The Breakdown: The Dog Ate Our Homework Edition..A few days Late

The Breakdown

Recruiting Notes

Class of 2028 June 30th (10 days late)

​

Well we fell behind big time and it’s not June 30th anymore, but let’s catch up with the Breakdown here at VBAdrenaline.  On we go with this way overdue Breakdown edition.

​

Buy or Sell the ACC

With the Class of 2028 about 3 weeks in we take a look at the ACC Conference and break down each school’s class individually and decide are we BUYING or SELLING it as of TODAY. Based on. 1. How did they manage their recruiting plan thus far? 2. Did they bridge the gap on the competition? 3. Did they move closer to a Championship (conference or National) 4. Has this class helped the school enough (in our mind) take a significant next step yet?

​

1. Pitt: BUY

I mean we have them #4 overall and they have been in the Top 5 since our existence. They win recruiting battles vs Rivals and they landed their Franchise Setter with little to no drama. Pitt truly seems to identify their athletes and they must lock them up with little trouble because they aren’t in the discussions most schools are for athletes come the 15th. Now, there are some wildcards in this class that are high risk and high reward, but I’ve said this before that Pitt is It for those players. Coach Fish has competitive high-end depth and that brings tons of intense competition every day in the gym and that makes teams mentally tough. Knox is just a solid cornerstone and the others all have shots at being special. 2 of the 3 pins work out this is a SPECIAL CLASS, 1 of the 3 works out its a SUCCESSFUL Class. BUY PITT.

​

2.  SMU: BUY

Listen I like what SMU has done building the program the past couple of years and it’s actually a very solid way of doing things if you look at it from 30,000 ft. Add 2 VERY TALENTED incoming Prep Players each season who will come in and contribute and then continue to front load the program with some of the best portal talent of anyone in the country. Before long you have 8-10 very strong HS athletes and 6-7 very strong portal players on your roster. Coach Erger did that again this year and Johnson is enough to buy the class herself. Dallas kid check, versatile, long and athletic check, can play at multiple spots on the court check and was wanted by several of SMU’s rivals check. This small, but mighty class resembles the SMU 2027 class quite a bit. BUY SMU.

​

3.  Louisville: BUY

The Card Staff continues to address their needs and go after their targets early. Landing their top setter target and #2 Libero in Ritchie. The Cards did miss out on an Elite OH, but still they landed two players that should play significant roles and could be for multiple years. Louisville continues to do their thing. BUY Louisville.

​

4.  Stanford: BUY

This is a great class for Stanford lead by Courtney and Andrews/Gloessner. The other pieces are solid and should all push for backup roles early and fill important positions later in their careers. Stanford has to hit it in the recruiting season, with no portal bail-out for the Cardinal, it’s a must. BUY Stanford.

​

5.   Miami: SELL

Miami had no commits at the time of the article. Are they going to be a Portal Program or simply wait until the smoke clears each year from Wave 1? They always do a nice job getting athletes to Select Camp. SELL Miami

​

6.  North Carolina: BUY

Come on was their a doubt. I have loved what the UNC staff has done the past two seasons and Clarke is a big enough steal that she makes the class (and she proved this once again and USA Nationals) now if the Tarheels establish a pipeline into METRO that might be just as good as getting an invite to NTDP, because they will have great run at some athletes there. The hope is that the increasing #s of top-end talent in-state start to see what the staff is building at Chapel Hill and that is where not being with them at USA VB events has hurt to establish the closer relationships. They hold onto 1 of let alone 2 of the state’s invites the past 5 years and this program has a much different look. Clarke will be a huge addition with the ‘27s and if Onukwugha can develop on the fast-track this class goes from solid to super bonus! BUY UNC.

​

7.  Georgia Tech: Under Contract

This class has an unknown and two solid athletes that are TBD for the ACC. Now do we think Slaughter and Musgrove are solid next level athletes absolutely, but I think it depends if you are putting them in a position where they have to BE THE DIFFERENCE MAKERS to getting Tech over the hump then I’d SELL this class because they aren’t those type of prospects. If they are pieces of a bigger picture where you have bigger playmakers in mind and these two are expected to fill roles and be key contributors then I’d BUY this class, because I really like both of them in that kind of a role.

