I apologize for being slow for sharing scoop, but we got some decent information on Devin Lucien over the weekend.
First, he got the UCLA offer that those of us who had following his recruiting were worried about. Going to be tough to beat that.
But...
Someone who identified him/herself as being close to Devin joined us in AllBuffs chat. Information checked out as credible. Based on that conversation, we can report that what had been written about Devin's standardized test situation was incorrect. He has taken the ACT/SAT and he will be a full qualifier. Also, he is very high on CU. We would have a good chance for his services, but the hiccup is the coaching situation.
Basically, Devin and those close to him are concerned that if he committed to Hawkins that the new coach might not treat him as one of his guys. That this could effect Devin's playing time and how much love he was given by the new staff. With the turn of events Monday and Tuesday this week, being a Hawkins commit is no longer a concern.
There is nothing definitive yet on whether Devin will still visit this weekend. I'll throw this out there in case those close to him are reading the board. I have talked to some people who follow CU and/or recruiting very closely about Devin's situation. To be clear, no one connected with CU in any official capacity. Without exception, their opinions were that with the current depth chart (not a lot of WRs on the roster other than next year's seniors) and everything else that CU has going for it (Pac-12, academics, top 20 in all-time wins, 4 division titles in 5 years immediately before the Hawkins mistake, etc., etc.)... that CU would probably be a nice fit for Devin. However, they all advised to wait and see if he connects with the new coach and then take the visit to him and make the commitment to him (if he wants to commit to CU). Little doubt that CU needs a playmaker like Devin and the scholarship will be there, so it's best to play it safe and wait.
Frankly, I also agree with that advice. It's one thing for the legacies or in-state guys who have committed to the university (not Hawkins) because they are lifelong Buff fans. For them, Hawkins getting fired is a win-win. They still get their CU dream, but they get a better coach. Hell, just about every coach since 1910 has won at around a 60% clip or better at CU (only 3 guys with losing records), so it's not like it's hard to win here. Next coach will likely win and win quickly. But it still doesn't hurt to wait before visiting and committing. The player and his family/coach/advisors need to feel a connection with the man who will be his head coach these next 4 or 5 years.
And... I am really hoping that once the smoke clears Devin decide to be a Buff. He's got a chance to be a special player.
:gobuffs: