'25 Portal Thread

[DaddyChad]

My point is losing him and the others would mean you have a wr room full of people that aren't familiar with this offense, their QB and each other. It's far from ideal.

Maybe they can bring in the help needed from the portal if that does happen. But my point is that it's extremely concerning that's needed from a playoff team with an established staff........ I can't help but feel this is a symptom of underlying issues.



Maybe it is happening to other playoff caliber teams...... And I'm just not aware.

I agree there’s something underlying that’s not ideal for sure. Our failures at that position will definitely be used in negative recruiting going forwards too.

 

[Orange_Crush]

Logically, there are a lot of reasons why this year’s situation at WR and last year at DB are different.

Ignoring all the smoke around the WR issues is whistling past the graveyard.

Anyhow, I hope Huepel fixes it ASAP. I do think he has done a great job here.

OK. State them. Then we can discuss them further. Your points so far are beyond unconvincing, and have received the responses they deserve.

 

[jpope9]

First I’ve seen this… no idea who this is just came up in a group I’m in

 

[Orange_Crush]

Not equivalent. Boo has already produced on the field.

Nor was he on the team last year to transfer.

It's literally an argument comparing something that couldn't have happened to something that has not happened. That's not a valid way to claim that this year's situation is different than last year's situation, when NEITHER situation being compared are ACTUAL situations.

 

[MrVolton]

OK. State them. Then we can discuss them further.

Dude, just go listen to the clip between Austin Price and Ramon Foster I added a couple posts ago. Then let’s talk about who is stubbornly holding onto a position and defying logic.

You acting like there aren’t any red flags around the WR position is just whistling past the graveyard and trying to gaslight.

Maybe I should be a better fan and only post positive things. Maybe it would be more logical to pretend all the things I’m reading and hearing aren’t real.

Like I said, I hope you’re right.

 

[RiseToTheTop]

Dude, just go listen to the clip between Austin Price and Ramon Foster I added a couple posts ago.

You acting like there aren’t any red flags around the WR position is just whistling past the graveyard and trying to gaslight.

Maybe I should be a better fan and only post positive things. Maybe it would be more logical to pretend all the things I’m reading and hearing aren’t real.

Like is said, I hope you’re right.

Some ppl just dont want to hear any truths. They take it incredibly personal.

 

[DaddyChad]

Imagine being Nico and taking a look at this OL and group of WRs (if you can call it that)

Oline I think will be much better next year.

You had Campbell playing all year on a bad knee. Heard played half the season injured and out of shape. Spraggins also didn’t look right last year. You’ll have Karic back. Moe at C or OG. Heard “should” be in much better shape. Sanders coming in and a lot of the young Oline will be more ready physically with another year of strength and conditioning. Should be better or Elarbee needs to polish up the resume.

Still think we add there as well as WR.

 

[MarcoVol]

Listen close. Sounds like Ramon is saying even NFL scouts are questioning the WR development.

You all acting like there are no red flags there are just whistling past the graveyard.

Anyhow, I’m hoping Huepel fixes it ASAP.

Listened. Sounded like you’re trying to make a mountain out of a mole hill

 

[Orange_Crush]

And deservedly so. Should that happen, losing your best young wr prospect at a position of critical need at this point is a red flag.

I think that word "prospect" is a big one in that sentence. If that were to happen, it may be that a hopeful player with no production is holding the program hostage, asking for the money that a proven commodity would otherwise get.

The fact is, we really don't know what's happening behind the scenes, what the plan is, or how it will shake out.

 

[KB5252]

Not equivalent. Boo has already produced on the field.

You're missing the entire point. I said if we lost Boo last year..... And lost or encouraged our experienced db's to look elsewhere it would be similar.

We were always likely to bring in at least one wr, now I think you need at least two.

We can't control what we can't control with MM, it is what it is. But to be at this point without having a clue what you have in young talent from this last class and their potential to play, losing your best young talent, after you let or asked almost all of your experience to leave is a red flag........ and possibly, maybe even likely, an indicator of an underlying issue.

