'08 FL RB Carlton Thomas (Georgia LOI) [Archive]

Svoboda

06-19-2007, 07:50 AM

All Purpose Back
Frostproof High School ( http://www.polk-fl.net/fmshs/) (Frostproof, FL)

Links of Interest: Rivals Profile (http://notredame.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=64641)

Height: 5 foot-7
Weight: 175 lbs.

Combine
Forty: 4.6
Bench Reps: 18
Bench Max: 330 lbs.
Squat Max: 450 lbs.
Shuttle:
Vertical: 36 inches
GPA: 3.4
SAT: 910 on 1600 scale

Star Ratings
Rivals.com: ***
Scout.com: ****

Rankings & Accolades
Rivals #11 National APB, Rivals Florida Top 100 #53
Scout 300 for 2008 #122, Scout #13 National RB
ESPN 150 for 2008 #50, ESPN #9 National RB
Leading rusher in Polk County in 2007 edging out 2007 Florida RB recruit Chris Rainey

Statistics
2006- 170 Rushes, 2,283 Yards, 13.5 YPC, 25 TD’s
2007-

Schools of Interest
Auburn
Clemson
Georgia
Iowa
Notre Dame
West Virginia

Multimedia
Carlton Thomas's YouTube Highlights (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gfhtSE0WGs)

Thomas was the leading rusher in Polk County, FL in 2006, with staggering numbers. There is quite a disagreement on the recruiting boards as to CT’s relative worth, ranging from a *** ranking on Rivals, to a **** Top 125 ranking on Scout, all the way to a Top 50 Ranking on ESPN. However, one group that is very impressed with Carlton Thomas is the ND coaching staff who have been heavily recruiting CT for the Irish since March.

irishunclebill

06-25-2007, 11:53 AM

Carlton Thomas

irishunclebill

06-25-2007, 12:09 PM

For anyone who has not seen the extended (7:23) video highlights of Carlton Thomas on YouTube, enjoy:

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ND Fanatic

07-13-2007, 06:50 AM

Right now he says he is favoring ND, is going to decide in Oct.

http://notredame.scout.com/a.z?s=109&p=2&c=658337

NDGirlzRock

07-13-2007, 07:18 AM

I think that's too late to reserve a seat on the ND recruiting train. I'd say he is heading to WVU. I think he would fit extremely well into their system.

ND Fanatic

07-13-2007, 07:58 AM

I think that's too late to reserve a seat on the ND recruiting train. I'd say he is heading to WVU. I think he would fit extremely well into their system.

So you don't think we're taking a RB this year ?

NDGirlzRock

07-13-2007, 08:24 AM

Didn't say that...maybe Williams, but I don't think that its a necessity. Thomas I think is too late in his interest. If we do take a RB, Williams is visitng first....and has indicated his interest, also his mom is visiting with him. That leads me to believe that he is leaning Irish.

scooper

07-13-2007, 08:42 AM

I used to think we shouldn't take one. But a wise man pointed out to me that after this year there will only be three true tailbacks on the roster-provided Jabbie doesn't get a fifth and it looks like there won't be room for it.

Three is not deep enough at tailback. I think they should take one this year. Williams or Thomas. Both look good to me for different reasons.

paddyman

07-13-2007, 09:06 AM

BigIrish

07-13-2007, 09:08 AM

agreed. in a perfect world, we'd take an elite running back each year...i'll be disappointed if we fail to take a running back in this class.

irishunclebill

07-13-2007, 03:05 PM

Time for a late Friday afternoon rumor. Yesterday a very reliable source let it be known on the ND message boards that ND has a silent commit. Lots of speculation as to who that might be centered mostly around Floyd & Filer, but neither one really fit because it came across as a surprise. One name that was not mentioned in this speculation was Carlton Thomas, but Thomas's name popped up in a post today as being already Irish, and this was cryptically confirmed by a different and also usually very reliable source. Scout has also changed Carlton Thomas to having "High Interest" in Notre Dame, but that was largely based on an article written by Allen Wallace whose information is less reliable. However, Thomas did say in the Scout article that he is planning on committing in October, which seems to be code speak anymore for very soon. If Thomas is actually in the fold and Ryan Williams is coming to visit the first week of August, could the Irish be possibly looking at 2 RB's for this class. It's hard to see how they could find slots for 2, but this year I guess anything is possible. At the very least it makes for an interesting rumor to follow.

marv81s

07-13-2007, 03:10 PM

So did Weis throw out his "no more silent verbals" policy??

irishunclebill

07-13-2007, 03:10 PM

Link to free Scout story where Thomas names ND his leader.

October Decision (http://recruiting.scout.com/2/658337.html)

IrishKnight1023

07-13-2007, 03:16 PM

And the souce won't come out and say who? why?

marv81s

07-13-2007, 03:20 PM

if people want to keep their info coming to them, then they can't give up their info source.

sometimes with these things, you can take it for what it is worth, and keep track of their track record, if its good, then you know that their source is legit.

irishunclebill

07-13-2007, 03:22 PM

So did Weis throw out his "no more silent verbals" policy??

