Mike Matthews to portal? [He’s staying]

[RockyTopTommy]

And you are making wild assumptions about an 18 year old kid that you don't even know, without having an ounce evidence of whether or not it is true. It makes you look petty and weak.

No one except the coaches know why he wasn't utilized more. The only thing we do know is that he was hurt a good bit to start the year and he played more as the season went on. But never really made a strong impact when he was healthy. Of course, none of our receivers played particularly well this year. That suggests more of a coaching issue than anything else.

So either he wasn't as good as he was hyped up to be or he was lazy and dumb (which has been said on here before, and not by me) you take your pick. Not assumptions when the signs are right in front of your face. Some of us don't need it spelled out in big bold letters for us tho, like yourself

 

[VOLociraptorr]

In one thread, I see a Bible verse. In another thread, I see some people who are convinced they know the issues with the offense and could fix it. In this thread, One poster accuses another of being gay for a player.

Never change VN!

Back to Mike Matthews, on the pod this morning, AP made it seem like he was gone.

 

[QuarterSawnVol]

While I don’t enjoy the fact that the portal has changed the dynamics of this sport, it’s just a fact. All the pontificating about values and loyalty doesn’t change the harsh reality that these kids are seen as a generational asset by themselves, their families and handlers. They all believe that the dynamics of playing time, systems and reps that highlight their talent, and compensation are reflective of the value of that asset. Matthews was recruited on the success of Hyatt, and the balls that come to that position and the one wide. Prior to Matthews’ injury last Summer he was on track to start. After the injury, he never regained that spot, and only worked into the rotation at the end of the season. In games, we ran much more than we ever have and Nico didn’t see him or others running open in the check downs. Pope is a taskmaster, but not a great teacher and the room turned on him. Many also thought Nico would leave. Understand that other (top) teams are telling Matthews he’d play, get more balls, be developed better, work with a better qb, and ultimately increase his draft stock. The timing of all this was bad. He didn’t get to talk to coaches until after he submitted. Initially he just wanted to be heard, and get an increase. After word leaked that he was entering, he’s gotten several tangible offers that are higher and promises to play in a better environment with better coaching. He’s listening. He’s also listening to us. It’s a decision that means millions, if not tens of millions to him and his family. It’s a very hard decision to make as a 18-20 year old kid. We didn’t handle it perfectly. He didn’t handle it perfectly. The situation isn’t perfect. That said, it’s not a black and white Boy Scout character issue anymore. The changes are destroying why we all care about the game and it’s purity. Understand Matthews is seen as a top three receiver in the portal. The system encourages teams to offer more. It’s a market now, I don’t like it, I believe they’ll develop changes, but for now, this is the behavior we’ll get. The room turning on Pope is a bad development too. I don’t know how much of that is his fault vs players’, but you don’t lose this many guys by doing a great job. I’m glad everyone knows how their values would shield them from the temptation of trying to maximize their value in an uncertain situation, but it’s just not that simple.

Very good description of the current situation specifically in our case but also the big picture.

The “pontificating” by others is just as annoying as the current system itself. We don’t need to hear how much a person is disappointed in the current generation of kids. If you’re not offering solutions you’re just part of the problem.

 

[QuarterSawnVol]

Here’s a crazy thought: If we offered more playing time, more money and better coaching to Branch and he accepts how is his situation any different than Matthews’?

These are 18 year olds being sold a false bill of goods by car salesmen. You may call is being disloyal. You may say the love of money corrupts people. Would you be any different if you were in their shoes?

 

[RockyTopTommy]

Very good description of the current situation specifically in our case but also the big picture.

The “pontificating” by others is just as annoying as the current system itself. We don’t need to hear how much a person is disappointed in the current generation of kids. If you’re not offering solutions you’re just part of the problem.

You're not offering any solutions either. In fact, it won't matter cause we as fans have no say so in any of this anyways. Never seen such a soft group take up for a quitter so much in my entire life

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

So either he wasn't as good as he was hyped up to be or he was lazy and dumb (which has been said on here before, and not by me) you take your pick. Not assumptions when the signs are right in front of your face. Some of us don't need it spelled out in big bold letters for us tho, like yourself

You strike me as someone who does need things spelled out in big bold letters. Name one reporter, coach or other reliable source who ever called Matthews “ dumb” or “lazy”.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

The time frame for Matthews entering the portal has passed.