Hard for me to dismiss.

 

[NighthawkVol]

And deservedly so. Should that happen, losing your best young wr prospect at a position of critical need at this point is a red flag.

This is college football now. Alabama and Georgia lose tons of guys to the portal every year.

Look at the basketball team. We lose Awaka, Dillione, and Aidoo last year and Vol fans are losing their minds. So what happens? We add Igor, Okpara, Dubar, and Lanier…and we’re now #1 in America. So was the freak out justified? No.

Tennessee hasn’t added all it will add. Let’s see how the roster looks when that’s done. But that would require acting like adults, which this fan base doesn’t do.

 

[DaddyChad]

First I’ve seen this… no idea who this is just came up in a group I’m in

Don’t believe it BUT it would make a lot of sense.

Believe Simmons is from Memphis area. I may be misremembering though.

 

[MarcoVol]

You're missing the entire point. I said if we lost Boo last year..... And lost or encouraged our experienced db's to look elsewhere it would be similar.

We were always likely to bring in at least one wr, now I think you need at least two.

We can't control what we can't control with MM, it is what it is. But to be at this point without having a clue what you have in young talent from this last class and their potential to play, losing your best young talent, after you let or asked almost all of your experience to leave is a red flag........ and possibly, maybe even likely, an indicator of an underlying issue.

Hard for me to dismiss.

Boo was in HS last year

 

[MarcoVol]

Dude, just go listen to the clip between Austin Price and Ramon Foster I added a couple posts ago. Then let’s talk about who is stubbornly holding onto a position and defying logic.

You acting like there aren’t any red flags around the WR position is just whistling past the graveyard and trying to gaslight.

Maybe I should be a better fan and only post positive things. Maybe it would be more logical to pretend all the things I’m reading and hearing aren’t real.

Like I said, I hope you’re right.

It doesn’t sound like much of anything. Ramon asked a single question about it lol.

You’re really trying to blow this up.

 

[dmwvol12]

After flipping out about losing a five star. Rhis thing has dragged out and gotten ugly.

It is close to no longer being worth it. Gotta try to retain Matthews, but as soon as his butt landed back in Georgia, he was comfortable.

Companies spend big money on researching psychology of negotiation. He is comfortable, in his element, with all the cards.

Its a low probability win for us. On one hand we get him back, and we over spend. And get a guy back that, may be there for the wrong reasons.

We are a damn good program. We dont need to grovel. Go find the best players.

View attachment 710675

Yep. The reality is if he didn’t have 5 stars next to his name nobody would care based on what he has actually done on the football field. He might end up being great but there is a great chance he never lives up to his rating. Coaches want to win and he would have played more if they felt like he gave them the best chance. Everyone said Nico should have started last year but I believe this year proved he wasn’t ready. I just decided to trust Heupel until he shows he doesn’t deserve it.

 

[KB5252]

I think that word "prospect" is a big one in that sentence. If that were to happen, it may be that a hopeful player with no production is holding the program hostage, asking for the money that a proven commodity would otherwise get.

The fact is, we really don't know what's happening behind the scenes, what the plan is, or how it will shake out.

That's fair, as I said I'm a previous post we can't control some things.

But it's hard for me to dismiss the lack of development and exodus and think this is all part of a bigger plan...... We'll see I guess.

 

[MrVolton]

It doesn’t sound like much of anything. Ramon asked a single question about it lol.

You’re really trying to blow this up.

I ain’t tryin to blow anything up. I just posed a simple question and ended up getting called illogical and trying to get gaslit by folks pretending there are no red flags regarding the WR situation. This is just response to that.

 

[BubbaWms]

Listen close. Sounds like Ramon is saying even NFL scouts are questioning the WR development.

You all acting like there are no red flags there are just whistling past the graveyard.

