I-Team: Priorities for Ishaq Williams’ Dad Are Way Off
D.A. | Jan 12, 2011 | Comments 34
Ishaq Williams’ father Shaun has spoken and it may leave you wondering about the family’s priorities. Ishaq’s decision could be nearing after the UConn head coaching vacancy is filled without Tom Bradley. The elite recruit has postponed his decison since last Friday, “waiting for things to stabilize at a particular school.” The Fizz believes Ishaq is referring to the Penn State coaching staff and whether defensive coordinator Bradley would take a head coaching job elsewhere (and possibly recruiting coordinator Larry Johnson with him).
While Bradley was a candidate for the Pitt and UConn jobs, it appears both schools have gone in a different direction. Pitt hired Todd Graham, while it looks like UConn will hire former UMass head coach Mark Whipple. This is not good news for Syracuse fans. The Orange was hoping Bradley’s departure would create enough uncertainty to sway Ishaq to either SU or Notre Dame. Instead it looks like the Nittany Lion staff will remain intact.
Ishaq’s father has wondered aloud about the prospect of Joe Paterno retiring before the end of his son’s eligibilty. With Bradley and Johnson still in place at Penn State, one would imagine that concern has been allayed.
However, one quote from Papa Williams is disconcerting at best for all three programs. The now infamous “everyone is equal” assertion that’s been taken as truth by all three fanbases (which is crap), has a nugget that’s worth at least a shake of the head.
“At this point, everyone is equal. There is something that’s appealing about each situation – the family connection with Syracuse, the high level of expertise with Penn State and the storied history of Notre Dame and the ability to get that program back to national prominence and for Ishaq to be a household name across America.”
Hopefully, all three schools are equal. That would be great for Syracuse. But don’t take Papa Williams’ word for it. There is no benefit from publicly declaring one program the leader or tipping his son’s hand. Reminder, this is the same guy who wore both a Syracuse AND Notre Dame hat the week of the All-American Bowl knowing it would create a stir.
But the hope that Ishaq becomes “a household name across America” seems a strange desire from a parent. Ishaq is an elite athlete. By all accounts – with the size, speed and abilities he possesses – Williams would be looking at NFL riches four years from now. From two college-educated parents (who both attended SU, by the way), wouldn’t the hope be for their son to play for a trustworthy coach, take advantage of an education and grow as a person on the field and off?
To aim for Ishaq to become a household name across America seems to display priorities a bit out of touch. If he’s a tremendous football player, he’ll become that naturally. Did Andrew Luck’s parents want him to choose Stanford to put him on the map? Did Jason Pierre-Paul believe USF was the best school for marketing purposes? Probably not, but their play did it anyway. Are you helping choose a positive environment for your child or a PR firm?
There are no rumblings that Ishaq is anything but a respectable young man who’s dealt with some of life’s hardships and turned them into positives. But if Ishaq’s parents have made the marketing of him a priority, I’m no longer proud they attended my alma mater.
Posted: D.A.
Filed Under: FB Recruiting • Featured
According to an article in the Brooklyn Eagle, William’s coach offers a different perspective:
“He’s not in this for the praise and adulation. He just wants to play and get an education. He doesn’t like all the attention that he’s getting,’ O’Connor told the Daily News from San Antonio. ‘He doesn’t get caught up in making a decision in front of a national audience.’”
C’mon Fizz… like or hate ND, they have the best national TV contract of any single team in the country…
Virtually every game they play is on national TV…
What Papa Williams said is that is a positive consideration when considering ND…
When all is said and done, FBS football is a 4 year audition for players with enough talent to go to the pros…
Papa Williams is matter-of-factly stating a positive in the business angle that ND might provide… and business is a big part of FBS football…
You are over-sensationalizing the comments from a father who appears to considering ALL aspects of this decision with his son…
good analysis DA. With or without IW, Syracuse will be alright. According to expectations, we would be better with this blue-chip but all is not lost if he doesn’t pick us. Syracuse was really good for a long time by getting solid, developable, coachable players who weren’t four or five star recruits. Once in a blue moon we’d get a 5-star but Syracuse was always about developing potential. I hope he comes to SU, he could be the difference maker for us, but I have confidence that we are on the right track for a long time with Marrone.
