2015 Draft Prospects... First Edition

[Daseal]

Originally Posted by KI Skins Fan

I'd generally like the Skins to steer away from players who have had off-the-field issues, as well. In the case of Peters, what little I know about his being kicked off the team had to do with his frustration over a coaching change and his poor reactions to that change. I might well be ignorant of any other issues in his case. That's up to the Skins to find out, if they are interested in him.

Nevertheless, if the Skins were to take a risk on any player - and I think they should on occasion - it would be for a very talented player like Peters who could become a difference-maker on defense. That is, if he checks out as someone they think they can trust to focus on football and stay out of trouble.

To me, it depends on the incident. Everyone makes mistakes in their life. Being frustrated with teams over a coaching change, is fairly low on my list. Many of these players choose their school based on their coach. If their coach is taken away, I understand feeling betrayed. He was also angry because these changes greatly affect his ability to get a job and just wants the best for his team. I'm not saying it's right, but I understand it.

I'm far more concerned with violence or repeated drug issues. While typically I believe in the old adage that a leopard can't change his spots. Remember that a lot of these players are just over 20 years old. There's still a lot of maturing to do for all of them. So they can still be positively affected. Taking selective risk on some character guys could be useful - but they have to really have other traits that can be used to motivate them to stay away from trouble. E.G. the guys who just LOVE football more than the club scene. Although that hurts the skins since we have Wale do our FA visits...