(12-02-2021 10:04 AM)FrankAnderson Wrote:  Latrell Fordham has entered the transfer portal. I liked his size but we have plenty of remaining depth at WR.

Underutilized, yes but damn, show some patience. You see Latrell, coach Creighton wanted to play guys who gave him a lesser chance to win, otherwise you would have started. Actually no. You got beat out. You weren't good enough this season. See ya.

(12-03-2021 07:14 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(12-03-2021 06:51 AM)emu steve Wrote:  One general note: I think the presence of the transfer portal and the wholesale transferring will slow down h.s. signings this month. If I'm a HC I prioritize some of the limited number of scholarships for FBS transfers and hold back on some h.s. athletes.

And as we know, coaches have 3 bites at the apple. They can sign recruits this month, again in February and then, if scholarships remain, they can pick up transfers until Summer.

Whom will get hurt the most: "Plan B" high school recruits. If I were a coach would I sign a plan B recruit or pocket the scholarship hoping to get lucky in spring with a collegiate transfer?

I totally agree Steve. That's why I'm ok with the smaller #s right now because I'm hoping CC and staff are hoping to raid the defensive portal. I'm on 247sports-portal tracker every day and filtering it by position. I'm hoping Neathery is doing the same.

The portal has forever changed the landscape and I find it fascinating. the more I think about it, CC has used the 'portal' for years raiding the JUCO circuit and I love it. To get to the top and get closer to the 8 win season that we all want we need JUCO players like Beltram we had a couple yrs ago and/or we hit the portal hard getting 2nd and 3rd yr guys who can immediately play.

It's paywalled but the athletic has an article about this exact issue: https://theathletic.com/2994522/2021/12/...-squeezed/

ive made the point in other threads that being able to retain talent and manage bringing people in via the portal is going to be a key skill for coaches going forward. small sample size but CC seems to do a good job at attracting guys to the program like hamilton and bryant. id love to see them be able to fill some holes on defense the same way.

The one thing which I assume coaches hate is that they can not predict with any degree of certainty who is staying and who is leaving.

Those who aren't playing enough usually 'quit' during the season. After the season is over, those who play, and sometimes play very well, may look for that big P5 opportunity.

This is the 2nd year of the portal and it remains to be seen if there is a wholesale movement, esp. from G5 to P5. Losing a starting QB can be devasting to a G5 program.

We'll see. For EMU the season ends Dec. 18 and players can opt for the portal.

(12-03-2021 08:06 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  

(12-03-2021 07:14 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(12-03-2021 06:51 AM)emu steve Wrote:  One general note: I think the presence of the transfer portal and the wholesale transferring will slow down h.s. signings this month. If I'm a HC I prioritize some of the limited number of scholarships for FBS transfers and hold back on some h.s. athletes.

And as we know, coaches have 3 bites at the apple. They can sign recruits this month, again in February and then, if scholarships remain, they can pick up transfers until Summer.

Whom will get hurt the most: "Plan B" high school recruits. If I were a coach would I sign a plan B recruit or pocket the scholarship hoping to get lucky in spring with a collegiate transfer?

I totally agree Steve. That's why I'm ok with the smaller #s right now because I'm hoping CC and staff are hoping to raid the defensive portal. I'm on 247sports-portal tracker every day and filtering it by position. I'm hoping Neathery is doing the same.

The portal has forever changed the landscape and I find it fascinating. the more I think about it, CC has used the 'portal' for years raiding the JUCO circuit and I love it. To get to the top and get closer to the 8 win season that we all want we need JUCO players like Beltram we had a couple yrs ago and/or we hit the portal hard getting 2nd and 3rd yr guys who can immediately play.

It's paywalled but the athletic has an article about this exact issue: https://theathletic.com/2994522/2021/12/...-squeezed/

ive made the point in other threads that being able to retain talent and manage bringing people in via the portal is going to be a key skill for coaches going forward. small sample size but CC seems to do a good job at attracting guys to the program like hamilton and bryant. id love to see them be able to fill some holes on defense the same way.

