Gabrial Marks has decommitted from SMU per B2G Sports tweet

[FIVE-O-FAN]

I give Jones all the credit in the world for getting this program to where it is, but I also can't help but fault him a little right now for keeping it from where it could have been. This program was about to turn a corner in recruiting.

This is a statement made by many which I feel is worthy of a separate thread.

I give JJ credit. I give CoC and SO more credit.

No way CoC would commit $10M with our then existing Model, these are smart folks.

To quote JJ himself: 'Forrest, Tom, Mike Cavan and Phil didn't have a chance to win...The system was not set up to win. I really think I'm the only Coach since the Death Penalty that's been given an opportunity to truly be on a level playing field'

Not saying JJ didn’t play a role, just saying IMO it is overstated by many on here. Whose to say that with changes in our Model and a different coach at $2M per year we wouldn't be in the same or better place. That is open to debate.

I absolutely agree with your statement. I was just trying to point out the irony in that Jones, one of the people that is credited with helping resurrect the program, is now seen by many of us as the one who's keeping it from going to the next level. I believe this recruiting class could have signaled our arrival. I do not want to take anything away from the kids that are staying because we have kept some really nice players. I just can't help but think of what might have been.

[SMU 86]

I'm far more interested in the guys who stay committed to SMU.

Why don't you name who that will be.

[SMULaxer]

I'm not sure why I'm the first one to post this but uh....

WDNWHA

See ya Gabe

[SMUer]

You don't have to be a great receiver to push NCAA records when this offense is clicking under a capable QB, a great receiver would just flourish. I'm much more bummed about losing Printz. QBs are our life-blood. There are plenty of speedy 3-star receivers to court, even late.

[Rebel10]

There are plenty of speedy 3-star receivers to court, even late.

Okay, I expect us to get one then.

[SMU_Alumni11]

Back from Christmas, and ready to hear good news (if there is any). Right now recruiting sure looks like crap (no offense to current recruits, just from what we were and going to now. We just look like a bottom 50 team with our mix of 3 and 2 star recruits. I really hope that they are underrated and we are able to compete in our hardest years '12 and '13.

[well travelled pony]

I remain a bit surprised by Marks. I've spent a lot of time in LA, and NEVER heard anything other than Marks staying with SMU. While Jones' flirts with asu and ucla may have hurt, it also showed his appeal to other programs and kids.

Marks would do well here, and a lot better option than pullman. If he really goes, oh well, but so will a great opportunity for him.

Go Ponies!

[SMUfiji43]

Marks was quoted as saying he wants to play for June and learn from his staff. Now that June is seemingly here for the long run, I have feeling we still have a great chance of getting Marks.

Pullman sucks. Playing for Leach might be fun as a talented WR, but that school is the armpit of the Pac 12

[Comet]

Just learning of this now. Going to the Big East is going to be hard as balls without these types of players.

[mrydel]

The WDNWHA Committee has not yet ruled on Marks. You will know when we do if and when he selects a school other than SMU. If you will note our history, players do not opt to sign with other schools until such time that SMU has determined WDNWHA. For the time being we still have him under consideration as a possible 2012 commit.

[SMU_Alumni11]

Just learning of this now. Going to the Big East is going to be hard as balls without these types of players.

No kidding, hopefully we have some sleepers on our team, and all our recruits are under rated.

[PonySnob]

Just learning of this now. Going to the Big East is going to be hard as balls without these types of players.

No kidding, hopefully we have some sleepers on our team, and all our recruits are under rated.

Sounds like how recruiting has been for the last 20+ years. Guess that's why we run the Run-n-Shoot just like we did 20 years ago.....

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Marks will be here on signing day. I can just feel it.

[ojaipony]

It's obvious to me that SMU is the no brainer, however, we've also lost some to Wazzu which is an absolutely brain dead move but there you go. If we lose him, it's going to be to Wazzu when he visits there late this month. JJ needs to make a call to him while he's there/once he gets back ... "did they really promise that they'd stop becoming a bottom feeder in pac12 and pullman will suddenly become a great place to live? ... I also have some ocean front property in Colorado I can sell you."

[Stallion]

He's looking at more options-in fact they all are