Ronald Darby’s visit to North Carolina last weekend caused concern for Notre Dame coaches and fans alike after a story was published that cast doubt on the firmness of the Maryland cornerback’s commitment to the Irish.
Darby’s head coach, Ronnie Crump, said there is no need to worry and that Darby was not in Chapel Hill for a recruiting visit.
“Ronald was only on the trip to go with some of his teammates, to support them as they were working out at the camps,” Crump said. “That was the only reason why he was on the campus. He was just trying to support his teammates as they try to get recruited.
“He actually went to three schools that weekend. He was just going to support his teammates. They went to North Carolina, Wake Forest and East Carolina.”
So did the story blow the situation out of proportion?
“Of course,” Crump said flatly. “Whoever wrote the story probably saw a good opportunity to write the story and that’s what they did.
“He wasn’t doing anything. All he was doing was watching.”
Crump said Darby is still firmly committed to Notre Dame.
“He hasn’t wavered in his decision.”
Crump got in touch with the Notre Dame staff this week to alleviate any concerns.
“They were concerned about it and there was a reason to call,” he said. “They just wanted to know what was going on. I explained it to them.”
The constant attention can take its toll on Darby at times.
“Yeah, he gets annoyed,” Crump said. “He feels like he can’t live his life. He’s almost in a box.”
But Darby will continue to live his life with his friends.
“He’s not going to sit in the house,” Crump said. “The only guys he hangs with are his teammates. He doesn’t hang with anybody else, he hangs with his teammates, football and track guys. Basically, the track guys are the football guys.”
