Ward committs??????

[Big Play]

He committed to Tennessee State. According to Scout.com

[Slim Tubby]

What the ????

[re3886]

Not exactly the type of school I had guessed he would end up at....

[norman dale]

when it comes to offering their student /athletes places to line dance. Either that or a historically black university.

[50PoundHead]

Tennessee State is an historically black university.

[lawrence21]

Pretty sure Norman Dale just said that. But thanks for repeating it.

[sonnygarcia]

There is something more behind this, a 4 star RB doesn't just end up at Tenn St., are we sure he was able to get into top schools?? I know numbers were thrown out there about his score, but I just feel they may not be accurate.

[4starrecruit]

Wish him well, and let him go. He did what he felt was the best for him no doubt. We don't know why and we don't have a need to know. I hope he does well and I hope he graduates and gets his degree. Life is good!

[GoBigGold]

JMO, but reading his quotes around the internet, this player was too risky to bring into the program for many schools.
I am glad he didn't land here.

[go4fan]

I think I would care more if he played a position other than RB. I know depth and competition are good things but do we really need another Young RB?? The answer is no. With Eskridge, Salomon, Whaley, Lipscomb, Bennent, and apparently Hoese on the goal line I think that is enough depth. Gimme some more D-line help. Good luck Trabis.

[Golden Elephant]

go4fan, while I agree that it's not wise to spend a ton of schollies on 1 position, all the guys you list at RB are potential talent. We've seen a little bit of Eskridge and Salamon, and those guys are OK so far (maybe they'll get better as they get stronger and more used to the college game, but they didn't have superstar talent right out of the box). And we know Duane Bennett is pretty good, but he's also coming back from an ACL, which is no sure thing.

Whaley and Lipscomb look like they have a lot of talent, but we haven't seen 1 snap from either of them in a college game. So, yes, if Ward was going to be a high talent and good student, I would've very much liked to see him join us.

[Iceland12]

[QUOTE=4starrecruit;37141]Wish him well, and let him go. He did what he felt was the best for him no doubt. We don't know why and we don't have a need to know. I hope he does well and I hope he graduates and gets his degree....QUOTE]

Agreed; and down there if he applies himself he may have a chance.

[Handsome Pete]

He committed to Tennessee State. According to Scout.com


Easy come easy go. But I must say something does not smell right here. Doesn't seem like we know the whole story.

[Iceland12]

Easy come easy go. But I must say something does not smell right here. Doesn't seem like we know the whole story.

1. By all accounts he was a very talented football player.
2. He had trouble qualifying academically.
3. Minnesota was one of the D-1A schools (I'm NOT going to use "Bowl Championship) interested in him.
4. He doesn't go to the "U" or any other D-1A school.
5. He goes to Tennessee State a school that probaly has lower academic standards. His stated reason he can play right away.
6. He's to young to go the Shon Greene - Iowa route of getting in, not going to class and then heading to the NFL in your Junior :D year.

That may not be the whole story but it's probably enough.

[go4fan]

Elephant,

I agree with you about the potential talent our RB's have but would adding one more RB with potential talent help especailly one who has trouble in school? I don't think so. I never wanted him and I am happy he is not with us. Save that schollie for next year.

[SelectionSunday]

Supposedly this kid had major programs interested in him, correct? Yet he doesn't end up at one of the major programs, he ends up at Tennessee State? That tells me the major programs wouldn't touch him with a 10-foot pole, for whatever reason. Usually that "whatever" reason is one thing. ... extremely poor academics and/or test scores. That major programs wouldn't touch him is saying something because we all know the nature of major-college football and basketball.

[GoAUpher]

Supposedly this kid had major programs interested in him, correct? Yet he doesn't end up at one of the major programs, he ends up at Tennessee State? That tells me the major programs wouldn't touch him with a 10-foot pole, for whatever reason. Usually that "whatever" reason is one thing. ... extremely poor academics and/or test scores. That major programs wouldn't touch him is saying something because we all know the nature of major-college football and basketball.

