Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Where the (damaged) door hits you

A curious tale coming out of Dinkytown:
Demry Croft, the sophomore quarterback who after Saturday’s loss to Wisconsin asked Gophers coach P.J. Fleck for his release from the program, on Monday night said he’ll transfer from Minnesota and that he was falsely accused of damaging a door, which led to a suspension early in the season.

“After this semester ends I will be transferring from the University of Minnesota,’’ Croft posted in a statement on Twitter. “Due to the unfortunate situation I have decided to leave the football program and the University of Minnesota. I was falsely accused of damaging a door. Which I was indefinitely suspended for. The video clearly shows my innocence. Which has created a very uncomfortable environment. Which my family and I have decided to depart from the University and start a new chapter.’’

Croft in his statement also thanked former Gophers coach Jerry Kill for recruiting him and the current staff for this season.
No word on whether the damaged door was caused by Croft not carrying his oar properly. It's far more likely that Croft is getting run off because Fleck is bringing in a new quarterback. It's possible Fleck will succeed here, but his first year has been something less than, well, elite.

4 comments:

Bike Bubba said...

It's a lot like a bunch of kids recruited by Brady Hoke have left Michigan's program, also allegedly by being more or less pushed out. I'm guessing this will backfire as athletes realize that coaches return the loyalty their coaches are showing, and it's worth noting that Viramontes had a semi-commit to no less than Harbaugh before redshirting at Cal and then going on to juco.

Both of them know the modern loyalty game, it seems, and both need to watch out, I dare say; Fleck that his prize recruit doesn't run after his first taste of Big 10 defenders, and Viramontes that his propensity of running to new schools doesn't end up leaving him without a degree/career and no remaining eligibility/scholarship.

Yeah, I don't like this new way of doing things...

Mr. D said...

Yeah, I don't like this new way of doing things...

I don't know how new it is, but the level of scrutiny is certainly higher. And that's a good thing. Maybe this Viramontes is the real deal, but this move has a hint of desperation to it. Better to be consistent in your approach. It's worked well for the Badgers, for Iowa, and for your Spartans, who have come back nicely after a hiccup last year.

3john2 said...

You can Google Viramontes 247 and get a video of his highlights from the community college (with more than 40 touchdowns combined in rushing and passing, there are quite a few). He does have a strong and accurate arm (though I'd like to see video of his interceptions) and appears to be able to see the field well. Not much need to look for a second or third receiver, though; if his #1 was covered it was no problem for him to take off running. He was definitely faster and stronger than the competition, but there is a difference between giving away 20 pounds to a defensive lineman and giving away 60 pounds or more. His mechanics already look better than Leidner's or Croft's ever did, though.

Bike Bubba said...

I think the "lack of loyalty" is at least worsening. I work with a guy who was a four year backup at Nebraska, and remember Mario Izzo at MSU--good for a few minutes and as many fouls per game, really. But Heathcote kept him around and didn't push him out, just like my coworker with Osborne. Same with Perles and a lot of guys, IMO.