It’s like in the NFL when a QB is taken, it’s not always about the the QB’s talent it’s how are they going to be used and how much is going to be expected of them in the program they are going to, that is what dictates how successful the QB actually looks and I think that holds true especially for Musgrove. Under Contract Georgia Tech

​

8.  Florida State: SELL

This is the 2nd consecutive small class for the Noles, even though the just added to their 2027s. They may be a program that is going to focus on older athletes and try to live mostly through the portal time will tell. SELL FSU

​

9.  Wake Forrest: SELL

Ugg I hated making this call because I’m pulling for the Wake staff big time, but I think the Robinson kid is an upgrade and a ACC player for them, but they need to add more than one per class. Now it is early so maybe when we do this again in January this will be a BUY class, but with only 1 difference maker as of now they need more. SELL Wake

​

10.  Notre Dame: SELL

Again one verbal so far and not an ACC difference maker to a program that has struggled recruiting and winning. I know it’s an academic school and a FB school, but I’m just looking at recruiting wise not blaming. SELL the Irish.

​

11.  NC State: SELL

Simmons is a solid pickup at libero/ds with a 88.3 PPV, but they missed out on the impact recruits at the skill positions again and maybe they will make moves in January for foreign athletes or transfers as well, but with high school commits it’s been tough to bring top talent to NC State. SELL Wolfpack

​

12.  Clemson: SELL

This was our most difficult call of both conferences, but we said coming in we were comparing Clemson and South Carolina on very similar paths as rivals and program situations and what they both did last year. Compared to SC this class is a SELL right now. That said Loncar is an absolute day 1 contributor somewhere so that is W, but to move up they must truly be counting and loving the depth from the ’27 class or the class could change in January as well. 

Or maybe we are holding them to a higher standard now that their program is moving up and expect a bit more from them than a couple of years ago? As of now SELL Clemson.

​

13.  Virginia: SELL

Once again Lyles is a very, very good commit for UVA and I think will end up around a 93 PPV by graduation. There just needs to be another impact player with her for this to be a BUY class. So it’s not that we dislike what they have it’s the Cavs need more of it. SELL Virginia

​

14.  Cal: BUY

LOVE the Golden Bears work here. Annabelle Ross is just a block machine ready to be inserted to get some kind of work early. Carrizales has trained in the most intense/competitive gym in America so she brings that edge to Berkley and I’m always of fan of bringing winners in to rebuild situations. Tinsley is a high-ceiling pin who once again comes from a winning club. BUY Cal

​

15.  Boston College: SELL

Two setters is your class so far. I understand that high-academic and Big East schools sometimes operate differently, but you don’t usually bring setters in the same class when you have multiple other position needs you are trying to upgrade. SELL Boston College.

​

16.  Syracuse: SELL

One pin commit with an 86.1 PPV so good talent potential, but once again Syracuse could be a program that is transfer heavy or international recruit heavy? Just grading the class after the first several weeks. SELL Syracuse

​

17.  Virginia Tech: SELL

Slower start again for VT and one verbal so far for a program that has a history of more transfers and turnover. SELL Va Tech.

​

18. Duke: BUY

A new staff is always looking to upgrade talent. Every new staff handles things differently than the one before them. I gave this class a BUY simply because of Enemuo she was one of our most undervalued athletes early/mid-season and we heard some VERY positive things about her potentially high ceiling. So Duke did land a player that should be an ACC impact kid. They end up getting any kind of production from either of their other two verbals at this time then this is a great start for the new staff and you have to give that a Win for year 1.  BUY Duke.

​

***We talked last season about the rise in high-end strength of the ACC with SMU definitely being here to stay, but there needs to be two more (at least) other programs that make an investment, probably from old Tobacco Road, in volleyball to truly make the ACC a legit volleyball conference. It probably doesn’t make people happy, but it’s not a lie that you can see that drop when you talk about recruiting classes again this year.

Now I think you can absolutely see UNC closing the gap, but they do need some help to get in a serious convo and I brought up before Virginia receiving the large financial donation this Spring will help their program in the future and that staff works very hard in recruiting so maybe those are the two????

​

Quick notes section wrapping up Nationals:

As we start to update 2029’s it is a deep class of Setters, but watch for WAVE Setter Chandler Short to absolutely get a bump from her play at USA’s. Her size and strength were very impressive in the competition which led to excellent balance taking care of her attackers.

