'25 Portal Thread

[thunder5]

Or you know, keep Keith or Seldon

I’m in a wait and see mode with WR and RB…particularly WR…hoping we take a player at each position that truly feels like an upgrade…but if we just end up with another depth piece at each position then I completely agree with you…I would have preferred we threw enough money/PT promises at Seldon and Leacock to keep them…both have as much or more potential as any “depth piece” that’s out there and they had multiple years of experience in this offense

 

[TrippieRedd]

I’m in a wait and see mode with WR and RB…particularly WR…hoping we take a player at each position that truly feels like an upgrade…but if we just end up with another depth piece at each position then I completely agree with you…I would have preferred we threw enough money/PT promises at Seldon and Leacock to keep them…both have as much or more potential as any “depth piece” that’s out there and they had multiple years of experience in this offense

I’ve just personally never fully understood the plan at RB. Sure, posters and their momma can reply and say “oh we’ve been looking for a depth piece”

But what if we lose Lewis because this kid ends up beating him out and being the #2 back, what’s the difference in that and us just getting a stud portal RB? Chances are you’re gonna lose someone anyways.

AllVol thought he was a more experienced Lewis, and he even thought we should’ve just kept Seldon or Keith. Those two are younger and have the same ability as Thomas.

What’s the point in telling a younger player to move on (Seldon/Keith) if you’re just gonna get an older version of them that’s gonna be in the same spot depth chart wise?

 

[HoleInTheRoof]

I’ve just personally never fully understood the plan at RB. Sure, posters and their momma can reply and say “oh we’ve been looking for a depth piece”

But what if we lose Lewis because this kid ends up beating him out and being the #2 back, what’s the difference in that and us just getting a stud portal RB? Chances are you’re gonna lose someone anyways.

AllVol thought he was a more experienced Lewis, and he even thought we should’ve just kept Seldon or Keith. Those two are younger and have the same ability as Thomas.

What’s the point in telling a younger player to move on (Seldon/Keith) if you’re just gonna get an older version of them that’s gonna be in the same spot depth chart wise?

Younger guys might not see themselves as depth pieces. Whereas older guys might be more comfortable with that role. They may have come to the realization that the NFL isn’t in their future and embrace the opportunity to come get another paycheck and another year of playing time at such a big time school.

On top of that, getting a “stud” RB (which I haven’t seen any in the portal imo) probably costs significantly more and requires more guarantees than does landing an older guy with one more year.

There’s a lot of variables and each individual is a case by case situation with regards to what the player (coming or going) wants. I don’t get the endless hand wringing here. RB is the least of my concerns this portal season.

 

[TrippieRedd]

Younger guys might not see themselves as depth pieces. Whereas older guys might be more comfortable with that role. They may have come to the realization that the NFL isn’t in their future and embrace the opportunity to come get another paycheck and another year of playing time at such a big time school.

On top of that, getting a “stud” RB (which I haven’t seen any in the portal imo) probably costs significantly more and requires more guarantees than does landing an older guy with one more year.

There’s a lot of variables and each individual is a case by case situation with regards to what the player (coming or going) wants. I don’t get the endless hand wringing here. RB is the least of my concerns this portal season.

Yeah, I’m not wanting to get in a back and fourth. I just wanted an explanation instead of someone saying, “you’re impatient” and you provided that, so thank you.

I’m done. Let’s move on to the WR/OL.

 

[HoleInTheRoof]

Yeah, I’m not wanting to get in a back and fourth. I just wanted an explanation instead of someone saying, “you’re impatient” and you provided that, so thank you.

I’m done. Let’s move on to the WR/OL.

Ps - you’re impatient

 

[Vols410]

You're insane then.

Thanks for the analysis?

No need for name-calling. My analytics simply aren’t impressed by 4.1 YPC in the ACC and like Bishop a bit better. I don’t think that’s remotely controversial.

 

[TrippieRedd]

Thanks for the analysis?

No need for name-calling. My analytics simply aren’t impressed by 4.1 YPC in the ACC and like Bishop a bit better. I don’t think that’s remotely controversial.

