The Outsider's Edge

Good to be back after such a long layoff, and I’d like to welcome you all to the first edition of The Outsider’s Edge.  Nothing is off limits here, and all opinions are welcome.  Until I get the kinks worked out, I figure we’ll just touch a few subjects of the day, starting with the elephant in the room.

Daniel Gresham De-Committed: Folks, if you didn’t expect this for some time now, I’ll gladly help you get your head out of the sand. I didn’t consider him or Knox commits the day they thumbed their nose at the program and went to Ohio State, then made up this production about it.  The entire soap opera was a constant distraction, and it starred two guys, who in the opinion of our own Mike Barnes (The Orange Report), were two guys of the caliber that led this program down the primrose path to the state it fell in since the end of 2009.

Also bear in mind Gresham was the #2 ranked FULLBACK in the country.  This high powered offense does not need a fullback, and we have guys on the roster already to fill that role if needed.  Gresham is a guy who will get into a college weight and eating program and hit 270 + lbs, ala Chris Whaley.  We need guys who can play the running back position all four years, not eat their way onto defense. I am in the minority on this thought as well, but I wasn’t impressed by the level of competition they faced to garner the recognition they have. I put much more faith in a guy from Tyler John Tyler, Southlake Carroll, Abilene etc than ones from the private ranks when it comes to linemen and runners. They just don’t see the kind of talent those squads do week in and week out.  In summary fans, trust in Major, and trust in Patrick Suddes. You’ll end up with the signatures of Duke Catalon and two other high quality runners come February.

Fan Opinions Are Welcome Here: Personally, I love covering sports, covering Texas, and interacting with all of you. Without you, there would be no Horn Sports, no Orange Report, no ESPN or other agencies.  Heck, there wouldn’t be Texas Longhorns Football, at least not like the financial juggernaut of today.  I don’t have to like or agree with your opinions, and you certainly don’t have to like or agree with mine, but they are all valid regardless. You pay for the product, you support the product, and you are entitled to your opinion of the quality of the product.  You are also allowed to have, and share, any opinion you want to put out there.  Am I advocating personal attacks on athletes, coaches, and administrators?  Certainly not, but no one has the right to dismiss a large and growing part of the fan base for being disgruntled.  Bring your opinions to us, and tell your friends to as well.

Concussions and Children – To Play or Not to Play: This one hit home hard last month.  At her birthday party of all places, my kid fell skating and got a concussion.  Apparently this wasn’t just any concussion, as I was told “we don’t grade them anymore, but this was severe”.  The last month has been a battle against a constant headache, nausea, migraines, half days of school, anger over being held back athletically, and putting the pieces back together so to speak. I spent almost 24 hours with a child who didn’t know who she was, much less who I was, essentially my daughter reduced to a semi functional zombie.  This has been a hell of a battle, one I wouldn’t wish on anyone….but it gets me thinking.  They (High Schools, Colleges, the NFL) send guys back into violent situations who were in her condition.  I see some of the other kids in the clinic who took hits as bad as hers, but haven’t responded to the treatment 30, 60, 90 + days out from injury.  It’s a rough deal for anyone, much less someone still in their formative years.

If I had a son, would I let them play? I’d probably leave it up to them, but if the school didn’t provide the best protection available I’d go buy it, make them let him wear it, or he wouldn’t play.  I don’t blame professionals at all for saying they won’t let their children play, nor do I condemn anyone who does.  Discuss this with your kids coaches folks, be it Pee Wee or Division 1. Educate yourself on what help is available should the unfortunate happen, and make sure your own insurance covers care of this type if your child is going to play.

[colored_box color=yellow]Mailbag Questions: As I said earlier, I enjoy interaction with folks, but you don’t always have time for a visit to the site HornSports.com (Always Free) or Twitter debate (@Texas0205).  Have a comment or a question? Drop an email at johnny@hornsports.com. I’ll be firing this out at least weekly, so keep them coming. Until next time, Hook Em![/colored_box]