You guys have been doing an exceptional job covering the courting of Ishaq but you’re WAAAY off on your criticism of Shaun Williams.
I’ve come to know Ishaq and his Dad over the course of this recruiting process and I gaurantee you Pops has his priorities in order.
He was merely referring to the fact that ND has a national television contract and if he went to South Bend Ishaq’s name would be called week in and week out on NBC.
Trust me the Williams’ are motivated solely by what’s best for their son and are well aware that at this point there are no bad choices.
I really think to say you’re no longer proud they went to your Alma mater is a little out of line.
Wow D.A. you have to be the biggest crybaby I have ever read. Since the Ishaq recruitment started I have followed all the other involved teams forums. Those fans were and are very gracious with all of their comments and feedback. They wish Ishaq the best whether he picks their school or not. Your articles come off as a shallow fan and are a bad projection of real SU fans. I can only imagine that if any of Ishaq’s family or friends are following any of your junk they would certainly tell him that if he wasn’t performing to YOUR expectations you would write some crap about how he is a disappointment.
By the way….what is up with that image of Ishaq with the big DELAYED stamp across his picture. Looks like a MURDER suspect profile you would see on “America’s Most Wanted”. You are more of a hindrance to the SU recruitment process then a bearer of updated news.
I concur with Adam S. Calling out the kid’s parents….is this really what it has come down to? Do you really think that is the case after what it appears this family has gone through?
Hey…are you guys writing this parents? Just asking.
This is a huge decision for the family and as an SU alumnus, I would be proud that his parents are fellow alumni – if the guide their son to the place where they think he could most develop off and on the field. I know I would. If SU is that place, great. If not, kudos to his parents for realizing that.
The priorities you list in this article, “play for a trustworthy coach, take advantage of an education and grow as a person on the field and off” are opportunities IW will have at any of the 3 schools (maybe the exception being Penn State only because of the uncertainty of their coaching situation). Are you truly upset with his father’s priorities or are you upset because you don’t think IW will chose Syracuse? Whatever IW’s decision is he should be respected for doing it the right way and placing value in his word. I’m a Notre Dame fan… Aaron Lynch – enough said.
I agree with D.A. and his article. Many of you are spinning what he is saying, and ultimately what his point is. All he is saying is, IF, IF, IF I-Team’s priorities are headed by a desire to be a “household name” or something of that nature, then he would not care to see him come here.
Look at what Marrone is doing here. He is developing a “team/family” atmosphere, where there is no “I” in team. To then have someone come in here with an inflated ego and a sole desire to make his name a household name (or something of that nature) would be completely against Marrone’s ideals and teachings. SU needs players who don’t bring an ego with them, and are willing to devote themselves 100% to Marrone and the program’s new way of doing things. That is all D.A. is saying here, and I agree. To be welcomed as an Orange, you need to come here for the right reasons. Good points D.A.
Totally respect everyone’s opinions that commented above. Thanks for reading and taking the time to leave this feedback. It’s rare to see comments section that is this well-thought out and reasonable. This definitely has nothing to do with sour grapes. SU fans should be thrilled (and I’ve stated this a million times on the Fizz and podcasts and radio interviews) just to be considered. If they land him, it’s just gravy. The bigger picture is SU becoming a player for athletes like this. But I just cringe when I see parents say that type of stuff. I would always want to point my child in a direction that fosters the best experience from a personal standpoint. I would hardly aim for my 18-year-old son to be “a household name across America.” Just think that priority is way off base, when kids get drafted no matter where they go to school. It’s not the 1950s where ND kids are the only ones with exposure. And the idea that The Fizz could be a hinderance to landing Ishaq? I love the site more than anyone, but I’m not quite certain we hold THAT much influence. Wish we did though! Thanks again everyone for reading,
DA
Papa Williams makes an offhand comment and suddenly you’re not proud he comes from SU? C’mon man! We don’t know how seriously he means that. He could have just been excited about the opportunities his son has in front of him and let go an excited utterance. We all need to calm down, he’s just a proud father.
