How do we pull Cyrus Gray to the Hilltop?

[Cadillac]

I 100% admit that this is a thread that is only happening because it’s July 30th, and I have NOTHING else to talk about. And keep in mind that this is about how to sell the School to Cyrus Gray, not about predicting the future.

No matter where you fall on the scouting service ratings war, I think you have to admit that bringing Cryus Gray into this recruiting class would be a total coup. But how do you convince a fellah who has offers from the National Champs, several National Powerhouses, and even A&M (if you want to throw some old SWC animus into the picture)?

To our advantage, we have location: We’re the hometown D1 program for him. We have a Wild Card: Terrance Wilkerson. We should also be playing up the fact that if Gray comes to SMU, he’ll have every opportunity to be “The Guy” for 4 years. Can any of the other schools make that same claim? Lets Start there:

SMU Current RBs on the Roster that will be there in 2009, when Gray would start after a Redshirt year (which may be something we can burn if that induces him to come out to the hilltop, though it would be a shame).
James Mapps
Chris Butler

That’s It. The 2009 Starting Tailback will be up between those two, anyone brought in this year (Gray) and any true freshmen for 2009. Gray has to know that if he Signs with SMU, his position as a 4 year starter on this team is as close to a lock as possible. Miami, A&M, Florida, Notre Dame, Arizona, and Kansas, are all stacked with young talent at RB. Even in the best case scenario, Politics will keep Gray in the backup role for at least a year at any of these schools. The Talent in front of him is going to get a chance to flame out before he gets on the field regardless of how well he performs in the off season. This may or may not be true, but I’d sell it that way. “You’re just another piece of meat at Miami. At SMU, the Offense will be built around you. Penn State, Cal, Louisville, and Okst, aren’t loaded at the position, but none of them look to have such a clear cut opportunity that SMU has. If he wants a shot at setting some records, SMU’s his school. I would point out to him that DeAngelo Williams would have had a great shot of breaking the Career rushing record had he not split time his Freshman year. So having a weaker conference and four years to chip away at the record, Cyrus Gray could be the all time leading Rusher, a distinction that would earn him a first round draft slot in the NFL. Or, he can go to Florida and hold Chevon Walker’s helmet while he signs Autographs.

Speaking of Building the offense around such a talented back: Gray Coming to SMU is the only chance that Terrence Wilkerson has of ever becoming a D1 Starting QB. If we have a back who can consistently dominate the game, the emphasis of the offense will be to get the ball to Grey. The implication should be: If we can get someone of Gray’s caliber, we’ll need to get Wilkerson a shot at QB, but if we can’t dedicate to the running game, we’ll need a more traditional passer behind center. OK, this will require us to use the Jedi Mind trick on him, so that he doesn’t notice that Logan Turner and Zach Rhodes are both dual threats… But I do think that linking his career to Wilkerson's could very well tip the scale in our favor. Though you certainly don’t want it to look like you’re ransoming Wilkerson (come here or Terrence will never see the field!).

Anyone have any other reasons to come to SMU?

-CoS

[PonyKai]

You could always sell the fact that he could "truly be part of something special." Whether you personally believe it or not, the coaching staff can point to the increase in success, the increase in recognition, and the desire and march to take the next step. Whispering that to him during the recruiting visits translates to you can be the man to lead us to our first bowl, our first conference championship, the top of this leage, and you could even spin it that hey with our success because of you in 3-4 years, conferences are ever-realigning.

Not saying that this equates to what this team will actually do, but as a young talented kid with dreams of glory and a feeling of invincibility, talk like that can genuinely excite someone.

[mrydel]

Tell him the Pony is up!!

[diamond_tom]

How about we promise him a new Escalade every year with an unlimited gas card? If that's not enough, let's offer to move his family into University Park.

[PonyLove]

ummm....he'll have the opportunity to get a good education?...you know, if that NFL thingy doesn't work out and all....

[Sewanee Stang]

Pray

[jtstang]

slush fund.

[DiamondM75]

slush fund.

I agree. The NCAA just sent a statement, via OU, that if you cheat, you will get your hand slapped. If any other school cheats to the same degree as OU and receives a greater or dissimilar punishment, then I should hope a law suit for discrimiation would be filed.

[jtstang]

If any other school cheats to the same degree as OU and receives a greater or dissimilar punishment, then I should hope a law suit for discrimiation would be filed.

Discrimination under what law?

[SMU88]

I actually like our chances on landing him. I think SMU is home for him.

[The Stampede]

How hard are we recruiting him? I know ATM is really going after him since McGuffie committed to Michigan.

He'd be a great asset to this team.

[westexSMU]

[quote="SMU88"]I actually like our chances on landing him. I think SMU is home for him.[/quote]............Cyrus knows SMU is a great place to get an education. He knows that the Mustang football program is on the upswing and he has great friends in the program. He says he likes the Coaches and that SMU "feels like home". He knows wherever he goes, he has a good chance of success in college and beyond. Cyrus, the best advise I can give you is go where YOU want to go. Don't let other people tell you where you should go or need to go.

[me@smu]

Cyrus would be huge for this class...that said I feel like is like Darrell Arthur. In the end, the big name schools will get him.

God I hope they prove me wrong

[Cadillac]

Don't let other people tell you where you should go or need to go.

You don't think it would benefit the school to try and convince Cyrus that it is in his best interest to come to SMU? Or do you think that a total "hands off" approach would be the best way to get him here?

-CoS

[ebrooks11]

For those of you who want to send Cyrus a message.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=89655387