Commitment Issues: 'Last Chance U' season two review
With the recruiting dead period in full effect and both high school and college teams in camp preparing for the season, the Commitment Issues Podcast gang took this week’s episode to talk about season two of the hit Netflix series “Last Chance U,” which focused on junior college power East Mississippi Community College.
You can listen to the wide-ranging discussion below.
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As part of our look at the show, we examine some of the stars from this season and look back at their high school recruiting process and forward to where they'll play in 2017.
As a high school recruit: Johnson had an illustrious high school career in the Jacksonville area, setting state records while starting all four years. He committed to Florida State very early in the recruiting process and stayed true to the ‘Noles until the end, even after the school accepted a commitment from fellow four-star Deondre Francois. After taking part in the quarterback competition in the spring of his freshman year, Johnson was kicked off the team after being arrested for an assault at a Tallahassee bar that generated national headlines.
Where he is now: Johnson sat out the 2015 season at EMCC before stepping into the starting role for the school in 2016, and he was a central figure of the show in this season. Despite putting up big numbers, Johnson had to wait for a school to take a chance on him. The program that came through with an offer was Florida Atlantic, where he’s currently in a competition for the starting job.
As a high school recruit: Rivers was one of the top defensive linemen in the country, originally committing to South Carolina before backing off that pledge and landing at Georgia, the team of his youth. But despite seeing the field as a true freshman, Rivers couldn’t stay out of trouble off the field and was dismissed after being arrested prior to the start of the 2016 season.
Where he is now: Rivers transferred to EMCC in time for the start of the 2016 season, where he starred both on the field and during the show along with his mother Devaunya. Rivers received interest from several programs during the fall, but he ultimately chose to stay in the SEC and signed with Mississippi State. So far, early reviews out of the Bulldogs camp is that Rivers should push for playing time in 2017.
As a high school recruit: Carter was a four-star athlete in the class of 2015 known for his versatility and athleticism. He chose Penn State over several other options, committing nearly a year before he signed with the school. But his time in Happy Valley didn’t really go as planned, as he was redshirted as a freshman in 2015 and then dismissed from the team in the spring of 2016.
Where he is now: Carter was one of the most controversial figures on the show, clashing with both coaches in teammates during his one year at EMCC. Despite a stated goal to play in the Southeast, he ended up returning north and signing with Pittsburgh earlier this year. He’s expected to push for playing time, and his new head coach, Pat Narduzzi, is on record saying he’s not worried about Carter’s actions on the show.
As a high school recruit: A three-star in the class of 2014, Allen chose to stay in the state of Texas and play for Texas Tech over options like Illinois, Colorado and others. His career in Lubbock got off to a great start on the field, as he racked up tackles during his redshirt freshman season in 2015, ultimately finishing second on the team by the end of the year. But an off-field arrest and burglary charge led to him being dismissed following spring practice in 2016.
Where he is now: Allen was one of the top players on EMCC’s defense in 2016, and on the show he’s portrayed as waiting for a college opportunity at a high level. In the end, after he agreed to enter a pre-trial diversion program, he was re-recruited by the Red Raiders and is now back with the program. He’s expected to be a major part of the team’s defense in 2017.
As a high school recruit: As a three-star in the class of 2015, Bonner committed to Louisville prior to the start of his senior year and ended up signing with the Cardinals despite a late push from Ole Miss. While redshirting his freshman season he ran into off-field issues and said on the show he was asked to leave program.
Where he is now: Bonner was featured on the show heavily as he worked to overcome academic issues and carve a role for the team on the field. He ended up doing well enough to receive an offer from Ole Miss, but after committing to the Rebels initially, he flipped to FAU, where he’s expected to play this fall.