Path of least resistance

Heralded recruit Melvin Alaeze who lost his scholarship offer at Maryland after a long list of character and academic problems landed at Illinois earlier this month. The apparent desperation of perennial loser Ron Zook and the presence of Mike Locksley combined to make Champagne the landing pad for the troubled defensive end. In a strange twist it seems that Alaeze will be eligible to enroll this fall at Illinois even though he was never able to qualify while committed to Maryland in spite of numerous chances. Zook was quoted in the paper as saying:

"He's zero tolerance," Zook said. "But I felt good talking to him about it. We've all made mistakes. He'll be the first to tell you he screwed up. But he's very grateful for a second chance. We checked him out thoroughly."

Very nice. I thought Zook gave him a chance because he was the number one defensive end according to some recruiting services, but apparently he just felt magnanimous for the pot smoking and class skipping Alaeze. Problem is that this isn't Alaeze's "second chance" it is more like his third, fourth or fifth chance. Unless Alaeze turns himself around completely he lacks the discipline or character to make much of a difference on the football field.