The word is a misnomer and also kind of stupid, but that seems to be the term that everyone wants to use. Silent verbals of the Darius Fleming type are obviously still acceptable where Fleming said, I want to be Irish, I won't visit anywhere else, but I want to wait until a certain date to announce. That seems to be OK as long as the date is not too far in the future. Weis's policy then seems to be that as long as you do it quickly, and don't visit anywhere else, then we'll try to keep a slot open. However, because of last year's various disasters, I find it hard to believe they would guarantee the slot, especially for a guy like Carlton Thomas. Floyd could not be the guy in the rumor because he does not meet the criteria with his supposed trip to one of Urbie's BBQ's next weekend, but Floyd might have a slot being held for him anyway. Like I said it's a stupid term, but I guess it's all we have. If you go by some of the latest info going up, Dan McCarthy is in theory also a silent commit because some posters are saying that McCarthy advised the ND coaching staff earlier this week that he would be Irish.

paddyman

07-13-2007, 03:26 PM

The word is a misnomer and also kind of stupid, but that seems to be the term that everyone wants to use. Silent verbals of the Darius Fleming type are obviously still acceptable where Fleming said, I want to be Irish, I won't visit anywhere else, but I want to wait until a certain date to announce. That seems to be OK as long as the date is not too far in the future. Weis's policy then seems to be that as long as you do it quickly, and don't visit anywhere else, then we'll try to keep a slot open. However, because of last year's various disasters, I find it hard to believe they would guarantee the slot, especially for a guy like Carlton Thomas. Floyd could not be the guy in the rumor because he does not meet the criteria with his supposed trip to one of Urbie's BBQ's next weekend, but Floyd might have a slot being held for him anyway. Like I said it's a stupid term, but I guess it's all we have. If you go by some of the latest info going up, Dan McCarthy is in theory also a silent commit because some posters are saying that McCarthy advised the ND coaching staff earlier this week that he would be Irish.

After reading your rumor, I also thought about McCarthy ( announcing on Monday) so it is not a stretch to think that he notified CW before this weekend. I also am thinking Robinson since he was coming this weekend. I dont know when but i was thinking him as well.

irishunclebill

07-13-2007, 03:32 PM

And the souce won't come out and say who? why?

This source has been dead on this year, but he usually does not provide the name of the recruit for the reasons Marv listed. He usually provides only the fact that something has happened. For example, he was the first to let the ND message boards know that someone had committed when it was EJ, but he never mentioned EJ's name. Based on that I believe that there is definitely a silent commit, or whatever you want to call it. It might be Steve Filer for all we know, but since the info that has popped up on Thomas fits the source's MO better, he seemed to be the best choice to link the two rumors to. Is it Thomas? I have no idea. Is it possible that it could be Thomas? I can't see any reason why not.

Besides, it was getting kind of boring this afternoon. Time to wake everybody up. Big weekend ahead.:D

NDGirlzRock

07-13-2007, 03:38 PM

paddyman

07-13-2007, 03:47 PM

I agree with Paddy. The obvious would be either Mac or Trev. Eventhough I live in Fl now, hell hole that it is, and I've seen Thomas play in person and think the kid has some moves, I get an air of attitude from him that makes me think that he might not fit as well as say Williams, who is a truly humble kid. I know he's a RB and he must have an attitude about him, but what I feel is different. It's almost as if he expects to be catered to because of his abilities. In my estimation that's a no no if you want to keep up your team chemistry. This weekend and the beginning of next week should be interesting. This time next week I say we are up to 20. Rock-on-Irish!!!

Thanks NDGR, i dont mean to sound snobby or picky or the like but i would much rather have williams than thomas. I think thomas is a little small at 5'7" and williams looks to be more verssatile from his highlights. I hope we land a few this weekend. It would be nice to close down recruiting in October.

paddyman

07-13-2007, 03:49 PM

rontdtarchala

07-13-2007, 04:13 PM

if we got 3 more next week...no seriously I will do back flips in my scivee's down the center of my street

irishunclebill

07-13-2007, 06:19 PM

IUB,

This would not be the same source who confused EJ with Hale on campus would it? Just curious. that guy was right on about the commit and the details, it was just he was confused about who was doing those things.

Not even close, and I would never use anything from that source as the basis for anything you see me post.

IrishKnight1023

07-13-2007, 07:21 PM

Does CT have an offer from USC? It used to say he did on Scout but they have sinced removed it and CT mentioned how they've basically stopped calling him.

NDgrandson

07-13-2007, 11:30 PM

http://blueandgold.com

I have not heard of USC rescinding their offer, but if they did, I don't think Thomas noticed or cared. I like that.

The recruit B&G is linking to the rumored silent is Ryan Williams. The link is posted above. Might a silent mean nothing if the other TB verbals publicly? Either way, I hope we take a TB and that it is either one of those guys. Two you infer? I don't think there is room.

IUB, I picture you incrypting communications like it's WWII or something...

"Wait a minute I am picking soething up... it's a silent. I am hearing a surprise recruit. Lets put it out there for the GH faithful."

Thanks Uncle Bill! :rolleyes:

irishunclebill

07-15-2007, 12:16 AM

Carlton Thomas is not the rumored silent commit and it appears that Ryan Williams is not either.

joresendez

07-15-2007, 01:27 AM

floyd???

IrishKnight1023

07-15-2007, 02:02 AM

We could throw out names all day because we are in on so many good players so I won't even bother.

therizz

07-15-2007, 06:30 AM

Thanks UncleBill. Keep posting.

irishunclebill

07-17-2007, 11:28 AM

As much as we see how much the Irish are disliked by the fans of scUM, OSU, and Illinois, etc., IMO that dislike does not even come close to the downright hatred that SEC schools and some ACC schools have for Notre Dame, which is peculiar in a way because we play those schools so sparingly. This hatred of ND is evidenced in the media more than anything. During the run-up to the BCS games last year, no one was more vehement in their anti-ND diatribes than Tim Brando & TJ Rives, both of whom believe that if you are an SEC fan that you are guaranteed a spot in heaven.

So what does all of this have to do with Carlton Thomas. We are pretty certain that Carlton is very high on ND, he has told a non-specific team related recruiting writer that ND is his #1 team right now. Some ND message board posters are going so far as saying that Thomas is an ND silent commit. However, ND's competition for Carlton's services are Deep South ACC & SEC schools, as well as WVU. The funny thing is if you listen to what the recruiting sites for schools like Auburn, UGA, and Clemson have to say, you would be hard pressed to believe that ND has even offered Thomas.

Examples from these sites.

Late June- Thomas is asked to talk about his Top 10 schools individually, Notre Dame is not mentioned.

Early July- Article says that Thomas's top 2 are UGA & Clemson.