Wrong. He is going in the portal. AP confirmed it earlier.

 

[RockyTopTommy]

While I don’t enjoy the fact that the portal has changed the dynamics of this sport, it’s just a fact. All the pontificating about values and loyalty doesn’t change the harsh reality that these kids are seen as a generational asset by themselves, their families and handlers. They all believe that the dynamics of playing time, systems and reps that highlight their talent, and compensation are reflective of the value of that asset. Matthews was recruited on the success of Hyatt, and the balls that come to that position and the one wide. Prior to Matthews’ injury last Summer he was on track to start. After the injury, he never regained that spot, and only worked into the rotation at the end of the season. In games, we ran much more than we ever have and Nico didn’t see him or others running open in the check downs. Pope is a taskmaster, but not a great teacher and the room turned on him. Many also thought Nico would leave. Understand that other (top) teams are telling Matthews he’d play, get more balls, be developed better, work with a better qb, and ultimately increase his draft stock. The timing of all this was bad. He didn’t get to talk to coaches until after he submitted. Initially he just wanted to be heard, and get an increase. After word leaked that he was entering, he’s gotten several tangible offers that are higher and promises to play in a better environment with better coaching. He’s listening. He’s also listening to us. It’s a decision that means millions, if not tens of millions to him and his family. It’s a very hard decision to make as a 18-20 year old kid. We didn’t handle it perfectly. He didn’t handle it perfectly. The situation isn’t perfect. That said, it’s not a black and white Boy Scout character issue anymore. The changes are destroying why we all care about the game and it’s purity. Understand Matthews is seen as a top three receiver in the portal. The system encourages teams to offer more. It’s a market now, I don’t like it, I believe they’ll develop changes, but for now, this is the behavior we’ll get. The room turning on Pope is a bad development too. I don’t know how much of that is his fault vs players’, but you don’t lose this many guys by doing a great job. I’m glad everyone knows how their values would shield them from the temptation of trying to maximize their value in an uncertain situation, but it’s just not that simple.

"He just wanted to be heard" Stop it. He went into the portal an hour and a half before it closed. If he wanted to be heard, he would've been talking to the coaches long ago about this instead of blindsiding them at the last minute.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Complete failure by this staff in losing Matthews. Our WR room is completely decimated. I laughed at someone for saying we could have an FSU type of tumble. I don’t know if that’s not possible. Can’t get a visit from the Branch brothers. This sucks.

 

[Carp]

So either he wasn't as good as he was hyped up to be or he was lazy and dumb (which has been said on here before, and not by me) you take your pick. Not assumptions when the signs are right in front of your face. Some of us don't need it spelled out in big bold letters for us tho, like yourself

Those are not the only two possibilities that exist. There are literally dozens of possible reasons why Matthews didn't produce well or get more snaps as a true freshman. I mean there are heaps of future All-Americans and NFL 1st round picks that don't do much in their freshman seasons at any school. It's a big step from HS to College and there are also players ahead of the depth chart who have experience and/or have been in the system longer.

Could Matthews be lazy? Sure, it's possible. We don't have any real evidence to suggest that. Could he be overrated as a recruit? Sure it's possible, but until he finishes his college career, we won't really know that either. What we do know is that making sweeping judgements about a kid with zero evidence to back it up is not only a poor evaluation, but it's exactly the sort of behavior that drives recruits away from this program.

 

[RockyTopTommy]

Complete failure by this staff in losing Matthews. Our WR room is completely decimated. I laughed at someone for saying we could have an FSU type of tumble. I don’t know if that’s not possible. Can’t get a visit from the Branch brothers. This sucks.

Take the gun out of your mouth. Yall were saying the same thing last year about the secondary

 

[RockyTopTommy]

Those are not the only two possibilities that exist. There are literally dozens of possible reasons why Matthews didn't produce well as a true freshman. I mean there are heaps of future All-Americans and NFL 1st round picks that don't do much in their freshman seasons at any school. It's a big step from HS to College and there are also players ahead of the depth chart who have experience and/or have been in the system longer.

Could Matthews be lazy? Sure, it's possible. We don't have any real evidence to suggest that. Could be overrated as a recruit? Sure it's possible, but until he finishes his college career, we won't really know that either. What we do know is that making sweeping judgements about a kid with zero evidence to back it up is not only a poor evaluation, but it's exactly the sort of behavior that drives recruits away from this program.

