Larry Taylor) due to his size, not due to his speed. I looked up Raigani's track times and I saw he had a personal best 6.91 in the 55 meters indoor in 2016. That is a good time and maybe he has improved his speed, but it was not close to fastest in the state.

Just a quick comparison of other Uconn wr commits....Heron Maurissuea ran a 6.51 55 meters and Elijah Jefferies ran a 6.65. Quite a difference from Ragaini 6.91 when a coach is focusing on speed. The numbers tell a story.

 

[Hornet22]

Just a quick comparison of other Uconn wr commits....Heron Maurissuea ran a 6.51 55 meters and Elijah Jefferies ran a 6.65. Quite a difference from Ragaini 6.91 when a coach is focusing on speed. The numbers tell a story.

I couldn’t agree more. Now of course there’s so much more that goes into being a successful college player namely how these young men will adapt to the uptick in competition. But I watched Avon in person which I’m sure this staff has evaluated him as well (with more of a fine toothed comb than me) and went with the guys they offered.
The class isnt finished yet so maybe he does get a late offer and I know who would be happy!

 

[Husky68]

Just a quick comparison of other Uconn wr commits....Heron Maurissuea ran a 6.51 55 meters and Elijah Jefferies ran a 6.65. Quite a difference from Ragaini 6.91 when a coach is focusing on speed. The numbers tell a story.

Being more of a 6.91 40 yard guy, all these guys speed seem impressive. The differences shown here do seem important when comparing WR potential. College coaches get paid to win, there will be competition for him at the level where coaches think he is a "get". Not sure if what will say next is really true, but I think it is better to be recruited where your skill matches what it takes to get playing time rather than being "overmatched" and not good enough to get on the field.

 

[History Geek]

I saw Ragaini play live when at NDWH. Yes he impressed me a lot. However, I don’t think this visible campaign on an internet bulletin board and Twitter will help his cause. The way to get noticed by a staff is to express your interest to direct to the staff itself, not by using such a public forum. The staff’s evaluation of him, coupled with what they think their needs are, will drive their decision. The publicly expressed opinions of a handful of diehard fans (which may or may not include his friends and family) won’t move the needle. Nor should it.

 

[UConnJim]

Here are some track times for current and former UConn players to put the times into perspective:

55m and 100m times:

Kevin Mensah 6.77, 11.12
Elijiah Jeffries 6.65, 11.21
Herron Maurisseau 6.51, 11.24
Quayvon Skanes 6.55, 11.06
Keyion Dixon 6.57, 11.12
Tyler Coyle no 55, 10.78
Cameron Hairston no 55, 11.16
Tyraiq Beals no 55, 11.93
Josh Marriner 6.43, 10.79
Kashif Moore, no 55, 10.62
Marcus Campbell 6.51, 10.96
Trevardo Williams 6.56, 10.74
Robert McClain 6.55, 10.84

 

[Hornet22]

I saw Ragaini play live when at NDWH. Yes he impressed me a lot. However, I don’t think this visible campaign on an internet bulletin board and Twitter will help his cause. The way to get noticed by a staff is to express your interest to direct to the staff itself, not by using such a public forum. The staff’s evaluation of him, coupled with what they think their needs are, will drive their decision. The publicly expressed opinions of a handful of diehard fans (which may or may not include his friends and family) won’t move the needle. Nor should it.

Very well said. But hey, it is freedom of speech so the advocating for Ragaini is welcomed as material for our banter.
Again, these 19 coming in seem promising. Time will tell!

 

[ZOOCONN]

By saying "Character issue?" you aren't implying that? Of all the "million reasons" you pick that one yet you are "Not implying that,".

i was wondering if it was a character issue as well. only because the staff has stated that they have disqualified recruits for that reason recently

 

[Hornet22]

i was wondering if it was a character issue as well. only because the staff has stated that they have disqualified recruits for that reason recently

Doubt it. I just believe that it wasn’t a position of need beyond the athletes they’ve signed. And the ones they’ve brought in are better than him in their opinion

 

[Confident Carl]

Here are some track times for current and former UConn players to put the times into perspective:

55m and 100m times:

Kevin Mensah 6.77, 11.12
Elijiah Jeffries 6.65, 11.21
Herron Maurisseau 6.51, 11.24
Quayvon Skanes 6.55, 11.06
Keyion Dixon 6.57, 11.12
Tyler Coyle no 55, 10.78
Cameron Hairston no 55, 11.16
Tyraiq Beals no 55, 11.93
Josh Marriner 6.43, 10.79
Kashif Moore, no 55, 10.62
Marcus Campbell 6.51, 10.96
Trevardo Williams 6.56, 10.74
Robert McClain 6.55, 10.84

When I saw Trevardo's name, I remembered his dance moves. He was a freak athlete.
Wonder how he would have done at running back?

