Raulerson transferring

[Sirhornsalot]

Knowing his dad, he doesn't strike me as the type who would do what he's been accused of doing. He's just didn't come across to me as the type to do that. He didn't care for some of the things in the Mack regime but spoke very respectfully of Mack and staff in my talks with him.

What dominated our conversations were the deficiencies that his son had and was working to overcome, such as putting on quality weight while maintaining his speed/quickness. Things like that. He was very complimentary of other OL players.

 

[North Texas Golfer]

Cliff notes?

-Starts by saying this is the first thread that he has ever "started" on OB and that his post was approved by Jake.

-In 2015 Jake weighed 302 lbs. Was plenty strong compared to his peers.

-Practicing against the likes of Malcolm, Hassan, Tank, and Poona every day made him a better player.

-When he did not get to play he asked his coach why and was given reasons that he promptly rectified.

-When he still did not get to play he asked CS. Instead of telling him that he was not ready, he told Jake that he was a hard worker, was practicing great and would get some game time next week.

-This happened 5 weeks in a row starting in week 2 or 3 so he quit asking.

-Jake played only 15 plays THIS season. Graded out the 2nd highest for the season for all OL positions in all games.

-Jake started 5 games LAST season. Graded out higher than the starter did in any game THIS season.

-Jake did what he needed to do in the classroom to allow him to become a "free agent".

-Jake didn't have any confidence that his coach had his back, so he took a chance and made himself available to other teams.

-Immediately upon his release, received several significant opportunities from the likes of UCLA, Michigan, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas.

-During these recruiting conversations, Jake made sure that these coaches understood what brought him to this decision.

-In each case the coach said that they had made calls and were satisfied that Jake had acted appropriately.

-In one instance, the coach said that he was offering Jake based upon his 2014 game film. That although he recognized that Jake was young and in need of more mass, the film showed a high degree of technique and athleticism.

-Jake loves Texas, his teammates and Charlie Strong. Said that you can love someone and not be able to live with them.

-At the end of the day, it was just a business decision.

 

[mctmatt]

I have no problem with what Jake or his father have decided .  Jake only has a limited amount of time to play college football and since he actually graduated in 3 years I can understand his reasons.

 

[texasdalton]

Prime example of why i cant stand the player personnel decisions made on gameday. We saw countless times that Coach Strong's staff went with the senior even though they clearly were not the best player we had at that position.

He better quit that shit or he wont be here the following year.

 

[UTK66]

Prime example of why i cant stand the player personnel decisions made on gameday. We saw countless times that Coach Strong's staff went with the senior even though they clearly were not the best player we had at that position.

He better quit that shit or he wont be here the following year.

I think Doyle starting in front of Jake was all Wickline's doing. Don't agree with it at all but that's what it was IMO.

 

[Juan]

Wilkerson thinks there is an opening for Strong and the new OL coach (Mattox) if they want to try

Sounds like Jake would at least be willing to listen to their pitch

 

[texasdalton]

I think Doyle starting in front of Jake was all Wickline's doing. Don't agree with it at all but that's what it was IMO.

I agree, but these poor personnel decisions were made across the board when it came to all of the coaches on staff. This has to reflect some direction that strong handed down to his coaches.

 

[java]

I always liked Jake and was shocked he didn't play more this year, and I'm very disappointed in Wickline. I hope that Jake gives Charlie and Mattox a chance to talk to his family because it would be best for him to stay. He knows the campus, it's close to home, and if Charlie says he will get a fair chance, he will.

In the final analysis, though, Jake must do what is best for him.

 

[bcherry168]

It is becoming apparent that Wickline was a problem for us. Maybe Mattox will improve things.

There is something about how this came down that suggests the Strong has a problem giving direction to his assistants. He had better get it fixed.

 

[Bear19]

It is becoming apparent that Wickline was a problem for us. Maybe Mattox will improve things.

There is something about how this came down that suggests the Strong has a problem giving direction to his assistants. He had better get it fixed.

Amen. Either a problem giving directions or not knowing what directions to give. He better get it fixed.

 

[java]

Mr. Cherry, I have wondered if Wickline is such an antisocial type that he would have just stormed off with no one to coach the line. It seems that I recall Traylor having o-line experience, but I can't think of anyone else. I think Charlie was between a rock and a hard place.

Those things happen sometimes. I know. It happened to me this year, despite the best of planning. You just have to do your best, with a good attitude, prayer, and a good support network.

I have a book called Mental Toughness Training for Life. It was written by the same person who wrote Mental Toughness Training for Sports and uses many of the same principles. An Olympian, who is a friend of mine told me that the sports edition utilizes many of the same ideas that their sports psychologist used. They have both been helpful during some difficult stretches over the years. It's all about a positive attitude, doing good things for your body, mind, and spirit, and cultivating a constructive work ethic.

How does that relate to Charlie? I think he lives his life that way, and he just happens to be a great football coach, as well as an honest man with all of the integrity in the world. By the way, I love the most recent offensive hires, Gilbert and Mattox. Looks like Traylor is staying, too.