So far I would agree that it seems we have gained more from the portal than we have lost in the portal. Year 2 will be interesting.

(12-06-2021 06:39 AM)emu steve Wrote:  The one thing which I assume coaches hate is that they can not predict with any degree of certainty who is staying and who is leaving.

Those who aren't playing enough usually 'quit' during the season. After the season is over, those who play, and sometimes play very well, may look for that big P5 opportunity.

This is the 2nd year of the portal and it remains to be seen if there is a wholesale movement, esp. from G5 to P5. Losing a starting QB can be devasting to a G5 program.

We'll see. For EMU the season ends Dec. 18 and players can opt for the portal.

With the early signing day on 12/15 and the Bowl Game on 12/18, it puts EMU in a difficult position. Do the coaches come right out and tell players now, "If you plan to hit the transfer portal do it NOW, so we can strategize some for the early day,"? It would suck to sign players you think are filling holes only to have a whole new set of holes open up on 12/19.

(12-06-2021 08:31 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 06:39 AM)emu steve Wrote:  The one thing which I assume coaches hate is that they can not predict with any degree of certainty who is staying and who is leaving.

Those who aren't playing enough usually 'quit' during the season. After the season is over, those who play, and sometimes play very well, may look for that big P5 opportunity.

This is the 2nd year of the portal and it remains to be seen if there is a wholesale movement, esp. from G5 to P5. Losing a starting QB can be devasting to a G5 program.

We'll see. For EMU the season ends Dec. 18 and players can opt for the portal.

With the early signing day on 12/15 and the Bowl Game on 12/18, it puts EMU in a difficult position. Do the coaches come right out and tell players now, "If you plan to hit the transfer portal do it NOW, so we can strategize some for the early day,"? It would suck to sign players you think are filling holes only to have a whole new set of holes open up on 12/19.

Yes.

There are positions on the team which have big, big numbers. I have talked about QB for some time now. I think we have 3 or 4 or 5 who have G5 starting abilities.

We have tons of DBs. Lot of WRs. Lot of OLs.

And I hope if a player plans to transfer that others at his position know it so they can access where they stand vis-a-vis others at that position.

Don't want this to happen. A promising player is 'stuck' behind an impact players so he says, time to look for greener grass (my grass is gray, not green). Then the player (starter) ahead of him gets P5 interest and all of a sudden could lose the impact starter and his backup and then we post, "Oh, s*it." How did that happen (and DP comes to the rescue with his answer ).

(12-06-2021 09:28 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 08:31 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 06:39 AM)emu steve Wrote:  The one thing which I assume coaches hate is that they can not predict with any degree of certainty who is staying and who is leaving.

Those who aren't playing enough usually 'quit' during the season. After the season is over, those who play, and sometimes play very well, may look for that big P5 opportunity.

This is the 2nd year of the portal and it remains to be seen if there is a wholesale movement, esp. from G5 to P5. Losing a starting QB can be devasting to a G5 program.

We'll see. For EMU the season ends Dec. 18 and players can opt for the portal.

With the early signing day on 12/15 and the Bowl Game on 12/18, it puts EMU in a difficult position. Do the coaches come right out and tell players now, "If you plan to hit the transfer portal do it NOW, so we can strategize some for the early day,"? It would suck to sign players you think are filling holes only to have a whole new set of holes open up on 12/19.

Yes.

There are positions on the team which have big, big numbers. I have talked about QB for some time now. I think we have 3 or 4 or 5 who have G5 starting abilities.

We have tons of DBs. Lot of WRs. Lot of OLs.

And I hope if a player plans to transfer that others at his position know it so they can access where they stand vis-a-vis others at that position.

Don't want this to happen. A promising player is 'stuck' behind an impact players so he says, time to look for greener grass (my grass is gray, not green). Then the player (starter) ahead of him gets P5 interest and all of a sudden could lose the impact starter and his backup and then we post, "Oh, s*it." How did that happen (and DP comes to the rescue with his answer ).

