NostraHOGus wrote:

You are absolutely right, BE, that we need to take it easy on his folks.  (or at least try to keep the humor in good taste).  AC is clearly under no illusion about his mother's opposition to what he believes is in his best interests, but she is still his mother.

Many of the comments he has been making publicly seemed design to defuse the tension instead of raising the stakes.  Here's hoping the mom will soon get used to the idea of her son being a Razorback.  That will remove some of the stress he has been under.

From listening to his public statements and observing his composure throughout this ordeal, I've concluded that the young man is way above average on several levels besides football.  His social development and interest in academics separate him from many players who would have chosen to stay home in the bright lights of tropical Miami. 

AC also mentioned today that he sees an opportunity to fight for early playing time at Arkansas.  When you combine that opportunity with the reputation that Bielema and company have for producing highly productive, big time running backs, the folks who aren't thinking clearly are the ones who think he should have volunteered to play behind an established young running back at a school that has an uncertain NCAA future.  Viewed in that light, the ONLY good reason to stay at Miami was that it was the place he and his family had always called home.

I did some reading yesterday on the subject of parents controlling the decisions of adult children.  Of the material I found, the best overall response was the suggestion that parents should always give their children roots and wings.  The roots give them a place they can always call home.  The wings give them the freedom and ability to make a home and a life for themselves.

broeric wrote:

NostraHOGus wrote:

You are absolutely right, BE, that we need to take it easy on his folks.  (or at least try to keep the humor in good taste).  AC is clearly under no illusion about his mother's opposition to what he believes is in his best interests, but she is still his mother.

Many of the comments he has been making publicly seemed design to defuse the tension instead of raising the stakes.  Here's hoping the mom will soon get used to the idea of her son being a Razorback.  That will remove some of the stress he has been under.

From listening to his public statements and observing his composure throughout this ordeal, I've concluded that the young man is way above average on several levels besides football.  His social development and interest in academics separate him from many players who would have chosen to stay home in the bright lights of tropical Miami. 

AC also mentioned today that he sees an opportunity to fight for early playing time at Arkansas.  When you combine that opportunity with the reputation that Bielema and company have for producing highly productive, big time running backs, the folks who aren't thinking clearly are the ones who think he should have volunteered to play behind an established young running back at a school that has an uncertain NCAA future.  Viewed in that light, the ONLY good reason to stay at Miami was that it was the place he and his family had always called home.

I did some reading yesterday on the subject of parents controlling the decisions of adult children.  Of the material I found, the best overall response was the suggestion that parents should always give their children roots and wings.  The roots give them a place they can always call home.  The wings give them the freedom and ability to make a home and a life for themselves.

We're talking about a young man who likes to hunt and play the piano - renaissance man.

rebel361 wrote: I've been very impressed with his poise throughout this whole ordeal.  He's handled it about as well as anyone could have, and his calm demeanor has been quite becoming of his nickname.  The fact that he has avoided making any attacks is impressive in it's own right.

I believe I could handle that situation as well as he has now, but when I was 18 - not a chance.

CMhawgtracks wrote:

rebel361 wrote: I've been very impressed with his poise throughout this whole ordeal.  He's handled it about as well as anyone could have, and his calm demeanor has been quite becoming of his nickname.  The fact that he has avoided making any attacks is impressive in it's own right.

I believe I could handle that situation as well as he has now, but when I was 18 - not a chance.

He handled it better than I could have!

hawgjaws wrote: Yes, stood up in a polite and correct way without making it a negative. If this is the kind of players Bielema is going to bring WOW rankings be damned.

FoxMan2099 wrote:

CMhawgtracks wrote:

rebel361 wrote: I've been very impressed with his poise throughout this whole ordeal.  He's handled it about as well as anyone could have, and his calm demeanor has been quite becoming of his nickname.  The fact that he has avoided making any attacks is impressive in it's own right.

I believe I could handle that situation as well as he has now, but when I was 18 - not a chance.

He handled it better than I could have!

Yeah he's impressive for an 18 year old kid. I would have been an idiot in this situation.

Nostra - you put it very well above!!! I have told him how much I respect him - - - we have us a special one here!!! We need to put our arms around this young man - I am so glad he is a HOG!!!!


here is a good article - - -

Alex Collins was the one who did everything right . . . 

Alex Collins Sun Sentinel Article. 

His mom hires a lawyer, fans scribble on the internet — leave it to 18-year-old to play the grown-up

Alex Collins - Happy to be a Hog! Interview after signing today.