Cyrus Kouandjio will announce on Monday betwen Bama and Awbarn

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Re: Cyrus Kouandjio Commitment (all CK discussion goes here)

What people need to understand is that he is a kid. A Kid from Maryland; and really don’t understand the true rivalry. You can blame the kid for not feeling the passion. In my opinion, I think he only considered Alabama, because his bother goes there. I have a 14 year old son. He plays football and basketball, won plenty awards, and he is about 6’ tall; lives about an hour and a half from T Town. He loves Alabama; he has all kinds of tide outfits. He cheers for Alabama and gets into the Iron bowl games. But then he says to me one day, dad can you buy me a Auburn pullover. I was like what the #@**. It was all about Cam. And he wanted to ride the train. I bought it for him, but kids live in the moment. Hanging out, playing sports and video games and having fun. He’s not thinking about any rivalry history but for few days out of the year. Cyrus already said his heart told him to go to auburn. Subconsciously he probably was looking at Auburn, 6 games in and didn’t say anything.


"I have a lot of respect for Coach [Mike] Locksley, a lot of respect," Kouandjio said, holding a New Mexico hat in his hand, adding it was only because he liked the colors.”
 
Re: Cyrus Kouandjio Commitment (all CK discussion goes here)

What people need to understand is that he is a kid. A Kid from Maryland; and really don’t understand the true rivalry. You can blame the kid for not feeling the passion. In my opinion, I think he only considered Alabama, because his bother goes there. I have a 14 year old son. He plays football and basketball, won plenty awards, and he is about 6’ tall; lives about an hour and a half from T Town. He loves Alabama; he has all kinds of tide outfits. He cheers for Alabama and gets into the Iron bowl games. But then he says to me one day, dad can you buy me a Auburn pullover. I was like what the #@**. It was all about Cam. And he wanted to ride the train. I bought it for him, but kids live in the moment. Hanging out, playing sports and video games and having fun. He’s not thinking about any rivalry history but for few days out of the year. Cyrus already said his heart told him to go to auburn. Subconsciously he probably was looking at Auburn, 6 games in and didn’t say anything.


"I have a lot of respect for Coach [Mike] Locksley, a lot of respect," Kouandjio said, holding a New Mexico hat in his hand, adding it was only because he liked the colors.”

i have to disagree with, well, everything in your post. he's not a kid, hes 18 and a young adult if anything lol.

Auburn did not come into the picture until very late and he was visiting bama before his brother commited to us or was even on campus. Obviously the aub staff had a very good plan to separate him from his family and surround him with guys filling his mind, ironically, with this "family" crap that has driven me to near homicide for a year now.
 
Re: Cyrus Kouandjio Commitment (all CK discussion goes here)

magnanga_boy I would hope that you will still hang around when this is all said and done. I believe 99.9% of the posters here wish Cyrus nothing but the best and feel for him in this situation. I can only speak for myself on this but I tend to bow up a little when the Barn and their escapades are involved. They have spent years and years trying to bring down Bama and will continue to do so. All teams have fans that sometimes speak from the emotional side or without thinking just as you see in every day life but nothing compared to the level of hatred the minions of the Cow College do. Unfortunately, Cyrus is caught up in this rivalry and it is sad that he had to experience this during his recruitment. As mentioned above in several posts, most are directing the conversation towards AU and their recruiting tactics. Again, good luck to your family and hope Cyrus comes to a decision based on his desires. I will add one last thing, not every 18 year old is adult enough to make decisions without being influenced by others but some can and I think because of his upbringing and close family, Cyrus is one that can.
 
Re: Cyrus Kouandjio Commitment (all CK discussion goes here)

First, I suppose I have to reiterate the "you don't know who might be reading this" sentiment we see from time to time. I think we've had major outlets quote things said here and we've had family and the like of players reading things being said here. It is important, regardless of the outcome, that we remember that it is incumbent on us to behave in a mature manner.

One major issue is that many of us here have little regard for how Auburn conducts itself. Cam Newton, Lowder, FBI, etc... aside, the whole Spencer Region and Brent Calloway (amongst others) issue really raises a lot of concern, not necessarily in terms of impropriety but in terms of the out of the blue nature. Cyrus, with the way things played out raises some of the same concern and I think it's understandable that it raised a lot of eyebrows.

