QB Tylin Oden

[miketd1]

Cheesesteak: To be fair, I don't think we really spent many resources developing recruiting relationships with big-time midwestern recruits.

These are relationships that come built-in with Ash, so the circumstances are different. I'd say significantly.

 

[Cheesesteak Vegas]

Schiano really didn't recruit many guys from the Midwest off the top of my head.

And i don't blame anyone for not committing to Flood. I wouldn't have either.

OK, then list the big-time recruits from anywhere that committed to those guys. It won't be very long. I'm not trying to troll you, but rather pointing out that NYC didn't suddenly sprout up out of the sea near RU. It's been there. It's been a selling point, literally, for decades. Recruiting is primarily about relationships and winning (and sometimes money). I admit, location often plays a factor, but more so in terms of distance from a recruit's home than the fact that he might blow some of his stipend on a Broadway show (he won't). Being near NYC is cool, but it will be WAY down on the list of reasons a commit chooses RU over another school.

Root for Ash to have success and for him and his staff to connect with kids, their families, and high school coaches. Relying on NYC isn't going to get you where you want to go.

 

[PaKnight]

I don't think we ever got a recruit solely because of our location, but there is a reason that we take recruits to NYC on their OV's.

 

[Cheesesteak Vegas]

I don't think we ever got a recruit solely because of our location, but there is a reason that we take recruits to NYC on their OV's.

If that's true it would be a red flag to me as a prospect. On an official visit I want to see the campus, speak with the coaches, tour the facilities, speak with academic advisors, meet some of my future teammates, check out the scene downtown, and get a general feel for campus life. Visiting NYC, in my opinion, is a waste of time.

 

[Cheesesteak Vegas]

One of you enterprising Scarlet Nation posters should work on a poll of current and former RU football players: How often did you visit NYC during your time at RU, and how much did it impact your experience there?

My guesses: not very often, and not much at all.

 

[miketd1]

If that's true it would be a red flag to me as a prospect. On an official visit I want to see the campus, speak with the coaches, tour the facilities, speak with academic advisors, meet some of my future teammates, check out the scene downtown, and get a general feel for campus life. Visiting NYC, in my opinion, is a waste of time.

Well I think folks around here would balk if we went the money bag, strip club, booze cruise route...

 

[Cheesesteak Vegas]

Well I think folks around here would balk if we went the money bag, strip club, booze cruise route...

That has nothing to do with spending your OV on campus instead of an hour away.

 

[miketd1]

Vegas: How long do you think it takes to walk around the campus and check out the facilities? Even if you spend a few hours talking to coaches & staff about all the different programs, I would guess a good chunk of the time a kid is concerned about "fitting-in" with the current roster. You can do that on campus. And you can do that in the world's best city. And on the bus ride on the way up.

 

[ScarletNut]

RU competing with the Ducks for a QB? Never thought I would see the day. Hope he comes through and makes the right choice!

Believe it or not, we competed with the Ducks for QB Akili Smith when Terry Shea was our HC.

 

[Cheesesteak Vegas]

You can easily fill an official visit weekend with campus and facilities tours, presentations, meetings with coaches and counselors, attending other sporting events on campus, etc. Walking into a basketball or hockey game and having thousands of fans cheer for you will leave a more lasting impression than walking by commuters and tourists who don't know who you are. To your point about fitting in with your potential future teammates: I'd much prefer my host take me out closer to the university than in a city an hour away that I probably can't even afford to enjoy fully. And if they can afford it, how so? Prospective players' parents are OK with their sons hanging out in NYC unsupervised with current players? Does RU actually shuttle these kids over the bridge to hang out and party in Manhattan? I've just never heard of a place an hour away factoring in to a large extent in a player's OV. Seems counterproductive to me.

 

[RUChoppin]

One of you enterprising Scarlet Nation posters should work on a poll of current and former RU football players: How often did you visit NYC during your time at RU, and how much did it impact your experience there?

My guesses: not very often, and not much at all.

For me, not hugely often - probably 2-3 times a year. Several of my friends went more frequently - usually for concerts at MSG/etc or pro sporting events, or tapings of Conan or whatever. It did impact my experience, though... if I'd have gone to a school in the middle of nowhere, I'd have lost my mind.

