'25 Portal Thread

[Orange_Crush]

It's the instant gratification era. Patience is a virtue that very few possess anymore.

I'm willing to develop some patience, but I'm not willing to wait for it!

 

[GVol1966]

lol. Yeah I am sure you would act differently than he does if you get blasted with as many questions as he does. AP brings great info.

Why do people pay ? For his personality?
No for information.
When not much is coming people gonna ask questions.

If you can’t take the heat, get outta the kitchen! As they say

 

[volinbama256]

Yep. 2500 yards. Coming soon to a screen near you. Starting Fall 2025.

Not if we don't upgrade/get Olinemen to replace what we lost...

 

[MoCo_Vol]

JMO, but portal should mainly be for depth, with the occasional game changing player sprinkled in. An example, when Caleb Downs entered the portal last year, I was all about wanting to pursue him because he's a game changer at safety. If Jeremiah Smith were to enter the portal tomorrow, I'd be all about chasing after him, he's an absolute game changer. If you're recruiting HS well, the hope is you shouldn't have to look to the portal for many starters. You solidify your depth and look for guys who change the game just by being on the field.

Somewhat agree, but also looking at 4 teams left in CFP.

Transfers including Special Teams (according to ourlads.com depth charts):

Ohio State: 4 starters (5 if ya count Judkins)
Notre Dame: 8 starters
Texas: 7 starters
Penn State: 5 starters


Vols for comparison had 9 starters (counting Pili as depth chart is first of year it appears)

 

[GVol1966]

We will take whoever we need/want and worry about the numbers later

Says UGA and Sabans Alabama and Ohio st!

This is TN.

we’re going to use numbers as an excuse for another 15 years

 

[Weezer]

Somebody check on @TrippieRedd . It's unusual for him not to be posting in this thread. I hope he hasn't OD'd on the marijuanas again.

 

[GVol1966]

If you cant do it in practice why would we put you in during game time?

Dumbest post I’ve seen in a while.

Development. Most recruits don’t show up on campus at the “do it “ level especially in the SEC .
Just because they aren’t at that level immediately doesn’t mean they won’t get there.

When you play 4 non conference games and you’re winning by 50 , 60 , 70 points each one, it’s ridiculous to not get them in for a LOT more snaps than what we do.

 

[deatojl]

The problem is we don't rotate the HS guys in to get reps in real games, yet we expect them to develop. And that's on their position coaches. Why hasn't Elarbee taken the opportunity the last couple of years to put guys in here and there, line them up with some of the veteran guys, and get them valuable experience and let the vets help teach them? Same of the WRs. We've seen CRG rotate his guys. We obviously rotate RBs. We've seen secondary rotation and even some LB rotation. But Elarbee has left his HS recruits out to dry. Pope, I will say, has played his HS guys, very sparingly, but they just seem to be getting subpar coaching. I think we can do better at both positions.

Here is a breakdown of games played by HS recruits for each of those position groups since Heupel has been here:
2021 Class:
WR
Walker Merrill 10 games (Freshman), 13 games in 2022
Andison Coby 5 games (JuCo)
OL
Jeremiah Crawford 10 games (JuCo), 10 games in 2022, 10 games in 2023
William Parker 2 games (Freshman), 2 games in 2022

2022 Class:
WR
Kaleb Webb 3 games (Freshman), 13 games in 2023, 7 games in 2024
Squirrel White 12 games (Freshman), 13 games in 2023, 13 games in 2024
Chas Nimrod 2 games (Freshman), 13 games in 2023, 12 games in 2024
Cam Miller 1 game (Freshman)
OL
Addison Nichols 2 games (Freshman), 12 games in 2023
Masai Reddick 2 games (Freshman), 11 games in 2023
Brian Grant 1 game (Freshman), 11 games in 2023, 4 games in 2024
Mo Clipper 2 games (Freshman), 5 games in 2023

2023 Class:
WR
Nathan Leacock 1 game (Freshman), 5 games in 2024
OL
Sham Umarov 4 games (Freshman), 10 games in 2024
Vysen Lang 4 games (Freshman), 5 games in 2024
Larry Johnson 4 games (JuCo), 12 games in 2024
Trevor Duncan 1 game (Freshman), 1 game in 2024