Recruits aren't reading posts on VN lil buddy. And if they were, they are too sensitive to play here anyways. Go ahead and tell me the reason then since you know so much. I notice you didn't disagree with him being stupid

 

[Carp]

Recruits aren't reading posts on VN lil buddy. And if they were, they are too sensitive to play here anyways. Go ahead and tell me the reason then since you know so much. I notice you didn't disagree with him being stupid

1. You don't know that "lil buddy." I am not sure why you feel the need to be aggressive and insult everyone. But in my experience, it's a common theme from "little men."

2. We know for a fact that recruits and player's family members do, in fact, post here.

3. It isn't about being sensitive or soft. I doubt Mike Matthews give 2 ***** about the opinion of RockyTopTommy. But bad fan experiences can (and have) made impacts. Why you feel the need to disparage a kid you don't even know by making wild assumptions with zero evidence of backing it up is beyond rational explanation.

4. I never knew you called him stupid. But that is also a poor take unless you actually know him. Which you don't. But I would take the over on Matthews if I had to compare his intelligence to yours.

 

[QuarterSawnVol]

You're not offering any solutions either. In fact, it won't matter cause we as fans have no say so in any of this anyways. Never seen such a soft group take up for a quitter so much in my entire life

Since your reading skills are lacking I’ll make it easy for you to understand. Recognize this is the new landscape and touch grass.

 

[RockyTopTommy]

1. You don't know that "lil buddy." I am not sure why you feel the need to be aggressive and insult everyone. But in my experience, it's a common theme from "little men."

2. We know for a fact that recruits and player's family members do, in fact, post here.

3. It isn't about being sensitive or soft. I doubt Mike Matthews give 2 ***** about the opinion of RockyTopTommy. But bad fan experiences can (and have) made impacts. Why you feel the need to disparage a kid you don't even know by making wild assumptions with zero evidence of backing it up is beyond rational explanation.

4. I never knew you called him stupid. But that is also a poor take unless you actually know him. Which you don't. But I would take the over on Matthews if I had to compare his intelligence to yours.

Reading a post on a forum isn't a "bad fan experience" and it if makes an impact like you say, then yes he is indeed soft. And listen to him speak, he has a box of rocks for a brain

 

[VOLINVONORE]

Those are not the only two possibilities that exist. There are literally dozens of possible reasons why Matthews didn't produce well or get more snaps as a true freshman. I mean there are heaps of future All-Americans and NFL 1st round picks that don't do much in their freshman seasons at any school. It's a big step from HS to College and there are also players ahead of the depth chart who have experience and/or have been in the system longer.

Could Matthews be lazy? Sure, it's possible. We don't have any real evidence to suggest that. Could he be overrated as a recruit? Sure it's possible, but until he finishes his college career, we won't really know that either. What we do know is that making sweeping judgements about a kid with zero evidence to back it up is not only a poor evaluation, but it's exactly the sort of behavior that drives recruits away from this program.

Having seen him in High School,I don't believe he is lazy. He missed almost ll of Fall practice with an injury was behind the other receivers with practice reps. It is difficult to catch up with reps after the season started. Agents are in his and his parents heads and all of them are looking for $$$. I don't know how much money is available to up his NIL and still get what they want in the portal. Would love to have him stay and we will soon find out what he will do.

 

[Sudden Impact]

The inbreeding force is strong in you, Skytalker.

Do you not think he is trolling the board in general.

 

[JMSqb11]

If we can get Zachariah Branch from USC, I won't be as worried about Matthews leaving. Sucks but it is what it is.

See I'm of the position that if we land Branch, having Matthews be the third to fill out Brazzell, we would have a solid trio. With how much these young receivers are hitting everywhere, I think Matthews is the one guy you sorta take a risk on and give him all the action next year.... Because if he hits, Nico and him will have the 2026 season to really elevate... I assume Nico is here thru 2026 just because he would have to take a massive jump next year to come close to even thinking he could go first or second round

 

[K87vol]

Complete failure by this staff in losing Matthews. Our WR room is completely decimated. I laughed at someone for saying we could have an FSU type of tumble. I don’t know if that’s not possible. Can’t get a visit from the Branch brothers. This sucks.

