Wow Calvert Hall Rising Frosh Rahshaun Smith Gets D1 Offer Before Playing A Down!

[GREYHOUND ALUM]

The general rule we were told when we had to take the NCAA rules test was that if it wasn't listed explicitly as something permissible, don't do it because it's probably an infraction.

The way that most middle school kids get scholarships is through in intermediary. In the case of David Sills, it was his personal QB coach Steve Clarkson. He called Lane Kiffin and said Sills was the best QB he'd ever worked with at that age. Kiffin offered Sills a scholarship through Clarkson and Clarkson accepted.

When I think of Sills and now Smith it always reminds me of Damon Bailey, the Indiana schoolboy basketball star around my time of high school. Bailey was on the cover of Sports Illustrated as I believe an 8th grader and called the best player in his class. He got an offer from the great Bobby Knight in the 8th grade and went in to play for Indiana and Knight. He had a very mediocre career and never became the player he was touted to be. I remember seeing an interview with him after his career was over and him saying that the pressure of all the hype really got to him and was always on his mind.

I wish Smith all the luck in the world but I think all this is doing is putting a bullseye on him. I think it's undue pressure on a kid so young. I personally think even if he gets these offers that his handlers should keep it under wraps. To not let this thing become public, at least until he plays a down on Varsity. It's crazy that 8th grade kids are doing interviews to me. Because now the other kids(and older more experiences ones) are going to go out of their way to try and make an example of him. His every move will be critqued by the masses. I saw the same thing with Sills. I saw the Rivals posts of people trashing him and calling him overrated. On this board I believe we do a pretty good job of not bashing kids, the Rivals National board does no such thing.

[92 Card]

When I think of Sills and now Smith it always reminds me of Damon Bailey, the Indiana schoolboy basketball star around my time of high school. Bailey was on the cover of Sports Illustrated as I believe an 8th grader and called the best player in his class. He got an offer from the great Bobby Knight in the 8th grade and went in to play for Indiana and Knight. He had a very mediocre career and never became the player he was touted to be. I remember seeing an interview with him after his career was over and him saying that the pressure of all the hype really got to him and was always on his mind.

I wish Smith all the luck in the world but I think all this is doing is putting a bullseye on him. I think it's undue pressure on a kid so young. I personally think even if he gets these offers that his handlers should keep it under wraps. To not let this thing become public, at least until he plays a down on Varsity. It's crazy that 8th grade kids are doing interviews to me. Because now the other kids(and older more experiences ones) are going to go out of their way to try and make an example of him. His every move will be critqued by the masses. I saw the same thing with Sills. I saw the Rivals posts of people trashing him and calling him overrated. On this board I believe we do a pretty good job of not bashing kids, the Rivals National board does no such thing.

He is not close to Bailey or Sills. His people did not start this thread or any other bout him. JMT mentioned him last week, but that also had nothing to do with his people. Lomonico tried to get coach Davis to comment about him in the MDhigh Calvert Hall preview and he refused. He does not like talking about any of his players who have yet to start, let alone play on the varsity level. He is also known to play seniors in games when starters are pulled in lieu of more talented underclassmen on the bench.

[Big Sky]

He is not close to Bailey or Sills. His people did not start this thread or any other bout him. JMT mentioned him last week, but that also had nothing to do with his people. Lomonico tried to get coach Davis to comment about him in the MDhigh Calvert Hall preview and he refused. He does not like talking about any of his players who have yet to start, let alone play on the varsity level. He is also known to play seniors in games when starters are pulled in lieu of more talented underclassmen on the bench.

Your right and your wrong. Davis is the one that is smart and seasoned enough to say no. NLN has Lomonico on Speed Dial. As well as Coach Mac at GC. NLN Knows how to get there players in the light as well as knows how to use that to highlight the Buisness.

[GREYHOUND ALUM]

He is not close to Bailey or Sills. His people did not start this thread or any other bout him. JMT mentioned him last week, but that also had nothing to do with his people. Lomonico tried to get coach Davis to comment about him in the MDhigh Calvert Hall preview and he refused. He does not like talking about any of his players who have yet to start, let alone play on the varsity level. He is also known to play seniors in games when starters are pulled in lieu of more talented underclassmen on the bench.

Yes you are right, he isn't Bailey or Sills. He doesnt even close to the hype that those kids have. Although JMT or Lomonico(Or both) called him the top rising 9th grader in the area, he isn't considered to be this among most people rate these players. Most of the people I have spoken to rate Ellison Jordan, Simmons, Dupree and Ellis as the top prospects in the class.

