catdaddyp

I know Fessler was 2nd in line anyway (as far as play calling), but I wonder if this is a title/pay bump or if Fess will actually get to call some plays.

Size is definitely the first thing that stands out. He was strong against the run at the JUCO level, but he’ll face better competition here. What sold me is when I saw him run. Not many guys his size run like that. He certainly has a lot of upside and it’s easy to see why he was offered.

New offer to JUCO Edge Amin Mimouni. He should have one more official visit to take if he wants it.

Removed Grimes. He hasn’t posted it, but I’ve seen two transfer portal outlets report his entry. They may just be piggy backing each other, but usually where there’s smoke, there’s fire. I’ll add him back if the reports are false.

I’ll leave him until we have confirmation. He’ll be competing with Adams and Golden for playing time at the slot position (tough sledding). Not sure if something changed with the punt returner situation.

Goes to show OL are always in demand. Also a clue to which teams may struggle along the OL next year. Glad these guys are going to find a home.

Not surprised by either of these. I don’t know if Murphy ever fully recovered from his injury, but if so, he was probably well behind the other OTs. I didn’t expect Beckman to see much action in 2023. Looks like Beckman already picked up an offer from Bowling Green and Gray was offered by Jackson State.

The only surprise here is how long it took him to decide to enter the portal. The writing was on the wall at LT. It’ll be tough for anyone to beat out Landers. Chambers claimed the rest of the snaps by the end of the season. Still eyeing a few more guys to make their exit. Not sure if it was mentioned but Jordan Daniels landed at UNC Charlotte. Happy for him as he’s originally from NC. He will have a chance to play there with the overhaul that’s taking place.

I hear you there. I think this offer is more of an upside situation, similar to Adams and George. However, Adams and George were explosive in their HS film. While I like what Thomas can potentially offer, I can’t put him in the same category. He won’t be as polished of a route runner as Shocky, but could provide more of a catch radius. The best part about it is we’ll have several talented receivers competing for that spot. I still wouldn’t be surprised to see another WR or two transfer out by the end of spring ball and another veteran brought in. I don’t know if we’ll hit the jackpot and land a productive P5 player like Shocky, but WR probably has the most options out of any position in the portal.

Bump for the addition of Dakota Thomas.

For whatever reason, the site is no longer letting me post tweets. WR Dakota Thomas committed to the Zips. He’s from Western Kentucky and has 3 years of eligibility remaining.

I agree. I doubt we see that kind of heavy activity again, but I’m sure we’ll see some more signings and defections. What is most surprising to me is the lack of productive Zips players that have hit the portal. Nearly every team has lost at least one key player. So far, our biggest losses have probably been Max Tucker and Lester Miller who aren’t portal related. I thought both guys were underrated high school recruits and it seems Boston College agreed on Tucker. Remains to be seen with Miller.

Wasn’t easy finding info on him. At first, I thought he went from ULM to JUCO, but it looks like he may have been a late roster addition at ULM from JUCO.

Indiana DB Watley-Neely also to Kent State.

Seems like every team has at least a few players hit the portal after spring ball. Especially when some of the incoming players leapfrog veterans on the depth chart. Not going to mention any names but there are still at least 1 or 2 guys I could see hitting the portal at each position. In particular DB, DL, and OL.

VMI DT Eric Weaver to Kent State.

Bump for addition of Joey Hunter.

I thought we would be better along both lines of scrimmage this past year. The most encouraging sign was the development throughout the year. That’s the mark of any good coach. A consistent pass rush left a lot to be desired, but the run defense took a major leap forward.

100%. I like all the DBs in this class, but would like one or two more with productive college level playing experience.

Part of it was injury and part of it was the players ahead of him. Cam Smith and Darius Rush will be drafted and received the majority of minutes at Nickel and BCB respectively. Marcellas Dial collected almost all the snaps at FCB. As the year went on, freshmen DQ Smith and (freshman all-american) Nick Emmanwori took the rest of the snaps at Nickel/FS and SS. O’Donnell Fortune was the top backup at both CB spots. Several other freshmen also leapfrogged Hunter on the depth chart so there wasn’t any room for him. The talent level in the DB room at South Carolina matches any in the country at this point. All that being said, if Hunter can stay healthy he could really help us. Travaris Robinson recruited Hunter to SC and his record for finding CBs with upside and eventually placing them in the NFL speaks for itself. Let’s hope coach Bell can tap into what Hunter brings to the table. A healthy tandem of Hunter and Golden-Nelson could make our secondary look drastically different next year.

Yep, he’s a good one. Probably only a year or two away from losing Renna, Bell, Rodriguez, and Popper too. JoeMo put together a talented staff that will likely go on to bigger opportunities.

For sure. Bilhal Kone said he will have his decision made by tomorrow night. I don’t know if that is literal or if he is announcing his decision tomorrow night with it already made. Could be him. We’ll see. Visited Akron, Montana, and Western Michigan.

Sounds like we landed someone, but no idea who with all the offers out there.

New offer to CB Brian Nelson (TX). I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get a few P5 offers before it’s all said and done.

David Jester (FL) is coming in for an official visit this weekend. Rivals has him rated as a 3 star WR, but he played S his senior year. He’d be a great pickup on either side of the ball. Hudl film linked.