In the cutthroat world of football recruiting, "verbal" is a misunderstood word.
A verbal commitment by a high school athlete means nothing. It isn't binding, and it's often an impulse reaction to please a coach because that coach could hold the keys to the future – the athlete's playing time.
And other college coaches don't shy away just because a rival school received a verbal, which is supposed to ease pressure on high school players. But for blue-chip prospects, the opposite often happens. And rival coaches don't respect a verbal because so many teenagers don't honor it.
Cosumnes Oaks cornerback Marcus Rios was solid in his commitment to UCLA, but that didn't stop Miami, Notre Dame and Washington from continuing to call him Monday and Tuesday nights, just hours before National Signing Day early Wednesday.
Said Rios: "It's the business the coaches are in because they know nothing is official until you sign on the dotted line."
Some players seem overwhelmed by the recruiting process, eager to say yes to the next good pitch.
Wide receiver Jordan Payton of Oaks Christian, a top program in Southern California, initially gave a verbal to USC. Then, in a 48-hour whirlwind, he gave one to Cal on national television, to Washington on TV on Monday – and then signed with UCLA.
Bryce Treggs, a top receiver from Southern California's St. John Bosco, gave Cal a verbal, but he was still intensely recruited by UCLA and USC. He wavered briefly, but he stuck with Cal, explaining to reporters: "My mom taught me to be a man of my word."
Fancy that.
What to watch
NBA, New York at Boston, 5 p.m., ESPN: Two expected playoff contenders continue to struggle.
What to do
Harness racing, Cal Expo, 6 p.m.: Free admission, parking – and 15 races.
Today's poll
Are verbal commitments good for college football?
• Yes; They can ease pressure on recruits.
• No; They're a joke and often ignored.
Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; Or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Thursday's results
Who has the better hairstyle?
• Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie: 65%
• Raiders owner Mark Davis: 35%
Total votes: 109
© Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.
Contact Joe Davidson at jdavidson@sacbee.com.
• Read more articles by Joe Davidson
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "Report Abuse" link below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.