Mid-July- Less than a week after Thomas tells Scout that ND is his top team right now, an article says that Thomas's Top 3 are Auburn, UGA, and WVU, nary a mention of the Irish. Oh, and what happened to Clemson.

Now, I am not a big conspiracy theorist, but I have seen this time and time again, especially with SEC related media outlets. The consistency with which ND is either ridiculed or excluded by these media outlets is just way too much for mere coincidence. It just seems that no matter how talented & successful SEC programs are on the field, and there should be no doubt anymore that right now they are the best in that regard, they still can not seem to get over this almost pathological hatred of Notre Dame.

OK, so off the soapbox, the pertinent point of this diatribe is that if you see on another site that ND is no longer in Carlton Thomas's Top 3, don't believe it, y'all.

Svoboda

07-17-2007, 11:30 AM

Well, if he doesn't commit before Ryan Williams does (who I think does on his visit or shortly thereafter) then it may not matter.

irishunclebill

07-17-2007, 11:34 AM

Well, if he doesn't commit before Ryan Williams does (who I think does on his visit or shortly thereafter) then it may not matter.

and he won't, unless he really is a silent commit, which I do not believe. It's going to be first come, first serve at RB, and I hope you are right that it is Ryan Williams. He is the perfect RB fit for this class.

Svoboda

07-17-2007, 11:36 AM

and he won't, unless he really is a silent commit, which I do not believe. It's going to be first come, first serve at RB, and I hope you are right that it is Ryan Williams. He is the perfect RB fit for this class.
I like Williams film a lot. While it doesn't have the wow factor that Thomas does, I just don't think Thomas will be a durable back, especially if he is the 5-foot-6, 165 pounds that many of the folks in Florida claim he is.

KMac151993

07-17-2007, 12:38 PM

I would love to see Williams in the Blue and Gold.

irishunclebill

08-13-2007, 11:42 AM

Carlton Thomas made one of the biggest jumps on the revised Scout 300 published today, going from #259 to #122, which is kind of ironic because last we heard he is not even considering USC.:rolleyes:

stealingshrimp

08-13-2007, 11:55 AM

Objective statement follows -
Thomas > Williams

IrishKnight1023

08-13-2007, 12:48 PM

Carlton Thomas made one of the biggest jumps on the revised Scout 300 published today, going from #259 to #122, which is kind of ironic because last we heard he is not even considering USC.:rolleyes:

-----He said they basically stopped recruiting him. Anyway I used to be on the "CT or bust" train, but have since back off and now will take whichever of RW and CT come first.

Irish93

08-13-2007, 02:39 PM

-----He said they basically stopped recruiting him. Anyway I used to be on the "CT or bust" train, but have since back off and now will take whichever of RW and CT come first.

Me too, but I'm starting to like the fact that RW has a little more bulk to him.

benneboy

08-14-2007, 12:24 AM

I have always felt that Thomas was one of the best Rb's in the class and it is good to see him get some credit. Ryan Williams is obviously a stud and top 100 player, I just think Carlton has the potential to be a guy the likes of which we have never had at ND. I think he has the potential to be a Noel Devine type player with his head on straight.

Jiggafini19

08-14-2007, 08:05 AM

The Barry Sanders/Noel Devine comparisons make sense due to his height. Aside from that, I'd rather get a bigger guy like Williams or Cy Gray that can handle the pounding of Division I-A BCS football.

Irish93

08-14-2007, 09:43 AM

irishunclebill

08-14-2007, 10:56 AM

Agreed. The comparisons are made all of time, but how many players actually live up to those comparisons. Give me the bigger back. Plus, RW is reportedly faster than CT. Regardless, it will probably be first come first serve.

Speaking of which there are rumblings that CT will take his Official to ND on 9/22 for the MSU game. That leave Williams with only the GT game if he wants to be at South Bend first. Maybe they will both be in South Bend for the same weekend, that would be interesting.

daytonirish

08-14-2007, 11:34 AM

What happens if they both show on the same weekend and both commit on the same weekend IUB?

irishunclebill

08-14-2007, 11:40 AM

What happens if they both show on the same weekend and both commit on the same weekend IUB?

That's why it would be very interesting and also unlikely to happen. I doubt that the staff would want to have 2 guys vying for the same spot on the same weekend. If Thomas is coming on 9/22 it may put a liitle pressure on Williams to come sooner, but as I said if it is for an Official Visit the only earlier opportunity is the GT game.

daytonirish

08-14-2007, 12:15 PM

You know something I just can't take all the presure of waiting on the final groub of players to commit!!!! Someone needs to talk toCharlie and the rest of the staff and lets get this out of the way before the season starts.:D

medvnd

08-14-2007, 12:55 PM

Dayton,

I'm walking over to the Gug right now. I'll straighten Charlie out. We should see those commits in the next couple of days. Anything I can do to help out.

daytonirish

08-14-2007, 02:37 PM

Thanks alot for the help medvnd.;)

irishunclebill

08-15-2007, 10:14 AM

irishunclebill

08-16-2007, 08:25 AM

CT has announced that he will definitely be making Official Visits to ND, UGA, & WVU. He plans to take all 5 Officials, the other two likely possibilities are Clemson & Auburn. No dates set in stone for any of the visits yet, but CT is saying that he will make his decision shortly after his last Official Visit.

CT re-iterated his Top 5 as listed above. ND is either one or two on his list, does not want to say exactly where because he does not want other schools to stop recruiting him yet. He also did not name the other school that is either 1 or 2 on his list, but did mention ND. Not sure what to make of that tact.

Coyote King

08-16-2007, 09:17 AM

CT has announced that he will definitely be making Official Visits to ND, UGA, & WVU. He plans to take all 5 Officials, the other two likely possibilities are Clemson & Auburn. No dates set in stone for any of the visits yet, but CT is saying that he will make his decision shortly after his last Official Visit.

