Prelude:

So this may be a bit late, but let’s let it serve as a bit of a primer for the next batch of recruits. I think it’s the class of 2054 or something. What the hell year will these kids graduate in again? I can’t do that much math. I’ve had this in my head for a while, but the boss has had me slaving away so not much time to write…I digress.

Looking back on the year and where/how we lost a few battles, it’s interesting to see the decisions made and talking about why. So I pulled together what I think Charlie is selling, why recruits should snatch up the offer asap, and why some may not and how that could impact them. These are my own thoughts, feel free to add or disagree in the comments. But one thing is certain: it’s a hell of a product.

The Old Testament

Charlie is Selling…

Unrivaled tradition, history and fan support

- Our rivals can say all they want in this department, but ND has this locked up. No program touches us. Say all you want about Michigan or USC. Hell, even talk up the tradition of football in the South and all that amounts to about 1/10^th the history and tradition of Notre Dame. Rockne, Touchdown Jesus, The Four Horsemen, Rocket, Rudy, Ara and Lou.

Why a recruit should care: Trust me, you feel it. You feel it every day you walk around that campus, under the Dome or past the Grotto. In the classes, in the quad and especially in that tunnel and on that field.

Why some won’t: For some, tradition just isn’t important. Understandable. But if you can be inspired, if you can dream? ND is for you.

Why not caring is bad for the kid: Dreams are important. Just ask Josh from “Big”. He got to touch a 28 year old boob at 13.

A Program on the Rise

- Back-to-back BCS berths, and a healthy 20-6 record in his first two years, Charlie is selling success. Clearly the Irish are back among the country’s elite programs. ND isn’t quite at the top of the list yet, but the program is back in the Top 15, where it belongs.

Why a recruit should care: It is fun to win. Not as fun to lose.

Why some won’t: The blowouts. Big losses to USC, tOSU, Michigan and LSU l hurt. These were a few of the absolute best teams in the country in the last decade let alone in the last 2 years, but it’s a valid point – ND is back, but not quite there yet. Wherever that is.

Why not caring is bad for the kid: Despite how it looks, the program is back in a big way. Those few bad losses to really good teams show that we just need a few difference-makers, the top athletes, to be winning those games again. It’s an opportunity to make an impact, not a reason to go elsewhere.

CW Could Coach in the NFL in a Second, Runs his Team like an NFL Franchise and has the Connections

- Charlie is an NFL quality head coach. Everyone knows it, and these players should. The Super Bowl rings say it, the constant buzz around his name says it, and these kids need to know it. At ND you’re going to be developed, you’ll be coached, and it will make you better. You will come in as a top recruit and you will leave BETTER. Plus, Charlie has, and actively maintains, his NFL connections. He trades information and strategy with NFL Head Coaches all the time. You want to play on Sundays? Charlie can get you there, and likely he’s the best in the country for you in this arena. Finally, you’ll be used to the thinking, the style and the culture of an NFL program. Makes the transition to the next level a bit easier.

Why a recruit should care: Ummm, it’s good to have a good coach? Good coaches make you better and help you win, which is fun? Cuz playing in the NFL and being rich and famous is a good thing? Yes, yep and si senor.

Why some won’t: I’m not really sure. I guess some kids just don’t see this. Others are blinded by the fact that in the old eras (Davingham), ND had fewer players drafted than the USC’s and Miami’s of the world. But, that changes this year, and this new, nice trend will continue.

Why not caring is bad for the kid: Let’s say he chooses another college. I don’t want to pick on anyone, so let’s make up a school and coach. How about the Fighting Noise and head coach Zon Rook. Cool fictitious name. Let’s say you’re a top recruit and you go play for Ron. I mean Zon. You’ll go in a good player, and you’ll probably leave a good player. Not a great player, and not as good as you could’ve/should’ve been. You won’t have won a lot of games, either. Maybe 2 or 3 a year. Oh, and Zon doesn’t have anyone in the NFL to call on your behalf either. Bummer.