That’s all he does.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

I’ve just personally never fully understood the plan at RB. Sure, posters and their momma can reply and say “oh we’ve been looking for a depth piece”

But what if we lose Lewis because this kid ends up beating him out and being the #2 back, what’s the difference in that and us just getting a stud portal RB? Chances are you’re gonna lose someone anyways.

AllVol thought he was a more experienced Lewis, and he even thought we should’ve just kept Seldon or Keith. Those two are younger and have the same ability as Thomas.

What’s the point in telling a younger player to move on (Seldon/Keith) if you’re just gonna get an older version of them that’s gonna be in the same spot depth chart wise?

It’s just a stupid characterization to say we’re signing a depth player at a skill position. Anyone who says that doesn’t understand how it works. You sign great players and they compete. I’ve heard AP say this too. “They like Lewis. They’re looking for depth.” Sure they like Lewis. He is fast and strong and can get stronger. He’s also young. He can also get hurt. Georgia and Alabama are five deep with RBs that could start at any school. Kids come to compete and play. Any running back we sign will be hungry and stubborn and believe he can be the starter. That’s the job description. “Hey buddy, we need a third guy. That’s you.” does not happen. If they sign Thomas, it will be because they believe he can contribute. He isn’t the only option, or the best.

We did not tell Seldon to move on, and the problem was not lack of talent or his desire to play WR. He’s a freak athlete, but he was injured more often than not for two solid seasons. Sometimes it’s best for a kid that talented to start fresh. If there is a complaint in that room, it’s that the snaps allocated didn’t follow the practice performance. Seldon caught balls out of the backfield and had the speed to run sweeps and the option. That’s happened often in practice, but never in a game. Lewis and Sampson had success in a two back set in the red zone, but it never got called in a game. We had a talented versatile room, and we basically ran one play, with one guy 75% of the time. We’re talking to some very good RBs. If we sign a “third guy” we just didn’t deliver. That isn’t the goal.

 

[TrippieRedd]

It’s just a stupid characterization to say we’re signing a depth player at a skill position. Anyone who says that doesn’t understand how it works. You sign great players and they compete. I’ve heard AP say this too. “They like Lewis. They’re looking for depth.” Sure they like Lewis. He is fast and strong and can get stronger. He’s also young. He can also get hurt. Georgia and Alabama are five deep with RBs that could start at any school. Kids come to compete and play. Any running back we sign will be hungry and stubborn and believe he can be the starter. That’s the job description. “Hey buddy, we need a third guy. That’s you.” does not happen. If they sign Thomas, it will be because they believe he can contribute. He isn’t the only option, or the best.

We did not tell Seldon to move on, and the problem was not lack of talent or his desire to play WR. He’s a freak athlete, but he was injured more often than not for two solid seasons. Sometimes it’s best for a kid that talented to start fresh. If there is a complaint in that room, it’s that the snaps allocated didn’t follow the practice performance. Seldon caught balls out of the backfield and had the speed to run sweeps and the option. That’s happened often in practice, but never in a game. Lewis and Sampson had success in a two back set in the red zone, but it never got called in a game. We had a talented versatile room, and we basically ran one play, with one guy 75% of the time. We’re talking to some very good RBs. If we sign a “third guy” we just didn’t deliver. That isn’t the goal.

This is the reason you’re one of my favorite posters.

Amazing post.

 

[EJVOL4LIFE]

@TrippieRedd
Hey bro, according to VolsWire, Omari Evans is taking a visit here. I know you're not a fan of his and yday AP said he wouldn't make it here. So do you know if anything has changed or was AP just assuming? Do you know or have any idea? They posted that about 30 minutes ago, fwiw.

 

[TrippieRedd]

@TrippieRedd
Hey bro, according to VolsWire, Omari Evans is taking a visit here. I know you're not a fan of his and yday AP said he wouldn't make it here. So do you know if anything has changed or was AP just assuming? Do you know or have any idea? They posted that about 30 minutes ago, fwiw.

You’re better off asking SF.

I saw someone post last night they don’t think he’s visiting.

 

[EJVOL4LIFE]

You’re betting off asking SF.

I saw someone post last night they don’t think he’s visiting.

OK. Appreciate it.

