December 26, 2008

Big time recruiting battles: Texas - Oklahoma

The New York Times received unparalleled access to the recruitment of one of the state of Texas' biggest stars, 6-foot-3, 290-pound defensive tackle Jamarkus McFarland. The results? A rather engrossing look at the big-time recruiting battles that often develop over the nation's best players.

For nearly eight months, OU assistant Jackie Shipp had emailed McFarland's mother, Kashemeyia Adams, every day. Adams had not been impressed with OU and perceived Texas as the stronger academic school. Shipp promised her that he would change her mind and earn it. From the NYT's account, Shipp's efforts were the most consistent of any coach, at any school, any where in the country.

McFarland made four official visits - LSU, Southern Cal, Texas and Oklahoma. In the end, it would come down to the school that he had rooted for all his life (Texas) against his grandmother's favorite school (Oklahoma).

He decided on Oklahoma, telling this new school at 12:01am on Christmas morning, according to the Times account.

What's more fascinating is *how* the two schools - the Longhorns and Sooners - approached McFarland's recruitment, including parties he attended on behalf of Texas and OU, which he detailed in a class paper - portions of which were published by the Times.

"I will never forget the excitement amongst all participants," McFarland wrote. "Alcohol was all you can drink, money was not an option. Girls were acting wild by taking off their tops, and pulling down their pants. Girls were also romancing each other. Some guys loved every minute of the freakiness some girls demonstrated. I have never attended a party of this magnitude."

[Note to McFarland: You talk a good game... freaky parties and all... but I'm not buying it unless you email me pictures. I think you'll agree that the Fanblogs crew deserves it. The truth, that is - just trying to get to the truth.]

McFarland said that drugs were not only available at the UT party - they were offered to all comers at no cost.

By contrast, the OU party at a sorority house included moderate drinking, in distinct contrast to the UT binge party.

OU applied the full press - dinners in the President's home, a place on the freshman class President's Council, and an extended, in-home visit by head coach Bob Stoops, who helped set & clear the table for McFarland's family before settling in to watch "Beauty Shop".

By contrast, the Texas coaching staff fumbled several potential contacts with the McFarland's mother - neglecting to visit her when they had come to his high school and telling her that she couldn't speak with Coach Brown directly when she had called UT.

The whole thing is an amazing, amazing read that paints a contrasting picture of Texas and Oklahoma, with notes on LSU and USC, as well.

It's clear that Bob Stoops can work the living room - an OU tradition older than the Schooner itself.

HT: Ryan, OU-Ron, and like six other dudes. Thanks!

Comments:

Big time recruiting battles: Texas - Oklahoma
The New York Times received unparalleled access to the recruitment of one of the state of Texas' biggest stars, 6-foot-3, 290-pound defensive tackle Jamarkus McFarland. The results? A rather engrossing look at the big-time recruiting battles that often develop over the nation's best players. For nearly eight months, OU assistant Jackie Shipp had emailed McFarland's mother, Kashemeyia Adams, every day. Adams had not been impressed with OU and perceived Texas as the stronger academic school. Shipp promised her that he would change her mind and earn it. From the NYT's account, Shipp's efforts were the most consistent of any coach, at any school, any where in the country. McFarland made four official visits - LSU, Southern Cal, Texas and Oklahoma. In the end, it would come down to the school that he had rooted for all his life (Texas) against his grandmother's favorite school (Oklahoma). He decided on Oklahoma, telling this new school at 12:01am on Christmas morning, according to the Times account. What's more fascinating is *how* the two schools - the Longhorns and Sooners - approached McFarland's recruitment, including parties he attended on behalf of Texas and OU, which he detailed in a class paper - portions of which were published by the Times.
"I will never forget the excitement amongst all participants," McFarland wrote. "Alcohol was all you can drink, money was not an option. Girls were acting wild by taking off their tops, and pulling down their pants. Girls were also romancing each other. Some guys loved every minute of the freakiness some girls demonstrated. I have never attended a party of this magnitude."
[Note to McFarland: You talk a good game... freaky parties and all... but I'm not buying it unless you email me pictures. I think you'll agree that the Fanblogs crew deserves it. The truth, that is - just trying to get to the truth.] McFarland said that drugs were not only available at the UT party - they were offered to all comers at no cost. By contrast, the OU party at a sorority house included moderate drinking, in distinct contrast to the UT binge party. OU applied the full press - dinners in the President's home, a place on the freshman class President's Council, and an extended, in-home visit by head coach Bob Stoops, who helped set & clear the table for McFarland's family before settling in to watch "Beauty Shop". By contrast, the Texas coaching staff fumbled several potential contacts with the McFarland's mother - neglecting to visit her when they had come to his high school and telling her that she couldn't speak with Coach Brown directly when she had called UT. The whole thing is an amazing, amazing read that paints a contrasting picture of Texas and Oklahoma, with notes on LSU and USC, as well. It's clear that Bob Stoops can work the living room - an OU tradition older than the Schooner itself. HT: Ryan, OU-Ron, and like six other dudes. Thanks!