Seantrel's visit to OSU

[TCF=UnitedWeStand]

Here is the link from the Pioneer Press:

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_13341256

I found this quote from Seantrel's dad kind of hum...

"They really didn't try to recruit us with a lot of college-type jargon," Sean said. "What I'm trying to say is everything was real genuine. They're about academics and him getting a degree first, playing football second." :clap:

I'm probably taking his quote out of context, but the schools he intends to visit are OSU, Notre Dame, Florida, Oklahoma, and USC. Fine institutions, but they have much more in common with regards to football than academics. Is academics really their focus? And if not, the Hendersons don't need to apologize, but lets get real here.

And how much more genuine can Minnesota be? His son's recruitment is a weekly (minimum) topic in both major newspapers, disected nearly every day on this board, and has been for the last two years.

Seantrel - we love you, we want you here in Maroon and Gold!

'nuff said.

[Ole]

Honestly I'm curious about the opinions/experiences out there, was your choice of colleges up to you, or were your parents heavily involved in the choice? I know mine pretty much allowed me to decide, granted there is alot of money involved in educating a kid, but all money aside, would your parents have let you go where you like? I really get a creepy feeling whenever Seantrell's dad is quoted, maybe I'm the crazy one, but I just can't see my parents having as much to do with MY college choice as his seem to. Hopefully it IS his decision ultimately.

[GoGophers2005]

I guess it comes down to more than this but...doesn't it kinda look bad for OSU to lose to USC when they are also recruiting the #1 recruit in the country?
Leg up USC?

[Bronko Nagurski Gopher]

Honestly I'm curious about the opinions/experiences out there, was your choice of colleges up to you, or were your parents heavily involved in the choice? I know mine pretty much allowed me to decide, granted there is alot of money involved in educating a kid, but all money aside, would your parents have let you go where you like? I really get a creepy feeling whenever Seantrell's dad is quoted, maybe I'm the crazy one, but I just can't see my parents having as much to do with MY college choice as his seem to. Hopefully it IS his decision ultimately.

you just said exactly what i was thinking ole. the way that his dad chris henderson seems to constantly refer to everything as "us" and "we" instead of "he" and "him" when referencing seantrel's recruitment does seem a bit creepy at times. you almost get the feeling sometimes that his dad forgets that seantrel is in fact the one who plays football in this whole equation and that in the end it really should be seantrel's decision. his dad comes off very controlling and a bit like kris humphries' (former hopkins b-ball player) dad used to which imo is a bad thing from seantrel's point of view.

if in fact seantrel really likes coach brewster and the minnesota program and wants to come here to go to school and play football then i hope his dad lets HIM make that decision and is able to "take a step back".

[dpodoll68]

I guess it comes down to more than this but...doesn't it kinda look bad for OSU to lose to USC when they are also recruiting the #1 recruit in the country?
Leg up USC?

The fault in your logic is that you assume he went to the game in Columbus because he wanted to be recruited by OSU.

[Section2]

The fault in your logic is that you assume he went to the game in Columbus because he wanted to be recruited by OSU.

Uhhh, he took an official visit...you think he did that because isn't interested in tOSU?

[ChemEGopher]

I am just happy that Sean Henderson mentioned Minnesota as a candidate.

[nc2mn]

The decision is entirely up to Seantrel - including whether or not to stand up to his dad if it turns out they have different favorites when it comes down to signing day. First week in Feb '10 should be interesting, if not nerve-wracking for coach Brew.

Dad sure seems to think himself a lot more involved/in control than most dads in this situation.

[year of the gopher]

Kids are far better off getting a little guidance from their parents, coaches, and others, but making this first major adult decision themselves. I know of far too many cases in both high-profile, revenue sports and lower-profile, non-revenue sports (cross country) where someone felt railroaded into a decision they ended up regretting greatly later on. It can result in a lot of feelings of regret and animosity, whereas kids who ultimately make their own decision can at least know that nobody else forced them into a bad situation.

I hope his father gives good advice and guidance but ultimately lets Seantrel make his own decision.

[GoGophers2005]

You're right...I didn't think of it that way!

[dpodoll68]

Uhhh, he took an official visit...you think he did that because isn't interested in tOSU?