 

[EJVOL4LIFE]

It’s just a stupid characterization to say we’re signing a depth player at a skill position. Anyone who says that doesn’t understand how it works. You sign great players and they compete. I’ve heard AP say this too. “They like Lewis. They’re looking for depth.” Sure they like Lewis. He is fast and strong and can get stronger. He’s also young. He can also get hurt. Georgia and Alabama are five deep with RBs that could start at any school. Kids come to compete and play. Any running back we sign will be hungry and stubborn and believe he can be the starter. That’s the job description. “Hey buddy, we need a third guy. That’s you.” does not happen. If they sign Thomas, it will be because they believe he can contribute. He isn’t the only option, or the best.

We did not tell Seldon to move on, and the problem was not lack of talent or his desire to play WR. He’s a freak athlete, but he was injured more often than not for two solid seasons. Sometimes it’s best for a kid that talented to start fresh. If there is a complaint in that room, it’s that the snaps allocated didn’t follow the practice performance. Seldon caught balls out of the backfield and had the speed to run sweeps and the option. That’s happened often in practice, but never in a game. Lewis and Sampson had success in a two back set in the red zone, but it never got called in a game. We had a talented versatile room, and we basically ran one play, with one guy 75% of the time. We’re talking to some very good RBs. If we sign a “third guy” we just didn’t deliver. That isn’t the goal.

Hey buddy. According to Volswire about 30-40 minutes ago, Omari Evans is scheduling a visit here. I know yday AP said that he didn't believe he would make it here or maybe he meant we weren't interested. Idk. Just curious if you might know what the situation is.

 

[KG1821]

Hey buddy. According to Volswire about 30-40 minutes ago, Omari Evans is scheduling a visit here. I know yday AP said that he didn't believe he would make it here or maybe he meant we weren't interested. Idk. Just curious if you might know what the situation is.

Not Stoerner but I would trust AP over Volswire. Volswire just seems to repeat things that have already been said on X and writes them as articles. They are probably just repeating what was on that graphic last night

 

[Carp]

Thanks for the analysis?

No need for name-calling. My analytics simply aren’t impressed by 4.1 YPC in the ACC and like Bishop a bit better. I don’t think that’s remotely controversial.

I don't think anyone expects him to be a bell cow, or even necessarily RB1. But I think anyone expecting the freshman to come in and be a Jaylen Wright or Dylan Sampson is being a bit too optimistic. We simply don't have much experience in the RB room right now. So having a guy that can more easily understand blocking assignments and is good at catching the ball out of the backfield is a big asset, imo.

 

[OGbabyaviVol]

It’s just a stupid characterization to say we’re signing a depth player at a skill position. Anyone who says that doesn’t understand how it works. You sign great players and they compete. I’ve heard AP say this too. “They like Lewis. They’re looking for depth.” Sure they like Lewis. He is fast and strong and can get stronger. He’s also young. He can also get hurt. Georgia and Alabama are five deep with RBs that could start at any school. Kids come to compete and play. Any running back we sign will be hungry and stubborn and believe he can be the starter. That’s the job description. “Hey buddy, we need a third guy. That’s you.” does not happen. If they sign Thomas, it will be because they believe he can contribute. He isn’t the only option, or the best.

We did not tell Seldon to move on, and the problem was not lack of talent or his desire to play WR. He’s a freak athlete, but he was injured more often than not for two solid seasons. Sometimes it’s best for a kid that talented to start fresh. If there is a complaint in that room, it’s that the snaps allocated didn’t follow the practice performance. Seldon caught balls out of the backfield and had the speed to run sweeps and the option. That’s happened often in practice, but never in a game. Lewis and Sampson had success in a two back set in the red zone, but it never got called in a game. We had a talented versatile room, and we basically ran one play, with one guy 75% of the time. We’re talking to some very good RBs. If we sign a “third guy” we just didn’t deliver. That isn’t the goal.

This makes the offensive performance this past season even more frustrating! I’ve always wondered why we do not use more split back sets, as it would prevent the defense from keying on one running back. It would give us three different options of running the football, which could be very confusing for the defense. It would also allow for a possible lead blocker. Just so much to do with that formation. That frustrates me to know we have practiced it a lot and had success yet never shown it in a game. What the heck are we waiting on!?

