Tim Stevens: Pack doing well with in-state prospects

General NCS Football Tom O'Brien115

N&O Preps reporter Tim Stevens notes the progress NC State is making in-state.

State has eight commitments, including six from in the state.

But the key to in-state recruiting isn’t just signing players. It’s signing the right players.

So far, State is hitting that mark, too. Five of its six in-state recruits are ranked among the top 30 North Carolina prospects by rivals.com.

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General NCS Football Tom O'Brien

115 Responses to Tim Stevens: Pack doing well with in-state prospects

  1. lush 07/03/2007 at 9:59 AM #

    ^ debbie downer, pessimistic patty, malignant melfred and now ladies and gentlemen negative noah!!!

  2. noah 07/03/2007 at 10:01 AM #

    Don’t be ridiculous.

  3. burnbarn 07/03/2007 at 10:04 AM #

    too sensetive around here. Noah makes good sense even though it is not what most of us want to hear.

  4. noah 07/03/2007 at 10:07 AM #

    Let me rephrase that…

    When I go outside and the sky is totally covered as far as I can see with dark blue and gray clouds and the winds whipping around and I can hear thunder and see flashes of lightning….I expect it to rain.

    When I go outside and the sky is completely blue and the birds are singing and I can’t see a cloud anywhere….I don’t expect it to rain.

    You know WHY I expect that? Because I’m not a f-ing retard.

  5. noah 07/03/2007 at 10:11 AM #

    BTW…there’s a very good reason I say these things. BC just ran off their coach (our current coach, for those scoring at home) because he didn’t turn them into a top-10 program. He didn’t win the national title. He only won one conference title (I think). He lost a couple of games that they thought they should have won.

    And they ran him off. He actively sought a job that was, at best, lateral to his current one and it had the awkwardness of being within his own conference.

    And I’m saying that BC fans are completely nuts. If Tom O’Brien merely repeats what he did at BC over the next decade at NC State, I think we ought to build a statue for the man. Because he will have done what no other coach (and there’ve been some damn good ones) couldn’t do…

  6. PamlicoPack 07/03/2007 at 10:16 AM #

    hey, get off Noah’s case. He has a fine awareness of Wolfpack history, unlike some of the other numb-nuts posting on here who put themselves into a lather everytime we hire a new coach. I heard the same sort of platitudes about Chuck after that first, unexpectedly winning season that we hear about TOB. Lets wait until the championship hardware is sitting safely in the trophy case before we proclaim every Tom, Dick or Harry (or is it Tom, Dick, and Chuck) that comes along the “next savior of Wolfpack football”?

    And can we focus realistically about some of the problems we might have about TOB? I must admit I am major league worried about Dana Bible at OC. I was in school the last time he was OC at State (Tom Reed’s forgettable three year run of 3-8), and let me tell you, I haven’t seen offensive futility like that year on a sustained basis until last year’s team. I sure hope he has learned something the last 23 years. In addition BC’s record of futility against their old Big East nemesis Miami (haven’t beaten them since Flutie’s Hail Mary in 1984…) throughout TOB’s career, and the meltdowns at key moments noted by BC fans on multiple occasions (which sort of remind me of Sheridan’s repeated meltdowns against lowly Virginia teams when ACC championships were there for the taking) also concerns me.

  7. lush 07/03/2007 at 10:44 AM #

    too sensitive indeed. i was just goofin around. i dont think noah is being unreasonable, i think it was a perfectly logical and accurate statement regarding our football programs past and what reasonable expectations would be for the future.

    however, this does not mean that we cannot think positive and hope for national championships. that is the fun of talking about this stuff. TOB is undefeated as our coach!! its going to be an awesome season. so quit being cynical and thinking about what wont happen, at least untill you see us play. all this negativity is killing my buzz, man.