Well, we know its not test scores. The scores reported for him were solid.

[sonnygarcia]

Well, we know its not test scores. The scores reported for him were solid.

The scores were reported straight from the kid's mouth, so thats assuming he just didn't tell those media people one thing and another had really occurred. I don't think anyone (other than universitys and test score centers) know what he REALLY got???

[GoAUpher]

The scores were reported straight from the kid's mouth, so thats assuming he just didn't tell those media people one thing and another had really occurred. I don't think anyone (other than universitys and test score centers) know what he REALLY got???

Fair enough. I choose to trust that the kid wouldn't just lie outright (and its only fair to note that there is no proof that he did).

[Iceland12]

Fair enough. I choose to trust that the kid wouldn't just lie outright (and its only fair to note that there is no proof that he did).

If you search your memory, you may come-up a friend or two who could have possibly fudged when they told you their ACT or SAT scores...or GPA...or bowling average..or golf handicap...

Just a thought.

[Dr.Don]

Or the size of the fish that got away!!!!!!!!!!

[GoAUpher]

If you search your memory, you may come-up a friend or two who could have possibly fudged when they told you their ACT or SAT scores...or GPA...or bowling average..or golf handicap...

Just a thought.

I'm not disagreeing that this is possible or even likely, but I'm not going to assert anything here without something to back it up. I think it is terribly suspicious that he ended up at Tennessee State after all of this but it could also be that some of his HS credits are suspect, etc. This is why I try not to hypothesize about the situations these kids are in...I know nothing about them and you have no idea whether your assumptions are reasonable. Good luck to the kid.

In the meantime I think I'll head over to the bowling alley and see if I can match the 300 I rolled last night. ;)

[Dr.Don]

I shot par at golf once last summer...when I hit par, I quit...between the 4th and 5th holes.

[50PoundHead]

Pretty sure Norman Dale just said that. But thanks for repeating it.

I thought Norman was asking a question and I wanted to change his "or" to my "is." Wasn't trying to be a smarty-pants.

[btowngopher]

You have to think it was test scores. I mean if the kid had off the field and outside of the classroom issues that were so scary not a single D-1A team would touch him then I honestly don't think Tenn. St. would touch him either. I mean I have never really heard of Tenn. St. before so maybe football is big there? But I don't think they'd reach a hand out any sooner then a D-1A program. And if the kid did have major problems I think it would be fairly easy info to come by. So I am guessing its A)test scores (is there anyway the public can actually find out the scores?), or B)a really odd case where the kid actually wants to go to that school.

[peaygolf89]

Tennessee State University has had TONs of NFL players (Too Tall Jones, Claude Humphries, Joe Gilliam just to name a few)) and one of the winningest programs in NCAA history. Do some research before you knock a University. Education at TSU is great and the city is second to none.

It is odd that a player like Ward would come to a 1AA school. I get that. If you look at their roster, it is full of big time D1 transfers that got into trouble at a major University. MAYBE???? this kid sees the bigger picture. He may understands (or had somone to tell him) that a smaller school will be better for him in the long run. TSU had the #16 pick in the NFL draft last year and will have 3 drafted in April this year.

The Coach at TSU is a no-holds-barred guy. coached J. Peppers at UNC and teaches kids how to be great people as well as great players. TSU is glad to have him, but DO NOT knock a school you know NOTHING about. Look up the history, you may be impressed.

Good luck to the Gophers next season.

[STPGopher]

Tennessee State University has had TONs of NFL players (Too Tall Jones, Claude Humphries, Joe Gilliam just to name a few)) and one of the winningest programs in NCAA history. Do some research before you knock a University. Education at TSU is great and the city is second to none.

It is odd that a player like Ward would come to a 1AA school. I get that. If you look at their roster, it is full of big time D1 transfers that got into trouble at a major University. MAYBE???? this kid sees the bigger picture. He may understands (or had somone to tell him) that a smaller school will be better for him in the long run. TSU had the #16 pick in the NFL draft last year and will have 3 drafted in April this year.