Do you think it's a coincidence that he scheduled his "t":rolleyes:OSU visit when they played USC? And that he scheduled his Notre Dame visit for the week they play USC?

I'm just surprised he didn't include Cal, Washington, Oregon, and Arizona State among his favorites.

For the record, OSU has as much of a shot with Henderson as does Minnesota. 0.1%.

[husker70]

First in a video blog, Kent reported that Cretin Coach Scanlon was not happy with OSU's not arranging a flight back until Monday. The Coach voluntered to Youngblood his concerns about Seantrel's grades.

In another report, Tom Lemming said Seantrel's Dad wants to get into making videos and movies and that's the link to USC.

[gopherdudepart2]

Not saying this to be a dink but let's all be real. tOSU, USC, Florida, Oklahoma, Notre Dame. Common theme, is football factories. They are the minor leagues of professional football if you will. Besides having the ability to compete for national championships every year they have programs that are set up to get kids in school, keep them eligible and really have some softer programs to keep some of those elite guy's in school. Maybe not SEC like water polo, or cinema appreciation,or film directing, but easier classes. USC has a lot of meatheads, they are there to play football, nothing else that is what they do at least the elite level players. I'm not saying there coach Carrol doesn't encourage players to pursue degrees and graduate because from what it sounds like he does but there is a cultural thing with football in Cali, Florida and Texas where it "football 24-7 all of the time."

These football factories also have what most programs don't, connected boosters, grey area guy's that have suitcases of cash and extra benefits for the famlies like an agent hooking the family up with a 6 figure house or a dealer that will loan a kid a car. I'm not saying these people are connected to these programs but a lot of these big time programs have people that are on the fringe, that are indirectly connected to the programs that come up with the cars, money and extra benefits. Some big time players families can be pursuaded by extra benefits, agent's play this game all of the time when it come's to hot NFL prospects.

I would have to think in Mr. Henderson's case the motivation is for the most part, it will be a program that will compete for championships every year and even the National Championship. That is a common thread in the official visits for the schools that Henderson is visiting. When a kid is an elite level prospect like that they have more options than most will ever dream of. I would have to think he even get's kind of sick of the attention, dude probably just want's to hang out with his friends, win a championship and have fun playing football. This is what the Gophers are up against, if Brewster can show we can contend then maybe we have a shot.

I'm not trying to say that the Henderson family will be pursuaded by any of the "etra benefits" discussion I put out there because I do not know the family and cannot speak for them. In fact I would venture the guess would be no on the benefits thing.

There are guy's in those football regions like Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, or California where this type of stuff is not only expected it is part of the process. Yeah some of this is conjecture but we would all be living in la la fantasyland if we believed otherwise or have never read the football factory books. Heck I know a guy that went to a D1 school in Texas because it's biggest booster was an Oilman that took care of the guy's in the program with cushy summer jobs. This kind of stuff is out there even if you try to avoid it.

[forestlaker]

The Henderson father is reminding me of Walker Ashley's father a couple years back. He wanted his son to go to an "elite school" like USC even though Ashley had interest here, also. I think left alone Seantrel might stay here but there is pressure on him to go to the "elite" schools even though he likes the U of M just fine.

[Bronko Nagurski Gopher]

First in a video blog, Kent reported that Cretin Coach Scanlon was not happy with OSU's not arranging a flight back until Monday. The Coach voluntered to Youngblood his concerns about Seantrel's grades.

In another report, Tom Lemming said Seantrel's Dad wants to get into making videos and movies and that's the link to USC.

it was actually john millea (sp) the high school sports reporter for the mpls star tribune in that video you are referring to, not kent youngblood. what you reported he said is correct though.

on the second part.......you have got to be kidding me! seantrel's dad really needs to put his wannabe dr. dre video making/producing desires on the back burner and let seantrel decide where HE wants to spend the next 4 years going to school (potentially being near a network of real friends and supporters in mpls/st. paul) and playing football.

[GopherGod]

it was actually john millea (sp) the high school sports reporter for the mpls star tribune in that video you are referring to, not kent youngblood. what you reported he said is correct though.

on the second part.......you have got to be kidding me! seantrel's dad really needs to put his wannabe dr. dre video making/producing desires on the back burner and let seantrel decide where HE wants to spend the next 4 years going to school (potentially being near a network of real friends and supporters in mpls/st. paul) and playing football.