You are also right about Davis and what he said on Mdhigh.com. And he was 100% correct. I wasn't speaking on Davis or NLN as his handlers. I'm was speaking purely in general. Every little thing he now does will be examined. From his age(see Aquille Carr) to every play mistake. All I'm saying is let the kid prove himself on the field. Keep these offers quiet and put a gag order on him until he hits the field and makes his name there.

[eaglesinsider]

Thanks for the links....Great info, but I didnt see anything that applied to middle school athletes just skimming.

I followed up with the NCAA for you:

13.1.7.20 Evaluation of Individuals Before They Become Prospective Student-Athletes: In sports other than men’s basketball, a coaching staff member may observe an individual who has not entered the ninth grade participating in an athletically related activity, provided such observation occurs during a contact or evaluation period when it is permissible to evaluate prospective student-athletes. In men’s basketball, a coaching staff member may observe an individual who has not entered the seventh grade participating in an athletically related activity, provided such observation occurs during a contact or evaluation period when it is permissible to evaluate prospective student-athletes.

13.02.12 Prospective student-Athlete. A prospective student-athlete is a student who has started classes for the ninth grade. In addition, a student who has not started classes for the ninth grade becomes a prospective student-athlete if the institution provides such an individual any financial assistance or other benefits that the institution does not provide to prospective students generally. An individual remains a prospective student-athlete until one of the following occurs (whichever is earlier):
(a) The individual officially registers and enrolls in a minimum full-time program of studies and attends classes in any term of a four-year collegiate institution’s regular academic year (excluding summer); or
(b) The individual participates in a regular squad practice or competition at a four-year collegiate institution that
occurs before the beginning of any term (Revised: 1/11/89, 1/10/90); or
(c) The individual officially registers and enrolls and attends classes during the summer prior to initial enrollment. (Adopted: 4/28/05, Revised: 1/17/09)

So middle school athletes can be observed as long as it's during a contact period, and it can only be an evaluation, i.e. if I'm scouting an 8th grader as a college coach, and I say "good game" to the kid or his parents than I have committed a very minor NCAA infraction and need to report myself.

Also, if I happen to offer a scholarship to this 8th grader, he becomes a prospective-student athlete and those rules apply. That is what is meant by offering "any financial assistance or other benefits that the institution does not provide to prospective students generally. "

[TheGuru]

When I think of Sills and now Smith it always reminds me of Damon Bailey, the Indiana schoolboy basketball star around my time of high school. Bailey was on the cover of Sports Illustrated as I believe an 8th grader and called the best player in his class. He got an offer from the great Bobby Knight in the 8th grade and went in to play for Indiana and Knight. He had a very mediocre career and never became the player he was touted to be. I remember seeing an interview with him after his career was over and him saying that the pressure of all the hype really got to him and was always on his mind.

I wish Smith all the luck in the world but I think all this is doing is putting a bullseye on him. I think it's undue pressure on a kid so young. I personally think even if he gets these offers that his handlers should keep it under wraps. To not let this thing become public, at least until he plays a down on Varsity. It's crazy that 8th grade kids are doing interviews to me. Because now the other kids(and older more experiences ones) are going to go out of their way to try and make an example of him. His every move will be critqued by the masses. I saw the same thing with Sills. I saw the Rivals posts of people trashing him and calling him overrated. On this board I believe we do a pretty good job of not bashing kids, the Rivals National board does no such thing.

If the shoe was on the other foot, and say, Darius Jennings, Cyrus Jones or Micah Kiser had such an honor, we would never hear the end of it. Constant posts about how each Gilman newcomer was the greatest since sliced bread. Oh wait, we did! I hope the hype is true because that mean's "Shaq" will be terrorizing Gilman QBs and DBs for the next 4 years.

[GREYHOUND ALUM]

If the shoe was on the other foot, and say, Darius Jennings, Cyrus Jones or Micah Kiser had such an honor, we would never hear the end of it. Constant posts about how each Gilman newcomer was the greatest since sliced bread. Oh wait, we did! I hope the hype is true because that mean's "Shaq" will be terrorizing Gilman QBs and DBs for the next 4 years.

No because you would never hear about it. Gilman kids have offers way before it gets out to the public. Biff doesn't believe in talking about underclassmen. Has always been his policy.

Like I said, Smith isn't even considered by most as the Top recruit in the area for the Class of 2016. He's just the one that's been out there the most because of NLN. There are at least 4 players that most have ranked above him. Now this Class of 2016 is looking to be one of the strongest in area history and Smith I hear is the real deal. If he comes out next year and shows out while starting on Varsity, I will definitely be singing his praises.

[TheGuru]

No because you would never hear about it. Gilman kids have offers way before it gets out to the public. Biff doesn't believe in talking about underclassmen. Has always been his policy.