From Cyrus' perspective I can understand any number of issues that might have motivated his choice and I certainly hope it was not anything underhanded from Auburn that might have shaped his choice. It might be a belief he would compete with his brother, a playing time issue, the Bo Jackson wanting to prove himself type motivation or, heck he really just might have formed some sort of a unique connection. I'm not privy to that, but I'm certainly not going to place someone that doesn't have any marks on his character in with people like Cam Newton and it's not fair for anyone else to do that either unless we know otherwise. I can't say I wish Cyrus the best of luck if he goes to Auburn, but I can say we have to respect that choice if he makes it. Nothing every obligated him to go to Alabama and he like every recruit has a right to choose what he feels is best for him.
 
Re: Cyrus Kouandjio Commitment (all CK discussion goes here)

I haven't seen this posted yet.

Recruiting Insider - Cyrus Kouandjio: Waiting to sign, still considering Auburn, Alabama and New Mexico

According to the Washington Post:

On Wednesday, Kouandjio said on ESPNU that he would attend Auburn to play football. But even as he made that announcement, Kouandjio said he felt nervous and unsure about his decision, calling it "buyer's remorse."


Probably not a good choice of words when talking about Auburn.
 
Re: Cyrus Kouandjio Commitment (all CK discussion goes here)

Perhaps when this saga is finally over we all can revisit the thread about of moving AU into the Eastern Division of the SEC. This rivalry has gone beyond any label one might put on it; maybe North and South Korea's might approach it.

I think most of us on this board have a great deal of respect for the Kouandjio family. (Those idiots that have impugned them have been jettisoned to where they belong by the mods). Good luck to them. Theirs won't be the first family having to adjust to two sons playing for different teams. But it might be first (at least in my memory; I graduated from UA in 1975) to drop sons into the cauldron of dysfunction where this rivalry has devolved.

A small part of me wishes that Cyrus would go to New Mexico and that he was taking Arie with him. It might put things into perspective.
 
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Re: Cyrus Kouandjio Commitment (all CK discussion goes here)

Ok, this might be my last post because this is turning into something ugly in here and everywhere else.

1- Our family is not shady and does not treat with shady people, honesty is one thing our parents taught and continue to teach us everyday. We never asked for a Cent (even in canadian dollars) from anyone. It is a blessing for us to have two kids going to college for free and we are immensely grateful for that...

2- just because some agent or any other individual writes on cyrus's wall on facebook, it does not mean that the kouandjio's fam is affiliated w/ him... cyrus has more than 4k "friends" on FB (which is way too much i must admit) and he's not in control of what they write on his wall.

3- Our father was not quoted right today. He never "asked" cyrus to play somewhere. We are a family and people in family help each other, especially a 17yr old who's about to make a major life changing decision. We discussed this as a family but never forced cyrus to go somewhere he didn't wanna go to. The final decision has always been cyrus'. We as a family only gave him the tools to make an intelligent decision.... we just acted like a typical american family seeing their child go to college. we discuss with the kid, we let him pick, and we send him away with all our love and blessings.

4- Again this was not supposed to be a circus, but it just happened to turn out this way. i'm personally very proud of cyrus. Some people say that if he can handle the pressure of signing day, how could he handle the pressure in an SEC game... well i think he handled the pressure very well. Another kid could've signed those papers without being 100% sure that that's what they really wanted to do and regret it later in their alone moments, but he had the courage to tell the world that "hey, i probably made a mistake and i need more time". I think that speaks character.

5- I didn't spell check this

I haven't checked every post in this thread, but...

a) I did see some posts that were uncalled for, but I looked at who it was and how long they have been a member here, and they were not long-time members
b) the barn is the enemy (even more so for the younger generations than the older); you have to understand that from the beginning to understand where people are coming from, if you are an outsider (not born in Bama, or attended either school)
c) no matter what anyone may say on here, or what they may think of a recruit pre-signing, anyone who signs with the barn becomes the enemy...period.
d) the way CK's recruitment happened is not normal; his announcement that he would sign with the barn was totally unexpected by people on both sides. It most certainly has ticked off each and every Bama fan, to varying degrees
e) personally, I hope the barn loses every game they play, with or without CK, and I would feel the same way if my son went there and played; I would want to see him do well but I will never pull for liars and cheats. Nothing personal, but if CK goes the the barn, I personally want to see him on his back each and every play.
f) your family is very close, obviously, and this will serve CK well in life. It will be strained beyond belief if he goes to the barn, because what will happen in the months ahead will reveal the barn's true nature, which is win at any and all costs.
g) you say "our father", so you must be his sister or his mother (are there any other immediate family members?), and I can't speak for anyone else on here but it has been very enjoyable reading your posts. I have enjoyed the eloquence and insight. It is not often us "lay" people have access to such content. Thank you.
h) please understand no one one here, no matter what they say, hates CK or anyone in your family. If he puts on a barn uni, that changes. That is just the way it is; and it is not a personal hatred, only an "associated" one. Being the person he seems to be, once CK graduates, it will subside. I'd be willing to bet you and your family have never seen anything like it (your family will have the unique situation of being able to see it from both sides at once, up close and personal), I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy (wait, that's not true...:blush:)