Trevardo Williams Has A Few Dance Moves 

 

[businesslawyer]

Here are some track times for current and former UConn players to put the times into perspective:

55m and 100m times:

Kevin Mensah 6.77, 11.12
Elijiah Jeffries 6.65, 11.21
Herron Maurisseau 6.51, 11.24
Quayvon Skanes 6.55, 11.06
Keyion Dixon 6.57, 11.12
Tyler Coyle no 55, 10.78
Cameron Hairston no 55, 11.16
Tyraiq Beals no 55, 11.93
Josh Marriner 6.43, 10.79
Kashif Moore, no 55, 10.62
Marcus Campbell 6.51, 10.96
Trevardo Williams 6.56, 10.74
Robert McClain 6.55, 10.84

For a weakside DE who could friggin run.

 

[uconnphil2016]

Bunch of mutual twitter follows for Kirk Merritt, a WR at Eastern Mississippi CC. Was a 4 star recruit at A&M who was kicked off the team

 

[JMick]

Bunch of mutual twitter follows for Kirk Merritt, a WR at Eastern Mississippi CC. Was a 4 star recruit at A&M who was kicked off the team

oh god it sounds like he Louis C.K.'d his tutors. I'm not sure how I'd feel about him being here... He already went from Oregon to A&M to CC

 

[uconnphil2016]

oh god it sounds like he Louis C.K.'d his tutors. I'm not sure how I'd feel about him being here... He already went from Oregon to A&M to CC

Agreed lol. Guy doesn't seem like he sticks anywhere and has that weird baggage. We'll see...haven't offered yet, but he's following like everyone on our staff

 

[Exit 4]

Bunch of mutual twitter follows for Kirk Merritt, a WR at Eastern Mississippi CC. Was a 4 star recruit at A&M who was kicked off the team

Looks like he has two years of eligibility left. I don't believe players who have signed an NLI with another school at a prior point count towards the 25 man annual scholarship limit. Therefore, I think this would use one of the three open transfer slots we have in addition to the seven open slots under the 25 head limit Edsall mentioned on signing day.

 

[ktuck911]

If this Merritt kid is ready for his last hoorah with us for 2 years, I'm in... We need talent... but, he's gotta be ready... finished with all the distractions...

 

[JMick]

If this Merritt kid is ready for his last hoorah with us for 2 years, I'm in... We need talent... but, he's gotta be ready... finished with all the distractions...

I'm not sure I'd classify indecent exposure as a "distraction"

 

[Exit 4]

Bunch of mutual twitter follows for Kirk Merritt, a WR at Eastern Mississippi CC. Was a 4 star recruit at A&M who was kicked off the team

I had it backwards in my first post (since edited). I only see Lashlee following while it looks like he is following 10 or so of our coaches though. It seems like he is more interested in us (surely through Lashlee) than perhaps vice versa.

 

[ktuck911]

I'm not sure I'd classify indecent exposure as a "distraction"

honestly, I've heard worse about a young kid who's probably going thru a cocky phase (most kids with ability on his level do things, but probably got swept under the rug, or they just didn't get caught). My hope is he's taking this setback all in and he's remorseful and serious about making the best of this one last chance... Doesn't sound too unfair, does it?

 

[JMick]

honestly, I've heard worse about a young kid who's probably going thru a cocky phase (most kids with ability on his level do things, but probably got swept under the rug, or they just didn't get caught). My hope is he's taking this setback all in and he's remorseful and serious about making the best of this one last chance... Doesn't sound too unfair, does it?

ehh maybe 20 years ago I'd have a different opinion. with what we know today and the current climate it's probably best we stay away.