Hook 'em!

 

[Coach840]

Has any contact been made with Mattox and JR family

 

[TeamMayhall]

Per Higs:

Todays update on Jake Raulerson

"He decided to bolt and he is out."

 

[BudreauReye]

Mr. Cherry, I have wondered if Wickline is such an antisocial type that he would have just stormed off with no one to coach the line. It seems that I recall Traylor having o-line experience, but I can't think of anyone else. I think Charlie was between a rock and a hard place.

Those things happen sometimes. I know. It happened to me this year, despite the best of planning. You just have to do your best, with a good attitude, prayer, and a good support network.

I have a book called Mental Toughness Training for Life. It was written by the same person who wrote Mental Toughness Training for Sports and uses many of the same principles. An Olympian, who is a friend of mine told me that the sports edition utilizes many of the same ideas that their sports psychologist used. They have both been helpful during some difficult stretches over the years. It's all about a positive attitude, doing good things for your body, mind, and spirit, and cultivating a constructive work ethic.

How does that relate to Charlie? I think he lives his life that way, and he just happens to be a great football coach, as well as an honest man with all of the integrity in the world. By the way, I love the most recent offensive hires, Gilbert and Mattox. Looks like Traylor is staying, too.

Hook 'em!

Java, I hope that your take on this is correct.  I have a hard time imagining, as some people have intimated, that Coach did not know how to handle the situation with Wickline, or just was not interested in handling it.  This just does not pass the smell test to me.  Because of the challenges he has faced, Coach has taken a little longer to get where he is than most.  Smells to me that he was forced into just getting through an untenable situation until he could get to where he COULD handle it.  With the Watson situation, on the other hand, it seem to me that his loyalty to one of those who "brung him" colored his vision.  Whatever the case may be, obviously, Coach is the one who ultimately has to bear the responsibility for what has happened and for fixing it.  Looks to me that these two last hires are long strides in the right direction.

By the way, Java, I hope you are continuing to do well each and every day ... rest assured that there a lot of us here whose thoughts are with you ... and also with those that you mentioned in an earlier post who humble us by reminding us that some folks exhibit a lot of grace by living through situations more difficult than most of us have had to deal with.

 

[java]

Thank you, Bud, I'm doing very well. This past Friday I completed the 12th treatment. Four left, but different drug, so it's every two weeks. I'm sure that it will go well, too. Heck, I have students to teach after the break and some wonderful people pulling for me.

Thank you for asking. I really appreciate it.

 

[java]

Bud, you are so right about some people having to deal with difficult situations. I had follow-ups with 2 of my doctors today. The first told me that I was the first patient that day who was doing well, and the doc was so relieved, he was practically dancing when he walked in to discuss my blood test results. Each day I feel incredibly blessed.

The people you see and talk to at MDA are incredibly inspiring, for the most part, and their staff is the most supportive and well-trained that I have ever been around. It is an amazing place.

 

[Hooverhog]

That's great news, Java!  We don't know each other but I've had friends in your same situation, and I want you to know that my prayers are with you. 

 

[Juan]

There was a crack in the door for Mattox to re-engage Jake if he wanted.

As of this moment, it appears he did not. (Chip thinks there is still a chance, Higs does not)

This story is somewhat puzzling when you look at our depth chart at center.

Dan Neil's idea is to move Santos there (who is reportedly up to ~270 now).

As a sidenote, Neil also said, early in the season, even after the ND Game, that we would beat Baylor and win the B12.  I LOLd at the time, but he was 1/2 right.

 

[Coal Harbour]

Prime example of why i cant stand the player personnel decisions made on gameday. We saw countless times that Coach Strong's staff went with the senior even though they clearly were not the best player we had at that position.

He better quit that shit or he wont be here the following year.

I don't understand this statement or the fact that it received 2 likes.  

The secondary featured DDavis, KBoyd, HHill & Locke all receiving significant playing time as freshmen.  Obviously Malik started at LB with Wheeler seeing meaningful snaps as the season went along.  Williams and Vahe started up front and Foreman basically replaced JGray even when Gray was healthy later in the year.  At WR, JBurt started as a freshmen not to mention an underclassmen started in front of a returning starter at QB after the first game of the season.

Not only do I not agree with the statement, but seems like the total opposite is true.  Are you basing this on Doyle starting in front of Jake?  I don't get it.

 

[bcherry168]

Java, I was referring to what I heard about him leaving player decisions up to the position coach. If that is true, it would seem that Charlie could have made sure that Jake played more if he had given the instruction. It seems strange to me that Jake would have been promised more playing time by Charlie (if he was) and then not getting to play more.

Here we are in the midst of desperately trying to recruit offensive linemen, while at the same time essentially running off what has always seemed to be a great prospect that is already on our roster. It doesn't make a lot of sense unless he is just not that good.

The question then becomes: is he as good as the ones we are trying to recruit? I do not know.

Java, glad to hear you are doing well. My bride had a bout with breast cancer in 2014 and is doing very well. We were very fortunate for the early detection We will be praying for your recovery.