Based on that, it sounds like RW gets first option (since CT won't choose until after his last official, no way he can do them all before the ND/MSU game)

irishunclebill

08-16-2007, 11:30 PM

Based on that, it sounds like RW gets first option (since CT won't choose until after his last official, no way he can do them all before the ND/MSU game)

Looks like CT is trying to move up his ND official visit to the Georgia Tech game.

Any thoughts, Mr. Williams.:cool:

benneboy

08-17-2007, 02:19 AM

Looks like CT is trying to move up his ND official visit to the Georgia Tech game.

Best news I've heard all week.

NDisNCin2010

08-17-2007, 07:41 AM

will CT's official this Fall be his first visit to ND?
or has he been here before?

irishunclebill

08-17-2007, 08:54 AM

will CT's official this Fall be his first visit to ND?
or has he been here before?

It will be his first visit. Same with other potential Official Visits of KLM, Page, Datone Jones, and JB.

IrishKnight1023

08-17-2007, 01:45 PM

Damn man Rivals has CT has a 5'6 at some camp he attended. That is Cameron Saddler type measurables there. He looks sick in film, but 5'6 is beyond pushing it.

brownkj002

08-17-2007, 02:37 PM

Damn man Rivals has CT has a 5'6 at some camp he attended. That is Cameron Saddler type measurables there. He looks sick in film, but 5'6 is beyond pushing it.

Maybe he can be like Darren Sproles from Kansas State. I would take that in a heartbeat.

NDGirlzRock

08-17-2007, 03:07 PM

Damn man Rivals has CT has a 5'6 at some camp he attended. That is Cameron Saddler type measurables there. He looks sick in film, but 5'6 is beyond pushing it.

I have two words to answer to that statement...Dave Meggett!

IrishKnight1023

08-17-2007, 03:15 PM

Yeah that's the thing though. There are ony a handful of players that you can remember making an impact at that height. What are the chances this guy guy is Sproles #2? If he's good enough for an ND offer I like him, I'm just saying seeinng AA at 5'10 190 right now as the small guy (even though he's bigger than we all thought he would be) then how would a 5'6 165 pounder look? Don't worry I'm not a CT hater I've been accually drinking his kool-aid for a while now.

irishunclebill

08-17-2007, 03:20 PM

I saw the same combine numbers, but CT is claiming that his current measurables are 5'7" 175 and that he can lift 330 lbs. That's correct, almost twice his body weight, which is freakish strength for a Running Back. Take it FWIW but it may give you some idea on why a RB that is not particularly fast, (he only ran a 4.73 40 at the combo in January) and still relatively small at 5'7", 175, is still being pursued pretty heavily by Notre Dame and quite a few other schools.

BigIrish

08-17-2007, 03:58 PM

how big is mike hart? he can't be too much bigger, can he?

IrishKnight1023

08-17-2007, 04:18 PM

how big is mike hart? he can't be too much bigger, can he?

---I think he is 5'9 and about 200 pounds so yes. That is 2 inches taller and almost 40 pounds heavier.

Svoboda

08-17-2007, 04:33 PM

And oft injured.

Coyote King

08-17-2007, 04:36 PM

Looks like CT is trying to move up his ND official visit to the Georgia Tech game.

Any thoughts, Mr. Williams.:cool:

That is interesting, it makes you wonder how much CT and RW are reading about each other:confused:. It still seems like he would have to be blown away and commit on the spot to prevent RW from sliding in if he wanted to. (based on CT saying he would take all officials first) Does RW have others visits after ND/MSU scheduled or has he made similar commits about taking all his officials first?

irishunclebill

08-17-2007, 04:41 PM

That is interesting, it makes you wonder how much CT and RW are reading about each other:confused:. It still seems like he would have to be blown away and commit on the spot to prevent RW from sliding in if he wanted to. (based on CT saying he would take all officials first) Does RW have others visits after ND/MSU scheduled or has he made similar commits about taking all his officials first?

Unless you've seen something solid on it, as far as I know RW has nothing scheduled anywhere. Last I heard he was planning on maybe taking an unofficial visit this month or pushing it back to an Official next month, but at this point I think it is just speculation that he is coming for the MSU game.

Coyote King

08-17-2007, 04:46 PM

Unless you've seen something solid on it, as far as I know RW has nothing scheduled anywhere. Last I heard he was planning on maybe taking an unofficial visit this month or pushing it back to an Official next month, but at this point I think it is just speculation that he is coming for the MSU game.

Thanks for clarifying IUB, I went back and re-read your post where it said "rumblings of a visit to the ND/MSU game". I had incorrectly read it the first time thinking it was scheduled. I do not have any info outside of what I have read in this thread.

GhostSpirit

08-17-2007, 06:33 PM

It is possible that Carlton will continue to grow. I always read that so and so will grow out of some position yada yada yada. Well, is Carlton an exception or something? He's still only 17. If he grows another two inches he'll be 5'9'', and with his dedication in the weight room there's no reason he can't be a beast even at that height.

BigIrish

08-20-2007, 07:15 AM

two inches at age 17? not likely. outgrowing a position during the transition from high school to college typically involves adding weight and muscle rather than height, which sometimes diminishes speed, etc.

i dunno...i guess i didn't realize he was that much smaller than hart. if that's the case, you've got to question his durability at the college level.

scooper

08-20-2007, 08:52 AM

How durable do they need this year's RB to be. Not every rb brought in will eventually start. There will be some guys who play spot duty and fill certain roles. With two workhorses on the roster next year and Allen, who may arguably be a workhorse as well, they may not need a guy this year who can take every snap. Just someone who can give some snaps here and there and give a different look.

Then again, he could also be a Darren Sproles.

GhostSpirit

08-20-2007, 02:00 PM

two inches at age 17? not likely.

Yeah, I don't think it's that unlikely at all. It may not happen, but I know plenty of people who have grown after high school. Not everyone matures at the same time.

tchris555

08-20-2007, 02:20 PM

mike dunleavy grew like 4 inches at duke.

i dont care anyway. he doesn't have to be 5 10. he is what he is

Ray Herring

08-20-2007, 05:19 PM

I was 5' 10" as a junior in High School.