He is a tough one for you to face Bronko but do you think it just might be a possibility that HE wants to go to USC. People do leave home and go to top programs like USC for a myriad of reasons beyond influence from their parents.

[Cmich Gopher]

He is a tough one for you to face Bronko but do you think it just might be a possibility that HE wants to go to USC. People do leave home and go to top programs like USC for a myriad of reasons beyond influence from their parents.

Yeah, they go to because they get paid duh! ;)

[Bronko Nagurski Gopher]

The Henderson father is reminding me of Walker Ashley's father a couple years back. He wanted his son to go to an "elite school" like USC even though Ashley had interest here, also. I think left alone Seantrel might stay here but there is pressure on him to go to the "elite" schools even though he likes the U of M just fine.

that on top of what sounds like pressure and perhaps feeling obligated to make his father "happy" as well since their might be something in it for him.

[grunkiejr]

Do you think it's a coincidence that he scheduled his "t":rolleyes:OSU visit when they played USC? And that he scheduled his Notre Dame visit for the week they play USC?

I'm just surprised he didn't include Cal, Washington, Oregon, and Arizona State among his favorites.

For the record, OSU has as much of a shot with Henderson as does Minnesota. 0.1%.

You really have no idea what you are talking about on this subject and probably should cease pretending you do.

[Schnoodler]

It just seems that with the kids coming in Seantrel really could make our line the best in the nation in a couple of years. A good coach in Davis. Home town crazies. Great school. I really don't know what else he could want.

[dpodoll68]

You really have no idea what you are talking about on this subject and probably should cease pretending you do.

OK, Mr. Insider. Like others have said, you like to pretend you're tight with the team, so of course you're going to be mad when somebody says something detrimental about the program.

Tell you what. How about a friendly $5 bet on where Seantrel ends up? I'll take USC, you can have the $5 if he ends up anywhere else. That's a 119:1 shot. You've got to like those odds.

Even better still, why don't you spill some of this privileged Seantrel information you have, Mr. Insider?

[GoAUpher]

It just seems that with the kids coming in Seantrel really could make our line the best in the nation in a couple of years. A good coach in Davis. Home town crazies. Great school. I really don't know what else he could want.

A national title. We are getting better, but I think I don't think we'll be competing for the BCS championship anytime soon.

I think the U has a lot to offer him. I'm just realistic that there are a few things that we won't be able to match.

[Schnoodler]

So you're going to pay grunk 595$ if he wins the bet. Can I get in on this action?

[Plinnius]

In another report, Tom Lemming said Seantrel's Dad wants to get into making videos and movies and that's the link to USC.

For real? Where was this reported?

[dpodoll68]

So you're going to pay grunk 595$ if he wins the bet. Can I get in on this action?

Um, no?


I'll take USC, you can have the $5 if he ends up anywhere else.

Reading comprehension not your strong suit?

Also, you don't put the dollar sign after the numerals. Just a heads up.

[grunkiejr]

OK, Mr. Insider. Like others have said, you like to pretend you're tight with the team, so of course you're going to be mad when somebody says something detrimental about the program.

Tell you what. How about a friendly $5 bet on where Seantrel ends up? I'll take USC, you can have the $5 if he ends up anywhere else. That's a 119:1 shot. You've got to like those odds.

Even better still, why don't you spill some of this privileged Seantrel information you have, Mr. Insider?

I have no inside information I just read enough to know that your perception of the situation isn't an accurate reflection of the available information.

[Schnoodler]

Also, you don't put the dollar sign after the numerals. Just a heads up.

And you shouldn't stick your head quite so far up your own ass, just a heads up.

[dpodoll68]

I have no inside information I just read enough to know that your perception of the situation isn't an accurate reflection of the available information.

Just like I thought. Big talk with nothing to back it up.

So, Mr. Insider, how do you explain that he's taking official visits to watch USC play 3 times this year? You really believe he had no idea that Ohio State was playing them on Sept. 12, and he just so happened to schedule his visit that day? Ditto for Notre Dame? If you really believe that, I've got a bridge I'd like to sell you.

I mean, it's not like his father looked at the schedule, noted the "believable" (read: Midwest and storied) schools USC was playing this year, and included them in his official visits. Nope, that didn't happen at all.

