I've been thinking about the guys that went into the portal already this year and who ends up at a school perceived as an "upgrade" (mid- to high-tier SEC or B10 team), who goes lateral (mid-tier PAC 10, ACC) who goes down a bit (lower-level P5 schools) and who goes down a lot.
Because I'm tired of thinking about how bad yesterday way, play "is the grass greener: transfer edition" with me. Call out who you think ends up where.
First, the blanket negative. All these kids have chosen to leave their school mid-year, or else to forego the COVID season altogether. That's their call, and no rules are being broken. But coaches want players that are committed. Like it or not, Klieman DOES have a reputation as a "player's coach" so it's not like these kids ran away from someone perceived as an abusive A-hole on a sinking ship. They left a program most in coaching world seem to respect, mid-season.
So now, to my thoughts. And yeah, hot takes, all of them. But I don't want to talk ISU, so let's talk something else.
Grayson - Solid 3-star kid with some good offers (Colorado, Nebraska, Tech). Came in to a pretty crowded RB room (recruited with Ervin, CJ Price) and wasn't able to secure early playing time. Got passed over by Deuce and Mozee in 2020.
There's a chance he sees a lateral move, but I'm guessing it doesn't end up quite that high
Youngblood - Most interesting of the group. Shows extreme flashes, and had legitimate accolades on the field. Nice offer list coming in. BUT...called out his entire university pre-season, placing ultimatums and demanding action from the university president. Also, he struggled mightily to do much at his position (WR) and really presents as a one-trick pony who looked great at Special Teams U. Maybe a low-level SEC team?
Pola-Mao - Hurts to lose a guy like that, based on potential alone. I think he has a chance to end up somewhere lateral. Maybe Arizona, ASU?
Triplette - Going out on a limb here, but I'm going to say he ends up at UTSA
Hayes - Not sure if he chose to leave or it was suggested, but his arrest won't help him. Wasn't a high-level recruit, so it's probably a Texas State/UTEP sort of situation
Will Jones - Left mid-year after getting beaten out by younger players. Has now walked away from commitments with two schools (Cal and KSU) and left his teammates this year in the middle of a season. Had offers from TCU, Cal, Houston, but I'd be surprised if he saw anything that high
Tyrone Lewis - Had some interest from Arkansas, but given his lack of production here, I'd guess Arkansas State or Ball State might be more likely homes
Jonathan Alexander - I could be wrong this, but I don't see it working out well for him. Sits out the season for COVID reasons only to repeatedly post about the COVID-unfriendly activities he was participating in. Joined in the Youngblood revolution against the coach and president. Celebrated with his (soon-to-be) former team from the stands UNMASKED after they have a massive win in OU, potentially putting both him and them in danger. Consistently takes shots at the team on Twitter. A lot of talent, but still wasn't a full-time starter on a team with a pretty limited bench Just not sure a P5 team wants the risk?
Walter Neil - Seems like a good kid, left when it was clear the playing time wasn't there. If a team needs someone to plug a hole or add depth for a year, he wouldn't be bad. Maybe low-level P5 takes a chance on a guy that can add some experience and character?
Thoughts?
Because I'm tired of thinking about how bad yesterday way, play "is the grass greener: transfer edition" with me. Call out who you think ends up where.
First, the blanket negative. All these kids have chosen to leave their school mid-year, or else to forego the COVID season altogether. That's their call, and no rules are being broken. But coaches want players that are committed. Like it or not, Klieman DOES have a reputation as a "player's coach" so it's not like these kids ran away from someone perceived as an abusive A-hole on a sinking ship. They left a program most in coaching world seem to respect, mid-season.
So now, to my thoughts. And yeah, hot takes, all of them. But I don't want to talk ISU, so let's talk something else.
Grayson - Solid 3-star kid with some good offers (Colorado, Nebraska, Tech). Came in to a pretty crowded RB room (recruited with Ervin, CJ Price) and wasn't able to secure early playing time. Got passed over by Deuce and Mozee in 2020.
There's a chance he sees a lateral move, but I'm guessing it doesn't end up quite that high
Youngblood - Most interesting of the group. Shows extreme flashes, and had legitimate accolades on the field. Nice offer list coming in. BUT...called out his entire university pre-season, placing ultimatums and demanding action from the university president. Also, he struggled mightily to do much at his position (WR) and really presents as a one-trick pony who looked great at Special Teams U. Maybe a low-level SEC team?
Pola-Mao - Hurts to lose a guy like that, based on potential alone. I think he has a chance to end up somewhere lateral. Maybe Arizona, ASU?
Triplette - Going out on a limb here, but I'm going to say he ends up at UTSA
Hayes - Not sure if he chose to leave or it was suggested, but his arrest won't help him. Wasn't a high-level recruit, so it's probably a Texas State/UTEP sort of situation
Will Jones - Left mid-year after getting beaten out by younger players. Has now walked away from commitments with two schools (Cal and KSU) and left his teammates this year in the middle of a season. Had offers from TCU, Cal, Houston, but I'd be surprised if he saw anything that high
Tyrone Lewis - Had some interest from Arkansas, but given his lack of production here, I'd guess Arkansas State or Ball State might be more likely homes
Jonathan Alexander - I could be wrong this, but I don't see it working out well for him. Sits out the season for COVID reasons only to repeatedly post about the COVID-unfriendly activities he was participating in. Joined in the Youngblood revolution against the coach and president. Celebrated with his (soon-to-be) former team from the stands UNMASKED after they have a massive win in OU, potentially putting both him and them in danger. Consistently takes shots at the team on Twitter. A lot of talent, but still wasn't a full-time starter on a team with a pretty limited bench Just not sure a P5 team wants the risk?
Walter Neil - Seems like a good kid, left when it was clear the playing time wasn't there. If a team needs someone to plug a hole or add depth for a year, he wouldn't be bad. Maybe low-level P5 takes a chance on a guy that can add some experience and character?
Thoughts?