Guaranteed National Exposure, Every Home Game and Most Away Games (F U CSTV)

- Notre Dame has a long-term contract with NBC to nationally televise all home games. And the program is so big, so important to college football that almost all the away games are nationally televised as well. This means one thing: exposure and hype. You always see the day’s highlights, but ND’s are brighter, and more talked about. Always.

Why a recruit should care: Two main reasons. The first is ego. It’s really cool to know you’ll be on TV every week, and it’s really cool that other people know about how cool it is. Second, that NFL thing again. If you’re a good player at Notre Dame, you are much more likely to get noticed than the same caliber of player at another school. The basic exposure given you week in and week out at Notre Dame cannot be matched elsewhere.

Why some won’t: That exposure thing doesn’t matter for a superstar. If you’re a really big time player making highlight reel plays every week, everyone will see it and know it. The exposure is really a big boost to those good enough to go pro, but not the elite of the elite. And it also helps those that are borderline in terms of NFL-size talent. And along with that, it certainly doesn’t hurt you to be at ND if you’re one of the superstars. Read: Brady Quinn

Why not caring is bad for the kid: Every kid THINKS he’s one of those highlight reel type players, but it turns out that there are very few.

Notre Dame Will Provide a Top Notch Education and Moral Grounding

- You don’t float by at Notre Dame, even if you’re a football player. Sure, you can avoid killing yourself with classes if you want. It’s not some educational Alcatraz where you’re trapped running advanced math theorems all night, unless you want it to be that way. But, you will learn at Notre Dame. You’ll be smart and sharp when you leave. You’ll be marketable for ‘regular jobs’ and you’ll also be smarter than the average football player, which will help you on the field as well. You’ll also stay out of trouble, and leave with your head on straight, and your chin held high because of it. (Moms love this one.)

Why a recruit should care: If things go perfectly and you end up in the NFL, great. You have a head start on those other guys. You’ll pick up the schemes more quickly, as your brain will be more efficient and better tuned. You’ll also make better endorsement deals, know how to manage your career better and invest more wisely. In short, life will be better for you because of that education. And if you don’t go pro? You have a great degree from a top notch educational institution, with an amazing, open and dedicated alumni base that will be ready to help you out along the way. In short, you can get a regular job and then start a web site about Notre Dame. Or you can write for ours, you’re welcome any time. Oh, and because your mom will like it, and you should always try to make your mom happy. She’s MOM!

Why some won’t: 1) They ain’t smart enough 2) They can’t see beyond their own world, where everyone tells them they’re going to win 11 Heismans per year, they’re guaranteed to go pro 1^st round and hypety-hype hype hype. 3) Moral grounding just isn’t something for them. They want the easy road, the cheap road, and sometime the straight-up selfish/immature/illegal road. And that’s cool, it’s just not ND.

Why not caring is bad for the kid: Things sometimes don’t work out with the NFL. Most players do not go pro, and with ND you will have a great foundation to be successful in other endeavors: medicine, business, sports administration, even Sports Broadcasting (check it out Greg Little!)…and, that moral grounding is important too. Check out Maurice Clarett, or the 9 guys that have been arrested from the Cincinnati Bengals this year. Any from ND? I thought not. With ND, you have a better shot at avoiding those types of situations. And that’s a fact Jack.

The New Testament

Charlie is NOT selling the following:

• Coddling
• Warm Weather
• Loose floozies
• Size small t-shirts
• Under the table money
• An ‘image’
• Crack
• Crackhead’s plate-smashing-forehead (though he should)
• Laid back manners
• Lies

The Dead Sea Scrolls

Why a Recruit Shouldn’t Consider ND:

Can’t really think of anything, with the exception of a fear of commitment, the cold or the classroom. Which means you’re not right for Charlie anyway, so he won’t be knocking at your door.

Epilogue (of the Bible? Yes.)

With all of this said, I applaud this year’s class and welcome them to the family. It’s a special group of kids at a special place. And I look forward to the next round of recruiting. Not to the hype and the ups and downs of the rollercoaster ride. But just to the excitement of watching our squad out there competing with the best of the best for the best players. And to winning more and more of them.

Best of luck boys, and Go Irish!

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