APQuarterback Danny O’Brien showed tremendous potential at Maryland in 2010, being named ACC Rookie of the Year. One year later, the story surrounding O’Brien’s request to transfer from the Terps has gained plenty of notoriety.
But the attention surrounding O’Brien’s departure has less to do with O’Brien and more to do with head coach Randy Edsall, who decided block O’Brien from possibly transferring to Vanderbilt and reuniting with former Maryland offensive coordinator James Franklin.
The Washington Post reports, citing sources with knowledge of conversations between Edsall and O’Brien, that Edsall questioned whether there was improper contact between Vanderbilt coaches and O’Brien, along with Maryland transfers Max Garcia (O-line) and Mario Rowson (linebacker).
Speaking to 104.5 The Zone in Nashville, Franklin addressed the rumors that he was a reason behind Edsall’s decision to place a transfer restriction on the Commodores.
“I don’t like innuendos and comments being made about tampering and things like that. You guys know me. I am the type of guy, I am going to have relationships with my players. I hope to have relationships with the guys that play for me for the rest of my life.
“But the fact that people would make accusations that we tampered or did this or did that, again, I am just going to defend our program and defend our character and how we do things. But I think it is ridiculous to think that I am not going to have relationships with these kids after I leave places.”
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“When I left [Kansas State] for Maryland, I talked to Josh Freeman every week. I still talk to Josh. Josh flew in for [my] birthday party. I am the type of guy, I am going to have relationships with my players.”
Edsall hasn’t addressed the rumor directly and the only comment he’s made about O’Brien’s departure was the following statement:
“I’m disappointed by Danny’s decision. Danny told me that he’s not committed to our program, that he’s not ‘all in.’ I want what’s best for all of our players. Danny wants a fresh start elsewhere. I wish him well.”
For that, among other things, the Maryland coach is getting lambasted by the media.
But in Edsall’s defense — I know, I can’t believe I just said that, either — if Franklin was indeed improperly recruiting O’Brien, so to speak, Edsall can’t just let his players be open season to other coaches. Of course, this is all based on rumor. If there’s nothing to it, then Edsall looks frivolous.
O’Brien’s high school coach told Bruce Feldman yesterday that O’Brien is expected to appeal the Vandy ban. In other quarterback news, the Commodores picked up 2013 QB Johnathan McCrary, who gave his verbal commit to Vandy today.
I don’t think Franklin was trying to get him to switch. I think the QB could see the writing on the wall. I think recruiting is just a small part of a bigger dispute between these two coaches, and the kid is stuck in between the two coaches. O’Brien probably feels that Edsall will not last another season if he doesn’t improve in 2012, and with half the team it seems, trying to get away form U of M, and this coach, I would expect he is probably right. The big East isn’t the ACC, Edsall. He is in over his head.
Edsall looks more and more like an idiot everyday. If he starts off 0-3, will md make a move?
So Edsall leaves UConn so that he can pursue his dream job but he will do everything in his power to stop O’Brien from playing at the school where he could probably have the most success in his two remaining years of eligibility?
Hey Edsall: “The grass is always greener on the other side of the street….NOTTTTT”.