'25 Portal Thread

[cncchris33]

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.

The YPC aspect is interesting because USC's top 4 WRs all had pretty similar stats in terms of receptions and yards, and thus ypc...

M. Lemon: 52/764...14.7 ypc
J. Lane: 43/525...12.2 ypc
Z. Branch: 47/503...10.7 ypc
K. Ware-Hudson: 38/462...12.2 ypc

I wonder how much of that is a product of the offense USC ran? Was Branch, or any of the others put in position to do much after the catch? I don't know the answer, just thought it was interesting how similar those numbers were. Fwiw, Brazzell only averaged 11.5 ypc, himself.

I'm fine with us not getting Branch. I don't see the superstar some do, though he can certainly put up a highlight play at any moment. Not sure our offense, minus any changes, would make him anything more than Squirrel White was, this year.

 

[aRmo]

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.

Ditto.

 

[Jimmy Football]

TN’s transfer portal only terminates in Tallahassee and Louisville.

 

[Jackcrevol]

TN’s transfer portal only terminates in Tallahassee and Louisville.

speaking of transfer portholes.

When?

 

[csprig9]

Shows the talent difference in ACC vs SEC on a week to week basis
Need more speed in our conference

 

[volinbama256]

It really is weird to me. This is at least the third year in a row we've looked for starting talent at WR and OL from the portal.

If we don't upgrade at WR, letting all those we had on the roster leave for whatever reasons, and then not replacing Spraggins, Mays, and Campbell, with everyone knowing part of the problem is the position coaches, when does the HC need to be held accountable?

We will see what they come up with, they are apparently in no hurry and evaluating kids, but at the moment, it's not looking like much...

I'll keep saying this as everyone is tired of it, but if we don't get our Oline settled and elite, then all the WR issues/RB issues, won't matter because the RB's won't have lanes to run through and the WR's won't have time to get separation/run the routes because Nico will be running for his life. Pretty simple formula. We've seen what good and bad Oline's have done to our offense the past 4yrs...

I believe we have enough talent at RB to get by this season, but only if our Oline is strong. We need another elite WR and at least 2 more Oline, or we will definitely IMO be taking a step back next season, which is not what Heup was hired to do. Don't give me the scholly argument, because other teams are working around it and we certainly can too. Something is just not adding up on the NIL and getting talent upgraded/replaced front when other teams are currently getting who they want and we are treading water...

Defense is a another story...

 

[volinbama256]

I feel like we've kicked this dead horse.

It's glaringly obvious to us fans. I'm being optimistic that Huepel can wrassle these morans into shape.

I was last year but not as much this year/moving forward... Our offense stalling/looking vanilla all season and so predictable teams schemed against it, along with glaring issues at two position groups, and seemingly dragging our feet again in the portal again, I don't get the warm and fuzzies i had with him the first 2-3 seasons. We'll see soon enough!

 

[Vol423]

If we don't upgrade at WR, letting all those we had on the roster leave for whatever reasons, and then not replacing Spraggins, Mays, and Campbell, with everyone knowing part of the problem is the position coaches, when does the HC need to be held accountable?

We will see what they come up with, they are apparently in no hurry and evaluating kids, but at the moment, it's not looking like much...

I'll keep saying this as everyone is tired of it, but if we don't get our Oline settled and elite, then all the WR issues/RB issues, won't matter because the RB's won't have lanes to run through and the WR's won't have time to get separation/run the routes because Nico will be running for his life. Pretty simple formula. We've seen what good and bad Oline's have done to our offense the past 4yrs...

I believe we have enough talent at RB to get by this season, but only if our Oline is strong. We need another elite WR and at least 2 more Oline, or we will definitely IMO be taking a step back next season, which is not what Heup was hired to do. Don't give me the scholly argument, because other teams are working around it and we certainly can too. Something is just not adding up on the NIL and getting talent upgraded/replaced front when other teams are currently getting who they want and we are treading water...

Defense is a another story...

The coaching staff obviously feels more confident in their OL and WR rooms than you do. You need to find some new material.

 

[marcusluvsvols]

Davis too…

We need to close on Jefferson and land one other big time outside WR…Thomas from A&M would be nice…add those two to the freshman coming in and you’ve got an impressive WR/TE room

Really want my distant cousin Noah Thomas. Good experienced SEC caliber depth piece/potential starter with 2 years to play. If he has the right attitude/culture to fit in here...he could be exactly what that WR room needs.

 

[marcusluvsvols]

Have the current available scholarship numbers been posted? Lot of folks wanting a big transfer class but some more would have to leave to keep us under 83 it seems?

I think we are at 80 with Moe, 81 with Jefferson? So in order to add maybe 4 more players we will have to drop 2 guys in spring that won't play. Cant wait til we have 85 scholarships like everyone else. At this rate of 2 per season, i think thats 2029 class?

 

[marcusluvsvols]

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.

I am surprised we played Warren in 5 games as a freshman. Hope that 5th was in the playoffs? Did we burn Warrens redshirt for some meaningless snaps somewhere? I know it happens sometimes, but thats rare with this staff

 

[Deebowbear]

I think we are at 80 with Moe, 81 with Jefferson? So in order to add maybe 4 more players we will have to drop 2 guys in spring that won't play. Cant wait til we have 85 scholarships like everyone else. At this rate of 2 per season, i think thats 2029 class?

83 is the most we can have I believe I read somewhere

 

[marcusluvsvols]

The YPC aspect is interesting because USC's top 4 WRs all had pretty similar stats in terms of receptions and yards, and thus ypc...

