The Michigan State Spartans reportedly had no interest in keeping athletic director J Batt before his jump to the Kentucky Wildcats. MSU had every interest in keeping President Kevin Guskiewicz away from Clemson University. Michigan State accomplished that goal.
Meanwhile, 5-star Tennessee Volunteers and Ole Miss Rebels recruiting target, Baylor (TN) running back David Gabriel Georges, will make his decision soon. Apparently, it's already made up as we speak.
Here are some of the latest headlines from the SEC on the gridiron:
Michigan State didn't want to keep J Batt from Kentucky
Per 247Sports' Justin Thind, "I'm told Michigan State is set to retain university president Kevin Guskiewicz, per sources. ... In a major twist, he will sign a 5-year extension worth $1M/year at MSU - less than what he had recently accepted at Clemson. ... I’m also hearing MSU does not wish to retain AD J Batt, so he’ll still depart for Kentucky…"
This doesn't make Batt damaged goods, though the optics aren't ideal for Kentucky. The important part is that they didn't have to get into a strange reverse bidding war with MSU, who locked down Guskiewicz for cheaper than Clemson would've gotten him.
Once Tom Izzo voiced his disapproval about the change in leadership, the Spartans had to act. Apparently, Izzo was really only concerned with Guskiewicz.
Tenneessee and Ole Miss target David Gabriel Georges is decided
DGG is down to his final three as far as the public is concerned. In truth, his mind is made up. His dad revealed as much on Monday. It wasn't revealed what his choice is, but most expect it to be the Ohio State Buckeyes. Gabriel Georges' recruiting sweepstakes is historically expensive, and OSU is the deepest-pocketed suitor still in the game.
If that's what his decision is coming down to, the Vols would've especially failed financially. Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam betrayed Ohio with a major donation to the University of Tennessee for $130 million. That still may not get the job done.
What'd make the loss sting even more for the Vols is the fact that DGG has recognized how important his decision is to Tennessee.
"I feel like Tennessee is building and bringing in top players that will make an immediate impact... they made it very clear that they see me the same way and that I am their top priority," Gabriel Georges said in January.
Buckeyes RB coach Carlos Locklyn has established a solid rapport with DGG, but the deciding factor for a game-changer like him will be money. There's a finite window of earning opportunity with his position. The NFL doesn't pay running backs well relative to the rising salaries of other positions. DGG needs to take advantage of his youth and abilities with the biggest check now.
Seldom will that check come from Oxford, Mississippi, when the Ohio State University is involved, but it's a damning sign for the Vols that they might not land a potentially generational talent from the Volunteer State, despite receiving financial assistance to do just that.
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