The advantage NYC offers is a host of entertainment options not available at other schools (which only really matters for players with enough disposable income to take advantage of them), plus availability of internships/professional connections (which matters more for players who aren't thinking NFL NFL NFL). If you are a star, and the team is successful, the media attention can be big (e.g. Ray Rice), but the media doesn't usually pay attention to college football.

As for NYC not sprouting out of the sea... you've got it backwards. NYC has always been there, but Rutgers had nothing to sell as a program... only after Rutgers sprouted out of the sea did the proximity to NYC became an add-on selling point.

 

[RUinPAC10land]

You can easily fill an official visit weekend with campus and facilities tours, presentations, meetings with coaches and counselors, attending other sporting events on campus, etc. Walking into a basketball or hockey game and having thousands of fans cheer for you will leave a more lasting impression than walking by commuters and tourists who don't know who you are. To your point about fitting in with your potential future teammates: I'd much prefer my host take me out closer to the university than in a city an hour away that I probably can't even afford to enjoy fully. And if they can afford it, how so? Prospective players' parents are OK with their sons hanging out in NYC unsupervised with current players? Does RU actually shuttle these kids over the bridge to hang out and party in Manhattan? I've just never heard of a place an hour away factoring in to a large extent in a player's OV. Seems counterproductive to me.

Well obviously, going to NYC is not a weekly event but hitting it up right after finals to check out Rockefeller Center in December is not a bad thing to do as a college student. How about doing it in the spring before spring practices? You can always find time and being only 30 minutes away was a plus. As for me, I grew up in Bergen County so it was no big deal during my college years, but boy do I miss it now.

 

[miketd1]

You can easily fill an official visit weekend with campus and facilities tours, presentations, meetings with coaches and counselors, attending other sporting events on campus, etc. Walking into a basketball or hockey game and having thousands of fans cheer for you will leave a more lasting impression than walking by commuters and tourists who don't know who you are. To your point about fitting in with your potential future teammates: I'd much prefer my host take me out closer to the university than in a city an hour away that I probably can't even afford to enjoy fully. And if they can afford it, how so? Prospective players' parents are OK with their sons hanging out in NYC unsupervised with current players? Does RU actually shuttle these kids over the bridge to hang out and party in Manhattan? I've just never heard of a place an hour away factoring in to a large extent in a player's OV. Seems counterproductive to me.

We are using what we have.

 

[Caliknight]

NYC is part of the official visit, or as least was. They weren't unsupervised. I believe they would secure a private train for the entourage. NYC is unique. Most schools don't have an option to do something like that, so it is a moot point.

 

[Cheesesteak Vegas]

For me, not hugely often - probably 2-3 times a year. Several of my friends went more frequently - usually for concerts at MSG/etc or pro sporting events, or tapings of Conan or whatever. It did impact my experience, though... if I'd have gone to a school in the middle of nowhere, I'd have lost my mind.

The advantage NYC offers is a host of entertainment options not available at other schools (which only really matters for players with enough disposable income to take advantage of them), plus availability of internships/professional connections (which matters more for players who aren't thinking NFL NFL NFL). If you are a star, and the team is successful, the media attention can be big (e.g. Ray Rice), but the media doesn't usually pay attention to college football.

As for NYC not sprouting out of the sea... you've got it backwards. NYC has always been there, but Rutgers had nothing to sell as a program... only after Rutgers sprouted out of the sea did the proximity to NYC became an add-on selling point.

Appreciate the comments. Hopefully I wasn't coming across as painting recruits with a broad brush. Hate rural settings? NYC is a draw. Know your future isn't in football? NYC might be a draw. Ultimately, however, for the majority of recruits, especially those of the caliber that will help you win at a high level, relationships and the chance to compete for championships will forever be king, regardless of where you are.

 

[Caliknight]

Most kids from out of the area have never been to NYC. Why wouldn't you take them there is the better question. They spend a few hours there and come back. What's not to love?

 

[Cheesesteak Vegas]

I took a previous poster's comment about bonding with your teammates in NYC as if that was where they were doing their socializing. If what we're really talking about is a quick tour for the recruits and their families, that's a different story and not a big deal at all.