Anyway, thanks for the posts, and I hope you stick around. Remember, nothing anyone says on here is directed at you or your family (no matter what they say), and the ones who might post accusing of impropriety are idiots who have no proof; they are only letting their frustration get the best of them.
I do hope CK goes to Bama, but if not, I'll still be pulling for Arie...
 
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Re: Cyrus Kouandjio Commitment (all CK discussion goes here)

i have to disagree with, well, everything in your post. he's not a kid, hes 18 and a young adult if anything lol.

Auburn did not come into the picture until very late and he was visiting bama before his brother commited to us or was even on campus. Obviously the aub staff had a very good plan to separate him from his family and surround him with guys filling his mind, ironically, with this "family" crap that has driven me to near homicide for a year now.

I think you are missing your own point and mine. As stated earlier. He is a kid who is not a die hard bama fan. He has many teams that he likes. Just like kids they go with the fads. Are you saying a die hard bama can be flipped? You have to be kidding me. He was never sold on Alabama. Many people are Blaming Trooper the duper for getting him to come to the milk house, but I think that he had considerable doubt about coming to Alabama. One thing that needs to be understood, a month ago he was just#8 or #9 recruit in the country. Number 2 linemen; La’El Collins was number 1. After facing Clowney in practice for the Under Armour All-American Game everything changed. Cyrus and La’El Collins, flip-flop in rankings by Rivals. Auburn became cow eyed about having to two 5 star recruit on there roster. But Cyrus has been telling everyone that he is not a lock for Alabama, but people want to blame his coach, agents and facebook for this sudden change. Hell, I wanted him to come to Bama as much as anyone on here. But I think for one we dropped the ball in recruiting him. Maybe, thinking he was a lock or not convincing him of starting slot. For one, I feel like, for the lack of yards gained running the ball this year, everyone on the line should be a target to be replaced. Well enough of this. Here are some quotes from Cyrus, reported by Mike Farrell, Weeks ago.



"If Miami’s situation isn’t settled or Koaundjio loses interest based on the new hire, what school could jump in?
“UCLA would be next,” he said. “They are recruiting me hard as well but right now I’m solid with my five.”
And what does Koaundjio say to those who think he’s a lock to Alabama because his brother is already there.
“They don’t understand,” he said. “I like Alabama but Arie and I are two different people and we know neither of us was going to choose a school because of the other. Alabama wants us to be bookend tackles on the team, but I wouldn’t want to get into a direct competition for playing time with my brother, that wouldn’t make us happy so that’s a concern. I am honestly wide open and considering everyone and seeing what the best fit for me is.”
By Mike Farrell, Recruiting Analyst Nov 30, 10:09 am EST Kouandjio sets first visit - Yahoo! Sports


"And Cyrus got the answer to the biggest question on his mind. Would he be competing with his brother for a job, something that could be a deal breaker for the duo.
“My main question was how they would handle us since we are both offensive linemen and could be competing at tackle,” he said. “Their answer was good and I felt they were honest. They told me that Arie and I are different players and it’s like comparing apples to oranges. He’s more of a right tackle/right guard type and I’m more of a left tackle type, longer, athletic. They said we wouldn’t be competing on the same side of the line so that was good.”
Many have speculated that Alabama was the clear leader for Kouandjio since the day his brother committed to the Tide last year. Did this visit put them in front for good?
“No, it’s nothing like that,” he said. “I honestly don’t have a leader. I have four more officials to take and people who know me and Arie and my family know that I’m not going to pick a school just because my brother is there. He wouldn’t want me to do that and I wouldn’t make a decision based on that.”
By Mike Farrell, Recruiting Analyst Dec.6 8:03 pm EST
http1162147://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=rivals-