[dpodoll68]

And you shouldn't stick your head quite so far up your own ass, just a heads up.

Nope, it's out and I'm breathing quite fine, thanks.

[Khaliq]

A national title. We are getting better, but I think I don't think we'll be competing for the BCS championship anytime soon.

I think the U has a lot to offer him. I'm just realistic that there are a few things that we won't be able to match.I think the jury is still out on whether or not this program is improving. And let's be honest if a title is his goal Minnesota is not only not going to be competing for a BCS title any time soon they're probably not ever going to compete for one.

If things fall their way a Big Ten title competitor from time to time MAYBE but not a serious BCS title contender.

[ust4life]

I really don't know what else he could want.

I do, it's simple. Maybe a National Title?

Listen, I'm as big of a gopher fan as everyone else is here, but let's be realistic. With or without Seantrel, we aren't going to be winning a NC in the next 4 years. A B10 title? Possibly. A National Championship? No Chance.

[GoAUpher]

And let's be honest if a title is his goal Minnesota is not only not going to be competing for a BCS title any time soon they're probably not ever going to compete for one.

If things fall their way a Big Ten title competitor from time to time MAYBE but not a serious BCS title contender.

That was my point (I just choose more optimistic phrasing :)). Landing him would be a coup and would provide a big boost. But we're not on the same playing field as his main options in a few pretty important areas which is why I've tempered my enthusiasm about the whole thing.

[Gopher4life15]

My take on Seantrel is pretty simple, choosing not be here in Minnesota for the first game in the new digs pretty much tells me everything I need to know. If he was a kid who was in love with the U and really wanted to play here. I think he would want to be at the very first game in his back yard at the new place plane and simple.

I sure do hope I am wrong and he chooses to stay at home and be a Gopher in the end, but I just don't see it happening.

[grunkiejr]

Just like I thought. Big talk with nothing to back it up.

So, Mr. Insider, how do you explain that he's taking official visits to watch USC play 3 times this year? You really believe he had no idea that Ohio State was playing them on Sept. 12, and he just so happened to schedule his visit that day? Ditto for Notre Dame? If you really believe that, I've got a bridge I'd like to sell you.

I mean, it's not like his father looked at the schedule, noted the "believable" (read: Midwest and storied) schools USC was playing this year, and included them in his official visits. Nope, that didn't happen at all.

I'm obviously not encouraged by him seeing USC 3 times but I think it is a fairly easy explanation. High school athletes want to be on the big stage against quality opponents. It doesn't get any bigger than playing USC so that is the game that Ohio State and Notre Dame worked to get Seantrel to visit. OSU had the 7 prospects that they have highest on their board visit for the USC game which shows that this was a big recruiting weekend for them.

If you go back to 2007, Brewster chose to make the game against Ohio State our biggest recruiting weekend bringing in the boys from Skyline as well as some other high profile prospects all of which ended up committing. Don't be surprised in 2010 when Minnesota decides to make Sept 18 (USC) the biggest recruiting weekend of the season.

And by the way, that trip to see USC at Notre Dame is not a foregone conclusion. There are a lot of rumors flying around that he is going to cancel that trip and take an OV to Michigan instead.

[MBAGuy]

And by the way, that trip to see USC at Notre Dame is not a foregone conclusion. There are a lot of rumors flying around that he is going to cancel that trip and take an OV to Michigan instead.

Ugh. That's about the worst news ever, outside of him taking an OV to Wisconsin or Iowa. It's a good thing I'm still high on life from the game/experience last Saturday.

[grunkiejr]

Ugh. That's about the worst news ever, outside of him taking an OV to Wisconsin or Iowa. It's a good thing I'm still high on life from the game/experience last Saturday.

I'm not excited about the prospect of him at UM or ND but at least it would be a sign that he is interested in games that don't involve USC. :)

[Section2]

Just like I thought. Big talk with nothing to back it up.

So, Mr. Insider, how do you explain that he's taking official visits to watch USC play 3 times this year? You really believe he had no idea that Ohio State was playing them on Sept. 12, and he just so happened to schedule his visit that day? Ditto for Notre Dame? If you really believe that, I've got a bridge I'd like to sell you.