 

[Caliknight]

They are bonding. They used to take them to eat and Dave and Busters and tour the city. All they were doing were hanging out together.

It just happens to be in NYC, which is a great experience for them if they have never been there.

 

[Cheesesteak Vegas]

To be clear, the prospects are bonding with each other? Or RU also brings current players along when they go to NYC?

 

[srru86]

Visiting NYC, in my opinion, is a waste of time.

What is a good use of time. A visit to the Creamery? A swing thorough Harrisburg?

 

[Cheesesteak Vegas]

What is a good use of time. A visit to the Creamery? A swing thorough Harrisburg?

I haven't compared the process at RU to that at Penn State at all, so not sure where this is coming from. But for the record, I'm sure recruits enjoy some ice cream while campus. A trip to Harrisburg seems doubtful.

 

[PaKnight]

Appreciate the comments. Hopefully I wasn't coming across as painting recruits with a broad brush. Hate rural settings? NYC is a draw. Know your future isn't in football? NYC might be a draw. Ultimately, however, for the majority of recruits, especially those of the caliber that will help you win at a high level, relationships and the chance to compete for championships will forever be king, regardless of where you are.

And they can develop those relationship on the trip to NYC, which is supervised and I believe the parents can also attend. They still have plenty of time to get a full tour of the facilities and meet with academic advisers and of course their coaches.

I guess you have not been to a RU men's basketball game recently. That would not be a a draw for a recruit.

 

[imbazza2]

RU competing with the Ducks for a QB? Never thought I would see the day. Hope he comes through and makes the right choice!

The Ducks already have 3 commits at QB. It's doubtful that he'll go there.

GUY as Jesse Jackson says, "the point is mute!"
Oregon HAS NOT offer this guy a scholarship yet and there does not seem to be one coming as they have 18 commits and are holding out for higher star recruits and as stated they have 3 QB in this class

 

[Cheesesteak Vegas]

And they can develop those relationship on the trip to NYC, which is supervised and I believe the parents can also attend. They still have plenty of time to get a full tour of the facilities and meet with academic advisers and of course their coaches.

I guess you have not been to a RU men's basketball game recently. That would not be a a draw for a recruit.

Ha. Penn State basketball not so much either (though things look like they'll start getting better soon). The wrestling and hockey programs, and the atmosphere at those events, have been helpful in that respect.

 

[srru86]

How often did you visit NYC during your time at RU, and how much did it impact your experience there?

I can't speak for Football players, but I took a full load and was in many time consuming extra curriculars and a trip to NYC was about a monthly thing for me. Sometimes a full day on weekends. More often an "Evening on the Town" jumping on the train after dinner and bar hopping.

In less time than it takes to drive from State College to Harrisburg or Lewisburg you could be in Manhattan from Rutgers and you don't need a designated driver. You might love State College, I'm sure some would rather be there than NYC, and never want to leave Centre County. But I like options.

 

[brookdale-soda]

Maybe they should take them to the corner of Henry St. and Rutgers St.

Tell them to find another school that has its namesake in the greatest city in the world.............

only problem. i think that street corner is not that exciting.

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.713...4!1sBbWR5q4_akJKMc54u2H1oQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

 

[Cheesesteak Vegas]

I can't speak for Football players, but I took a full load and was in many time consuming extra curriculars and a trip to NYC was about a monthly thing for me. Sometimes a full day on weekends. More often an "Evening on the Town" jumping on the train after dinner and bar hopping.

In less time than it takes to drive from State College to Harrisburg or Lewisburg you could be in Manhattan from Rutgers and you don't need a designated driver. You might love State College, I'm sure some would rather be there than NYC, and never want to leave Centre County. But I like options.

Even with a busy schedule I'm not sure it's reasonable to compare the schedule of a "normal" student to a B1G football player.

As for the backhanded complement, I prefer urban areas - I live in Philadelphia, not Centre County - but that's now, as an adult, with disposable income. As a college student, I wouldn't trade my time in State College for anything. Besides, State College has options; there are like 20 different bars downtown, plus more apartment and house parties than you can count.[cheers]

 

[RUChoppin]

I haven't compared the process at RU to that at Penn State at all, so not sure where this is coming from. But for the record, I'm sure recruits enjoy some ice cream while campus. A trip to Harrisburg seems doubtful.