The Coach at TSU is a no-holds-barred guy. coached J. Peppers at UNC and teaches kids how to be great people as well as great players. TSU is glad to have him, but DO NOT knock a school you know NOTHING about. Look up the history, you may be impressed.

Good luck to the Gophers next season.

Good points. I'm not sure about this, but I think TSU could be considered a historically black school. One of the benefits of that is knowing how to teach/ mentor someone on how to succeed in life when the hand you are dealt isn't necessarily a strong one. Hopefully with a staff that will challenge him in all areas and peers that will challenge him in a good way as well the young man will succeed.

Cheers!

Go Gophers!!!

[btowngopher]

You have to think it was test scores. I mean if the kid had off the field and outside of the classroom issues that were so scary not a single D-1A team would touch him then I honestly don't think Tenn. St. would touch him either. I mean I have never really heard of Tenn. St. before so maybe football is big there? But I don't think they'd reach a hand out any sooner then a D-1A program. And if the kid did have major problems I think it would be fairly easy info to come by. So I am guessing its A)test scores (is there anyway the public can actually find out the scores?), or B)a really odd case where the kid actually wants to go to that school.

So at what point in this post did I knock TSU??? Or were you referring to some other post? You admitted it would be some what odd for a kid rated highly like that to not go D1A out of H.S. I admitted I knew nothing of TSU and asked if they were a big football program.

[Handsome Pete]

Tennessee State University has had TONs of NFL players (Too Tall Jones, Claude Humphries, Joe Gilliam just to name a few)) and one of the winningest programs in NCAA history. Do some research before you knock a University. Education at TSU is great and the city is second to none.

It is odd that a player like Ward would come to a 1AA school. I get that. If you look at their roster, it is full of big time D1 transfers that got into trouble at a major University. MAYBE???? this kid sees the bigger picture. He may understands (or had somone to tell him) that a smaller school will be better for him in the long run. TSU had the #16 pick in the NFL draft last year and will have 3 drafted in April this year.

The Coach at TSU is a no-holds-barred guy. coached J. Peppers at UNC and teaches kids how to be great people as well as great players. TSU is glad to have him, but DO NOT knock a school you know NOTHING about. Look up the history, you may be impressed.

Good luck to the Gophers next season.

With all due respect, people are free to knock any school they please on a discussion board. For example, Tennessee State sucks about as bad as Austin Peay golf- another team no one knows or gives a sh*t about.

I'm sorry we lost Trabis Ward, but would have been a lot sorrier if he had picked a competitor in a BCS or similarly-esteemed conference. All the best to Ward.

[peaygolf89]

STPGopher...thanks.

Handsome Pete and btowngopher.....ouch. That hurt.

btowngopher...not a post about you.

I never said who or pointed out anyone. I was just making an observation as a whole. Handsome Pete.....There are alot of people who care about "mid-major" schools....not you of course, but many. I never hacked on UM. I just said that MAYBE, TSU was the best fit for this kid. Just because a small, HBCU, D1AA school does not play against the big boys and get beat up 9 yrs out of 10 like ....some, mean they are not important and relevant.

Take it easy on me......I was not disrespectful. Hey...I love Tony Dungy, Barber and Maroney. Saw UM in the Music City Bowl several yrs ago and pulled hard for them.

[gopherguy05]

STPGopher...thanks.

Handsome Pete and btowngopher.....ouch. That hurt.

btowngopher...not a post about you.

I never said who or pointed out anyone. I was just making an observation as a whole. Handsome Pete.....There are alot of people who care about "mid-major" schools....not you of course, but many. I never hacked on UM. I just said that MAYBE, TSU was the best fit for this kid. Just because a small, HBCU, D1AA school does not play against the big boys and get beat up 9 yrs out of 10 like ....some, mean they are not important and relevant.

Take it easy on me......I was not disrespectful. Hey...I love Tony Dungy, Barber and Maroney. Saw UM in the Music City Bowl several yrs ago and pulled hard for them.

Congrats! Want a cookie??