I think thats part of the balance for coaches in terms of roster management. Look at EMU. Our starting QB came from a top tier G5 program because he was stuck behind an elite player of the same position. Our best Running Back came up from a lower division where he was dominant. EMU is in the right place to snag guys coming from bigger programs who arent getting the playing time they want and lower programs who think they can play higher.

(12-06-2021 09:38 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 09:28 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 08:31 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 06:39 AM)emu steve Wrote:  The one thing which I assume coaches hate is that they can not predict with any degree of certainty who is staying and who is leaving.

Those who aren't playing enough usually 'quit' during the season. After the season is over, those who play, and sometimes play very well, may look for that big P5 opportunity.

This is the 2nd year of the portal and it remains to be seen if there is a wholesale movement, esp. from G5 to P5. Losing a starting QB can be devasting to a G5 program.

We'll see. For EMU the season ends Dec. 18 and players can opt for the portal.

With the early signing day on 12/15 and the Bowl Game on 12/18, it puts EMU in a difficult position. Do the coaches come right out and tell players now, "If you plan to hit the transfer portal do it NOW, so we can strategize some for the early day,"? It would suck to sign players you think are filling holes only to have a whole new set of holes open up on 12/19.

Yes.

There are positions on the team which have big, big numbers. I have talked about QB for some time now. I think we have 3 or 4 or 5 who have G5 starting abilities.

We have tons of DBs. Lot of WRs. Lot of OLs.

And I hope if a player plans to transfer that others at his position know it so they can access where they stand vis-a-vis others at that position.

Don't want this to happen. A promising player is 'stuck' behind an impact players so he says, time to look for greener grass (my grass is gray, not green). Then the player (starter) ahead of him gets P5 interest and all of a sudden could lose the impact starter and his backup and then we post, "Oh, s*it." How did that happen (and DP comes to the rescue with his answer ).

I think thats part of the balance for coaches in terms of roster management. Look at EMU. Our starting QB came from a top tier G5 program because he was stuck behind an elite player of the same position. Our best Running Back came up from a lower division where he was dominant. EMU is in the right place to snag guys coming from bigger programs who arent getting the playing time they want and lower programs who think they can play higher.

Yeah, and now we have enough QBs for say 3 or 4 G5 teams. That's risky. Do QBs want to sit behind other QBs and hold the clipboard????

QB and kickers are positions where a player is #1 and if not, not likely to see much PT (how many kickers get injured unless they get reckless and try to be superman and tackle a returner running at the speed of sound... ).

(12-06-2021 09:38 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 09:28 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 08:31 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 06:39 AM)emu steve Wrote:  The one thing which I assume coaches hate is that they can not predict with any degree of certainty who is staying and who is leaving.

Those who aren't playing enough usually 'quit' during the season. After the season is over, those who play, and sometimes play very well, may look for that big P5 opportunity.

This is the 2nd year of the portal and it remains to be seen if there is a wholesale movement, esp. from G5 to P5. Losing a starting QB can be devasting to a G5 program.

We'll see. For EMU the season ends Dec. 18 and players can opt for the portal.

With the early signing day on 12/15 and the Bowl Game on 12/18, it puts EMU in a difficult position. Do the coaches come right out and tell players now, "If you plan to hit the transfer portal do it NOW, so we can strategize some for the early day,"? It would suck to sign players you think are filling holes only to have a whole new set of holes open up on 12/19.

Yes.

There are positions on the team which have big, big numbers. I have talked about QB for some time now. I think we have 3 or 4 or 5 who have G5 starting abilities.

We have tons of DBs. Lot of WRs. Lot of OLs.

And I hope if a player plans to transfer that others at his position know it so they can access where they stand vis-a-vis others at that position.