Now I am around 6' 1"

IrishKnight1023

08-20-2007, 07:27 PM

I was 5' 10" as a junior in High School.

Now I am around 6' 1"

---Are you accually Ray or just a fan because it says he was 5-11 leaving HS and now around 6' so that would sound like you are him.

stonebreakerwasgod

08-20-2007, 07:45 PM

Dammit Ray, give us some inside scoop. :)

NDGirlzRock

08-20-2007, 08:43 PM

I was 5' 10" as a junior in High School.

Now I am around 6' 1"

Yeah Ray we want some scoop!

NDisNCin2010

08-20-2007, 08:47 PM

NDisNCin2010

08-20-2007, 08:52 PM

can any of you NFL history afficianados provide a list of great NFL RB's 5'8 or smaller...i'm lazy but i can start list i think Joe Morris of Super Bowl Champion NY Giants in 1986 was approx 5-7", listed at 5-8".
I'm sure there are some awesome NFL RB's that were this "short".

futurendcoach

08-20-2007, 08:54 PM

IN case you where in a cave during the late 90's and the next ten years yonder. You might of heard of the best pure runnning back ever named barry sanders.

NDGirlzRock

08-20-2007, 09:09 PM

GoshenGipper

08-20-2007, 09:18 PM

---Are you accually Ray or just a fan because it says he was 5-11 leaving HS and now around 6' so that would sound like you are him.

It wouldn't suprise me if it was him. I know Nardo! knows the real Ray.

NDisNCin2010

08-20-2007, 09:33 PM

walter payton?

Tommy

08-20-2007, 09:39 PM

I was 5' 10" as a junior in High School.

Now I am around 6' 1"

man I bet your PM box has exploded

IrishCalves

08-20-2007, 10:54 PM

Priest Holmes was certainly a good one during his 1st stay with the Chiefs... 5'9" certainly won't win him a height contest.

Ray Herring

08-21-2007, 05:10 PM

If I was Ray Herring, I would probably go by Ray-Ray and not the full name.

stonebreakerwasgod

08-21-2007, 05:16 PM

Your name from now on is RED.

IrishKnight1023

08-21-2007, 05:27 PM

I'm still confused

irishunclebill

08-22-2007, 08:20 AM

CT has confirmed that he will make his Official Visit to ND for the GT game on 9/1. He also announced his Final 5, Notre Dame, West Virginia, Iowa, Auburn and Georgia. He plans on making an Official Visit to all 5 of these schools and re-iterated that he will make his decision after his last Official Visit.

irishunclebill

08-22-2007, 08:23 AM

BTW, the Final 5 is a bit different from his most recent Top 5 in that Clemson has been replaced by Iowa.

daytonirish

08-22-2007, 08:24 AM

IUB he says his plans are to take all five visits. But he stops in South Bend first so hopefully his visit goes so well he doesn't need to take the rest and commits to N.D. Sept.1.

NDGirlzRock

08-22-2007, 08:28 AM

Hey Uncle Buck has he scheduled any other officials with the afore mentioned schools or is it just the ND/GT game that has been scheduled?

irishunclebill

08-22-2007, 08:32 AM

Hey Uncle Buck has he scheduled any other officials with the afore mentioned schools or is it just the ND/GT game that has been scheduled?

It appears that ND is the only one scheduled thus far, but I would not read too much into that. Given that it is already 8/22, he had to schedule the ND/GT game now, he still has time to schedule the other 4.

NDGirlzRock

08-22-2007, 08:37 AM

Thanks for the info....but I'm still gonna read something in to it! Hey what can I say I'm an ND Homer!

daytonirish

08-22-2007, 08:54 AM

I agree with you NDGirlzRock, we should read something into it and figure he wants to see how well he likes N.D. before he sets his other visits.

jfschellcrna

08-22-2007, 09:02 AM

Your name from now on is RED. I prefer pickled.............

irishunclebill

08-22-2007, 09:25 AM

I agree with you NDGirlzRock, we should read something into it and figure he wants to see how well he likes N.D. before he sets his other visits.

Not so sure that CT has to hurry in his decision anymore. With all of the recent defections from the ND possibilities list, (Patchan, Sabino, KLM etc.)and ND's Defensive Recruiting basically finished, there may be now room for more than one RB in this class. Basically there are only 7 offered recruits left that ND has a legitimate shot at, (Floyd, Baldwin, Cyrus Gray, CT, RW, Page & Robinson) and 3 of those 7 are RB's. There is no way they take all 3, but if they take 2 and in the unlikely event they are also successful with all 4 of Floyd, Robinson, Page, & Baldwin, you are looking at 25, which seems to be the max. number for this class. All of a sudden there is some room left in the inn. If there are no other Offers going out the staff might be willing to take both RW & CT if the opportunity presented itself.

ND Fanatic

08-22-2007, 09:30 AM

I would rather that they take only 1 RB and save the schollie for next year. With the numbers we have for next year, if they can save one, they should.

daytonirish

08-22-2007, 09:35 AM

I'm not sure you should ever save one for next year. If the offers are out there and these kids except then you have to accept them or don't offer them.

irishunclebill

08-22-2007, 09:48 AM

I would rather that they take only 1 RB and save the schollie for next year. With the numbers we have for next year, if they can save one, they should.

That is most likely what will happen anyway, but the recent change in status of a lot of ND possibilities may have taken the pressure off of both CT & RW to have to make a quick decision if they want to get on the ND bus.