I mean, it's not like his father looked at the schedule, noted the "believable" (read: Midwest and storied) schools USC was playing this year, and included them in his official visits. Nope, that didn't happen at all.

What do YOU have to back it up? You have a cockamayme theory on why he's seeing USC play multiple times. If I had a free visit to OSU and could see them play in any of their home games, I'd pick USC, and I'd bet most 18 year olds and most GH'ers would as well. Sounds like the best game to me. Your explanation is plausible, I won't deny, but your overconfidence that you understand this kid and are 100% right is flat out EMBARRASSING for you. Get over yourself.

[Schnoodler]

Just like I thought. Big talk with nothing to back it up.

So, Mr. Insider, how do you explain that he's taking official visits to watch USC play 3 times this year? You really believe he had no idea that Ohio State was playing them on Sept. 12, and he just so happened to schedule his visit that day? Ditto for Notre Dame? If you really believe that, I've got a bridge I'd like to sell you.

I mean, it's not like his father looked at the schedule, noted the "believable" (read: Midwest and storied) schools USC was playing this year, and included them in his official visits. Nope, that didn't happen at all.

Grunk is not the one making outlandish claims. He is not the one that needs to defend his statements. you do, where is your inside info coming. You're saying it's 119/1, that's a reach by any standards without inside info. Do you have it or are you a complete tool making claims without anything to back it up. out with it, we're waiting.

[pharmacygopher]

I'm obviously not encouraged by him seeing USC 3 times but I think it is a fairly easy explanation. High school athletes want to be on the big stage against quality opponents. It doesn't get any bigger than playing USC so that is the game that Ohio State and Notre Dame worked to get Seantrel to visit. OSU had the 7 prospects that they have highest on their board visit for the USC game which shows that this was a big recruiting weekend for them.

If you go back to 2007, Brewster chose to make the game against Ohio State our biggest recruiting weekend bringing in the boys from Skyline as well as some other high profile prospects all of which ended up committing. Don't be surprised in 2010 when Minnesota decides to make Sept 18 (USC) the biggest recruiting weekend of the season.

And by the way, that trip to see USC at Notre Dame is not a foregone conclusion. There are a lot of rumors flying around that he is going to cancel that trip and take an OV to Michigan instead.


What do YOU have to back it up? You have a cockamayme theory on why he's seeing USC play multiple times. If I had a free visit to OSU and could see them play in any of their home games, I'd pick USC, and I'd bet most 18 year olds and most GH'ers would as well. Sounds like the best game to me. Your explanation is plausible, I won't deny, but your overconfidence that you understand this kid and are 100% right is flat out EMBARRASSING for you. Get over yourself.


Grunk is not the one making outlandish claims. He is not the one that needs to defend his statements. you do, where is your inside info coming. You're saying it's 119/1, that's a reach by any standards without inside info. Do you have it or are you a complete tool making claims without anything to back it up. out with it, we're waiting.


Thank you


Thank you


Thank you

[dpodoll68]

Listen jerkoffs, I'm not the one who came in here and said:


You really have no idea what you are talking about on this subject and probably should cease pretending you do.

By definition, speculation is not "right" or "wrong". That is why they call it speculation. I'm supposed to sit back and not defend myself, when his opinion is no more right or wrong than mine? Yeah, that's not going to happen.


your overconfidence that you understand this kid and are 100% right is flat out EMBARRASSING for you

Feel free to point out in this thread where I said that I am 100% right, or that anybody else was wrong. Go ahead, I'll wait.
Your overconfidence that you understand basic reading comprehension is flat out EMBARRASSING for you.


Grunk is not the one making outlandish claims.

It's an outlandish claim that he is taking official visits to watch USC play 3 times this year? To the contrary, that is not a claim; it is a fact.


You're saying it's 119/1, that's a reach by any standards without inside info.

Look man, if you don't understand basic probability, I can't help you out. Assuming that the #1 recruit in the country is not going to a DI-AA, DII, or DIII school, and that there are 120 DI-A schools in the country, and everything else being equal, the odds are 119:1 against him going to any one particular school. I just happen to like my particular 119:1 pick so much that I'm willing to give grunkie the other 119 119:1 picks, at even money. There's a mathematics/gambling lesson for you, pro bono. Let me know if you don't understand.

[Schnoodler]

Are you really this dumb? I didn't think you were, but now???