Don't want this to happen. A promising player is 'stuck' behind an impact players so he says, time to look for greener grass (my grass is gray, not green). Then the player (starter) ahead of him gets P5 interest and all of a sudden could lose the impact starter and his backup and then we post, "Oh, s*it." How did that happen (and DP comes to the rescue with his answer ).

I think thats part of the balance for coaches in terms of roster management. Look at EMU. Our starting QB came from a top tier G5 program because he was stuck behind an elite player of the same position. Our best Running Back came up from a lower division where he was dominant. EMU is in the right place to snag guys coming from bigger programs who arent getting the playing time they want and lower programs who think they can play higher.

Personally, I still think the "old method" of sitting one year or graduating before transferring was correct. It worked splendidly for Joey Burrow, did it not? I just don't know how "invested" I will be as a fan when I see a new roster every year for EMU. I still remember Murph's 2019-20 team which had an entirely new look. I never really rooted for that team.

As Dan has said, however, NCAA sports always seems to endure such major changes like frosh eligibility and the "one and done" athletes. Until the NFL is forced to create a minor league, I suppose this immediate transfer rule is the only fair way to go.

(12-06-2021 07:31 PM)Jerry Weaver Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 09:38 AM)dansplaining Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 09:28 AM)emu steve Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 08:31 AM)cidbearit Wrote:  

(12-06-2021 06:39 AM)emu steve Wrote:  The one thing which I assume coaches hate is that they can not predict with any degree of certainty who is staying and who is leaving.

Those who aren't playing enough usually 'quit' during the season. After the season is over, those who play, and sometimes play very well, may look for that big P5 opportunity.

This is the 2nd year of the portal and it remains to be seen if there is a wholesale movement, esp. from G5 to P5. Losing a starting QB can be devasting to a G5 program.

We'll see. For EMU the season ends Dec. 18 and players can opt for the portal.

With the early signing day on 12/15 and the Bowl Game on 12/18, it puts EMU in a difficult position. Do the coaches come right out and tell players now, "If you plan to hit the transfer portal do it NOW, so we can strategize some for the early day,"? It would suck to sign players you think are filling holes only to have a whole new set of holes open up on 12/19.

Yes.

There are positions on the team which have big, big numbers. I have talked about QB for some time now. I think we have 3 or 4 or 5 who have G5 starting abilities.

We have tons of DBs. Lot of WRs. Lot of OLs.

And I hope if a player plans to transfer that others at his position know it so they can access where they stand vis-a-vis others at that position.

Don't want this to happen. A promising player is 'stuck' behind an impact players so he says, time to look for greener grass (my grass is gray, not green). Then the player (starter) ahead of him gets P5 interest and all of a sudden could lose the impact starter and his backup and then we post, "Oh, s*it." How did that happen (and DP comes to the rescue with his answer ).

I think thats part of the balance for coaches in terms of roster management. Look at EMU. Our starting QB came from a top tier G5 program because he was stuck behind an elite player of the same position. Our best Running Back came up from a lower division where he was dominant. EMU is in the right place to snag guys coming from bigger programs who arent getting the playing time they want and lower programs who think they can play higher.

Personally, I still think the "old method" of sitting one year or graduating before transferring was correct. It worked splendidly for Joey Burrow, did it not? I just don't know how "invested" I will be as a fan when I see a new roster every year for EMU. I still remember Murph's 2019-20 team which had an entirely new look. I never really rooted for that team.

As Dan has said, however, NCAA sports always seems to endure such major changes like frosh eligibility and the "one and done" athletes. Until the NFL is forced to create a minor league, I suppose this immediate transfer rule is the only fair way to go.

