Some of you guys owe Sam Webb an apology

Submitted by ldevon1 on December 19th, 2018 at 8:30 AM

He didn't talk Dax into signing, but some of you guys claimed he was trying to save face and get clicks when he said all wasn't lost. 

LSAClassOf2000

December 19th, 2018 at 8:45 AM ^

The thing I still cannot understand is why people would berate the man for making educated guesses based on what he personally knew at a given point in time. We've been through this with other people that cover recruiting, and the things that are said to these guys - especially the respected ones - on occasion are amazing to me. 

4th and Go For It

December 19th, 2018 at 8:54 AM ^

Agreed. It seems to me that people just want to crap all over him if he ever says something wrong. He's not a member of the staff. He's not in these kids' families. He's not flawlessly able to predict the whims of 18 year olds. 

He is however one of the more careful recruiting experts when making comments. He is plugged in to the program and trusted by the staff, it seems. He is thorough in speaking to member of these kids immediate circles. But this isn't math. There's not a right answer if you just calculate it correctly. It's called a Crystal Ball for reason - educated guess.

Let's say Harrison decides on a whim today with the Dax news and maybe a gut feeling when he woke up that he's going to Michigan. Does that make Sam someone who doesn't know what he's talking about because he flipped his crystal ball? I don't think it does. But that's happened in the past with guys like Najee.

Don

December 19th, 2018 at 8:49 AM ^

I've always defended Webb so I don't think he needs an apology from me, but I didn't buy his opinion that it wasn't over, and I mocked those who shared his optimism. Mea culpa.

SMart WolveFan

December 19th, 2018 at 8:53 AM ^

What are you talking about?

His "righteousness" and "trust earning" is all an elaborate ploy to get clicks!

Nice going guys.

/s

Here's to Sam, the only man who's gut preoccupies me than my own!

stephenrjking

December 19th, 2018 at 8:56 AM ^

I’ll say this: the “program in disarray” narrative that was creeping around (parts of which I gave some credence to) has taken a serious, welcome blow here. Another overlooked but important data point: Hill and Long are apparently participating in bowl practice. It’s still possible that they’ll leave early (and possibly skip the game) but the fact that they’re still with the team means they’re not just trying to get away from the ship as fast as they can. 

Some might pipe in here and say that they always knew things were fine; great. Not all of us did. 

The Denarding

December 19th, 2018 at 9:06 AM ^

Listen this site has been an unbearable place since the OSU game.   People doubting the veracity of what Sam says is par for the course.   I, for one, think Sam is fairly thoughtful in what he says and does.   Some of it is information, some of it is conjecture and some of it is veiled knowledge to get you to click.    It’s the nature of the business.   Sam doesn’t need your apology because he probably understands the nature of his business better than anyone.   I think this just serves as a reminder that pessimism requires more energy to overcome than optimism and a glass being half empty has greater negative emotion even as it fills because of the attitude and belief it will never fill to what you want.    We have a relevant program that matters nationally with a coach who has a proven track record.   Maybe we give the process a chance and realize just how far we have come and how far we still have to go and enjoy the journey.   The hedonic adaption will happen - just enjoy the ride. 

4th phase

December 19th, 2018 at 9:23 AM ^

There were multiple users who wanted Sam Webb to make a public apology because he spent a weekend with the Hill family writing an article on them. Where are you guys now?

Perkis-Size Me

December 19th, 2018 at 9:26 AM ^

Fair enough. I was wrong about Hill coming back (although I don't think I was unjustified for thinking that - who in the hell ever flips 5 stars from Bama?), and I definitely called Sam out for "fishing for a story where there wasn't one." The BPONE is strong, and its going to t

Sam and I have some differences of opinion on quite a few things, but that's the nature of his business. Either way, I'll sack up and say that I was wrong to call him out like that. 

PaulWall

December 19th, 2018 at 9:39 AM ^

So... i never blamed sam for anything.  He has a job to do,  and i don't fight the battles he fights every day.  I have no place to judge him because of that. I never thought there was a chance dax was coming back.  I don't know if ive ever been so excited for a recruit as i am for dax.  Even over Gary. Charbonnet is right up there with dax for me.  We could be getting to see 2 top 5 nfl draft picks in 3 years,  on the same team! 

LabattsBleu

December 19th, 2018 at 9:57 AM ^

Sam is a good dude and he's just trying to report on the information he gets.

Surprised at all the grief he gets.

Its recruiting. Sh!t happens. 

I'd be saying the same thing if Daxton didn't flip back to Michigan