Just Stop! Good grief... let it play out. No need to be a drama queen. Relax dude.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

You're on your knees for a kid who doesn't even know you exist. At least wipe your mouth off son. You're so mad about him leaving that you ignore the obvious signs. If he's so good and smart then why didn't he get on the field more? You can't answer that

If you want the coaches explanation for why he didn’t play more, he was injured last Summer, lost his spot in the rotation and then took a long time to work back in. For any of us who follow this team, they don’t juggle the WR rotation much. I’m sorry that doesn’t fit your plantation narrative, but oh well.

 

[LegionnaireOfTheMiserable]

I believe the Arkansas play everyone keeps mentioning, Nico had 2 options. 1. Throw the ball and recieve an illegal man downfield flag, thus ending the game. 2. Attempt to run out of bounds in hope you can keep 1 second on the clock and another chance. In that scenario, Nico made the right choice, just didn't have the time needed.

You sound delusional. First of all, if that’s even true, there’s no way Nico noticed that, just like he didn’t notice it multiple other times during the season. Secondly, he himself never said that was the reason. He claimed he couldn’t get a handle on the ball, so for some reason running past the line and out of bounds was the thing to do in his mind, rather than drifting back so he could get a hold of the ball and throw it.

It was tied for the dumbest thing we have ever seen a QB do at Tennessee, there’s no defending it. Making up fantasy scenarios to do so is weird.

 

[Nico ee-ah-MAH-LAY-ah-va]

If you want the coaches explanation for why he didn’t play more, he was injured last Summer, lost his spot in the rotation and then took a long time to work back in. For any of us who follow this team, they don’t juggle the WR rotation much. I’m sorry that doesn’t fit your plantation narrative, but oh well.

Yeah I thought this seemed completely rational earlier in the year. The staff just simply didn’t trust him to be a contributor after he recovered from his early season injury. And maybe he had to be eased back in to make sure he didn’t re-injure it. It takes a while to build trust with the coaches.

People here can be way too reactionary. Do folks really think Heupel isn’t playing the best 11? And don’t give me the Hooker / Milton crap; Hooker was a nobody coming out of VT. He wasn’t 2022 version of himself in 2021 either.

 

[RockyTopTommy]

If you want the coaches explanation for why he didn’t play more, he was injured last Summer, lost his spot in the rotation and then took a long time to work back in. For any of us who follow this team, they don’t juggle the WR rotation much. I’m sorry that doesn’t fit your plantation narrative, but oh well.

Plantation narrative? Nice attempt at race baiting but you're wrong. Yeah he was injured in the sinner, didn't realize we played all 13 games this year in the summer. Wouldn't have to juggle WRs if he was the Randy Moss clone that you pretend he is, he'd be starting. So either he was massively overrated, too lazy at practice, or too dumb to learn the playbook. There literally is no other answer. Plenty of WRs got on the field this season, so rotation wasn't an issue either. Coaches playing an injured Bru, an injured Squirrel, and an injured Donte over MM says all you need to know

 

[JMSqb11]

I believe the Arkansas play everyone keeps mentioning, Nico had 2 options. 1. Throw the ball and recieve an illegal man downfield flag, thus ending the game. 2. Attempt to run out of bounds in hope you can keep 1 second on the clock and another chance. In that scenario, Nico made the right choice, just didn't have the time needed.

I'm not going to bash Nico too hard as this was like his 2nd true road start, but the fact that Heupel didn't coach him up in the moment off a timeout to make sure the ball ends up going to the endzone is a travesty....

Even if he was to scramble (he did), he should have been coached in the moment (by Heupel) to throw the ball and not try to run.... It really is that simple.

There was no scenario or reality where Nico could scramble out of bounds for a gain and keep time on the clock on the road....

 

[RockyTopTommy]

Yeah I thought this seemed completely rational earlier in the year. The staff just simply didn’t trust him to be a contributor after he recovered from his early season injury. And maybe he had to be eased back in to make sure he didn’t re-injure it. It takes a while to build trust with the coaches.

People here can be way too reactionary. Do folks really think Heupel isn’t playing the best 11? And don’t give me the Hooker / Milton crap; Hooker was a nobody coming out of VT. He wasn’t 2022 version of himself in 2021 either.

No, what I'm saying is MM isn't apart of the best 11 because he's lazy and too stupid. And people are acting like he's the 2nd coming of Jerry Rice