Dornbush was also cursed with early success, if you want to call it that. He basically was a junior internationally (he had just won the Junior Grand Prix Final) when he was at nationals and basically shocked everyone by getting the silver medal in 2011 (he placed 11th at his first Nationals). He won the free skate also. He then went and was the highest ranking American placing 9th.
He crashed and burned at Nationals the following year, placing 13th, but they sent him to 4CC anyway. He did not place there well either.
Actually, it seems that getting the silver medal at nationals is a semi-curse. Evan Lysacek is the only recent exception, losing to Jeremy at 2010 Nationals then betting everyone for the OGM.
2009 - Brandon Mroz - dropped to 6th in 2010, 7th in 2011, 14th in 2012. Managed 9th in 2013 and 2014.
2011 - Richard Dornbush - dropped to 13th in 2012, 6th in 2013, 5th in 2014
2012 - Adam Rippon - dropped to 5th in 2013, and 8th in 2014
2013- Ross Miner - suffered from injuries, placed 8th at 2014 nationals
None of those guys ever returned to a World team since their respective silver year.
I'm not superstitious, but can't help but notice the pattern.
So hoping Jason can defy the trend.