Like I said, Smith isn't even considered by most as the Top recruit in the area for the Class of 2016. He's just the one that's been out there the most because of NLN. There are at least 4 players that most have ranked above him. Now this Class of 2016 is looking to be one of the strongest in area history and Smith I hear is the real deal. If he comes out next year and shows out while starting on Varsity, I will definitely be singing his praises.

I know Davis hasn't touted Smith. The first I heard of him was
from JMT and you. As for whether the kid makes Varsity, it's wait and see time.

[GREYHOUND ALUM]

I know Davis hasn't touted Smith. The first I heard of him was
from JMT and you. As for whether the kid makes Varsity, it's wait and see time.

I'm pretty sure he will make Varsity. He has a good chance of starting actually. CHC is lacking on the DL.

My post wasn't to slight the young man who is obviously extremely talented. It was more the system of giving a kid who hasn't even played in high school an offer. I would say this even if it were my own son. I just hunks it puts some undue pressure on the young man.

[Big Sky]

I'm pretty sure he will make Varsity. He has a good chance of starting actually. CHC is lacking on the DL.

My post wasn't to slight the young man who is obviously extremely talented. It was more the system of giving a kid who hasn't even played in high school an offer. I would say this even if it were my own son. I just hunks it puts some undue pressure on the young man.

I think it is even funnier of those adults that take credit for his ability to get offers. Some kids like it or not, not only instantly pass the eye test, but if they can walk and chew gum the recruiter wants them. When I first saw McManus he was one of those kids that had that for me, Then I saw him on the field and I was not let down. Smith may be the same. It does not have to be the first year or even the second I think kids should have until there Jr Year to prove their ability.I also feel have the Kids that our bigger faster stronger in 7h 8th 9th grade peak by the tenth, and get passed up by the 11th and 12th grade.

[GREYHOUND ALUM]

I think it is even funnier of those adults that take credit for his ability to get offers. Some kids like it or not, not only instantly pass the eye test, but if they can walk and chew gum the recruiter wants them. When I first saw McManus he was one of those kids that had that for me, Then I saw him on the field and I was not let down. Smith may be the same. It does not have to be the first year or even the second I think kids should have until there Jr Year to prove their ability.I also feel have the Kids that our
bigger faster stronger in 7h 8th 9th grade peak by the tenth, and get passed up by the 11th and 12th grade.

Very true. A lot of kids who are more advanced at a young age stay the same size and don't grow in size or ability. I am not saying that this will be Smith. He has the frame to put on a lot of weight and seems like he has great feet. We will see.

[50defense]

GA if any of these kids have the college career of Damon Bailey they will be in elite class. Just because he never made it as a pro does not make him a failure or mediocre. He started for four years under Bobby Knight and has more wins as a starter than any Big 10(11 or whatever) player in history. Many of these kids we are discussing as getting offered will not even step foot onto the campus let alone start a game. Look at the drop out rate of college football and basketball players. All of the NLN stuff is great for some and hated by others but they are too new to judge at this point.

[neveradoubt]

Very true. A lot of kids who are more advanced at a young age stay the same size and don't grow in size or ability. I am not saying that this will be Smith. He has the frame to put on a lot of weight and seems like he has great feet. We will see.

Maybe. Also he has not taken a high school course yet. CHC is not easy both academically and discipline wise.

This whole scenario is totally absurd!

[GREYHOUND ALUM]

Maybe. Also he has not taken a high school course yet. CHC is not easy both academically and discipline wise.

This whole scenario is totally absurd!

Couldn't agree more. The other issue that could arise with this situation is dissension in the ranks. What about the kids that have busted their butts on the team for 3-4 years and proven themselves ON THE FIELD but can't smell an offer? And now you have this 8th grader coming in who hasn't even played a down and he gets a D1 offer and doing interviews, how do you think they feel? this could easily cause issues.

Card before you come on here and say that what I'm saying is bogus I'm already calling b.s. on you. These kids are competitors, they not only compete against other teams but amongst each other. I have seen stuff like this kill teams, teams that I have been on! This is why I said that his handlers should have shut this down and never let this get out.

[lord_baltimore]

Couldn't agree more. The other issue that could arise with this situation is dissension in the ranks. What about the kids that have busted their butts on the team for 3-4 years and proven themselves ON THE FIELD but can't smell an offer? And now you have this 8th grader coming in who hasn't even played a down and he gets a D1 offer and doing interviews, how do you think they feel? this could easily cause issues.

Card before you come on here and say that what I'm saying is bogus I'm already calling b.s. on you. These kids are competitors, they not only compete against other teams but amongst each other. I have seen stuff like this kill teams, teams that I have been on! This is why I said that his handlers should have shut this down and never let this get out.