2024 Class:
WR
Mike Matthews 11 games (Freshman)
Braylon Staley 4 games (Freshman)
OL
Bennett Warren 5 games (Freshman)
Max Anderson 2 games (Freshman)
William Satterwhite 3 games (Freshman)
Jesse Perry 4 games (Freshman)
Gage Ginther 3 games (Freshman)

 

[Volsdeep4]

I'm sure people get bent out of shape because they're paying for a service. Personally, I don't do VQ. I think people need to weigh for themselves if they think they're getting what they pay for, and if they feel cheated, then just cancel. But if I'm paying you for a service, I at least expect you to be nice to me, even if I'm being an annoying twat. It comes with being in a service industry. I've had to be nice to some real a-holes in my time, but I did it, because I was paid to.

I absolutely agree with your point. I was referring to the misinformation or not being yes or no on recruits. AP and hubbs are absolutely smart asses and it is a turn off. I don’t sub to VQ I listen to the pods they put out every week. They can be douches to people who do pay and ask questions.

 

[TrippieRedd]

Somebody check on @TrippieRedd . It's unusual for him not to be posting in this thread. I hope he hasn't OD'd on the marijuanas again.

I’ve already mentioned all the WRs that could possibly be the splash guy, now we wait.

We know 3 targets, Pregnon, Edwards, and Jefferson

No reason to comment.

 

[cncchris33]

Brazzell has been more productive than Branch and Matthews certainly has a similar overall talent level to Branch. And while we are still waiting on it to happen, TN will almost assuredly add another WR with experience.


Zachariah Branch is most definitely an upgrade for UGA and he is super talented. I'm just pointing out that it's not like UGA is getting a proven stud like Williams or something.

Brazzell's production advantage over Branch is only supported by the fact that he played in the AAC during his most productive season. In the SEC, he dropped a lot of balls and wasn't nearly as productive. Branch outproduced him on an even playing field in 2024.

I don't know if that speaks more about Branch (who was still 3rd fiddle for USC, and was passed up by 2 other sophomores), or Brazzell who allegedly doesn't exactly put in the extra work to get better. Maybe a second year in our system and the 3 primary targets ahead of him moving on will help.

 

[Carp]

Brazzell's production advantage over Branch is only supported by the fact that he played in the AAC during his most productive season. In the SEC, he dropped a lot of balls and wasn't nearly as productive. Branch outproduced him on an even playing field in 2024.

I don't know if that speaks more about Branch (who was still 3rd fiddle for USC, and was passed up by 2 other sophomores), or Brazzell who allegedly doesn't exactly put in the extra work to get better. Maybe a second year in our system and the 3 primary targets ahead of him moving on will help.

While that is fair point, Brazzell was behind Bru, Thornton, and Squirrel at least to start the year. Obviously all of those missed some time with injury, but Brazzell saw his snaps limited because of that.

Not to mention, Branch averages a pretty paltry 10 ypc. That's fairly alarming considering his speed.

 

[TrippieRedd]

I do wonder if we have a “bag” big enough for that USC OL.

Leaving USC due to NIL, fans said Riley threw a ton of money at him.

 

[jvols1999]

I’ve already mentioned all the WRs that could possibly be the splash guy, now we wait.

We know 3 targets, Pregnon, Edwards, and Jefferson

No reason to comment.

How do we know Pregnon and Edwards are targets? Sorry, might have missed it...

 

[OrangeMoundTNVol]

While that is fair point, Brazzell was behind Bru, Thornton, and Squirrel at least to start the year. Obviously all of those missed some time with injury, but Brazzell saw his snaps limited because of that.

Not to mention, Branch averages a pretty paltry 10 ypc. That's fairly alarming considering his speed.

Brazzell needs the weight room/nutrition center to be his second home all offseason. He got punked a lot during conference play. His best highlights came in fall camp that his offseason WR coach tweeted out.

 

[TrippieRedd]

How do we know Pregnon and Edwards are targets? Sorry, might have missed it...

Eric confirmed yesterday that we’ve reached out to Edwards

King said Pregnon would be someone we are interested in.

I’m just calling them targets until stated otherwise.

 

[RiseToTheTop]

Brazzell needs the weight room/nutrition center to be his second home all offseason. He got punked a lot during conference play. His best highlights came in fall camp that his offseason WR coach tweeted out.