i am ishaq’s father and i don’t frankly care how you feel about the fact that i attended your alma mater. you have obviously been studying my statements and actions (with the hats) and now you say my priorities are mixed up? it’s seems you are deluded, but i am not. you make money off of carrying this type of news, i don’t. i am looking for the best situation for my son. if he injures himself and can no longer play football, neither you nor any of your readers will care about him or what hat i am wearing. we said all schools were equal and we meant it. i guess if you don’t like my statements, that is your choice. you should at least thank me for giving you something to write about. in the end it is all entertainment. i’m not hard to reach. and yes, the possibility of my son becoming a household name across america is appealing to me. how dare you question my priorties? are you not entertained. my son is in the position that he is in because of guidance, not a wicked 40 time!
btw, from the very beginning our actions were framed around attempting to help the ‘cuse in more ways than one. that’s all i will say on that. you can ask the people that matter (the coaching staff) about that. every conversation that i have had with the distinguished head coach of the football team was how (despite what ishaq’s choice is) we as a family could help the program. there is a bigger picture here than just your little world of orange and blue. i guess every good deed does get punished. give me a freaking break. you might be able to see the bigger picture, but it doesn’t matter at all to you. btw, didn’t you guys ask us about an interview a few weeks ago? i hope that’s not why we are getting castigated.
If Shaq goes to ND he would get one of the best educations in the country(the 40 yr plan) The greatest fan base in the country and the best fans. A very stable coaching staff and fellow recruits to win all four years he’s here. I do have enough respect though for these kids and their familys that where ever they go i wish them nothing but the best.
DA, whoever you are, you sound like a whiny little punk. You actually thought they would pick crappy ass SU over the likes of Penn St. and Notre Dame?? LOL> Get real, asshole.
Great to see Ishaq’s dad rip you a new one too, dummy. As if you have any idea about what the kid’s parent’s motives are. If any of us were fortunate enough to have a son in the same position I’m sure a whole lot of things would be mulled over. Dad seems like a cool dude that has his head on straight and wants only what is best for his son. Shame on you, DA, for the last line of your little rant. You say it isn’t sour grapes but yeah it is and you know it.
Mr. Williams,
Ignore all the negative stuff about you and your son, Ishaq. It’s only gonna get worse after he decides, and idiot fans from the other two schools overreact.
When he starts his College Football career I’d suggest staying off the message boards. Your son will be praised for every great play and vilified for every mistake he makes. As parent it is sometimes too much to take.
But in this day and age there is no accountability with the internet. God Bless you and your Family and may God guide you with your decision.
Orange Fizz does not hold the same position as the rest of the syracuse fan base. Most if not all syracuse fans believe this blog to be stupid. No one likes whatever content it pumps out, and is a moronic attempt at getting readers.
Hahaha.
Hey D.A., do you remember this quote from our Newhouse days?
“Pursue the truth MERCILESSLY, and report it MERCIFULLY.”
Step up and apologize, if you’re capable of introspection. If that word’s too big for you, “man up.”
I have my doubts you will.
Either way, I won’t be around to read it. No more web traffic from me.
Oh by the way, good luck to Ishaq and his family. Seems like a great kid, wise beyond his years. Definitely made a fan out of me.
nonjest – I find it interesting that you say it’s a terrible blog and a moronic attempt at getting readers, yet it got you. So which is more moronic?
If this is indeed Ishaq’s dad, which I’m not sure it really is, I will simply say to Mr. Williams, you will not find a fan base that will appreciate and love Ishaq more than SU. At PSU or ND he would be just another number. At SU he’d be special. And SU has a history of producting NFL players, even on defense. In fact, they’ve had a fewer percentage of busts than PSU especially. Only look to Dwight Freeney as an example. You can go to SU, and be exposed nationally and make a name for yourself. These two are NOT mutually exclusive. And SU is the only program on the upswing here. PSU has been in a decline for a few years, and ND has controversies (student manager getting killed because coaches put him in danger, players sexually assaulting a girl who kills herself over it and the player is not punished at all) and a non-improving record.
Ishaqsdad,
Good for you. These blogs have no idea what they are talking about. They blab nonsense and embarrass everyone and call it news.
If I were his dad I would have written the same post except you might have to censor mine.
Keep doing what you are doing and forget about these nut cases.
While I hope IW comes to Syracuse, I will root for him wherever he goes and when he gets to the NFL I will root for him there also.