"Kouandjio had already done his homework a bit about Iowa heading into the visit.
“They have a good tradition, they put offensive linemen in the league and it’s kind of an offensive line school,” he said. “That’s what really drew me to them in addition to the connection with Marcus. The coaches showed me some tapes of Robert Gallery and Bryan Bulaga and how I could be that next guy there so it was good.”
One thing Kouandjio has mentioned in the past has been his preference of warmer weather. So how did he like the cold of Iowa?
“It was 11 degrees,” he said. “It was take-your-breath-away cold, but it was fine. That’s not a factor for me.”
Next up for Kouandjio is a trip to Auburn this weekend before he makes his decision next week.
“Auburn came in when Miami fell out for me, right around the time Randy Shannon got fired,” he said. “They started recruiting me even harder and said how much they needed offensive linemen and I became interested because they were winning, they were the No. 1 team in the country and they had an exciting offense. So I started talking to them and I decided to take my last visit there. I’m looking forward to checking them out this weekend.”
Kouandjio has already been on official visits to New Mexico and to Alabama and has had coaches coming and going all week.
“Auburn was in earlier this week, Iowa is supposed to come sometime this week, New Mexico will be here Thursday and so will Alabama,” he said. “Then I’ll take the visit this weekend, shut it down and decide on Signing Day.”
Kouandjio talked a little about his other two favorites, New Mexico and Alabama.
“New Mexico is a nice place and I’ve been out there as many times as I’ve been anyplace,” he said. “It’s a place where I could really make my mark and make a difference. Alabama is a great program, in the SEC and they run power football as well. Everyone thinks I’m going there because Arie (his older brother, 2010 signee Arie Kouandjio) is there, but that’s not really a factor. I have to do what’s right for me and we both agree on that. But I like Alabama a lot. Right now no one is ahead, I have to sit down and talk things over after my last visit.”
And would he choose Auburn, the hated rival of his brother’s Alabama team, if it came down to it?
“Yeah, why not?” he said. “If that’s where I felt the best. But I haven’t even taken that visit so there’s no point really worrying about all that yet. But Arie and I don’t care about that stuff.”
Kouandjio said he will announce his decision on Signing Day, Feb. 2 but isn’t sure what time. It will be at his school.
By Mike Farrell, Recruiting Analyst Jan 27, 2:26 pm EST Kouandjio visits 'Bama, brother - Yahoo! Sports



 
Re: Cyrus Kouandjio Commitment (all CK discussion goes here)

On the Sports Junkies this morning - a radio show out of DC - a caller said he knows the girlfriend of Cyrus and the wait is to see where she's accepted.
The junks somewhat dissed the guy because apparently the girlfriend of a top high school recruit can get in anywhere! Anyway, the caller said he's going to Bama; we'll see.
 
Re: Cyrus Kouandjio Commitment (all CK discussion goes here)

I don't think many people here thinks/or thought Cyrus or your family was shady or was seeking anything. Walt Williams and Auburn are shady, IMO - but like you said, that has nothing to do with Cyrus. If Cyrus doesn't come here that's fine, though I really hope he does. Either way, Arie is already part of our family and we are glad to have him. Don't let a few crazy posters get you down. There's a lot worse being said about Cyrus and especially your dad on the AU boards, and that's sad. Its really no one else's business. I feel for your family, and I'm sorry for the people saying negative things about you all. Your family has shown class throughout this whole process, and that should be noted.
 
Re: Cyrus Kouandjio Commitment (all CK discussion goes here)

I had been on Facebook since it started in 2004. . .

Oh wow! The good 'ole days huh? Back when there was a picture of that random guy in the top left corner, there was no chat, events actually served a purpose, pokes were still cool & you had to have a .edu to sign up. I miss those days, I remember how jaded the college crowd felt when high schoolers were finally let on. It's never been the same since. It was actually pretty awesome there for a year or two.
 
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Re: Cyrus Kouandjio Commitment (all CK discussion goes here)

This kid is in some pickle here. His brother plays for Bama, he hasn't sent his papers in to the Barn yet. Looks like it's down to 3, Bama, Barn, and New Mexico. Once he makes his final decision, there will be 2 fan bases very unhappy.
 
Re: Cyrus Kouandjio Commitment (all CK discussion goes here)

Ok, this might be my last post ....

I hate the way this has turned out. I don't have the words, and I know it doesn't make much of a difference, but I'm sorry for the way both fanbases (Alabama & Auburn) have acted. I'm most sorry if this has left a jaded view of the South for you. For the most part, we're really good & hospitable people down here. I hope you're family is doing well & comes to an amicable decision soon.

What's going to happen is that no matter where Cyrus chooses to go to school, some fans of the school he didn't choose will speak out against him. I hate that, and not just from a football standpoint. I hate the way this rivalry has become.
 