[dpodoll68]

There are alot of people who care about "mid-major" schools

Come back and talk when TSU is a mid-major school.

[SelectionSunday]

Has anyone heard if there's anything new on Brock's status for next fall?

[GoBigGold]

Peaygolf89, sadly you will be running into more and more football snobbery if the U of M program makes a rosebowl. I remember back in Madison when 2 WI Rosebowls created the Badger belief that they had always been great in football. This also happened to the Packer fans

[peaygolf89]

Congrats! Want a cookie??

Wow.....Ya'll are worse than UT Vol fans. There are many things I'd like to say, but will not. I'm new here and will bite my tounge.

The one thing I will say is this......I have alot of respect for other universities, but its not like UM is a juggernaut when it come to college athletics. TSU would win any discussion when it come to overall athletic history/athletes in all sports combined.

:clap:

[dpodoll68]

TSU would win any discussion when it come to overall athletic history/athletes in all sports combined.

Oh my god. You have to just be looking to incite a reaction.

You cannot be serious with that statement.

[gopherguy05]

TSU would win any discussion when it come to overall athletic history/athletes in all sports combined.

:clap:

And with that we have a new addition to the ignore list....Congrats!!!

[hyaluronic]

Wow.....Ya'll are worse than UT Vol fans. There are many things I'd like to say, but will not. I'm new here and will bite my tounge.

The one thing I will say is this......I have alot of respect for other universities, but its not like UM is a juggernaut when it come to college athletics. TSU would win any discussion when it come to overall athletic history/athletes in all sports combined.

:clap:

People are venting about losing Ward to a I-AA, whatever the reason may be. We heard that he was pretty much a lock to come here if he qualified and was admitted. Since he qualified, people assume he was not admitted, and therefore any school Ward went to would have gotten the ire of the Gopher fans here.

Furthermore, you have been preceded by lakesbison, an NDSU (also I-AA in football) troll who tried to claim NDSU superiority over the U, which has about zero merit. Due to him alone, I will only refer to the football subdivisions as "I-A" and "I-AA".

The U has a long and proud tradition in athletics. Some of it is in non-revenue sports, regional sports, past decades, or erased by scandal. You should probably tread lightly on claiming your tradition greater than ours. ;)

[peaygolf89]

Like I said....i have great respect for ALL traditions at ALL universities. What I ment was that TSU has an athletic history that is better than most. Not only in football, but basketball and track. Over 40 medal winners in the olympics.

I don't pretend to think TSU, or any other 1AA or HBCU school, could touch UM on the field of play today. I just want some kind of respect given to the "smaller" schools.

My main point from the start was...maybe this Ward kid understands that he can play at TSU from day one. Get a quality education and play himself, due to coaching and competition, into the next level. This kid may see that he has isuues...and if he is at a "BIG" time school, he may not make it. Give the kid some credit. One person said he would rather walk on at a BIG 10 school, than play at TSU. REALLY????? I would want to play and the the man! I never spoke negitive about UM.

The main reason I joined this board was to make a point......" Don't knock a "small" school unless you know what it is about." That was it. Best of luck to UM this comming season. BEAT OSU!!!!!

[grunkiejr]

Why are we still discussing Ward going to TSU? Do you guys believe he chose TSU over Minnesota? He didn't. He chose TSU because he no longer had an offer from Minnesota.

[grunkiejr]

Like I said....i have great respect for ALL traditions at ALL universities. What I ment was that TSU has an athletic history that is better than most. Not only in football, but basketball and track. Over 40 medal winners in the olympics.

I don't pretend to think TSU, or any other 1AA or HBCU school, could touch UM on the field of play today. I just want some kind of respect given to the "smaller" schools.

My main point from the start was...maybe this Ward kid understands that he can play at TSU from day one. Get a quality education and play himself, due to coaching and competition, into the next level. This kid may see that he has isuues...and if he is at a "BIG" time school, he may not make it. Give the kid some credit. One person said he would rather walk on at a BIG 10 school, than play at TSU. REALLY????? I would want to play and the the man! I never spoke negitive about UM.

