QB Recruiting Discussion

[tsad06]

Food for thought: With Heupel seemingly getting his guy 4 cycles in a row, and assuming QB’s are getting paid equal how the NFL values the position, would it start to make more sense to go get an “upside developmental” guy, save a few Pennie’s and begin to invest NIL money into stacking players around the QB’s we already have? I mean hypothetical situation; Nico this year, Merlinger or George M. for the next 2 years, we’d have 3 years to develop an upside QB as a bridge gap and/or go portal shopping and we could start investing in positions that naturally need a few years to mature into the game (physically or mentally). Just a food for thought discussion to start off this Monday morning.

 

[jakez4ut]

Purposely recruit lesser talented players at the most important position in the sport?

 

[tsad06]

If you want to pose it that way, then yes. I’m just stating only one QB can be on the field at once, and if he’s gotten his guy in 4 straight cycles, then develop them, his calling card is offense and the QB position. If we use Nico’s deal as the floor, each premier QB is getting at least 2 mil a year, that money could go a long way for a cycle or 2 to get multiple OT’s, shutdown CB’s, etc…roster management wise, I don’t see the value in 8 million being wrapped up in a room for a position that only one guy starts. I’ll preface by saying my stance would look different if he didn’t get his guy 4 cycles in a row

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

We shouldn’t have to save money by recruiting lesser talented players. The simple fact is our NIL program is gonna have to step it up big time.

 

[Oldvoldad]

If you want to pose it that way, then yes. I’m just stating only one QB can be on the field at once, and if he’s gotten his guy in 4 straight cycles, then develop them, his calling card is offense and the QB position. If we use Nico’s deal as the floor, each premier QB is getting at least 2 mil a year, that money could go a long way for a cycle or 2 to get multiple OT’s, shutdown CB’s, etc…roster management wise, I don’t see the value in 8 million being wrapped up in a room for a position that only one guy starts. I’ll preface by saying my stance would look different if he didn’t get his guy 4 cycles in a row

Two of the four will not be on the roster next year. The money will be freed up, one way or the other.

 

[tsad06]

Ok; let’s say you are correct and 2 of 4 are gone. Then why are we over-recruiting/investing in guys that never helped us and I’d start to argue, hindering our overall recruiting campaign. We constantly take 3 Star linebackers, offensive lineman, etc…and lots of us “justify” it with “under the radar” pick, he’ll move up in the new rankings, etc. End of the day, I just want to see the net return vs net invested. If Nico balls out and leaves, I see 3 of the 4 on campus, if Nico has a bad year, I could see him leaving and going back closer to home, and I still think we have 3 of the 4, b/c Merlinger and George M. will already have an on-campus battle started while waiting on Faizon to arrive. Overall point; I think for every 4 year cycle, use one year to really invest in other positions besides QB, the NFL model has begun to shift with teams using those 5 year rookie contract windows to really go for it, and I’m all about long term sustainability, but that success also comes win you start winning championships. Love the progress we’ve made in the last 4 years, and it’s gotten us close to the same platform as the recent usual suspects, but I do believe investment in other parts of the roster are needed to surround Nico or the next QB to get over the hump

 

[tsad06]

We shouldn’t have to save money by recruiting lesser talented players. The simple fact is our NIL program is gonna have to step it up big time.

I don’t disagree with your viewpoint but we can’t just sit back and bellyache over the NIL program. The college landscape isn’t capped like professional sports, so while the market is seemingly open to any arbitrary amount of money that an institution wants to spend, we should at least consider spending the allotted amount of money wisely. In my opinion, our university has a double edge sword at the moment. It is awesome that we get to showcase a top 5 baseball and basketball program, a top 15 football, softball and women’s basketball program, but when all those programs are this successful, all those players collectively want a piece of the NIL money, and it starts to dry up pretty quickly. Point being, I don’t think we can catch up the players demands with the overall success we are having. Great problem to have, but something we have to solve.

 

[Lloyd_Christmas]

Ok; let’s say you are correct and 2 of 4 are gone. Then why are we over-recruiting/investing in guys that never helped us and I’d start to argue, hindering our overall recruiting campaign. We constantly take 3 Star linebackers, offensive lineman, etc…and lots of us “justify” it with “under the radar” pick, he’ll move up in the new rankings, etc. End of the day, I just want to see the net return vs net invested. If Nico balls out and leaves, I see 3 of the 4 on campus, if Nico has a bad year, I could see him leaving and going back closer to home, and I still think we have 3 of the 4, b/c Merlinger and George M. will already have an on-campus battle started while waiting on Faizon to arrive. Overall point; I think for every 4 year cycle, use one year to really invest in other positions besides QB, the NFL model has begun to shift with teams using those 5 year rookie contract windows to really go for it, and I’m all about long term sustainability, but that success also comes win you start winning championships. Love the progress we’ve made in the last 4 years, and it’s gotten us close to the same platform as the recent usual suspects, but I do believe investment in other parts of the roster are needed to surround Nico or the next QB to get over the hump

You can't hide a bad QB. A bad QB kills your offense and likely your season. The more highly recruited QBs that are on the roster, the higher the odds that your starter is an all-conference type player or better. You don't take risks with your QB room.