M. Lemon: 52/764...14.7 ypc
J. Lane: 43/525...12.2 ypc
Z. Branch: 47/503...10.7 ypc
K. Ware-Hudson: 38/462...12.2 ypc

I wonder how much of that is a product of the offense USC ran? Was Branch, or any of the others put in position to do much after the catch? I don't know the answer, just thought it was interesting how similar those numbers were. Fwiw, Brazzell only averaged 11.5 ypc, himself.

I'm fine with us not getting Branch. I don't see the superstar some do, though he can certainly put up a highlight play at any moment. Not sure our offense, minus any changes, would make him anything more than Squirrel White was, this year.

I think Branch is gonna be like Thornton...IF he is successful. Big "IF". You can't ignore 10.3 speed in the 100 in HS. Thats world class speed at that age. If he can learn the playbook and if he gets playing time over other UGA receivers and IF the Pups use him as a vertical threat, and IF he can get behind SEC Corners....then he can be like Thornton. Which Thorntons 6TDs and 30+ yards per catch will get him drafted in the middle to late rounds as long as he looks good at the combine. I think that's the ceiling for Branch though. Just my opinion...

 

[marcusluvsvols]

83 is the most we can have I believe I read somewhere

Yep. We are at 83 until 2029? I think.

 

[InVOLuntary]

Good to see all these former Vols landing in division 2.

 

[A.J.]

Completely from waaaay out in the deepest part of left field, but…

I’m gonna be watching how this guy plays tonight.

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I know a lot will say something about the level of competition he’s been playing against. But from what several videos I watched, seems to be pretty decent to my untrained evaluating eyes. But has put up pretty decent numbers the past few games in the FCS championship playoffs. Shows this to be his junior year. But only has stats basically from this year. Had 1 catch for 7 yards last year. But could probably be a sneaky, under the radar, decently priced 1-2 year player. Just probably needs to add 10-20 pounds.

I watched some of their game against SDSU, and he had some really big catches that helped them get the win. He’s Trey Lance’s brother.

 

[TrippieRedd]

Completely from waaaay out in the deepest part of left field, but…

I’m gonna be watching how this guy plays tonight.

View attachment 712398
View attachment 712400

I know a lot will say something about the level of competition he’s been playing against. But from what several videos I watched, seems to be pretty decent to my untrained evaluating eyes. But has put up pretty decent numbers the past few games in the FCS championship playoffs. Shows this to be his junior year. But only has stats basically from this year. Had 1 catch for 7 yards last year. But could probably be a sneaky, under the radar, decently priced 1-2 year player. Just probably needs to add 10-20 pounds.

I mentioned him weeks ago.

Would be a solid pickup if he did enter.

 

[titansvolsfaninga]

If we don't upgrade at WR, letting all those we had on the roster leave for whatever reasons, and then not replacing Spraggins, Mays, and Campbell, with everyone knowing part of the problem is the position coaches, when does the HC need to be held accountable?

We will see what they come up with, they are apparently in no hurry and evaluating kids, but at the moment, it's not looking like much...

I'll keep saying this as everyone is tired of it, but if we don't get our Oline settled and elite, then all the WR issues/RB issues, won't matter because the RB's won't have lanes to run through and the WR's won't have time to get separation/run the routes because Nico will be running for his life. Pretty simple formula. We've seen what good and bad Oline's have done to our offense the past 4yrs...

I believe we have enough talent at RB to get by this season, but only if our Oline is strong. We need another elite WR and at least 2 more Oline, or we will definitely IMO be taking a step back next season, which is not what Heup was hired to do. Don't give me the scholly argument, because other teams are working around it and we certainly can too. Something is just not adding up on the NIL and getting talent upgraded/replaced front when other teams are currently getting who they want and we are treading water...

Defense is a another story...

You need a new hobby. Football shouldnt cause you this much stress.

 

[DaddyChad]

Just my .02 but they are pretty sensitive over at VQ. They can also be condescending/ snarky. When people pay to get that in return, I can understand why people feel the way they do.

Money would be better spent funneling it to spyre.

 

[Orange_Crush]

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.

Have you ever tried D1 recruiting with reduced scholarships, pay-for-play offenses, and the drawn out threat/rumors of semi-death penalty sanctions due to the pay-for-play?

Just curious. I'll hang up and listen.

 

[Jackcrevol]

man, some if you all legit need to inquire with UTAD. As much time as you spend follerin' the Porthole, should legit get paid to be an analyst

 

[DaddyChad]

TN’s transfer portal only terminates in Tallahassee and Louisville.

Louisville is usually a connecting flight to somewhere else. Brohm will ship him out soon.

 

[csprig9]

I think Branch is gonna be like Thornton...IF he is successful. Big "IF". You can't ignore 10.3 speed in the 100 in HS. Thats world class speed at that age. If he can learn the playbook and if he gets playing time over other UGA receivers and IF the Pups use him as a vertical threat, and IF he can get behind SEC Corners....then he can be like Thornton. Which Thorntons 6TDs and 30+ yards per catch will get him drafted in the middle to late rounds as long as he looks good at the combine. I think that's the ceiling for Branch though. Just my opinion...

I’m sure he will get matched up against our LBs somehow and burn them

 

[aRmo]

I’m sure he will get matched up against our LBs somehow and burn them

We will look unprepared against UGA's offense again lol.

 

[JacketVol]

We should develop the HS guys, so we have confidence in them playing. Obviously, Pope and Elarbee lack confidence in their HS recruits. Why? Is it because they've failed to develop them?

No. It’s more like it takes till the third year into a program for a freshman to become SEC ready except for the exceptions. So, with all the issues with reductions and people leaving as he was coming in, they’ve used the older guys they’ve had. Have not had good OL recruiting till the last couple of years so those guys will be in their second and third years this season. The portal is going to make it hard for some OL to be patient.