None of the 3 RB's seem to be a certainty for ND anyway. ND definitely seems to be one of CT's Top 2, and there is at least one ND message boarder with a pretty good track record who is adamant that ND is in RW's Top 2 as well, but since there is so little on the record info coming from that camp, that is impossible to confirm. Cyrus Gray, even if he does academically qualify, is probably going to be another KLM and end up staying in Texas. Bottom line at this point, I would say there is a 50/50 chance that ND ends up with 0 or 1 RB in this class, about a 10% chance that they end up with 2, and a 0% chance they take all three.

rdrdreamer

08-22-2007, 09:55 AM

That is most likely what will happen anyway, but the recent change in status of a lot of ND possibilities may have taken the pressure off of both CT & RW to have to make a quick decision if they want to get on the ND bus.

None of the 3 RB's seem to be a certainty for ND anyway. ND definitely seems to be one of CT's Top 2, and there is at least one ND message boarder with a pretty good track record who is adamant that ND is in RW's Top 2 as well, but since there is so little on the record info coming from that camp, that is impossible to confirm. Cyrus Gray, even if he does academically qualify, is probably going to be another KLM and end up staying in Texas. Bottom line at this point, I would say there is a 50/50 chance that ND ends up with 0 or 1 RB in this class, about a 10% chance that they end up with 2, and a 0% chance they take all three.

I really appreciate your post's. They carry alot of substance...not to mention a fresh prespective. Well thought...

NDGirlzRock

08-22-2007, 09:57 AM

On that thought, I'm backing off of my original stance of we take 24 in this class. It could possibly be lower. But that doesn't mean that this class doesn't rock!

daytonirish

08-22-2007, 10:07 AM

I agree that this class is outstanding and anyone we add to it is going to only strenghthen it. But I do kinda think it's funny that not to long ago people were worried that if we took 25or26 recruits that it was going to be to many. And now we all seem to be satisfied with the group we have and are really only concerned with wether Michael Floyd commits or not.

ND Fanatic

08-22-2007, 10:21 AM

And now we all seem to be satisfied with the group we have and are really only concerned with wether Michael Floyd commits or not.

I'm satisfied, but there are some more kids we can add. I think that 1 RB, 1 OL and 2 WR would round this class out nicely.

daytonirish

08-22-2007, 10:26 AM

NDGirlzRock

08-22-2007, 10:30 AM

No doubt there are more kids we could add, I would never argue that point. I would love to add at least one more OL, and at least one WR. But we all seem to be more concerned about Michael Floyd than the rest of the prospects left on our radar.

I'm not worried! If we get him we get him! Plain and simple! Goodman is fantastic and with the TEs we have...plus we do have several guys already on schollie, that if they put it together, will be unstoppable! Have faith my friends!

daytonirish

08-22-2007, 10:37 AM

I do have faith in the guys alreay on the roster and with adding Goodman. I guess I'm just getting a lot to excited with the season only ten days away. When it gets this close to the start of the season nothing else seems to matter as much anymore. Then once the season starts well when N.D. is playing the phone is turned off and the do not disturb sign is on the front door,and that includes family.

jfschellcrna

08-22-2007, 10:45 AM

yeah, watching the game with others can be stressful. don't want to talk to people, don't want to have to watch my mouth.........

daytonirish

08-22-2007, 10:54 AM

And i definetley don't want to share my beer with them, well maybe one but no more than that. Besides if I watch a game at someone else's place I always bring my own just in case they don't have enough on hand.:D

NDGirlzRock

08-22-2007, 10:55 AM

HereComeTheIrish

08-22-2007, 11:13 AM

A true party gentleman!

...Or a complete alcoholic. :)

NDGirlzRock

08-22-2007, 11:14 AM

...Or a complete alcoholic. :)

You say potatoe I say potato!

daytonirish

08-22-2007, 11:45 AM

A little bit of both if thats o.k.

IrishKnight1023

08-22-2007, 01:10 PM

A lower number is better and what the coaches were most likely shooting for from the beginning. The people who were shouting "NO MORE 5th YEARS" can now come down from that soap box. The Lambert/ Crum deal is a done deal if Lambert doesn't have a breakout year and declare for the draft (very unlikely.) So now you can have room for Justin Brown (breakout year so far and desperate for DL depth and leadership) and a Leo Ferrine and or maybe a Jabbie if he does anything at RB this year. I only see us ending up with 23 at THE MAX, but I accually expect us to wind up with 21-22. Don't forget that Bemendorfer will most likely receive his scholarship after this year as well. 5th year aren't a thing of the past especially not now with our horrific number's in the Jr. and Sr. classes.

jfschellcrna

08-22-2007, 01:14 PM

You say potatoe I say potato! stoney, where's dan quayle???????????????

daytonirish

08-22-2007, 01:21 PM

IrishKnight good point didn't really think about it in that way.

stonebreakerwasgod

08-22-2007, 01:23 PM

Dan Quayle is hiding in Indiana, waiting for ND to play, and trying to avoid getting shot by Cheney.

IrishKnight1023

08-22-2007, 01:24 PM

http://notredame.scout.com/2/671027.html

“I just wanted to let them know that they’re still up there,” explained Thomas. “I’m just real happy and appreciative of them looking at me, giving me that exposure and looking at me that highly.”

irishunclebill

08-22-2007, 01:30 PM

I am still simply amazed by those bench and squat numbers for a guy who says he weighs 175 lbs.

IrishKnight1023

08-22-2007, 01:52 PM

I have to say though many many HS kids flat out lie about there bench and squat numbers, I've seen it myself. If it's at a combine or something or that nature I take alot from it, but from their mouth I take it with a grain of salt.

docbradley

08-23-2007, 05:53 PM

I've made a youtube video featuring Tuesday's Powerhour interview of Carlton Thomas playing over his highlight reel. Here it is:

Carlton Thomas interview (http://youtube.com/watch?v=RUEOOd5BHag)

irishunclebill

08-23-2007, 06:08 PM

I've made a youtube video featuring Tuesday's Powerhour interview of Carlton Thomas playing over his highlight reel. Here it is:

Carlton Thomas interview (http://youtube.com/watch?v=RUEOOd5BHag)

Great stuff, Doc and reps. I know why you set up a new thread for this but it really does belong in CT's recruiting profile. I'm going to leave it where it is for the time being so everyone can see it, but I'll probably move it into CT's recruiting thread tomorrow. Thanks again, it's a great way to listen to the interview.

