So This is in another thread but probably one of the biggest signings we have had if he indeed does transfer in. Question is... are we getting Noah Gregory Spence enrolled at JMU for anything other than to line up and wreak havoc in 2015?
I figure there would be people against this type of transfer ..........
I'm against this type of recruit -I thought he declared for the NFL draft?
I think it's a smart move for all involved.
1) Spence knows his draft stock is low. This is not a 'reclamation project' where we have to worry about a 'bad influence' over a period of time. This is a guy with very real NFL aspirations who has one season to prove he's clean and performing at a high level.
2) It's great to see Withers working his Ohio State connections. This can only help moving forward.
3) One of our major positional weaknesses just became a clear strength for next year.
4) Creating a success story out of this can only continue to build our recruiting / transfer profile, especially with a potential fairly high draft pick. Never a bad thing to hear Mel Kiper say the words "James Madison" on draft day.
Do we know that Noah Spence, formerly a football player at OSU, is enrolled? Or do we just know that somebody named Noah Spence is currently enrolled at JMU?
Zak Kuhr is now following Noah on twitter. This could be our first Five *****
Definitely a high risk high reward move. If this works out and Spence stays clean and dominates EW is a humanitarian and a genius. Really, even if Spence flops but stays clean EW comes out looking pretty good. But if this goes south....
I'm still at the point where I trust EW's judgment on these things, so I'm okay with the move for now. But if this turns out bad, it should be the last time we put our neck out for somebody in Spence's situation.
(12-31-2014 06:01 AM)Purple Pilgrim Wrote: [ -> ]Do we know that Noah Spence, formerly a football player at OSU, is enrolled? Or do we just know that somebody named Noah Spence is currently enrolled at JMU?
The Noah Spence enrolled at JMU was not there this time last week. I checked back then. the Noah Enrolled's middle name is Gregory. Noah's dad is Gregory according to his Ohio State profile. Either a one in a million coinkydink or it's him. He's in boys! Book it!
I assume he will be subjected to the same rules, accountability, and discipline that EW has required of the team and is aware of what is expected. If that's the case, I give him credit for seeing the value in that and being willing to submit to it. It's not as if there is any doubt what the off-season and team rules will look like.
(12-31-2014 08:50 AM)jmutoml757 Wrote: [ -> ]I assume he will be subjected to the same rules, accountability, and discipline that EW has required of the team and is aware of what is expected. If that's the case, I give him credit for seeing the value in that and being willing to submit to it. It's not as if there is any doubt what the off-season and team rules will look like.
Especially with a leader like Vad on the team, I think we are in a good situation for next year. Only position I'm interested in seeing sured up is the OLine and safetys. Would also like to see one of the tall incoming receivers make a splash.
He made his mistakes, but keep in mind this guy was also an Academic All-Big Ten honoree. Given that, glad to have him.
(12-31-2014 08:47 AM)jmu-fan-1981 Wrote: [ -> ] (12-31-2014 06:01 AM)Purple Pilgrim Wrote: [ -> ]Do we know that Noah Spence, formerly a football player at OSU, is enrolled? Or do we just know that somebody named Noah Spence is currently enrolled at JMU?
The Noah Spence enrolled at JMU was not there this time last week. I checked back then. the Noah Enrolled's middle name is Gregory. Noah's dad is Gregory according to his Ohio State profile. Either a one in a million coinkydink or it's him. He's in boys! Book it!
Thanks. It seems like, given our level (FCS) and our great need to shore up the defense, Spence would be a risk worth taking.
If true, what a great move. I don't even know how you could spin it in a negative light. It's a testiment to the kid's willingness to straighten out, a feather in the cap of EW as a man and coach, and good get for our school in regards to off the field recruiting/transfer pipeline, and a major upgrade in a position of weakness on the field.
Folks have called me stubborn and they have not always been wrong but there is just no downside to this. I won't see it.
How great would it be if he became a first round pick in the draft and you heard roger Goodell say "... Noah spence out of james madison university"
Noah had substance abuse issues. Apparently, he has worked on those.
Not a bad guy, just a guy like millions of Americans who needed some help.
Given the All Academic accolades and IF he can stay clean and continue to receive help, I say welcome!
Goid things to hear , I caught some heat for defending some guys who had substance problems and saying we need to give them more chances. Him being an academic all-big ten student shows he really has/had an issues with the pills and etc . I liked the fact the EW reached out to him , heard he was a players coach and I see why. Not to many five star recruits touch down in Harrisonburg. Gates is also from Harrisburg Pa , hopefully him and Mosely take him under their wings and be a JMU guide for him.
From what I hear, his substance abuse issues have basically been with being silly enough to take ecstasy close enough to drug test time for it to show up in his system. I don't think it really shows up in one's system for very long, so it's surprising they even detected it. It's not like it's an addictive drug, so I have a hard time looking at it in the same light as someone who keeps testing positive for cocaine, opiates or something like that.
That said, it has some pretty detrimental effects on the body and mind, so it's not a good thing for him or anyone to do. In the end I see it as immaturity and think he deserves another opportunity, and perhaps a change of scenery will help.
Sounds like this kid should room with Nation & Dalembert in the soon-to-be-constructed JMU athletic department rehab center.
(12-31-2014 10:39 AM)FreshDad Wrote: [ -> ]Sounds like this kid should room with Nation & Dalembert in the soon-to-be-constructed JMU athletic department rehab center.
Dalembert?
(12-31-2014 10:41 AM)atljmualum Wrote: [ -> ] (12-31-2014 10:39 AM)FreshDad Wrote: [ -> ]Sounds like this kid should room with Nation & Dalembert in the soon-to-be-constructed JMU athletic department rehab center.
Dalembert?
Sorry ... make that Vodanovich.
