Ohio State Recruiting: Wonder if Urban and Dabo are still pals?
Is this what it takes to convince a player not to join an Ohio State recruiting class?
Five star offensive tackle Jackson Carman chose to play football for Clemson today instead of joining the Ohio State recruiting class. It was reported Tiger head coach Dabo Swinney used negative recruiting to help pull Carman away from the Buckeyes. I wonder if Urban Meyer and Dabo are still pals.
Swinney evidently pointed out to Carman coach Meyer was on the back side of his career to help pull the big tackle his way. Carman admitted as such and said it was at least one factor in his decision to play for Clemson instead of staying home and play for Ohio State.
Here is what was reported concerning the situation by Tom Schad of USA Today:
"According to The Athletic, Swinney told Jackson Carman, a consensus five-star offensive lineman, that Meyer is “on the back end of his career in terms of years left.” And while that wasn’t the only reason he committed to the Tigers, Carman did say it was “an underlying factor,” according to the report.“(Swinney) also kind of mentioned that Urban was on the back half of his career, which he is, and that Dabo is just starting up, you know what I mean?” Carman told The Athletic.“So having a chance of being a part of something that’s upcoming and being able to establish Clemson as a top-three figure, that was big.”"
It had to be extremely disappointing for Urban Meyer to lose the No. 1 offensive tackle in the country and the top in-state recruit. But to lose out to a friend who used negative recruiting against him had to hurt.
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Before the playoff game last year Urban Meyer and Dabo Swinney shared how they had become friends from being around each other at different events involving college coaches. I wonder if the two will spend time together at the next one. I doubt it.
I don’t understand why Dabo had to use negative recruiting in the first place (if he did). Clemson has been to two straight national title games and the Tigers are the defending champions. And they are in the playoffs again this year.
He may want to reconsider his negative recruiting tactics because they could be used against him. I can see a coach telling a prospective recruit that Dabo may be leaving Clemson soon. They may point out he could be altering his recruiting style because he has intentions of coaching in the SEC.
Next: Predictions for Big Ten bowl games
Anyway, I think the Urban Meyer-Dabo Swinney mutual admiration society has closed its doors. Since the two coaches recruit many of the same players, I think it’s game on!