Re: Cyrus Kouandjio Commitment (all CK discussion goes here)

Ok, this might be my last post because this is turning into something ugly in here and everywhere else.

1- Our family is not shady and does not treat with shady people, honesty is one thing our parents taught and continue to teach us everyday. We never asked for a Cent (even in canadian dollars) from anyone. It is a blessing for us to have two kids going to college for free and we are immensely grateful for that...

2- just because some agent or any other individual writes on cyrus's wall on facebook, it does not mean that the kouandjio's fam is affiliated w/ him... cyrus has more than 4k "friends" on FB (which is way too much i must admit) and he's not in control of what they write on his wall.

3- Our father was not quoted right today. He never "asked" cyrus to play somewhere. We are a family and people in family help each other, especially a 17yr old who's about to make a major life changing decision. We discussed this as a family but never forced cyrus to go somewhere he didn't wanna go to. The final decision has always been cyrus'. We as a family only gave him the tools to make an intelligent decision.... we just acted like a typical american family seeing their child go to college. we discuss with the kid, we let him pick, and we send him away with all our love and blessings.

4- Again this was not supposed to be a circus, but it just happened to turn out this way. i'm personally very proud of cyrus. Some people say that if he can handle the pressure of signing day, how could he handle the pressure in an SEC game... well i think he handled the pressure very well. Another kid could've signed those papers without being 100% sure that that's what they really wanted to do and regret it later in their alone moments, but he had the courage to tell the world that "hey, i probably made a mistake and i need more time". I think that speaks character.

5- I didn't spell check this

I really hate this for your family. I hope when the fall out happens and you have at least one Bama boy, you will till stop by and chat for a bit. You are getting pure passion about this rivalry right now. We are after all "fan"atics.

Again, good luck and God bless on the decision.
 
Re: Cyrus Kouandjio Commitment (all CK discussion goes here)

magnanga_boy: I hope you stick around, regardless of where Cyrus chooses to attend school.

Casual fans don't monitor and post on message boards, so you get a lot people with a high emotional investment in their respective school/team. That doesn't always translate to logical discussion.
zx11shocked.gif
 
Re: Cyrus Kouandjio Commitment (all CK discussion goes here)

I haven't friended anyone, his page is wide open. I really don't even check it, but my point is that information is flowing so fast now due to Twitter and Facebook that it is almost a disservice to not keep up with those services. I guess I don't see how that is considered stalking as some above say, it would be a lot different if I was posting on his wall or friending him IMO
Help me out a little here...a disservice to who?
 
Re: Cyrus Kouandjio Commitment (all CK discussion goes here)

Ok, this might be my last post because this is turning into something ugly in here and everywhere else.

1- Our family is not shady and does not treat with shady people, honesty is one thing our parents taught and continue to teach us everyday. We never asked for a Cent (even in canadian dollars) from anyone. It is a blessing for us to have two kids going to college for free and we are immensely grateful for that...

2- just because some agent or any other individual writes on cyrus's wall on facebook, it does not mean that the kouandjio's fam is affiliated w/ him... cyrus has more than 4k "friends" on FB (which is way too much i must admit) and he's not in control of what they write on his wall.

3- Our father was not quoted right today. He never "asked" cyrus to play somewhere. We are a family and people in family help each other, especially a 17yr old who's about to make a major life changing decision. We discussed this as a family but never forced cyrus to go somewhere he didn't wanna go to. The final decision has always been cyrus'. We as a family only gave him the tools to make an intelligent decision.... we just acted like a typical american family seeing their child go to college. we discuss with the kid, we let him pick, and we send him away with all our love and blessings.

4- Again this was not supposed to be a circus, but it just happened to turn out this way. i'm personally very proud of cyrus. Some people say that if he can handle the pressure of signing day, how could he handle the pressure in an SEC game... well i think he handled the pressure very well. Another kid could've signed those papers without being 100% sure that that's what they really wanted to do and regret it later in their alone moments, but he had the courage to tell the world that "hey, i probably made a mistake and i need more time". I think that speaks character.

5- I didn't spell check this

magnanga boy. This was thoughtfully and extremely well written. Most of us know, based upon our respect for Arie, that Cyrus and his immediate family could be nothing but upstanding, decent people.
I believe I speak for a lot of people when I say that I really do hope that you, Cyrus, and the rest of your family will join us as members of the Alabama Nation. I believe all of you will be richly rewarded by the experience.

Whatever happens, best wishes to you.
 
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