NDgrandson

08-23-2007, 07:39 PM

Hmmm...

He is visiting on week one. He was originally going to come later. Word is Ryan Williams is the next home game, MSU?

"I am going to take all 5 vistis" CT
"Where you going" MF

"ND... mmm... uhhh... (then name 3 schools), that's about it."

He says he considering 7 and the 2nd team he names is WVU.

MF tried to dig and see if he'd possibly commit on the spot. "No." CT quickly responds.

What do you guys think? He says things that might indicate patience, but in real time, it sounds like only ND is on his mind.

BTW, his highlights are sick. :eek:

irishunclebill

08-23-2007, 07:47 PM

Svoboda

08-23-2007, 07:50 PM

irishunclebill

08-23-2007, 08:56 PM

Profile Updated & Pictures Added.

Fishin'_Irish

08-23-2007, 08:58 PM

Svoboda

08-23-2007, 09:39 PM

Carlton and Williams?
I'm sorry... I was typing quicker than my brain works apparently. Yes, I could see Notre Dame letting both Carlton Thomas and Ryan Williams in this class if they both wanted to come at this point.

While we're talented at the tailback spot, we're not as deep as everyone things as we'll lose both Junior Jabbie and Travis Thomas this year leaving only Aldridge, Allen and Hughes at RB since Munir moved to corner.

IrishKnight1023

08-23-2007, 09:51 PM

I think you could see both Carlton and Thomas taken since we've struck out with other prospects. If both want to come, I don't see why not. During the Holtz era, we normally took 2-3 backs each and every year.

-----Yeah Svo but we ran an option back then you and you need more than a few RB's for that offense. We are not in the running for alot more players, but we just gave out 4 schollies to walk ons and I expect at least 2 or 3 5th years to come back. Taking 2 RB's would not be very smart IMO.

Svoboda

08-23-2007, 09:56 PM

-----Yeah Svo but we ran an option back then you and you need more than a few RB's for that offense. We are not in the running for alot more players, but we just gave out 4 schollies to walk ons and I expect at least 2 or 3 5th years to come back. Taking 2 RB's would not be very smart IMO.
No, banking on one running back to absolutely, postively develop is not smart. Go back and take a look at USC, Florida, Texas, et al over the past ten years and you will see most take 2 running backs per year.

There is a reason why many of the top tier programs have been successful year in and year out. They never have a lapse in their running game. In my opinion, this is one of the major reasons why Notre Dame has faltered since Lou left. Has absolutely nothing to do with the option attack... at all.

medvnd

08-24-2007, 12:04 AM

You're right Svo. With the exception of Julius Jones in '03 (and even then he only got 10-15 carries a game), we haven't had a real gamebreaker at the RB spot since the mid-'90s. While I was growing up, I was always amazed at ND's seemingly endless stable of running backs. If the upper classman wasn't performing, Lou would bring in the freshman back to give the team a spark. We talk a lot about the depth at the RB position, but, as you said, we're only three deep after this year. With injuries to the RB position occurring frequently, it is in our best interest to add to the depth chart. As we've seen this year at RB and other positions, competition for playing time is a definite positive for a football team, as long as the coach knows how to handle it.

IrishKnight1023

08-24-2007, 12:27 AM

No, banking on one running back to absolutely, postively develop is not smart. Go back and take a look at USC, Florida, Texas, et al over the past ten years and you will see most take 2 running backs per year.

There is a reason why many of the top tier programs have been successful year in and year out. They never have a lapse in their running game. In my opinion, this is one of the major reasons why Notre Dame has faltered since Lou left. Has absolutely nothing to do with the option attack... at all.

---I agree, but I still see (if we take one RB this year) 4 scholarship HS AA RB's all within 2 classes from each other. I think between Aldridge, Hughes, AA, and whom ever we bring in this year that somebody will step up. I think having Hughes/Allen with a CT/RW this year is more then overcrowding the backfield. I think taking 1 RB this year is better for SOME type of gap. If we needed such depth still at RB Weis would've left Prince in the backfield. I understand what you are saying about having an influx of talent in the backfield like USC does, but we only have 1 tailback in the backfield at a time.

BigIrish

08-24-2007, 09:11 AM

If we needed such depth still at RB Weis would've left Prince in the backfield. I understand what you are saying about having an influx of talent in the backfield like USC does, but we only have 1 tailback in the backfield at a time.

that only applies to this year - next year is a different story. TT is an example of that. In fact, TT's move back to RB despite the younger talent is probably a move based as much on need as it is on natural fit...we've only got one proven back on the team this year and he's gone next year.

prince didn't work out at RB for this year. that left just aldridge. what if one of hughes or allen don't work out? we're going to operate on a two-deep next year? nah, i can see a need for two backs in this class.

tchris555

08-24-2007, 11:45 AM

keep in mind that our recruits will always be in lemming's AAA game.

IrishKnight1023

08-24-2007, 12:05 PM

keep in mind that our recruits will always be in lemming's AAA game.

---Are Hughes, AA and Alrdridge not HS AA without Lemming? Yes they are.

NDisNCin2010

09-01-2007, 01:00 PM

Sept from ESPN

Huge day for RB Carlton Thomas
ESPNU All-American Carlton Thomas rushed for 285 yards, including a 98-yard touchdown scamper, in Frostproof's 14-0 triumph, The Ledger reports. Most of his damage was done in the first half, as cramps kept him sidelined later in the contest.

Tommy

09-01-2007, 01:32 PM

285 yards and the team only score two TDs wha wha what

MirageSmack

09-01-2007, 02:24 PM

285 yards and the team only score two TDs wha wha what

Agreed. They have serious turnover issues I guess.

IrishKnight1023

09-01-2007, 06:40 PM

Lets hope Carlton is looking more for atmosphere than results.