I'm fascinated with the portal and its impact. I've mentioned before that I'm a big Oakland basketball and Coach Kampe fan. He has lost around 6 guys every year the last 4 years. He has gone from detesting the portal to embracing it but what's most important is his take on it.......
Kampe says that the NCAA will correct this portal madness in 3 years. The reason is that so many players (1,700 in D1 basketball last year!) transfer and there arent that many spots open due to JUCO guys and high school seniors. In 3 years, the data will show how many guys left and never were picked up again and lost their free schooling and never graduated. The NCAA wont like the negative pub. Also, going in to the Portal does not equate to credits transferring. You are only given so many years of free education and many guys will lose out on time and not graduate. I'm only against a players decision to leave if he has not put enough game film out there to get picked up by someone else. i.e. Quian leaving last year, we all knew someone would pick him up. Latrell Fordham leaving.....why? I'm also against any player opting to the portal during the season. Terrible example to set. You made a commitment to the team for the season. Wait it out.

Until then.....take advantage of it and find guys from P5 who can fill holes. (Please let this be 2 linebackers, 2 D.E.'s and a Nose.) CC has done well with Ben and Jawon. We need to raid it on the defensive side.

Just a few thought, analytically inclined if I may:

1). For the 50+ FBS teams which aren't going bowling and most FCS teams their seasons are OVER. That means those players who want to transfer can start, if they wish to transfer at mid-year, making their plans.

2). Once again, scholarships are not reusable during the same academic year. We can't 're-gift' the scholarships of players leaving us now. We can give them out as 2022/23 scholarships.

3). Likewise, players who transfer schools at mid-year don't get a scholarship now at their new school UNLESS that school has unused 2021/2 scholarships. Those normally would have gone to mid-year JUCO signees.

4). Will get harder and harder for mid-year HIGH SCHOOL players to get scholarships for the 2nd semester. Why? Everyone (transfers, mid-year JUCOs, mid-year h.s. seniors, etc.) all want them.

5). Someone leaving now better be careful that he doesn't end up at a new school and have to pay his own way next semester. Hey, it is $$$$$.

6. The kids opting to transfer better DAMN WELL know what they are doing. They could create a mess and not know it until it is too late.

Major loss for the Zips. Curious where he lands. P5?????

https://twitter.com/YpsiEleven/status/14...30114?s=20

I wonder if EMU has contacted this guy:

https://news.google.com/articles/CAIiEMK...id=US%3Aen

I was thinking about the 2021-2022 season and looking at the out of conference schedule and it would be a good OOC if we went 2-2, meaning we would need to go 4-4 in conference play to be bowl eligible. I know this is VERY premature thinking but as it relates to the Portal which I lobe......
-Can we find plug and play L.B.s with bigger size in the portal?
-Turan had a good yr when he was able to get a rush off the end. Ramirez comes back next yr which is great as he has had a good yr but can we raid the portal for 2 more rush ends.
-Can anyone tell me if Ben Bryant is coming back? I swear I thought he was a grad transfer meaning just one more yr but he looks like he has another yr. Will we look at a QB in the portal? I don't think we need to given the talent we have in that room
-last...we have a boatload of D.B.'s and I am hopeful we start seeing some separation. If not, portal anyone?

(12-11-2021 07:21 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  I was thinking about the 2021-2022 season and looking at the out of conference schedule and it would be a good OOC if we went 2-2, meaning we would need to go 4-4 in conference play to be bowl eligible. I know this is VERY premature thinking but as it relates to the Portal which I lobe......
-Can we find plug and play L.B.s with bigger size in the portal?
-Turan had a good yr when he was able to get a rush off the end. Ramirez comes back next yr which is great as he has had a good yr but can we raid the portal for 2 more rush ends.
-Can anyone tell me if Ben Bryant is coming back? I swear I thought he was a grad transfer meaning just one more yr but he looks like he has another yr. Will we look at a QB in the portal? I don't think we need to given the talent we have in that room
-last...we have a boatload of D.B.'s and I am hopeful we start seeing some separation. If not, portal anyone?

I'm fairly sure Bryant has another year. He has already used his one 'get out of jail card' (as I like to call it) and not sure that he has another EVEN AS a grad student so I'd think it would be hard for him to transfer.

We'll see how that works out and what the NCAA rules are. I think I know them BUT I could be wrong (coaches and compliance folks better know them).