The main reason I joined this board was to make a point......" Don't knock a "small" school unless you know what it is about." That was it. Best of luck to UM this comming season. BEAT OSU!!!!!

No knock on TSU but Minnesota football has six national championships and 18 Big Ten Titles. /thread.

[hyaluronic]

You have been respectful, and deserve a more respectful response than some have given you. I meant my post more as an explanation for why some are reacting to your posts in an over-the-top manner. FWIW, I would choose a scholarship over walking-on, if the scholarship came from the right school. Academic prestige/rigor would play a large factor on what my final decision would be.

[peaygolf89]

Thanks hyaluronic.....

I hope I did not offend anyone here. Not my intention.

For those that care...TSU has won 11 Black college National Football Championships....back when Black College Football was better than anything else (before the major Universities allowed many..if any..black players). They have also had over 200 All-Americans in football. I know its apples/oranges...but history is history.

I will keep ya'll posted on how T. Ward does at TSU. The staff is excited about him.

[Handsome Pete]

Peaygolf89, sadly you will be running into more and more football snobbery if the U of M program makes a rosebowl. I remember back in Madison when 2 WI Rosebowls created the Badger belief that they had always been great in football. This also happened to the Packer fans

Minnesota has already made a rose bowl. They've won several national championships too- more than Tennessee and Wisconsin combined. Thanks for making #500 so special. Hope this helps.

[peaygolf89]

Minnesota has already made a rose bowl. They've won several national championships too- more than Tennessee and Wisconsin combined. Thanks for making #500 so special. Hope this helps.

Thanks....I know my sports and never would say that TSU and UM are on the same level (I'm not stupid).

Based on history....don't compare 1A/1AA, HBCU/TWCU, Smaller schools/Bigger schools....just the history, tradition, wins, NFL players, Olympians, ect.......TSU matches up well with alot of schools. I hope Ward does well at TSU. It was odd that he signed at TSU and not a MAJOR program. That is a red flag. I understand that, but MAYBE he sees the bigger picture. He needs to be at a smaller school...not as much hype, pressure, or expectations. Schools like TSU, Southern, Grambling, and FAMU have given kids second chances to be successful athletes and students. I have heard Ward got some really positive advice from people close to him. He needed to be at a smaller school. Good for him.

I never wanted to come on this site and stir stuff up. I wanted to see what a major program was talking about, when a kid signs with a "different" school. Lets not be judgemental about smaller schools and the kids. I think most 3rd string players at MAJOR schools should have gone to smaller schools from day 1. They will be happier, play more, get a better education because they are playing and happy. Their skills will be seen if they are good enough. That is all.

Good luck to UM ....and please....beat up on OSU and Michigan. What a bunch of losers they are!
Good luck to Tubby Smith! UK made a HUGE mistake!

[dpodoll68]

TSU would win any discussion when it come to overall athletic history/athletes in all sports combined.



Thanks....I know my sports and never would say that TSU and UM are on the same level (I'm not stupid).


Interesting.

[peaygolf89]

Interesting.

1st quote was based on ALL sports (track and field included).
2nd quote was "today". I know that a Big 10 team like UM is better in most/all sports. I know that.

As a whole...take away divisions/conf's....TSU can hold up their end in most discussions.
:( my mistake. That was not how I ment to say it.

[STPGopher]

Don't fell like you have to carry TSU by yourself.... TSU is a place that provides oportunies to individuals who may or maynot have had it without it's existance. Much like the University of Minnesota. As long as TSU carries out it's missions, all is good. Having known people from the likes of TSU, Wilberforce, Howard, U of Ark Pinebluff, Grambling, Alcorn, Jackson State..... the world is a MUCH better place because they exist.

Don't let the tough crowd burst your bubble.

If you care to give us updates, I'm sure some of us will be happy to read them. The rest can choose to ignore the posts.

