Mike Matthews to portal? [He’s staying]

[Stoerner Fumbles]

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

The best argument for playing time is that he was the best blocker, route runner and receiver on the field when he played.

 

[RDU VOL#14]

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.

Didn’t UGA offer Pope their WR coaching job a few years back ?

 

[CAVPUT]

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.

If Heupel thought he could "stash" a legit 5 star in the portal era, it makes me question his awareness/sanity.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

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

What defines “ready”. The ones get 80% of the reps and more of the playing time here. That was true of Hyatt too. How many times did we hear reporters say he was the best receiver in practice? Again, Heupel makes a risk calculation that he has earned the right to make. The upside doesn’t justify the downside risk. I may disagree, but that’s Heupel’s call.

 

[CAVPUT]

Didn’t UGA offer Pope their WR coaching job a few years back ?

Didn't they once employ Martinez? Ray Goff? Anyone can make a hiring mistake.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

Didn’t UGA offer Pope their WR coaching job a few years back ?

After Hyatt’s All American year, I think Pope could’ve gotten hired anywhere.

 

[JMSqb11]

Yeah but Matthews is clearly not interested in being a Vol right now.

Neither is 90% of the WR room.....

 

[CAVPUT]

Neither is 90% of the WR room.....

Ouch.

 

[volbound1700]

Neither is 90% of the WR room.....

I won't disagree with you there. This is why we have the "doom and gloom" scenarios. It is a real fear. I feel like most of the rest of the team is somewhat shored up but we definitely need to fix our WR room.

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

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

If Nico stays in 2026, won't that mean Merk will have sat 2 to play, at most 3? And behind him McIntyre and Faizon knocking at the door or sitting themselves?

QB room starts to feel a little heavy.

 

[Mountvol]

I'm old. What is the JAG position?

Just a guy

 

[DaddyChad]

I won't disagree with you there. This is why we have the "doom and gloom" scenarios. It is a real fear. I feel like most of the rest of the team is somewhat shored up but we definitely need to fix our WR room.

Oline probably needs one more via the portal imo. Pope will prove himself next year or be gone imo. He was well regarded a few years ago. Maybe just for whatever reason there was a personality clash with some of the guys there.

 

[JacketVol]

I’m not going to source your imagination for why he didn’t play. There is no reliable report that he was “lazy” or “dumb”.

Rocky top Tom butt is a troll. Ignore him

 

[Delmar]

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?

Agree. I think Pope is the issue.

 

[volbound1700]

Oline probably needs one more via the portal imo. Pope will prove himself next year or be gone imo. He was well regarded a few years ago. Maybe just for whatever reason there was a personality clash with some of the guys there.

I tend to think we might be better in the O-line than people are giving us credit for. We still got a very young crop of backups that are probably eager to play and could turn out to be a solid group.

This was why I wasn't 100% panicking about the secondary last year when we lost so many. We had a young crop ready to go and transfer.

I just don't see that right now with the WR room and that has me concerned. We really needed to keep Matthews and Nimrod IMO. We could have probably afford to lose Squirrel White as he is injured all the time, sadly.

 

[JMSqb11]

If Nico stays in 2026, won't that mean Merk will have sat 2 to play, at most 3? And behind him McIntyre and Faizon knocking at the door or sitting themselves?

QB room starts to feel a little heavy.

I sadly believe that Merk is going to be the one who screwed himself by staying here once GMac signed with us.

 

[DaddyChad]

I tend to think we might be better in the O-line than people are giving us credit for. We still got a very young crop of backups that are probably eager to play and could turn out to be a solid group.

This was why I wasn't 100% panicking about the secondary last year when we lost so many. We had a young crop ready to go and transfer.

I just don't see that right now with the WR room and that has me concerned. We really needed to keep Matthews and Nimrod IMO. We could have probably afford to lose Squirrel White as he is injured all the time, sadly.

Need one more imo just for depth and competition. Would be nice to add a guy that can play multiple positions at a decent level.

Nimrod I actually liked but easily can add a guy like that in the portal. Matthews is a lot harder and more expensive to replace imo. They just werent going to pay squirrel enough to keep him here. Figure they add a guy like Gilmore maybe another decent WR. Doesn’t seem like we’re getting elite guys to even visit at this point but it is early I guess.

 

[volbound1700]

Need one more imo just for depth and competition. Would be nice to add a guy that can play multiple positions at a decent level.

Nimrod I actually liked but easily can add a guy like that in the portal. Matthews is a lot harder and more expensive to replace imo. They just werent going to pay squirrel enough to keep him here. Figure they add a guy like Gilmore maybe another decent WR. Doesn’t seem like we’re getting elite guys to even visit at this point but it is early I guess.

My issue is that I don't see much going on with us in the portal at WR other than Zachariah Branch and that is still iffy as he is visiting other schools as well.

This is where Sprye needs to step it up. We are losing players to schools like Miami... Miami! Miami is in the ACC which is making a fraction of the SEC TV Money and cannot even fill their stadium. Sprye should be embarrassed about us losing players to them.

 

[tnmarktx]

The best argument for playing time is that he was the best blocker, route runner and receiver on the field when he played.

How did you quantify that? His most meaningful playing time was in vandy. He had a good block in that game and caught some passes and had a td. Our offensive line also looked like nfl players in that game. The talent gap was evident. The reality is that he's largely unproven. The better argument for playing freshmen is that there's no loyalty and everything is pay for play. I'd personally get everything I could from the players these days, you never know how long they'll be part of your team. I wouldn't worry about burning a red shirt as much.

 

[volbound1700]

Didn’t UGA offer Pope their WR coaching job a few years back ?

UGA strikes out a lot on position coaches. The difference is that they tend to fire them more quickly than we do if they are not working out.

Heck, in 2022, Alabama got rid of most of its staff despite having an 11-2 season. Saban saw the issues and made changes.

 

[Delmar]

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

No, you try again. He’s not referring to pass blocking. WR’s have to be proficient at run blocking and blocking on WR screens and downfield. If they can’t do that they won’t play. My suspicion is the the injury set Matthews back and he just never quite caught up. I do agree that there were windows where he could have played a bit more.

By the way, we are still waiting on the names of those “plenty of people” that you referred to earlier. Surely you can name someone in the know and not just some other basement dweller who thinks they know more. I don’t have to do my homework. You’re the one that said it. Prove it.

 

[DaddyChad]

My issue is that I don't see much going on with us in the portal at WR other than Zachariah Branch and that is still iffy as he is visiting other schools as well.

This is where Sprye needs to step it up. We are losing players to schools like Miami... Miami! Miami is in the ACC which is making a fraction of the SEC TV Money and cannot even fill their stadium. Sprye should be embarrassed about us losing players to them.

TV money has nothing to do with Spyre though. Ruiz can outbid about anyone if he takes a mind to. Location also is something Miami can really sell. Possible coming from southern cal that’s something he and his brother are looking for.

 

[Truth is honor]

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?

6 or 7 counting new class. We will have a couple tight ends that would probably do in a pinch as slot receivers. And then there is boo moving to o atleast part time

 

[SmokeyLives]

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

This is promising imo….

 

[VOLLeeann]

If Nico stays in 2026, won't that mean Merk will have sat 2 to play, at most 3? And behind him McIntyre and Faizon knocking at the door or sitting themselves?

QB room starts to feel a little heavy.

Merk's doomed. Say your GByes now.