I just hope he understands the rules and doesn't do something which could negatively effect himself or the team.

I'm sure there are P5 schools who would take him.

As I've posted before, players almost need a NCAA lawyer to understand the new rules for recruiting, transfers, mid-year transfers, etc. etc. They were never simple but they are worse.

EDIT: here is a website which discusses this unholy mess. After reading it I have no idea if Bryant could transfer to another school.

https://www.athleticscholarships.net/nca...ptions.htm See graduate transfer waiver.

(12-11-2021 07:21 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  I was thinking about the 2021-2022 season and looking at the out of conference schedule and it would be a good OOC if we went 2-2, meaning we would need to go 4-4 in conference play to be bowl eligible. I know this is VERY premature thinking but as it relates to the Portal which I lobe......
-Can we find plug and play L.B.s with bigger size in the portal?
-Turan had a good yr when he was able to get a rush off the end. Ramirez comes back next yr which is great as he has had a good yr but can we raid the portal for 2 more rush ends.
-Can anyone tell me if Ben Bryant is coming back? I swear I thought he was a grad transfer meaning just one more yr but he looks like he has another yr. Will we look at a QB in the portal? I don't think we need to given the talent we have in that room
-last...we have a boatload of D.B.'s and I am hopeful we start seeing some separation. If not, portal anyone?

Couple thoughts:

-I agree on Rush/Ramirez and the edge rushers in general, but I'm kind of excited about young guys we already have on the roster. Carter Evans will be a sophomore next year and got a little PT this year (had that big hit on special teams), he is one of the highest ranked recruits we've ever gotten. Jaden Gaines was another big recruit in that class, also I'm interested to see how Mikah Coleman progresses. He is super athletic (WR in high school) so he could be an interesting prospect. I wouldn't be opposed to adding some edge rushers, but actually think the D-line could be a big improvement area next year with these young guys (along with Peyton Price and Melvin Swindle) and some of the vets coming back (Crawford, Haney, Merritt, Stagner, Ramirez).

-I believe Bryant has TWO years left. We talked about this in another thread, but his college career has gone as follows:

2018: True Freshmen year at Cincinnati (he took a red-shirt)
2019: RS Freshmen at Cincinnati
2020: RS Sophomore at Cincinnati (Covid year, so didn't count against eligibility)
2021: Re-do RS Sophomore year at EMU

I don't know what he will do, but it seems like he should have two years left if he wants. I do like him as our QB, but don't LOVE him as our QB, so even if he does come back I'll be interested to see if he is able to hold off what should be a lot of competition (Hutchinson, May, and Smith).

https://twitter.com/chase6bank/status/14...hUSmw&s=19

(12-11-2021 09:29 AM)TheWoodenNickle Wrote:  https://twitter.com/chase6bank/status/14...hUSmw&s=19

Seems really good at diagnosing plays.

(12-11-2021 09:21 AM)Sellers dweller Wrote:  

(12-11-2021 07:21 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  I was thinking about the 2021-2022 season and looking at the out of conference schedule and it would be a good OOC if we went 2-2, meaning we would need to go 4-4 in conference play to be bowl eligible. I know this is VERY premature thinking but as it relates to the Portal which I lobe......
-Can we find plug and play L.B.s with bigger size in the portal?
-Turan had a good yr when he was able to get a rush off the end. Ramirez comes back next yr which is great as he has had a good yr but can we raid the portal for 2 more rush ends.
-Can anyone tell me if Ben Bryant is coming back? I swear I thought he was a grad transfer meaning just one more yr but he looks like he has another yr. Will we look at a QB in the portal? I don't think we need to given the talent we have in that room
-last...we have a boatload of D.B.'s and I am hopeful we start seeing some separation. If not, portal anyone?