If you think it's a problem and care about the kid...then do the kid a favor and stop fueling the fire here on the internet. I'm all for discussing the topic of early offers and the amount of publicity young kids get these days....it's an important discussion. I just think your adding to the undue pressure on the young man with some of the baseless implications you're making above that involve his teammates.

Luckily I think Donald and his crew are pretty good at keeping egos in check and building a family atmosphere. I'm sure it'll be fine and I wish the best to Rahshaun. Work hard, be humble, and all the accolades you receive will be deserving!

[eaglesinsider]

Greyhound's right though, this kid is going to have a massive target on his back. The players usually know who has offers and interest often well before we do. Everyone who plays against Smith is going to go extra hard to try to show him up. That's just a fact of sports. There's going to be resentment harbored by older players who feel like he hasn't done anything to get this offer.

[neveradoubt]

Very true. A lot of kids who are more advanced at a young age stay the same size and don't grow in size or ability. I am not saying that this will be Smith. He has the frame to put on a lot of weight and seems like he has great feet. We will see.

Couldn't agree more. The other issue that could arise with this situation is dissension in the ranks. What about the kids that have busted their butts on the team for 3-4 years and proven themselves ON THE FIELD but can't smell an offer? And now you have this 8th grader coming in who hasn't even played a down and he gets a D1 offer and doing interviews, how do you think they feel? this could easily cause issues.

Card before you come on here and say that what I'm saying is bogus I'm already calling b.s. on you. These kids are competitors, they not only compete against other teams but amongst each other. I have seen stuff like this kill teams, teams that I have been on! This is why I said that his handlers should have shut this down and never let this get out.

Further this young man does not have the skills or the body to take the pounding he is gonna get. If Coach Davis is smart he let's him play on JV his first year to develop a little. It will also give him time to adjust to CHC academic standards. Not sure just how someone who has been hyped up this much can handle a JV assignment.

[92 Card]

Further this young man does not have the skills or the body to take the pounding he is gonna get. If Coach Davis is smart he let's him play on JV his first year to develop a little. It will also give him time to adjust to CHC academic standards. Not sure just how someone who has been hyped up this much can handle a JV assignment.

Whoa! Really? Your statement is based on what? How do you know what skills the young man has or doesn't have? You are fanning the flames in a thread started by an outsider to the program. GA is fueling the fire and you throwing kerosene on it. The fact of the matter is that you do not know one way or another what is really going. It was your friend GA who started all of this crap on here. I expect the McDonogh guy to fan the flames, but you? You obviously know he will NEVER be as good as anyone on the 2010 team, so can we let this die? If the kid is good enough to play varsity, he will be playing varsity. If he is not, he won't, period. Come on dude, you know the deal. Like I said Dave Lomonico tried to get Davis to comment on the young man for his Calvert Hall preview, and he refused. You know as well as I do, he does a great job of protecting his players and the family atmosphere in the CHC locker room is 2nd to none! If you want to fan GA's flames, shame on you.

I guess the handful of 8th graders GA has hype, who will be playing varsity at Gilman next year get a pass? He keeps flip flopping back in forth on this thread that HE STARTED! I do not recall a Calvert Hall person starting a thread about future Gilman DL Ellison Jordan, who has a fan page on facebook anbd has done interviews at the 8th grade All American game in Arizona or wherever it was. I expect no less than one passive aggressive comment after another in an attempt to sabotage CHC. After all, it is a great distraction to what is really going on at Gilman.

[92 Card]

Couldn't agree more. The other issue that could arise with this situation is dissension in the ranks. What about the kids that have busted their butts on the team for 3-4 years and proven themselves ON THE FIELD but can't smell an offer? And now you have this 8th grader coming in who hasn't even played a down and he gets a D1 offer and doing interviews, how do you think they feel? this could easily cause issues.

Card before you come on here and say that what I'm saying is bogus I'm already calling b.s. on you. These kids are competitors, they not only compete against other teams but amongst each other. I have seen stuff like this kill teams, teams that I have been on! This is why I said that his handlers should have shut this down and never let this get out.

You are such a hypocrite. You are the one who felt it necessary to start a thread about this. Maybe you should get back to hyping all of the rock star Gilman recruits coming from far and wide instead of passive aggressively attempting to sabotage this young man's future at Calvert Hall.

[92 Card]

Very true. A lot of kids who are more advanced at a young age stay the same size and don't grow in size or ability. I am not saying that this will be Smith. He has the frame to put on a lot of weight and seems like he has great feet. We will see.

I find it hilarious that you have NEVER mention this in your annual pimping of the superstar freshmen who will be playing varsity football at Gilman in the upcoming season. Never, not once did I hear you mention this about Blair and Branch for the months on end that you pimped their names on here. You certainly have not mentioned this when referencing the 5 or 6 specific names of incoming Gilman freshmen over an over and over again.