Harrisburg seems an awfully long drive for a city smaller than New Brunswick - it doesn't have that many more people than State College. Hard to compare it to hopping a train into Manhattan.

You're right, though, that it depends on the student/player. Some will enjoy going out into the city, and others will enjoy staying in their dorm room watching Netflix. Rutgers' proximity to NYC, though, is definitely something no other school has, and it makes sense to take recruits out to see the sights a bit (especially those from outside the NY/NJ area). I'm sure Northwestern takes guys down to Chicago, too - and USC takes kids around LA, Miami takes kids around Miami, and Syracuse takes kids around... well, nevermind that last one.

 

[SkilletHead2]

If that's true it would be a red flag to me as a prospect. On an official visit I want to see the campus, speak with the coaches, tour the facilities, speak with academic advisors, meet some of my future teammates, check out the scene downtown, and get a general feel for campus life. Visiting NYC, in my opinion, is a waste of time.

What's your time in the 40?

 

[Cheesesteak Vegas]

Ha. I was being sarcastic about Harrisburg. No one's going there.

 

[Machiavelli23]

This QB is super skinny. He may have to put on about 30 lbs at least. Looks like a solid hit from a beast DL will snap him like a twig

 

[RAA-1]

Young Mr Oden seems to have his head on straight:

"I want a school that has my major – chemical engineering,” he said. “If I have an opportunity to play somewhere, it doesn’t matter the conference or the things behind the school. I just want to go somewhere and have an opportunity to play and educate myself. That’s all I need. I don’t ask for too much, honestly.”

The good news - Rutgers happens to have a very good Chemical Engineering program. He will also have an opportunity to get early playing time.

 

[soundcrib]

Why TF are we talking about The City when we should be discussing how Oden is exactly the QB we need?

 

[RUboston]

He looks impressive. Hopefully the strength and conditioning coach can add 25-35 lbs. to his 175 lb. frame.

 

[rutgersdave]

If that's true it would be a red flag to me as a prospect. On an official visit I want to see the campus, speak with the coaches, tour the facilities, speak with academic advisors, meet some of my future teammates, check out the scene downtown, and get a general feel for campus life. Visiting NYC, in my opinion, is a waste of time.

Recruits care about girls more than anything.

 

[cubuffsdoug]

Even with a busy schedule I'm not sure it's reasonable to compare the schedule of a "normal" student to a B1G football player.

As for the backhanded complement, I prefer urban areas - I live in Philadelphia, not Centre County - but that's now, as an adult, with disposable income. As a college student, I wouldn't trade my time in State College for anything. Besides, State College has options; there are like 20 different bars downtown, plus more apartment and house parties than you can count.[cheers]

I knew it, a country boy now trying to tell "us what's important for Rutgers and it's location. I don't care if you grew up down on the shore, it doesn't make you any more an expert on Rutgers than me on State Penn since my friend lives in Harrisburg. :mad:

 

[Caliknight]

To be clear, the prospects are bonding with each other? Or RU also brings current players along when they go to NYC?

It was part of the official visit. Recruits, current team members/ hosts, coaches, support staff.

 

[TonyVolt]

Screw these recruits from NJ. I love going after a kid from South Carolina. In a few years the NJ kids who continually snub us will be begging to come here. The irony is that Rutgers will be rebuilt with kids from the traditional big 10 states, not, at least initially, with NJ kids.

 

[LevaosLectures]

I actually more or less agree with cheesesteak. It's a nice thing to point to but I don't think it means all that much to recruits. I had some good times in nyc during college...especially Yankee playoff games 99-01, but most of my best memories happened right in da Brunz.

 

[WhiteBus]

Maybe they should take them to the corner of Henry St. and Rutgers St.

Tell them to find another school that has its namesake in the greatest city in the world.............

only problem. i think that street corner is not that exciting.

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.713...4!1sBbWR5q4_akJKMc54u2H1oQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656