surprise

surprise
by joeyt28 (2019-04-18 13:00:34)

In reply to: What Constitutes A "Surprise" To You? posted by dillon77

Someone you thought was leaning or going elsewhere, only to pick ND. I'd put Kelly in this category if she ends up committing (but seems less highly regarded than Clark).

For example, while I'm excited about Marshall, the buzz was she was probably an ND lean, especially after Stanford got filled up. I'd put Westbeld here too. Same with Brunelle and Peoples.

Yes, your Boston example works well. I'd probably put Briana Turner in this category, too. Jenna Brown would fit the surprise, at least for me, although she eventually de-committed.

Happy to be wrong about this, but it seems like ND tends to get most of the players they "should" (Skylar, Jewell, Jackie, Ali, Taya) but misses out on a couple more who seems like "should" go versus the surprises we end up getting. Of course, MM and staff are experts at developing talent.

Thanks...Get Where You're Coming From

Most of the "should" prospects you cite I totally agree with.
But sometimes the staff makes sure they get to that classification: Campbell might be a case in point. Scrawny 5'9" PG comes to Recruitapalooza and loves the place/staff/other possible teammates. MM and Niele have her back for virtually private camps. They kinda sealed the deal that way.

Dani Patterson was down to ND, UVA and Tennessee and many in Knoxville thought she was a Vol, given her love for Parker and a positive visit.
Maybe not the surprise you're looking at, but a good get.

It will be interesting to see where the next surprise situation comes up.
Getting a Cook to transfer? Fudd?

Fudd

Interesting: When Sam committed and she was there I would have thought Fudd was an ND lean. Now with Paige to UConn, who knows. She's clearly a national top prospect, and ND is due for a win with such a person after some close misses with Cox, Walker, Westbrook, etc. of late.