Gracie White - MB - Skyline - Verbal to RICE is a bigtime W for the Owls grabbing her and keeping her home is huge for them and White is a talent we predicted going to a Top 10 program for certain.  Nice pickup for Rice.

Rusne Zukauskaite - MB - Vision - Silver Level Prospect Vision VB

Two different coaches stopped me and thanked me for mentioning her in my article on Monday from nationals and that they had reached out to talk with the California prospect.

**Again I DID NOT FIND HER all credit to her LOVB recruiting gal who messaged me, but the lessons here are this.

1. College coaches do follow VBAdrenaline specifically bc she had been mentioned by another site multiple times and those coaches hadn’t had her on the list yet.
2. Club Coordinators our staff is still very small so just reach out I’d be happy to help and promote kids especially in Cali.
3. Want to extend my thanks to the LOVB recruiting coordinator once again as I appreciate the shout out and have enjoyed watching film on Rusne since being back.  She is definitely a legit MB in this class.

​

4. Enjoyed catching up with new Hawaii verbal Bella Osborn before I left Indy. Told her how excited I was that she committed there for multiple reasons. When I asked her why Hawaii and why coach I did laugh to myself a bit at her quote though it didn’t surprise me at all “I knew Coach Walker very well because he worked all of the NTDP’s and he was assistant for the National Team trip. So I’d spent a lot of time around him and had known him a really liked him before.” 

​

5. Olivia Kitur - Madfrog and Baylor Verbal looked VERY impressive when I watched her both days. Longer, but also stronger than I remembered from earlier in the year and that is the new recipe for success as it closes more windows on the block and you can play at a higher elevation. Great sign for Baylor.

​

6 You had to love the Championship Match in 16 OPEN with TAV and A5 going the distance.  We don't cover team results, but man 1vs2 all season and it goes down to the wire.  Then TAV getting revenge for the early season defeat in Texas and claims the Natty for the team that was assembled to do just that.  Congrats to them and Jason Nicholson who took over coaching duties 1/2 way through the season.  Again, I'm new to all of this, but I do enjoy watching his animation on the sidelines you could put a camera just on him.  Lot of future college stars in that match no doubt.

​

7 Speaking of Nicholson and TAV great read on instagram this AM on the amazing new Frisco, TX based Texas Sports Academy facility. That will be headed up by Nicholson and is truly elite in all phases.  Also, interesting is that University of Texas Head Coach, Jerritt Elliot, has been named Strategic Advisor for the the program and serves as volleyball curriculum developer and will establish the standards for player development.  Volleyball taking another Elite Step.

​

8 Though Muncianna doesn't compete at USA Nationals right before the end of their annual dominating run at AAU Nationals long-time famous director and 18s coach, Mike Lingenfelter, posted an emotional instagram message "Last Samurai" announcing he would not be the 18 Samurai coach next season and was taking on a new and bigger volleyball endeavor.  Lingefelter is one of the biggest and most popular names in the sport and has built Muncie into one of the most powerful clubs in the country.  He has also turned the UA NEXT event into the most popular showcase in America in just 3 years.  His network and connections are as vast as anyones.  You would look for him to do something with TEACHING and ELITE athletes for sure as he is passionate about teaching the sport and UA wants to make a splash with more Elite athletes on the national level marketing wise.  I have to believe Lingefelter will always want to do something connected closely to Muncie and/or the Midwest as his roots and homeland are very, very important to him and giving back and growing volleyball in that area will always mean alot.  With some extra time and independence from a club team this is an individual that could do some serious damage on the national VB Landscape (if he hasn't started already).  Big heart and helps many kids and he's great for the sport.  Good luck on your next step Mike.

​

**Big Changes to our ‘29s

​

There will be some major movement coming with our 2029s soon as we had a very rough draft before nationals and have somewhat of a better idea after. Again our philosophy is much different than everyone else and we aim to have our list or Big Board respectable by the week before Triple Crown, pretty much like most Top 25 college programs do.

​

Loved the depth of the Austin Jrs 15s squad liked I talked about at Indy. Watch for several of those girls to make debuts on our 2029 rankings who weren’t there the first time around.

​

Taylor Alcott played a solid nationals in Indy and received some solid praise around the gym. Also learned about several of her OTVA teammates that will need to make an appearance in the rankings.

