The Elite 11 is a very political event, with the players chosen by a couple recruiting 'gurus'. I have heard several stories of these gurus playing 'hardball' with players, telling them that if they didn't give them information or tell them who they were committing to, they wouldn't get a spot. Basically, if you don't 'play ball' and kowtow to the organizers, you aren't 'Elite'. So as you said, take it for what it's worth, which frankly isn't a whole lot in my opinion.
Heismanpundit | Email | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 1:44 pm | #

Good stuff. Thanks.
Tex29 | Email | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 2:08 pm | #

HP, no question that there's a political edge to it. That's the case with everything associated with recruiting - rankings, interviews, All-Star games, etc.

However, you mention..."tell them who they were committing to, they wouldn't get a spot."

The Elite 11 group makes the selections in June/July...before recruits can even take official visits. Most of these kids haven't even made up their minds yet, and in fact, a good number may wait until Dec/Jan. Has this happened with any of the USC recruits that you know of, are can you provide any other examples?

Thanks...
Michael | Email | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 2:21 pm | #

Frazer, though injured, must have really nailed his telephone interview.
Mike Steedle | Email | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 9:39 pm | #

First time I have been here, but based on the Gutierrez-Wally Pipp remark, I am so coming back.
Nick | Email | Homepage | 06.30.05 - 10:21 pm | #

Great stuff guys. I have written a post about this linking to you guys, and will post it over the weekend. One thing I didn't write on my post was focusing more on Bob Johnson - and his son Brent Johnson, who I believe help him run this camp. There is lot of concern in the UCLA camp that there are some inherent pro SC/anti-UCLA bias built in because of the long poisonous relationship between the Johnsons and Bruins. But then again we did get Drew Olson. And right now we are just saddled with an aweful football coach. Anyways ... great stuff as always.
Nestor16 | Email | Homepage | 07.01.05 - 9:44 am | #

For more info on the Johnsons, click on the link for Bob Johnson at the beginning. I actually found some website associated with them that goes a lot more into detail.
Michael | Email | Homepage | 07.01.05 - 10:14 am | #

Pour out a little Louie for the Anthony Martinez Era.
Ian | Email | Homepage | 07.01.05 - 2:13 pm | #