  8. ChuckAllYall 07/03/2007 at 10:50 AM #

    I’d have to agree with Noah on his realistic perspective of the situation. It is important for folks to keep their heads on straight and look at things from an objective point of view. It’s easy to get swept away in the hype and excitement of O’Brien’s hire and the recent recruiting buzz, but let’s just see how it all plays out. I have confidence that O’Brien is the right man for the job, but also understand what it means to be realistic in your expectations. Now….. being realistic does not equate to being pessimistic, but allows one to make rationale decisions based on concepts like past team performances and history. If N.C. State has not won a National Championship in football EVER, then it is realistic to believe that this will not happen in the next few years. This is not to say that we all do not want it to happen, and will undoubtedly support the players, coaches, and university every way we can. It just means that the past is usually the best indicator of future outcomes, and up to this point talks of National Championships are premature and unfounded. The concept of unrealistic expectations mirrors our societies constant craving for super fast results and immediate gratification. “We have to have a winner now, we need to contend now….. not five years from now, that’s forever away.” Newsflash: You’re kidding yourself if you think the regression that has taken place in the program the past few years can be undone overnight. Like any lasting change it will be gradual and will entail a complete change of the “culture” of the program. I strongly believe we will see positive results, it may just take a little time, and we have to be o.k. with that. It will be worth it in the long run.

  9. noah 07/03/2007 at 11:03 AM #

    “however, this does not mean that we cannot think positive and hope for national championships.”

    I’m pretty sure I’ve said this here…I think TOB is the single-most accomplished coach that we’ve ever made. I can’t think of another coach with his resume that we’ve EVER hired.

    In football, Holtz had a losing record and W&M, Al Michaels was an assistant, Earle Edwards was an assistant I THINK, Horace Hendrickson had been the coach at Elon, Sheridan was the coach at Furman (although highly accomplished there), O’Cain was an assistant, Amato was an asssistant. Oh, and Bo Rein was an assistant.

    That’s every coach since WWII.

    In basketball, Lowe was an assistant, Herb was at Miami of Ohio, Les was in the Southern Conference, V was at Iona, Norm Sloan had been at the Citadel, I think, Press Maravich was one of Everett Case’s assistants (again…I think) and Case himself had been a high school coach.

    We’ve only had one women’s coach…

  10. CaptainCraptacular 07/03/2007 at 11:04 AM #

    *I must admit I am major league worried about Dana Bible at OC. I was in school the last time he was OC at State (Tom Reed’s forgettable three year run of 3-8), and let me tell you, I haven’t seen offensive futility like that year on a sustained basis until last year’s team.*

    I don’t see much cause for worry. Last year’s BC team had the #2 total offense and #3 scoring offense in the ACC with Bible.

    http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/2007/Internet/conf%20stats/2006000000821TD.HTML

    I’m more concerned about the D, we’ve lost a lot of talent and experience.

  11. BJD95 07/03/2007 at 11:11 AM #

    I would take issue with the notion that NC State is a lateral move at best from BC. It’s a major state school with a much bigger fan and alumni base. Those are major institutional advantages in college athletics.

    I also don’t think we will very pleased with TOB (as we were with Sheridan) if he achieves his “floor” level of success as opposed to his ceiling.

  12. noah 07/03/2007 at 11:38 AM #

    That last part is what I’m worried about.

    As far as NC State being a lateral move….UCLA is a big state school with a huge alumni base. USC is a private school.

    Wouldn’t you agree getting the USC coaching job in football was a better gig than getting the UCLA job?

  13. highstick 07/03/2007 at 11:52 AM #

    Noah said:

    “You know why people consistently talk about NC State football as though it was a mediocre program? Because it is. You know when they’ll stop? When we aren’t. ”

    I can’t disagree with that logic either and sure hope it’s time we step out of that tradition. I felt that way before this past basketball season too and my point of view “El Sid” is certainly doing that with the basketball program. I have confidence that TOB can do the same.

    Sure wish you guys would drop the “references to blue skies and all that stuff”. I’d much prefer “red sky in the morning, Tarholes take warning”!

  14. highstick 07/03/2007 at 11:56 AM #

    Press was definitely one of Case’s assistants. Think I’ve still got my freshman Agromeck with a picture of both of them on the bench.

  15. noah 07/03/2007 at 11:58 AM #

    “I felt that way before this past basketball season too”

    Apples and oranges, IMO. We had two national titles and 10 conference titles and a bunch of former great players (including the best ACC player ever and probably one of the two or three greatest college players ever).

    We have a very rich and proud basketball history.

    All time in football…aren’t we just a few games over .500?

  16. BJD95 07/03/2007 at 12:19 PM #

    USC is very rare – almost all football powerhouses are large state universities. TOB has spoken about how the nature of the institution was a limiting factor at BC.

    Now, that’s not to say we are inherently advantaged like UGA, UT, etc. – but I think this is a better job than BC, if championships are your goal.