JMR8

09-01-2007, 06:46 PM

for eral. negative what 4 or 6 yards rushing. Great, Great D by GT, but negative yards..? WOW! that is all i have to say.

marv81s

09-02-2007, 12:06 AM

its the first game of the year gentlemen, 1 game with a lot of young players, let's maintain some perspective here

IrishKnight1023

09-03-2007, 12:54 PM

Wow I think we have a winner and a guy with his head on straight here. Carlton was accually IMPRESSED by his GT visit. He was impressed with our fans no matter what the score was. He says ND STILL leads, good news.

MirageSmack

09-03-2007, 08:57 PM

I would think recruits would also be impressed with how many freshmen saw time Saturday, and how many that started.

WheelMan

09-05-2007, 10:25 AM

I saw Carlton walking with someone from ND (Not a coach or player) and possibly Jamoris Slaughter. They were heading from Weis's office toward the stadium a couple of hours before game time. Hopefully Slaughter was in his ear before and during the game about coming to ND.

therizz

09-05-2007, 10:43 AM

Thanks for the info Wheelman!

NDGirlzRock

09-07-2007, 11:51 AM

I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by Carlton's comments about the game last week, despite our lopsided loss. Seems like the kid has a head on his shoulders. I feel bad for kids that base their college decisions on just one game during the "offical 3 hour tour"! It is refereshing to hear that a young man with his talents sees the big picture in life. In a society where our youth are so NOW oriented, Carlton is a find!!!

NDisNCin2010

09-11-2007, 09:23 AM

from ESPN...

Carlton Thomas held in check as Frostproof goes down
ESPNU All-American running back Charlton Thomas was limited to 84 yards on 25 carries (3.4 average), including 11 rushes of two yards or less as Frostproof lost 14-13 to Lake Region (Eagle Lake, Fla.), The Ledger reports.

irishunclebill

09-12-2007, 09:50 AM

Scout still lists CT's interest in ND as High, the only school in his profile with that designation.

NDisNCin2010

09-19-2007, 08:29 AM

from espn...

Undersized RB Carlton Thomas continues to post big numbers
ESPNU All-American Carlton Thomas carried 21 times for 142 yards (6.8 average) and two touchdowns, including a 34-yarder, as Frostproof cruised to a 26-0 shutout win, The Ledger reports.

The New Louis

09-19-2007, 11:33 AM

He is a nice little player. He would be a great get.

and1john

09-30-2007, 05:29 PM

Looks like he's going to Georgia. I'm not gonna lie, I'm pretty surprised about this...hopefully we can pick up Ryan Williams still, or Cyrus Gray.

notredomer23

09-30-2007, 05:56 PM

link?

RichardRiot

09-30-2007, 06:00 PM

Looks like he's going to Georgia. I'm not gonna lie, I'm pretty surprised about this...hopefully we can pick up Ryan Williams still, or Cyrus Gray.

That is a surprise to me...but rivals confirms it.....

cman1787

09-30-2007, 06:25 PM

i hope we get Williams then

notredomer23

09-30-2007, 06:28 PM

damn. heres a link http://georgia.scout.com/2/685528.html

irishziggy

09-30-2007, 06:28 PM

this means we better get Williams

notredomer23

09-30-2007, 06:32 PM

or gray

stonebreakerwasgod

09-30-2007, 06:41 PM

or one of these guys..

http://www.freakingnews.com/pictures/25000/Rocky-Balboa-Forrest-Gump--25414.jpg

RichardRiot

09-30-2007, 06:46 PM

or one of these guys..

http://www.freakingnews.com/pictures/25000/Rocky-Balboa-Forrest-Gump--25414.jpg

I'll take the one in the middle...he looks fastest

JMR8

09-30-2007, 09:22 PM

F-in A Cotton! I really wanted him. I'm pissed Georgia just got Caleb King who I wanted last year. Well we better stick all of our Rb attention on Ryan Williams so we can snag him. I think he will be very solid, but I don't know there was just something about Thomas that I liked. I think Williams bit smaller and bit faster version of Aldridge. So thats cool.

daytonirish

10-01-2007, 07:34 AM

It would be nice to get a rb this year. But with 2 quality fr. rb. and 1 soph I won't be to upset if we miss out this year.

NDGirlzRock

10-01-2007, 11:07 AM

I wonder what made him decide that?

irishunclebill

10-02-2007, 01:42 PM

One of the unfortunate, and to me at least, worrisome aspects of Thomas's commit to UGA is that CW & ND, after two solid years recruiting in Florida, with 3 guys each in the 2006 & 2007 classes (Young, Wenger, Jackson, AA, Nwankwo, Ian Williams) now has no shot at any Florida athlete for the 2008 class despite offering 9. This will also be the first year since 2002 that Notre Dame has not successfully recruited at least one Florida High School senior.

Although this will not affect the overall quality of the 2008 class, from a strategic recruiting standpoint this has to be a disappointment for the ND coaching staff.

jason

10-05-2007, 07:54 AM

I think Brown was ours if we wanted him but we backed off because of the number of D commits we already had.

RichardRiot

10-05-2007, 08:25 AM

NDisNCin2010

11-01-2007, 09:14 PM

FWIW, and not that it means anything for the Irish.....

according to ESPN recruiting briefingroom, Carlton's HS coach says young Mr Thomas still plans on visiting WVU on Oct 20th.

???Could be just a rumor or a miscommunication???

perhaps CT was keeping his options open if this were to happen...Georgia sure is loaded with young RB's...

RB Dontavius Jackson stays in-state with the Bulldogs
Dontavius Jackson committed to Georgia early Wednesday morning over LSU and Clemson, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
He said, "I was just seeing what the other programs had to compete with Georgia, and I just decided to be a Bulldog. The SEC is the greatest league. I'm excited I picked Georgia."

gotta think we are still "in touch" with Mr Thomas...stay tuned.