Notre Dame Football Recruiting Update: Folston Flipping?
By Andrew Hall
Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Robby Toma (9) leads his team on the field prior to the 2013 BCS Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
When Notre Dame landed a commitment from 4-Star Running Back Tarean Folston, Notre Dame had one of the best backfields in the 2013 class. Greg Bryant, a 5-star Running Back, had given his commitment to the Irish in early December. But, Folston has expressed interest in playing for the Auburn Tigers after giving his pledge to Notre Dame.
Tarean Folston plans on making an announcement at his High School at 2:30 p.m. on National Signing Day. The fact that there is an announcement is promising in this situation for Notre Dame. Theoretically, if you are staying with Notre Dame then there is nothing to truly announce. It would seem like he is leaning towards Auburn.
However, several reports have come out today indicating that Folston told Notre Dame coaches that he would be signing with the Irish next Wednesday. Sigh of relief? Not quite. Folston still has an in home visit scheduled with Auburn coaches.
As this recruitment enters the dead period (Feb. 4th-7th), Folston will most likely make his decision regardless of what he has told either coaching staff. Folston may indeed want to go to Notre Dame but might fear the distance from Cocoa, Florida and South Bend, Indiana. The playing time at Auburn may be more readily available on a team that went 3-9 last season. Notre Dame has the better academics but the weather in Auburn, Alabama is a little warmer at this time of year.
Ultimately, distance is probably going to be the deciding factor. It is difficult to go across the country to school for any student. This is why, according to the Department of Education, the average University is made up of 13.7% out-of-state students. However, Notre Dame is rare school that has most of its students from out-of-state.
Instinct and experience says that Folston will be an Auburn Tiger on Wednesday, February 6th. He could be being completely honest with the Notre Dame staff but his actions would suggest other wise. That is not to attack the young man. It is a difficult situation to be in, not wanting to disappoint adults whom you respect greatly. It is just an honest evaluation of the situation. Tarean Folston will be great wherever he goes. It just does not seem like that place is South Bend. But, who knows? This is recruiting and it is one week until Signing Day.
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