​

Back Camping….Hard to believe everyone went home threw laundry in this weekend and then ill head right back out and start select camps Monday again. The grind is ridiculous, especially for the 2028s that haven’t committed yet and to think that some of them will now go to 4-5 more select camps again. Just crazy.

​

New Prospect Notes:

​

Brady Collins is definitely being sought after hard as the 2030 Setter attends 

Louisville Future Flock, Nebraska Dream Team and Texas A+M Maroon and White camps this July.

​

Ellery Ames is a new 2029 prospect out of North Dakota and from a new club we discovered at USA Nationals (Sanford Sports Academy-Fargo) finally a Sanford club putting out D1 prospects. Ellery came in as a Green Level Prospect, but is headed for a bump and also is headed to Michigan State for their Junior Camp this month. A ND prospect to keep an eye on!!!

​

Sofia Meister - 2029 NE is another Plains Region prospect with many interested schools right now. She is attending UNO and USD of the Summit League plus Kansas State camp this July, but was also invited to about 15-20 other camps all of the min the 87.0-82.0 PPV range and all over the country. Meister is a very solid and fundamentally sound player who will still have plenty of attention from all of the schools come nexts January, despite not camping at their campuses this summer. She has the size and IQ that make her an attractive prospect and one that should grow into an even more attractive prospect by next season.

​

Addison Wells - 2030 TX Libero - Alamo Volleyball

Wells had amazing year stat wise for Alamo with over 1040 assists, 100 aces and 385 digs.

She will be camping at LSU, Texas A+M and Ole Miss this summer. Not a bad first summer of select camps for a 2030 prospect. Keep an eye on this San Antonio area prospect in the near future.

​

McKenna McIntosh the USC Trojan commit updated her Player Profile and showed some nice gains for sure. First of all the OH prospect finished her club season with SC Rockstar LOVB team and her physical stats are now an impressive 125” on her approach touch and 121 on her block touch. She is also representing the USA on the U19 National Pan American Team.

​

Elaina Butler - 2030 VA Setter - METRO Volleyball

Picked up another camp offer this time from Auburn University and their select camp. A big honor for the Freshman to be.

​

Lily Ebaugh - 2028 M2 OH - M2 Volleyball

Ebaugh talks about a position change this season from MB to OH and also talks about her college camps she’s attending: UNC Wilmington, Western Carolina, and State University.

​

SoDak Malchow picks up more camp invites: Kairos MB Katie Malchow has continued to pick up D1 camp invites as her club season has gone along. She recently received invites from Winthrop and Austin Peay Select Camps to go along with her UND Select Camp invite.

​

Isabella Robertson - 2028 OK Libero - Oklahoma Peak

We have followed Robertson’s journey this past Spring and she has now figured out another way to pick up another camp invite. The OK libero had grabbed an offer from UNC Charlotte for her post-club career, though she has yet to decide.

​

Kennedy Hummert - 2028 PA Libero - 3DGE Volleyball

The PA libero who played with the new club out of Pitt this season and played up with the 17s team had some early camps and opportunities at camps. The long time bro has recently offered South Carolina and George Mason to her Select Camps list and also has removed any previous schools that were all listed as “favorites”. Hummert is said to be completely open to her process and looking and open to all schools again.

​

Couple of Quick Notes from Prospects:

​

Just a few things we have heard from prospects we have helped and talked with the past year plus. Things they have learned as they have been out in the mess the last month.

​

***”It’s crazy  I learned, coaches I respected had offered me and four other girls at the same time without telling any of us. Then the first one to say yes 1st got the scholarship and the others were just screwed and out of luck.” '28 Prospect who is still narrowing her choices and taking her time finding the right school for her

​

**"It's like you said before schools are pulling back now and cutting off contact until January.  Several that were talking with me before are now telling me "With the 5 for 5 rule we have to wait to see what things look like after semester now", this sucks." '28 OH prospect who is still uncommitted.

​

**"I'm very frustrated no one is taking Liberos anymore.  Everyone wants to wait until January or next club season." '28 Libero

​

**"Oh yes, we have definitely shut things down now because of (5 for 5) we can't jump ahead, it simply isn't smart to do that.  You have already talked about it and you are right, January is going to be crazy.  We are going to be evaluating everything and preparing for several scenarios." Big XII assistant at Nationals

​

I will touch on many of these on my upcoming Podcast

​

​