Anyhow, I’m hoping Huepel fixes it ASAP.

Perhaps others here know but has MM indeed filled out papers ?

AP about MM....2:22 mark....."He requested papers, filled em out I believe...."

 

[barney]

First I’ve seen this… no idea who this is just came up in a group I’m in

I like the position coach. Such a clear upgrade over Pope who is going to put our most talented guys in a position to be successful no matter age or experience.

Coached Michael Crabtree, Marquise Brown, CeeDee Lamb. I feel like he could come in and modernize our passing game.

 

[Orange_Crush]

Dude, just go listen to the clip between Austin Price and Ramon Foster I added a couple posts ago. Then let’s talk about who is stubbornly holding onto a position and defying logic.

You acting like there aren’t any red flags around the WR position is just whistling past the graveyard and trying to gaslight.

Maybe I should be a better fan and only post positive things. Maybe it would be more logical to pretend all the things I’m reading and hearing aren’t real.

Like I said, I hope you’re right.

Oh, so now the victim card. That is the currency of a failed argument.

You claim that the "red flags" and "smoke" are indicative of problems, and used them to question the staff. We responded that this happened last year, with positive results and a flipped position group--as well as the staff's achievements so far--as reasons that we'll calmly wait to see how things play out.

You are yet to give valid reasons why this isn't the case, and we should instead join you in handwringing.

You used Nico's brief, and apparent, thoughts on leaving as fuel for the "WR-sky-is-falling" reason to assume that the issue is smoke and red flags. Well, as has been pointed out... Nico is staying. What should that tell us? You are yet to answer that criticism and reinforce why it should be considered a red flag.

Like I said, you do you. But when you ignore the points that destroy your arguments, while piling on the accusations that we are "whistling past the graveyard", pardon us for writing you off.

 

[TN-POSSUM]

If you listen to Swain Event, may want to turn it on. He’s going in depth on the needs of change, development, and recruiting. Pretty informative details he’s sharing.

Whoever ends up being the next "Voice of the VOLUNTEERS", Jayson Swain needs to be in the booth with him. He's my favorite radio personality on WNML because he's entertaining, tells it like it is and loves the VOLS.

 

[KB5252]

This is college football now. Alabama and Georgia lose tons of guys to the portal every year.

Look at the basketball team. We lose Awaka, Dillione, and Aidoo last year and Vol fans are losing their minds. So what happens? We add Igor, Okpara, Dubar, and Lanier…and we’re now #1 in America. So was the freak out justified? No.

Tennessee hasn’t added all it will add. Let’s see how the roster looks when that’s done. But that would require acting like adults, which this fan base doesn’t do.

Yes those programs lose players, they don't lose two thirds of their starting wr room though ...... Especially if that young talent behind them isn't better.

Maybe we have some positive feedback from some of their players on roster...... That's an we can really hope for at this point. Hopefully they can flip the wr room. Like they did the corners last year....

 

[cncchris33]

* Spyre isn’t the issue, it’s our recruiting/development of those recruits. He seems to be adamant change needs to happen with our offensive staff.
* Defensive staff have kept guys who could make more $ elsewhere but they stay because they’re being developed.
* CJH development as a coach will be his willingness to adapt; includes staffing changes, offensive philosophy adjustments, etc.
* Don’t forget how far we’ve came the last 4 years…but still work to be done to reach the level we want.

"Swain just wants to burn the program to the ground."

-Pawleysvol (prolly)

 

[MrVolton]

Perhaps others here know but has MM indeed filled out papers ?

AP about MM....2:22 mark....."He requested papers, filled em out I believe...."

I take it that he has filled out paperwork, and UT is trying to take the full 48 hours they have to process it in hopes he withdraws said papers.

 

[Jackcrevol]

i'm all for staff continuity, but if Huepel makes a move on Pope I would be pleased. He hasnt done dick yet. Even recruiting wasnt elite, and we need elite.