Anyway, thanks for the info regarding Ward. Once again, I hope he takes full advantage of all that TSU has to offer. Since grad school seems to be a necessity these days, he may end up here later in life anyway.

Cheers!

[dpodoll68]

I know that a Big 10 team like UM is better in most/all sports. I know that.

As a whole...take away divisions/conf's....TSU can hold up their end in most discussions.

I'm really having a tough time following you. In one breath, you say that comparisons between TSU and a Big Ten team are ridiculous, and then in the next, you say that TSU can hold up to most scrutiny. So which is it?

If you're arguing for anything other than the former, you're insane. While the number and caliber of NFL and world-class track athletes produced there is incredible, it is irrelevant to the discussion, as we are talking about the performance of the colleges' athletic programs.
How many titles has TSU won at the highest level of competition?

It can also be argued that TSU and other HBCU have an inherent advantage among certain segments of the population (both in the fact that they appeal to the black population, and have lower academic standards), so that a comparison can often be apples to oranges.

[peaygolf89]

I'm really having a tough time following you. In one breath, you say that comparisons between TSU and a Big Ten team are ridiculous, and then in the next, you say that TSU can hold up to most scrutiny. So which is it?

If you're arguing for anything other than the former, you're insane. While the number and caliber of NFL and world-class track athletes produced there is incredible, it is irrelevant to the discussion, as we are talking about the performance of the colleges' athletic programs.
How many titles has TSU won at the highest level of competition?

It can also be argued that TSU and other HBCU have an inherent advantage among certain segments of the population (both in the fact that they appeal to the black population, and have lower academic standards), so that a comparison can often be apples to oranges.

OK....I hope this will get my point across better than my other posts.

If we can take away the division/conf/BCS/1A/1AA/D2/D3/NAIA/ ect....... I know its hard to do...but lets try...

Mount Union, Carson Newman, Valdosta State, Grambling, TSU, App. State, ect....... They have TRADITIONS that are equal to 95% of BCS schools. They are not equal based on competition/prestige...but based on who they play and their divisions.....they can compare themselves to anyone. Some kids....may wish to play at a smaller level..and DOMINATE instead of playing at a bigger level and be an also-ran. More power to that kid. That has been my point. If I did not get the point across....I'm sorry. I hope this works.

HBCU schools used to have a HUGE advantage (1950-1979) BUT NOT TODAY. I am not african-american. If I was, I would want to go to an HBCU school. That is my opinion. I hope Trabis Ward does great things at TSU. I live in Nashville and will watch him closely. Maybe his decision was based on grades, HBCU, background, past problems, ect.....who knows. Based on what I have heard, it was because of his impression of TSU. I hope that is why! Either way...he should dominate the OVC!

[bigtenchamps1899]

this thread has derailed.

[grunkiejr]

OK....I hope this will get my point across better than my other posts.

If we can take away the division/conf/BCS/1A/1AA/D2/D3/NAIA/ ect....... I know its hard to do...but lets try...

Mount Union, Carson Newman, Valdosta State, Grambling, TSU, App. State, ect....... They have TRADITIONS that are equal to 95% of BCS schools. They are not equal based on competition/prestige...but based on who they play and their divisions.....they can compare themselves to anyone. Some kids....may wish to play at a smaller level..and DOMINATE instead of playing at a bigger level and be an also-ran. More power to that kid. That has been my point. If I did not get the point across....I'm sorry. I hope this works.

HBCU schools used to have a HUGE advantage (1950-1979) BUT NOT TODAY. I am not african-american. If I was, I would want to go to an HBCU school. That is my opinion. I hope Trabis Ward does great things at TSU. I live in Nashville and will watch him closely. Maybe his decision was based on grades, HBCU, background, past problems, ect.....who knows. Based on what I have heard, it was because of his impression of TSU. I hope that is why! Either way...he should dominate the OVC!

Did everybody miss that he no longer had an offer from Minnesota? Look at his Rivals page, there is no check in the box for Minnesota. That implies to me that the offer was pulled.

[btowngopher]

I missed the part where anyone bashed TSU in the first place.