Elijah Rushing decommits: Was announcement disrespectful or simply honest?
Salpointe Catholic (Arizona) five-star edge-rusher Elijah Rushing announced his decommitment from the in-state Arizona Wildcats on Sunday night.
There's no question that decision stings Jedd Fisch's program and the fanbase given that the 6-foot-6, 251-pound edge-rusher was top commitment in program history.
But the backlash to Rushing's decision went beyond simply disappointment - with some Arizona fans calling his message disrespectful.
Here's what he wrote in his message:
"I would like to express my gratitude to the coaches and staff and the University of Arizona for the opportunity to be a Wildcat," he wrote. "As a hometown kid, my desire was to rep my city while becoming the best version of myself. I have taken into consideration the recent progress and strides the program has made. Although it is evident that the program is on the rise, I have to consider my future goal. I have come to the conclusion that the program is not the right fit for me to take the next step with regard to my development. I am, therefore, decommitting from the program."
It seems some Wildcats fans were bothered by Rushing's conclusion that the program, "... is not the right fit for me to take the next step with regard to my development."
While the five-star prospect noted that "the program is on the rise," it wasn't enough to take the sour taste out of fans' mouths who disagreed with the assessment that Arizona wasn't the best place to be developed.
So, was it fair or foul?
Nemec's analysis
Recruits are in a tough spot.
They are young and put under an immense spotlight as early teens.
I've been covering recruiting for nearly a decade now.
Years ago, the majority of recruits weren't particularly well-versed in talking to the media, and recruiting journalists often found themselves coaching kids.
"Maybe let's adjust that slightly, because it sounds worse than you meant it."
I know I did a number of times. I know a lot of long-time recruiting reporters have admitted they did as well.
We're not talking about changing quotes - just simply, "let me read this back to you. Does that sound like what you meant to say or do you want to try again?"
Today recruits are bombarded with interview requests at a young age and understand how the process works.
Because of that many juniors and seniors are already pros when it comes to vanilla quotes and "coach speak."
So often fans want their star athletes - from the high school level up to the pros - to just be real and honest.
Rushing was honest about why he decommitted, and even went out of his way to compliment the progress of the Arizona program.
We can't have it both ways.
We can't ask our athletes to be more open and genuine, and then criticize them when they do so.
As to Rushing's specific analysis of Arizona...
Rushing is an immense physical talent, but compared to some of the other five-star prospects in this class he'll likely need a little more time to develop before reaching his immense (see: NFL) potential.
Development is absolutely massive for his future, as his ceiling reminds some of former Oregon Ducks star Kayvon Thibodeaux.
All signs point to the Oregon Ducks eventually becoming his landing spot, particularly after defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi was spotted at Rushing's game Friday night.
Combine Oregon's recent development of Thibodeaux with Dan Lanning's reputation as a front-seven developer from his time at Georgia, and it's easy to see why a recruit might feel Oregon is in a better position to develop an edge-rusher than Arizona.
Rushing's thoughts make sense and were honest.
Frankly, I wish we saw more of that in modern recruiting.
Even when it stings.