 

[peaygolf]

 

[WesTnVol]

This makes the offensive performance this past season even more frustrating! I’ve always wondered why we do not use more split back sets, as it would prevent the defense from keying on one running back. It would give us three different options of running the football, which could be very confusing for the defense. It would also allow for a possible lead blocker. Just so much to do with that formation. That frustrates me to know we have practiced it a lot and had success yet never shown it in a game. What the heck are we waiting on!?

ALL THIS

 

[Vols410]

I don't think anyone expects him to be a bell cow, or even necessarily RB1. But I think anyone expecting the freshman to come in and be a Jaylen Wright or Dylan Sampson is being a bit too optimistic. We simply don't have much experience in the RB room right now. So having a guy that can more easily understand blocking assignments and is good at catching the ball out of the backfield is a big asset, imo.

I don't disagree with this one bit. I'd be absolutely fine with a player with approximately the talent of Bishop (albeit with a complimentary skillset) on the roster. I was only trying to state where my analytics had him ranked and that he's more in the depth / fringe-starter tier than the "splash player" tier, that's all.

 

[Vol423]

Thanks for the analysis?

No need for name-calling. My analytics simply aren’t impressed by 4.1 YPC in the ACC and like Bishop a bit better. I don’t think that’s remotely controversial.

Peyton Lewis will be RB1 in 2025.

 

[EJVOL4LIFE]

Peyton Lewis will be RB1 in 2025.

Feel like he will as well!!

 

[Pawleysvol]

It’s just a stupid characterization to say we’re signing a depth player at a skill position. Anyone who says that doesn’t understand how it works. You sign great players and they compete. I’ve heard AP say this too. “They like Lewis. They’re looking for depth.” Sure they like Lewis. He is fast and strong and can get stronger. He’s also young. He can also get hurt. Georgia and Alabama are five deep with RBs that could start at any school. Kids come to compete and play. Any running back we sign will be hungry and stubborn and believe he can be the starter. That’s the job description. “Hey buddy, we need a third guy. That’s you.” does not happen. If they sign Thomas, it will be because they believe he can contribute. He isn’t the only option, or the best.

We did not tell Seldon to move on, and the problem was not lack of talent or his desire to play WR. He’s a freak athlete, but he was injured more often than not for two solid seasons. Sometimes it’s best for a kid that talented to start fresh. If there is a complaint in that room, it’s that the snaps allocated didn’t follow the practice performance. Seldon caught balls out of the backfield and had the speed to run sweeps and the option. That’s happened often in practice, but never in a game. Lewis and Sampson had success in a two back set in the red zone, but it never got called in a game. We had a talented versatile room, and we basically ran one play, with one guy 75% of the time. We’re talking to some very good RBs. If we sign a “third guy” we just didn’t deliver. That isn’t the goal.

This is where the lack of creativity in games is so maddening. Heupel can’t be stubborn. The league has figured out his offense. He needs to adjust.

 

[EJVOL4LIFE]

Not Stoerner but I would trust AP over Volswire. Volswire just seems to repeat things that have already been said on X and writes them as articles. They are probably just repeating what was on that graphic last night

OK. I appreciate your input. I just know that AP said he didn't think Evans would visit. So do you think that's due to his decision making or the staff doesn't see him as a fit in the WR room due to the so called "splash guy" we hope to have coming in down the stretch??

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

This is where the lack of creativity in games is so maddening. Heupel can’t be stubborn. The league has figured out his offense. He needs to adjust.

He’s a smart guy who follows data, but he can be dogmatic about it. We have a high ypc every year doing it his way. It’s hard to question statistically. It works against decent talent. I think it becomes a problem against great teams with fast defenses. Our red zone offense definitely could’ve benefited from developing a more diverse run game, and versatile use of our backs. We have an RPO play that releases the TE and the RB into downfield pass. It’s been bulletproof in practice in the red zone. We haven’t used it once in a game. Same thing with the two back set. It’s hard to understand.

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

This is the reason you’re one of my favorite posters.

Amazing post.

Marry me?