Yep, he was pretty underwhelming in every facet. Made one play against Bama and the rest in fall camp on now Vandy corner Jordan Matthews

 

[Volbrando]

I do wonder if we have a “bag” big enough for that USC OL.

Leaving USC due to NIL, fans said Riley threw a ton of money at him.

Good question. It costs a lot more to live in California as well though. $500k there isn’t close to $500k here

 

[cncchris33]

Somebody check on @TrippieRedd . It's unusual for him not to be posting in this thread. I hope he hasn't OD'd on the marijuanas again.

If anyone is immune to the marijuanas, it's Trippie. I heard he can do three marijuanas in a single day.

 

[Vols410]

The problem is we don't rotate the HS guys in to get reps in real games, yet we expect them to develop. And that's on their position coaches. Why hasn't Elarbee taken the opportunity the last couple of years to put guys in here and there, line them up with some of the veteran guys, and get them valuable experience and let the vets help teach them? Same of the WRs. We've seen CRG rotate his guys. We obviously rotate RBs. We've seen secondary rotation and even some LB rotation. But Elarbee has left his HS recruits out to dry. Pope, I will say, has played his HS guys, very sparingly, but they just seem to be getting subpar coaching. I think we can do better at both positions.

We gave freshman OL more snaps than 10/11 other playoff teams, and we were 2nd in the SEC behind South Carolina.

This notion that we don't play our young OL is repeated ad nauseam here but it simply isn't true.

 

[vol94]

Why did he never want anything to do with us though? If it’s bc that position has underproduced and there’s rumors that Pope is hated, that’s not a good thing and it’s not a place some kids want to be if they have options.

Yes . Many elite receivers are concerned with lack of numbers past two years.

 

[utkk82]

It's weird to me that we keep having to work the portal for WR and OL every year. It's almost like the people who coach those positions aren't developing the kids they recruit from HS.

it appears that they can not evaluate WR and OL talent or coach them up or maybe it's both. Staff has been there 4 years and only Squirrel White has become a starter at WR and no OL has ever started.

 

[deatojl]

Yep, he was pretty underwhelming in every facet. Made one play against Bama and the rest in fall camp on now Vandy corner Jordan Matthews

While I agree that Brazzell didn't meet expectations this year, that "one play" against Alabama was the game winning touchdown on a pretty sensational catch while getting his facemask grabbed. It is okay to give credit where it is due. I would say that was arguably the most memorable catch our team had this season.

 

[WRE3]

Here is a breakdown of games played by HS recruits for each of those position groups since Heupel has been here:
2021 Class:
WR
Walker Merrill 10 games (Freshman), 13 games in 2022
Andison Coby 5 games (JuCo)
OL
Jeremiah Crawford 10 games (JuCo), 10 games in 2022, 10 games in 2023
William Parker 2 games (Freshman), 2 games in 2022

2022 Class:
WR
Kaleb Webb 3 games (Freshman), 13 games in 2023, 7 games in 2024
Squirrel White 12 games (Freshman), 13 games in 2023, 13 games in 2024
Chas Nimrod 2 games (Freshman), 13 games in 2023, 12 games in 2024
Cam Miller 1 game (Freshman)
OL
Addison Nichols 2 games (Freshman), 12 games in 2023
Masai Reddick 2 games (Freshman), 11 games in 2023
Brian Grant 1 game (Freshman), 11 games in 2023, 4 games in 2024
Mo Clipper 2 games (Freshman), 5 games in 2023

2023 Class:
WR
Nathan Leacock 1 game (Freshman), 5 games in 2024
OL
Sham Umarov 4 games (Freshman), 10 games in 2024
Vysen Lang 4 games (Freshman), 5 games in 2024
Larry Johnson 4 games (JuCo), 12 games in 2024
Trevor Duncan 1 game (Freshman), 1 game in 2024

2024 Class:
WR
Mike Matthews 11 games (Freshman)
Braylon Staley 4 games (Freshman)
OL
Bennett Warren 5 games (Freshman)
Max Anderson 2 games (Freshman)
William Satterwhite 3 games (Freshman)
Jesse Perry 4 games (Freshman)
Gage Ginther 3 games (Freshman)

Man I thought Walker Merril could’ve been something special here in the slot. Surprising that he hasn’t done much at Wake either.

 

[tnhunter 10]