Couple thoughts:

-I agree on Rush/Ramirez and the edge rushers in general, but I'm kind of excited about young guys we already have on the roster. Carter Evans will be a sophomore next year and got a little PT this year (had that big hit on special teams), he is one of the highest ranked recruits we've ever gotten. Jaden Gaines was another big recruit in that class, also I'm interested to see how Mikah Coleman progresses. He is super athletic (WR in high school) so he could be an interesting prospect. I wouldn't be opposed to adding some edge rushers, but actually think the D-line could be a big improvement area next year with these young guys (along with Peyton Price and Melvin Swindle) and some of the vets coming back (Crawford, Haney, Merritt, Stagner, Ramirez).

-I believe Bryant has TWO years left. We talked about this in another thread, but his college career has gone as follows:

2018: True Freshmen year at Cincinnati (he took a red-shirt)
2019: RS Freshmen at Cincinnati
2020: RS Sophomore at Cincinnati (Covid year, so didn't count against eligibility)
2021: Re-do RS Sophomore year at EMU

I don't know what he will do, but it seems like he should have two years left if he wants. I do like him as our QB, but don't LOVE him as our QB, so even if he does come back I'll be interested to see if he is able to hold off what should be a lot of competition (Hutchinson, May, and Smith).

Great points Sellers. I agree Swindle, Evans in particular should be real good. I would love a ln edge rusher who has some bend and athleticism which we may not have next yr. Most importantly I would really like to see the LB position addressed. We look woefully undersized and we play on our heels a lot.

(12-11-2021 10:54 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  

(12-11-2021 09:21 AM)Sellers dweller Wrote:  

(12-11-2021 07:21 AM)steve4840 Wrote:  I was thinking about the 2021-2022 season and looking at the out of conference schedule and it would be a good OOC if we went 2-2, meaning we would need to go 4-4 in conference play to be bowl eligible. I know this is VERY premature thinking but as it relates to the Portal which I lobe......
-Can we find plug and play L.B.s with bigger size in the portal?
-Turan had a good yr when he was able to get a rush off the end. Ramirez comes back next yr which is great as he has had a good yr but can we raid the portal for 2 more rush ends.
-Can anyone tell me if Ben Bryant is coming back? I swear I thought he was a grad transfer meaning just one more yr but he looks like he has another yr. Will we look at a QB in the portal? I don't think we need to given the talent we have in that room
-last...we have a boatload of D.B.'s and I am hopeful we start seeing some separation. If not, portal anyone?

Couple thoughts:

-I agree on Rush/Ramirez and the edge rushers in general, but I'm kind of excited about young guys we already have on the roster. Carter Evans will be a sophomore next year and got a little PT this year (had that big hit on special teams), he is one of the highest ranked recruits we've ever gotten. Jaden Gaines was another big recruit in that class, also I'm interested to see how Mikah Coleman progresses. He is super athletic (WR in high school) so he could be an interesting prospect. I wouldn't be opposed to adding some edge rushers, but actually think the D-line could be a big improvement area next year with these young guys (along with Peyton Price and Melvin Swindle) and some of the vets coming back (Crawford, Haney, Merritt, Stagner, Ramirez).

-I believe Bryant has TWO years left. We talked about this in another thread, but his college career has gone as follows:

2018: True Freshmen year at Cincinnati (he took a red-shirt)
2019: RS Freshmen at Cincinnati
2020: RS Sophomore at Cincinnati (Covid year, so didn't count against eligibility)
2021: Re-do RS Sophomore year at EMU

I don't know what he will do, but it seems like he should have two years left if he wants. I do like him as our QB, but don't LOVE him as our QB, so even if he does come back I'll be interested to see if he is able to hold off what should be a lot of competition (Hutchinson, May, and Smith).

Great points Sellers. I agree Swindle, Evans in particular should be real good. I would love a ln edge rusher who has some bend and athleticism which we may not have next yr. Most importantly I would really like to see the LB position addressed. We look woefully undersized and we play on our heels a lot.

Yeah I'm excited about the young guys on the D-line! I agree on the LB position, Chase Kline from MSU would be a nice pickup.