Current Players, Commits

[iSpider]

If Rocco leaves, can he take current players with him? I am guessing that he can, but do not know for sure as I guess we would have to release them from their current LOIs and could perhaps restrict them from going to another CAA school. For some reason, it struck me as odd that Rocco was so reluctant to burn KJ's redshirt with Kyle having another year and Mancuso in the wing. Maybe his decision was made a lot longer ago than two weeks.

As to the current commits, even had they signed, I assume they could de-commit or follow Rocco if he leaves. What will (can) we do to stop this?

If Rocco is gone, I suspect Dr. Crutcher already knows. If so, what steps can or should be taken to minimize the harm of his departure?

Any possibility that Fontel Mines should be given a shot at HC? I know he is young, but he is super popular with the players and has experience in coaching at UVa and he played in the NFL. He also was chosen to participate in the NFL coaching internship program. He is a native of Richmond, having graduated from Hermitage HS.

 

[SpiderK]

If Rocco leaves, can he take current players with him? I am guessing that he can, but do not know for sure as I guess we would have to release them from their current LOIs and could perhaps restrict them from going to another CAA school. For some reason, it struck me as odd that Rocco was so reluctant to burn KJ's redshirt with Kyle having another year and Mancuso in the wing. Maybe his decision was made a lot longer ago than two weeks.

As to the current commits, even had they signed, I assume they could de-commit or follow Rocco if he leaves. What will (can) we do to stop this?

If Rocco is gone, I suspect Dr. Crutcher already knows. If so, what steps can or should be taken to minimize the harm of his departure?

Any possibility that Fontel Mines should be given a shot at HC? I know he is young, but he is super popular with the players and has experience in coaching at UVa and he played in the NFL. He also was chosen to participate in the NFL coaching internship program. He is a native of Richmond, having graduated from Hermitage HS.

In contrast, I think it is why Rocco let Johnson burn the redshirt. He was just looking after himself this year with no care of the future of UR football.

 

[TheSpider2015]

In contrast, I think it is why Rocco let Johnson burn the redshirt. He was just looking after himself this year with no care of the future of UR football.

Rocco told him to sleep on it after Kevin asked to play. How is Rocco supposed to say no without losing face with his players?

Rocco didn't suddenly become a self-serving guy, even if he's leaving.

 

[DTSpider]

Kyle is who I worry about. Someone may need to make sure he whiffs on a few classes this spring so he can't transfer as a grad student.

 

[AnnapSpider]

Rocco told him to sleep on it after Kevin asked to play. How is Rocco supposed to say no without losing face with his players?

Rocco didn't suddenly become a self-serving guy, even if he's leaving.

I totally agree with you Spider2015. But a strong argument could be made "why
hasn't Rocco cleared up the rumors, one way or the other?
The Eastern Washington coach didn't side step that he had been in discussions about
an FBS job.

 

[ChoppinBroccoli]

How bad was the migration when Clawson left? London? I realize they went to FBS but for most of these young men it's about the brotherhood and playoff-caliber team they already have. A degree from UR is worth a bit.

I think we'll be OK.

The commits are a bigger concern, sure - but unless UD was on their short list...
It wasn't just Rocco that drew them to UR.

 

[Ferrum Spider]

Any possibility that Fontel Mines should be given a shot at HC? I know he is young, but he is super popular with the players and has experience in coaching at UVa and he played in the NFL. He also was chosen to participate in the NFL coaching internship program. He is a native of Richmond, having graduated from Hermitage HS.

High risk high reward proposition but I'd be okay with it, especially if it preserved some/most the staff/recruits/players. He has connections that's for sure, especially in this area.

He has more playing/coaching experience(intelligence to) then Scott did when we hired him, so not an abnormal. I'd take him over the names I've seen mentioned so far.

 

[TheSpider2015]

I think right now what I plan on doing is doing everything in my power to extend our season. And when the season is over, I want to sit down with all of the appropriate people to be able to make the best decision for me and my family moving forward. Tomorrow is promised to no one.

