Folks out here really losing their minds because a 3* RB who was productive left but then scream when ND signs another 3* RB.
I liked Styles, I liked Kollie, I liked Buchner, and I liked Diggs. BUT...these players were BK players and for some reason weren't progressing as fast as others or as they were "suppose" to.
Now you look at the kind of talent Freeman and Co are bringing in and it makes sense that some of these guys might not want to sit and watch. It's not about ohhh these guys don't want to compete...don't be silly. If you have once lifetime to play college ball and it loooks like you're not going to play much what do you do? You go where you either feel more comfortable (close to home, know the coaches, players) or where you're going to play. I don't ever fault a player for leaving for a better opp no more than a coach leaving for one.
That being said -- ND fans need to get use to this. Bama, Clemson, OSU, Georgia all deal with this. Look at some guys like Burrow, Fields, Kamara, Cam Newton, former blue chip JT Daniels on his 8th school, recent draftee Jordan Addison. Guys are going to move for whatever reason ND just benefitted as much as any school picking up Hartman. Stop whining and start grinning Bama wants Buchner and Rees. Should be geeked 4* RBs like Estime, Payne, Price and incoming blue chip Love made things a bit uncomfortable for Diggs. And you still have the Aneyas Williams next year who is the top rated APB in the country AND the #1 APB from 4 yrs ago is still on the squad and could have a breakout season this year! As much as I liked Diggs' production the big runs he had were more to great blocking and his ability to stay in the run. I'll give him that...but as far as speed, wiggle, pop -- he didn't really have that. Now every back who touches' the ball has that. Been awhile since ND has been in that position.
All these defections can be attributed really easily to the elevation of the talent profile:
Buchner -- Hartman
Styles -- Flores, B James, J Greathouse
Diggs -- Love
Kollie -- D. Bowen, Zinter, Ziegler
ND Fans need to chill with this sky is falling, is Freeman losing the locker room when 4 guys out of 85+ leave. The others are just fine and by all indications the recruits who show up are impressed by the culture. One that is not BK and these guys that are leaving are BK recruits. That influence is still on them tho Freeman's aura and vibe has seem to disintegrate a lot of the stench left by BK.
This next group of recruits Carr, A. Williams, C Williams, Hobbs already seem to have a strong bond and rep ND a lot on social media. There's something definitely great happening and losing players unfortunately is a part of it.
Relax...exciting times ahead.