Best of luck to your family.
Ishaqsdad,
I remember a few years ago Michigan State had a QB who’s father was quite active on internet message boards. It killed him to see the kind of stuff people would write about his son.
Regardless of whatever school your son chooses(Go Irish!) I highly recommend you check out the site Brian Hoyer’s father setup for parents of college athletes.
It’s funny because most of the fans on here seem to be Notre Dame guys (I am one too although my parents went to ‘Cuse). I, personally, have to say that I think Ishaq and his family have handled the recruiting procedure as well as anyone. After reading some articles on Ishaq & Co. they all seem like class acts so I don’t really get the bashing on a kid taking his time. I think that’s being responsible.
I fully expect Ishaq to pick PSU over my Irish, which makes me very sad, but because of how he has gone about the whole process he will be one of those guys I route for no matter where he ends up playing (as long as it isn’t for USC).
As a ND alumnus, I certainly hope Ishaq enrolls in South Bend. Having said that, I applaud how he and his family have taken a methodical, mature approach to the recruiting game. It forces a lot of pressure on an 18 year old kid, and he’s doing it the right way.
Good for you, Ishaq, and good for your dad too. You are both class acts.
While I appreciate your blog as a source of SU information. There was no reason to antagonize. We will NEVER see him at SU after you let this article rip.
If any of you believe that Ishaq’s father actually wrote those two posts, you must be dreaming. I suspect it was a Notre Dame or Penn St. fan. LOL at anybody who is fooled into thinking that Ishaq’s father would stoop to this level and comment on a post on this site. That is the last thing that anyone in his position would do.
ishaqsdad, YOU ARE NOT THE FATHER
Vito, I totally agree. I was wondering how dumb some people could be to actually believe that was his father. Good thing the people that believed it are mostly ND fans. It shows that if he really wants a good education he would go to SU or Penn st.
Syracuseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
This Brandon Reddish commitment could be huge. He and Ishaq are city rivals and good friends. What better than to have those 2 join up and room together at Cuse? Both are from the same area and can relate to one another on so many levels. Reddish needs to get on the phone and work some magic here.
I realize there is no way to verify the authenticity of a post on a blog but I assure you all that is indeed Ishaq’s father — FACT
He’s an exceptionally thorough guy who has been very active on the web reading and researching every aspect involved with the recruiting of his son and a number of other Brooklyn kids trying to get to the next level
I mean if Ishaq was your son wouldn’t you do the same?
Come on Adam S, if Ishaq’s father had half a brain, he would not do his son the injustice of posting on internet message boards in an attempt to defend his and his son’s honor. There are other more respectable ways of doing this. There is a way to verify where the post came from. In WordPress, which is the blog software used to his this site, you can check the originating IP address of the post. If it is from Brooklyn, the guys at this site would know it.
Adam S, in response to your question, “I mean if Ishaq was your son wouldn’t you do the same?” … ummmm heck no dude, I would have too much respect for my own son to draw unwanted attention to myself with such a ridiculous post, or any post for that matter! Think about how ridiculous it would be for his father to write something like that. He disparages Syracuse Univerity in there, uses the word “freaking”, and sounds like an angry neanderthal. This is the work of a rival fan, get a clue. How gullible are you man?
Wow it actually is ishaq’s dad. This guy is nuts. Stop doing this to your son papa. This is about him not you. Gee thanks for stringing SU along just so the school gets exposure from your son considering it, when all along he’s known he is not going to Syracuse. Absolutely ridiculous. Looks like it’s down to Penn St and ND folks.
“This is about him not you.”
Actually this article was blasting the dad. He’s here defending himself as much as his son. It’s a lot less nuts than being a grown man stalking a bunch of 18 years olds and their parents. Or rooting for Syracuse.
Paul, my post was directed at the father. What I meant was, this recruiting “thing” is not about you (ishaq’s dad). Stop making this about you, and let your son enjoy the moment. Don’t we agree that this guy is way too involved with the public aspect of this? I mean seriously. He’s out wearing different hats, emailing and posting to this site, etc etc. Just let the kid decide, and if you want to advise him, do it within the cozy confines of your home, that way your “household name” comment doesn’t make its way into our “households”.