“And I do believe that I will have some options when the season is over. And I just have to be able to weigh those options and make the best decision that I can make.”

-Danny Rocco. 11/30
http://www.richmond.com/sports/coll...cle_73992add-ce26-5449-9000-a955ccab9ca4.html

Not sure how he can be any clear. His response is honest, professional, and his other quotes suggest that he would prefer to the focus on his team.

---

But to keep this on topic. Makes total sense to consider qualified candidates from within unless there really is a rising star FCS coach who could be available. Need to have continuity in the program to stop the exodus of staff/players/commits.

Personally, I'm optimistic that the our recruits and players won't leave in bunches as some might fear. We are still set up to be a contender in the CAA for the couple years, which should give a new coach enough time to settle in.

 

[coloradospider]

My understanding from a source within the athlletic department is that Garret will be the new HC.

 

[32counter]

My understanding from a source within the athlletic department is that Garret will be the new HC.

They like Princeton guys.

 

[Spiders10]

If true, interim HC or permanent?

 

[urfan1]

I have heard Garrett would be a candidate, and a number of our staff would want to stay

 

[WolfSpider]

Garrett is the logical choice if you want current players to not transfer. He will most likely keep the current staff mostly intact, except for a few that may go with Rocco. These players LOVE Rocco AND his staff.

 

[iSpider]

My understanding from a source within the athletic department is that Garret will be the new HC.

Could you possibly tell us more about your source and his/her information as to Rocco's leaving without revealing any confidential information? Is it a known within the athletic department that Rocco is leaving? Is he headed to Delaware? How long has this been known? Thanks. Every little tidbit will be appreciated.

Fan1, same questions for you. You can post on the premium board if you are concerned about getting it out to the public.

 

[MolivaManiac]

Everybody has a source or two right now. I had one person connected with UD tell me that Rocco to UD was a done deal on November the 28th. I had someone well connected here tell me yesterday night that Rocco will be back and there will be "other changes".

It will be interested to see how it turns out. I'm sort of ready to move on with life, either way.

 

[coloradospider]

If I give any more information it will expose the staff member

 

[coloradospider]

The staff member did say Deleware

 

[coloradospider]

Also, Head Coach not interim

 

[DTSpider]

Isn't Sparky Woods the associate head coach now? Would assume he could carry us through the next week or two if necessary.

Side note - he does a hell of a job with the running backs.

 

[Eight Legger]

If we make Garrett the head coach, I would be willing to rename the new football complex for Jerry Jones. (Assuming Jerry Jones donates the money to build it.)

 

[MolivaManiac]

Isn't Sparky Woods the associate head coach now? Would assume he could carry us through the next week or two if necessary.

Side note - he does a hell of a job with the running backs.

I hope Sparky is still on our staff next year, no matter who is our Head man. Sparky is terrific.

 

[32counter]

Fontel is A+ for recruiting and is a high energy guy.Gotta keep him.Believe he and Garrett are simpatico.

 

[urfan1]

Mo and 32, you are both spot on!

 

[One putt]

Rocco will not take any current players with him. Plus what current Richmond player would want to go to Delaware?

 

[Ulla1]

Should Danny go and Garrett is named head coach, I honestly don't believe our program will miss a beat. OSC

 

[MolivaManiac]

Rocco will not take any current players with him. Plus what current Richmond player would want to go to Delaware?

Miss you buddy. Hope you and the family are well.

And thanks again for your efforts to get Winston up here.

 

[32counter]

Rocco will not take any current players with him. Plus what current Richmond player would want to go to Delaware?

Hens have a ton of 2 deep returnees on both sides of the ball.Their February signing class will be a only handful size,unlike ours.Our Class of 2017 is unaffected by a migration to New-Ark if DR becomes a Hen.On the contrary,we do have Class of 2018 student athletes in our PA,NJ,VA pipeline which DR would pursue if he turns Hen.