  17. RickJ 07/03/2007 at 1:12 PM #

    I agree that TOB is the most accomplished coach of a major sport we’ve ever hired but Press Maravich was the head coach at Clemson before coming to State as a Case assistant and Sloan was the head coach at Florida before coming to State.

    “All time in football…aren’t we just a few games over .500?”

    Interesting point – We were exactly 468 wins and 468 losses when Amato was hired. We are now 12 games over .500 after Amato’s 49 — 37 record.

  18. JimValvano 07/03/2007 at 1:16 PM #

    Noah…I don’t think you understand.

    History is exactly that…history. In the past. While it might make a difference in some ways…there are certainly ways we can use it to improve.

    You can make reference to me any way you like. There is very little I can do about that. Maybe I’m not old, dried up, and bitter like some people here, but I certainly understand and know Wolfpack history. You can say that State fans have ZERO impact on the program as well…and that’s your opinion. I respect your right to have an opinion…and with that, your right to be wrong.

    Our fans do a lot for our teams. Yes, we do wear lucky shirts that don’t accomplish much (in my case…some lucky red socks that my grandad had made after the championship in ’83). Sure, we yell and scream at the top of our lungs and that gives a little emotional support…though maybe not much. The fact is though, you need to open your eyes. The money that has been donated by me, my family, other Wolfpack fans has a huge impact on the product on the field or on the court. We have terrific facilities, a proven coach, and rowdy fans which all factor in to the decisions these recruits make. I think that if it weren’t for fans (and our money) then there wouldn’t be any program at all. So reconsider what our impact might be.

    Now, Noah…before the floods start coming in on you and you drown in all your discontent and your half-empty glass…try to change your view and see the glass as half-full and possibly getting more full. Be positive. That’s all I am being. I just stated my expectations of the program…as I have respected your right to be wrong…do the same for me (though in a few years I think you’ll be the one eating crow).

  19. JimValvano 07/03/2007 at 1:18 PM #

    BJD95…you my friend have some sense.

  20. haze 07/03/2007 at 1:18 PM #

    ^ The “U” would beg to differ.

    However, I agree that NC State has more ingredients for success than BC, including size, location, facilities & fan support. On football tradition, we’re probably only at or below average as “major” public institutions go.

  21. beowolf 07/03/2007 at 1:28 PM #

    I think TOB is the single-most accomplished coach that we’ve ever made. I can’t think of another coach with his resume that we’ve EVER hired.

    Exactly. I was thoroughly surprised that we were able to hire a head FB coach of his resume. For that I thank Coach Amato and the Wolfpack Club for so boosting our facilities.

    A slight correction about Lowe: while he was an assistant when he was hired, he has held two HC jobs in the pros, so he does have experience as a head coach, and at the highest level.

  22. Mike 07/03/2007 at 1:29 PM #

    Have I missed something here? Everyone getting on Noah for stating facts? I dont know the man, but he seems well read, seems like he knows his points, backs them up wiht facts etc.

    I think what he is saying is IF we 9-3 every year, we would all be happy. Count me in that crowd too – I would be tickled pink with 9-3 every year. Yes, our goal is 13-0 and Natl Championship, but when you put together 9-3 every year, your chances increase. Better players want to come here, and winnig 75% every year puts you in the top percentage of college football. Am I settling for less? I think not. Give me 9-3 for the next 10 years, a chance to win ACC titles, and we will renegotiate goals and expectations after that.

  23. beowolf 07/03/2007 at 1:29 PM #

    Oh, and noah is just keeping our feet on the ground here. He’s a good guy. Except when he’s riding my case. :p

  24. noah 07/03/2007 at 1:50 PM #

    “Our fans do a lot for our teams.”

    Not as individuals. With very specific exceptions (Hello, Mr. Murphy!), your presence or absence in the WPC is roughly the equivalent of the impact of a sparrow’s fart on global methane production.

    “Now, Noah…before the floods start coming in on you and you drown in all your discontent and your half-empty glass…try to change your view and see the glass as half-full and possibly getting more full”

    Okay, well mixed-metaphors aside, you’re not talking about reality. You’re talking about how YOU react to what you perceive. And you’re going far enough to suggest that I squint really hard and see something that isn’t there so that YOU can feel better. That seems a little desperate…but, whatever….

  25. noah 07/03/2007 at 1:51 PM #

    “but I certainly understand and know Wolfpack history.”

    Terrific. Anytime you want to talk about it, I’ll be happy to oblige…

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