'09 PA WR Je'Ron Stokes (Tennessee Verbal)

[HotMic]

Originally Posted by lopo89

We'll see if it holds up. On March 23rd, he doesnt have a top 5 but then on April 6th commits? Eh.

He still is visiting Illinois for the Spring Game, so i'd put him as a soft verbal.

Yet Illinois fan (not saying you for the record) gets [censored]ed when people say Fellows is a soft verbal after taking multiple visits to Ohio State.....go figure.

Anyways, back to Stokes...

[brutus2002]

I would rather he commit to Tenn than a B10 school especially Michigan. Great pick-up for the Vols...congrats to J. Stokes.

[Oh8ch]

I would rather he commit to Tenn than a B10 school especially Michigan.

I'm changing my mind on that sentiment. The separation between OSU and the rest of the conference has been increasing - in both directions. These days anytime the SEC beats the B10 for an athlete it is a bad thing - even if it is Michigan.

[RB07OSU]

Originally Posted by Oh8ch

I'm changing my mind on that sentiment. The separation between OSU and the rest of the conference has been increasing - in both directions. These days anytime the SEC beats the B10 for an athlete it is a bad thing - even if it is Michigan.

Agreed...we need to keep all the talent in the Big10. OSU is getting killer classes but we have no solid competition because nobody else is pulling in good classes. I know that could equal a tougher ticket to the NC game but I would rather get beat once or twice by good competition in the Big10 than get waxed in the NC game by a team that's been tested all year in a good conference. Either way this is a big shock.

[jwinslow]

Originally Posted by Oh8ch

I'm changing my mind on that sentiment. The separation between OSU and the rest of the conference has been increasing - in both directions. These days anytime the SEC beats the B10 for an athlete it is a bad thing - even if it is Michigan.

True, but the annual mass exodus from this state couldn't happen to a nicer fanbase.

[alpo]

Originally Posted by RB07OSU

Agreed...we need to keep all the talent in the Big10. OSU is getting killer classes but we have no solid competition because nobody else is pulling in good classes. I know that could equal a tougher ticket to the NC game but I would rather get beat once or twice by good competition in the Big10 than get waxed in the NC game by a team that's been tested all year in a good conference. Either way this is a big shock.

Thanks, RB07OSU! Couldn't agree more! As much as I hate losing anytime to tsun or last year to Ill, would rather have him go to a Big10 school and compete against us if not for us. I was shocked that Je'Ron commited to TN, and so early...but then I don't know all the circumstances.

To support 7's point, I talk w/ biz execs all over the country every day, most of which are fans, most of which, because of the internet, are up-to-date knowledgeable. Consensus is that B10 is dying. They absolutely dread the possibility of Bucks getting another shot at NC, not just this year, but possibly next 3-4 years now that we have TP.

The media helps fuel this because they annually jump on the Big10-is-down bandwagon early in the season and sustain throughout. But in the end, or after bowl season, only the SEC seems to consistently stand out, the rest being more or less even. But we have to take the brunt...I'm sick of it!!!!

[RB07OSU]

Originally Posted by jwinslow

True, but the annual mass exodus from this state couldn't happen to a nicer fanbase.

Good point...it's almost like watching a scUM game. If they lose, your happy to see them lose because they are scUM. If they win, it looks even better when we beat them again. It's a win-win situation.