 

[One putt]

Miss you buddy. Hope you and the family are well.

And thanks again for your efforts to get Winston up here.

miss you as well. I told you Winston would be a great one. one day I will tell you the story. he was all locked in to Furman

 

[One putt]

Hens have a ton of 2 deep returnees on both sides of the ball.Their February signing class will be a only handful size,unlike ours.Our Class of 2017 is unaffected by a migration to New-Ark if DR becomes a Hen.On the contrary,we do have Class of 2018 student athletes in our PA,NJ,VA pipeline which DR would pursue if he turns Hen.

my younger sons team played them this year and last. my younger sons team won 3 games in 2 years. program vwas/is a dumpster fire. and they almost beat Delaware both times. Delaware was terrible .

 

[32counter]

my younger sons team played them this year and last. my younger sons team won 3 games in 2 years. program vwas/is a dumpster fire. and they almost beat Delaware both times. Delaware was terrible .

With proper coaching and a real QB at New-Ark,your sons team will have won its last game against the Hens.Enjoy the W's why they lasted.

 

[SpiderRick]

I would like to think that Kyle is more dedicated to his teammates over Rocco. But as far as recruits are concerned, I seem to remember a local kid name Moses who followed London to Virginia. Wonder how he turned out....

 

[One putt]

I don't think there is much to worry about here, in regard to recruits. Give me a case why someone would leave UR football for Delaware football..

 

[MolivaManiac]

I don't think there is much to worry about here, in regard to recruits. Give me a case why someone would leave UR football for Delaware football..

Pure love of the words "PHYSICALITY" and "HOLISTICALLY"?

 

[MolivaManiac]

I would like to think that Kyle is more dedicated to his teammates over Rocco. But as far as recruits are concerned, I seem to remember a local kid name Moses who followed London to Virginia. Wonder how he turned out....

Morgan Moses wasn't getting through admissions 50 years ago, 7 years ago or even 20 years from now when VT Spider has steam rolled our acceptance standards.

 

[One putt]

Pure love of the words "PHYSICALITY" and "HOLISTICALLY"?

Yea, I remember he did love "physicality". We would all scratch our head on that one. I heard it today on NFL Live

 

[Wood Hall]

No recruit for 2017-18 has signed. Signing period starts Wednesday for Jucos, and is in early Feb. for HS seniors.

Anyone who transfers will have to sit out a year, unless they go as a graduate transfer.

I'd be most worried about the QB, if he's graduated, going elsewhere for his senior year. Unless he and Garrett get along, which I have no idea. He did seem to develop considerably this year under Garrett, which is a big plus.

 

[urmite]

No recruit for 2017-18 has signed. Signing period starts Wednesday for Jucos, and is in early Feb. for HS seniors.

Anyone who transfers will have to sit out a year, unless they go as a graduate transfer.

I'd be most worried about the QB, if he's graduated, going elsewhere for his senior year. Unless he and Garrett get along, which I have no idea. He did seem to develop considerably this year under Garrett, which is a big plus.

Hate to bring this up, but...
Since Johnson didn't end up a red shirt this year, couldn't he red shirt here or there next season?

 

[VT_Spider]

If I had to guess either him or Lauletta will follow Rocco. Most likely Johnson. What we really need to worry about is Lauletta moving up to an FBS program. Recently that has happened with high level qb's at our level that have graduated but still have a year of eligibility. However the knee injury may scare some people away from trying to take a chance on him for 1 year.

 

[urfan1]

Some of you guys are "borrowing trouble"

 

[iSpider]

I would like to think that Kyle is more dedicated to his teammates over Rocco. But as far as recruits are concerned, I seem to remember a local kid name Moses who followed London to Virginia. Wonder how he turned out....

Actually, Morgan Moses did not follow London. He never had serious interest in UR. You are talking about a tight end from Collegiate. I do not remember his name. He transferred to UF for his grad year.