[dpodoll68]

Are you really this dumb? I didn't think you were, but now???

Please enlighten me. No really, I've got all day.

[grunkiejr]

I agree, mentioning that the is taking visits to schools when they play USC is not outlandish; the outlandish comment was that Ohio State and Minnesota each had a 0.01% chance of landing Seantrel and you stated it as fact rather than opinion (0.01% does not = 119:1 either).

You have opinions and it doesn't appear that you are afraid to share them. Most of the time I agree with your opinions but sometimes I don't. If you would have stated that you didn't think we had a chance I probably wouldn't have said anything but you stated your opinion as fact which is a pet peeve of mine and is the reason I responded the way I did.

And on your gambling lesson, the odds are 119:1 if recruiting is a random selection. Recruiting is not a random selection process. For instance, we can reasonably eliminate schools from the MAC, WAC, MWC, CUSA and Sun Belt + Army & Navy which would instantly reduce the probability of all BCS schools (including Notre Dame) to ~66:1. Beyond that he chooses schools to visit (officially and unofficially) and those are the only schools that have a realistic chance to land Seantrel. Further, national analysts mention USC, Ohio State, and Minnesota the most frequently as contenders with Florida, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and Michigan as the others that seem to have a reasonable chance. Without handicapping any of them each school has a 1/7 chance or 14.3% if the national analysts are correct that only those 7 have a chance. From there you can handicap each school as you wish but placing any of those 7 at 0.01% seems like a stretch in my mind.

And your $5 bet does nothing for me. If I knew you I'd bet a beer on it but I don't so why bother? If you want to do a bet on this site I would prefer a signature bet where the loser uses a mutually agreed upon signature for a predetermined period of time.

[dpodoll68]

I agree, mentioning that the is taking visits to schools when they play USC is not outlandish; the outlandish comment was that Ohio State and Minnesota each had a 0.01% chance of landing Seantrel and you stated it as fact rather than opinion (0.01% does not = 119:1 either).

You have opinions and it doesn't appear that you are afraid to share them. Most of the time I agree with your opinions but sometimes I don't. If you would have stated that you didn't think we had a chance I probably wouldn't have said anything but you stated your opinion as fact which is a pet peeve of mine and is the reason I responded the way I did.

And on your gambling lesson, the odds are 119:1 if recruiting is a random selection. Recruiting is not a random selection process. For instance, we can reasonably eliminate schools from the MAC, WAC, MWC, CUSA and Sun Belt + Army & Navy which would instantly reduce the probability of all BCS schools (including Notre Dame) to ~66:1. Beyond that he chooses schools to visit (officially and unofficially) and those are the only schools that have a realistic chance to land Seantrel. Further, national analysts mention USC, Ohio State, and Minnesota the most frequently as contenders with Florida, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and Michigan as the others that seem to have a reasonable chance. Without handicapping any of them each school has a 1/7 chance or 14.3% if the national analysts are correct that only those 7 have a chance. From there you can handicap each school as you wish but placing any of those 7 at 0.01% seems like a stretch in my mind.

And your $5 bet does nothing for me. If I knew you I'd bet a beer on it but I don't so why bother? If you want to do a bet on this site I would prefer a signature bet where the loser uses a mutually agreed upon signature for a predetermined period of time.

You're right in that when I said ".01%" it was hyperbole, and not a true representation of my feelings. And I was using 119:1 on the basis of the fact that you can have all other 119 "FBS" teams, and I'll take USC. Nothing more, nothing less. And of course it's not a fact. It is impossible for it to be a fact until he signs on the dotted line on February 3, 2010. I just don't qualify my opinions with a lame "imo" or anything like that. Of course it's "my opinion" - I'm the one who said it. I think you're really reading waaaay too much into this fact/opinion situation.

If you want my true "breakdown" on the subject, here's where I think the real odds are:

USC 87%
Florida 5%
Oklahoma 5%
Minnesota <1%
OSU <1%
Notre Dame <1%

with any potential darkhorses taking the minuscule remainder. Please note how I said "I think". I hope that qualifies it as my own personal opinion for you.

And you're on for the signature bet. You suggest one, PM it to me, and I will agree if I think it reasonable.

Btw, Schnoodler, I'm still waiting for enlightment on how "dumb" I am.