Mike Matthews to portal? [He’s staying]

[GUNTERSVOL]

This program has only had so many 5 stars. If there were concerns about him being me-first type of player, we should not have been willing to recruit him, or should have given him far more playing time if we were willing to take him on. This is a massive failure regardless how anyone tries to spin it. Heupel has to do a better job of playing freshman in front of mediocre upperclassman.

How many stars is CJH giving him for his work here? Only stars that matter.

 

[CAVPUT]

We NEED receivers. All the time in College and NFL, a player will move to a different team and become a very different player. Ever played Fantasy Football? Have you seen those players that have been in the league 3-4 years all of a sudden explode with a new team?

We need playmaking receivers not just warm bodies like those that just left.

 

[CAVPUT]

It’s a position you can’t get into without lots of Advil.

At my age, vertical is about as good as it gets.

 

[vols 30]

It’s a position you can’t get into without lots of Advil.

 

[CAVPUT]

I still get confused by EDGE. Frankly, they should stick with the old school EA Sports NCAA Football terminology. It is Defensive End.

What gives me a chuckle is when guys like Hubbs starts talking in coaching lingo on podcasts like he's in a coaches meeting or something.

 

[CAVPUT]

Don't even think of asking him to provide pics. Let it go.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

Didn't say he was the wrong kind(it's possible he's not a fit here I guess), but if we kept trotting the same injured trio out there and Matthews was showing out in practice, why didn't he play? He and Pope butt heads? So do you change your staff is a kid or kids don't like the position coach? That's a road no head coach wants to go down IMO.

And if the posts indicating that we'd met his price/terms, why didn't he pull out of the portal if this is where he wants to be? Your're right that it likely isn't just one thing that has this relationship where it is. Probably several issues. Up to Heupel to identify problems across the board and address them. If he doesn't, he becomes the problem. Then it's in White's hands.

You know the answer, or a big part of it: Heupel believes that the upside reward of playing young unproven talent is outweighed by the risk. He has succeeded by setting a group of WR’s and sticking with it. This is also based on the reality that qb’s do better with working with the same group who reliably make the same cuts at the same speed. He’s biased, but he has the time invested as a qb, qb coach, OC, head coach to make that call. Remember how long it took Hyatt to break the lineup? He almost left twice (pre NIL). Matthews was good enough to play as a Freshman and play well. I personally believe he should’ve stuck it out, and may still; but I also understand why he might not. As for the Pope stuff, I’m operating on gossip only, but he isn’t well liked or well respected in that room.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

At my age, vertical is about as good as it gets.

That’s a different pill.

 

[LegionnaireOfTheMiserable]

We NEED receivers. All the time in College and NFL, a player will move to a different team and become a very different player. Ever played Fantasy Football? Have you seen those players that have been in the league 3-4 years all of a sudden explode with a new team?

Yeah I’ve watched football before. But if all our eggs go into the Branch basket, we will probably end up lacking there

 

[GiveHim6InSC]

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.

I appreciate your response and the fact that you’re one of the few credible insiders in this forum. I always look forward to your posts.
We’ll agree to disagree on the character part. At some point, he was informed of the opportunity to further his education and play D-1 football at one of the Top 10 winningest football programs in the country. At some point, he knew, or should have known, that he was gonna have to work for it. These “tangible offers” (tampering or otherwise) that you speak of have driven him to what he thinks is a greener pasture. How “green” depends on how much “green”. If not, he would have stayed at UT, where he committed, he would have worked hard and made the most of the opportunity in front of him to be THE guy in the WR corps on a team that just made the playoffs with the promise of more.
Nothing further needs to be said about that. It’s pretty cut and dried.
As you referenced, all parties left something to be desired in the way they approached this “negotiation”. I find it hard to believe that there’s nobody to provide sensible guidance, but if not, there dang sure should be. Maybe it’s hard for me to understand because the decisions I had to make at his age were whether somebody lived or died. I certainly didn’t have 48 hours or whatever to make them, either.
You hit the nail on the head with the part about the changes destroying the game and its purity.
There’s no reason for things to have gotten this far, but that’s water under the bridge; however, if the powers that be don’t fix it, they’ll end up in a bigger mess than they have now. Maybe that’s why Saban and other coaches have left.
Regardless, it appears that he’s gone. I hope he gets his mind right and earns his degree, and if he ever plays against the Vols I hope he can’t catch a cold.
GB

 

[RockyTopTommy]

How about prove he is lazy and stupid. You act like you know it all. Let’s see your proof.

The proof was he could barely get on the field. Use your eyes and brains

 

[CAVPUT]

That’s a different pill.

Okay, I really gotta catch your act next time I'm in Vegas. You're a hoot.

 

[RockyTopTommy]

You can gloss over it all you want. This situation right now is not good. Hopefully it improves. The problem lies with coach Pope. If he is regained then I see yet another crappy year by the WRs. Also, how many WRs do we now have on scholarship?

You said the same thing last year about Martinez and the dbs. Our WR room was bottom tier of the SEC this past season and you're on the ledge cause another bench warmer is leaving. Get a grip

 

[volbound1700]

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.

Great post. Sums up a lot. Thanks for sharing.

I also think it is about MORE than just MONEY. It is about play time, stats, etc. We didn't develop confidence this season with our passing game.

I generally don't blame the players. You need a system that is attractive to the players. Similar to my job, that is the goal of management to drive success.

 

[butchna]

Still learning these new position names. Star? Leo? What was wrong with outside LB, weak side LB, free safety and strong safety, etc? Or did we create new positions?

Outside LB was phased out of the 4-2-5. Star is a stouter DB who incorporates those duties as well as nickel. Weak side linebacker is now an inside linebacker with more range which can be aligned wide or in tight depending on the offensive set. Far as I know, free and strong safety roles still exist…who cares what they’re labeled?

 

[DaddyChad]

"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.

Now this part I agree with. Matthews handled things poorly and I think his stated reasons for going into the portal weren’t necessarily wholly truthful.

I don’t think the kid was dumb or lazy. I’m kind of pissed at the way the whole situation went down but I think the kid will be a great mercenary WR wherever he lands. Just wish people could be truthful when they leave a place; say it’s a business decision and leave it at that instead of making BS excuses.

 

[RockyTopTommy]

He should have been played more

You know more than the coaches who get paid to do this for a living huh? Prove that he should've played more

 

[CAVPUT]

The proof was he could barely get on the field. Use your eyes and brains

As Stoener pointed out, some coaches are afraid to play youngsters. I think that's very possible here. If Fulmer wouldn't play Lewis over blocking concerns, anything is possible.

 

[RockyTopTommy]

Now this part I agree with. Matthews handled things poorly and I think his stated reasons for going into the portal weren’t necessarily wholly truthful.

I don’t think the kid was dumb or lazy. I’m kind of pissed at the way the whole situation went down but I think the kid will be a great mercenary WR wherever he lands. Just wish people could be truthful when they leave a place; say it’s a business decision and leave it at that instead of making BS excuses.

It may be a business decision because not seeing the field is bad business. And the reason he wasn't on the field isn't because of lack of talent.

 

[DaddyChad]

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.

Would be interesting to know how much we paid him to sit on the bench this past year.

 

[RockyTopTommy]

As Stoener pointed out, some coaches are afraid to play youngsters. I think that's very possible here. If Fulmer wouldn't play Lewis over blocking concerns, anything is possible.

Except WRs don't pass block and this isn't 20 years ago. Try again

 

[DaddyChad]

As Stoener pointed out, some coaches are afraid to play youngsters. I think that's very possible here. If Fulmer wouldn't play Lewis over blocking concerns, anything is possible.

we weren’t afraid to play him. He wasn’t ready after missing so much time due to injury.

 

[tnmarktx]

Mike Matthews is unproven. The only argument for more playing time is that Squirrel was hurt and probably shouldn't even have been playing.

 

[vavolfan6]

How many stars is CJH giving him for his work here? Only stars that matter.

He recruited and got him paid as freshman 5 star. There is word they upped his NIL deal significantly. But the bottom line is that there can't be a full and proper evaluation because he didn't get much playing time. Heupel thought he could just stash him for a year and play him next season. Thats not the case when all these other freshman receivers had stellar years. So it seems Matthews came to the conclusion that he isn't being developed or evaluated properly and going to test the waters for what other opportunities there are out there.

 

[butchna]

As Stoener pointed out, some coaches are afraid to play youngsters. I think that's very possible here. If Fulmer wouldn't play Lewis over blocking concerns, anything is possible.

That was a Cutcliffe hangup…along with limited use of the TE position. He adapted in later years and incorporated heavily as a HC.