 

[tsad06]

You can't hide a bad QB. A bad QB kills your offense and likely your season. The more highly recruited QBs that are on the roster, the higher the odds that your starter is an all-conference type player or better. You don't take risks with your QB room.

I didn’t imply taking a risk, go get a good QB, but get someone that you can develop and isn’t costing 2 million a year. I completely understand we can’t shake the magic 8 ball and know if a guy is going to be a hit or a bust, that’s why I mentioned going one “value” QB every 4 year cycle, so surely you land on one of the other 3 that you selected as “the guy of the class”

 

[tsad06]

I understand the importance of the QB position, but when you don’t have the receivers to get separation, the OL to hold up protection, or a defense that can’t stop the other team, the QB’s impact is far less. And again, where we stand right now, I think we are always good for 8 to 10 win seasons, but like every other Vols fan, I do want to see the next step. These next 2 to 3 years, will be the obvious tale b/c the roster construction is fully on Heupel and I think he has done a masterful job getting us back as a top 10/15 team, but I do wonder if we are padding a “crowded” QB room when we could maybe go snag the next Hyatt, Trey Smith, etc to bolster around Nico and future QB’s.

 

[VOLfrombama]

Two of the four will not be on the roster next year. The money will be freed up, one way or the other.

I think this is the most likely scenario. Nico will be gone barring a bad season. Merk, Gmac, and Faizon will be on campus all at once. So the pecking order will be established by next Spring. I think Merk or Gmac will look for PT somewhere else since Faizon will be in his first year here.

If for some strange reason Nico stays, then all bets are off. Who knows what Merk or Gmac will do. Maybe even Faizon but he seems to be very committed to coming to Knocksville atp.

 

[Jackcrevol]

Food for thought: With Heupel seemingly getting his guy 4 cycles in a row, and assuming QB’s are getting paid equal how the NFL values the position, would it start to make more sense to go get an “upside developmental” guy, save a few Pennie’s and begin to invest NIL money into stacking players around the QB’s we already have? I mean hypothetical situation; Nico this year, Merlinger or George M. for the next 2 years, we’d have 3 years to develop an upside QB as a bridge gap and/or go portal shopping and we could start investing in positions that naturally need a few years to mature into the game (physically or mentally). Just a food for thought discussion to start off this Monday morning.

No offense. I know you're brainstorming. This seems like a loser mentality. Recruit the best, and freaking land them. We are recruiting but not landing.

 

[vol94]

Food for thought: With Heupel seemingly getting his guy 4 cycles in a row, and assuming QB’s are getting paid equal how the NFL values the position, would it start to make more sense to go get an “upside developmental” guy, save a few Pennie’s and begin to invest NIL money into stacking players around the QB’s we already have? I mean hypothetical situation; Nico this year, Merlinger or George M. for the next 2 years, we’d have 3 years to develop an upside QB as a bridge gap and/or go portal shopping and we could start investing in positions that naturally need a few years to mature into the game (physically or mentally). Just a food for thought discussion to start off this Monday morning.

I think you must continue to recruit best qb out there due to portal. What would have happened if Nico hit the portal last season?

But I see your point.

 

[jakez4ut]

There's no cap. Get more money to spend. That's the real issue it seems like.

 

[tsad06]

No offense. I know you're brainstorming. This seems like a loser mentality. Recruit the best, and freaking land them. We are recruiting but not landing.

I don’t take any offense, just wanting to create discussion, and I don’t disagree with you saying we are recruiting but not landing, so we have to start asking why and what options we have. And to me in the NIL era, we have to understand where our money is being allocated (investment to position) and where we can get higher/immediate value).

 

[tennesseeduke]

So we would rather not get Faizon Brandon and hope to get other players who may or may not work out? WTH?

 

[tsad06]

So we would rather not get Faizon Brandon and hope to get other players who may or may not work out? WTH?

No I said, now that he’s gotten his guy in 4 straight cycles, is it necessary to keep stacking #1 type QB’s in the country, when we have other positions that need uplifting

 

[Bloodrunsorange27]

I think this is a great plan.
We could have signed that 5* who is tearing it up at Bama/Ohio State/GA, but we saved a lot of money on this 3* QB. Unfortunately, it just didn't work out and we lost a bunch of games.

 

[DaddyChad]

I understand the importance of the QB position, but when you don’t have the receivers to get separation, the OL to hold up protection, or a defense that can’t stop the other team, the QB’s impact is far less. And again, where we stand right now, I think we are always good for 8 to 10 win seasons, but like every other Vols fan, I do want to see the next step. These next 2 to 3 years, will be the obvious tale b/c the roster construction is fully on Heupel and I think he has done a masterful job getting us back as a top 10/15 team, but I do wonder if we are padding a “crowded” QB room when we could maybe go snag the next Hyatt, Trey Smith, etc to bolster around Nico and future QB’s.

We spent on the LT position, Heard just didn’t pan out last year. We also spent on that position again this past recruiting class to land Sanders. Those guys may end up panning out. Money into the Oline isn’t the issue. We also wanted to get Branch in the portal but he never even visited. Money isn’t the entire issue and spending on QB kind of attracts players at every other position. Even if you skimp on the qb position it’s still not going to allow you to outbid some teams like Texas if they want to really spend on someone.

 

[allvolrecruiting]

We spent on the LT position, Heard just didn’t pan out last year. We also spent on that position again this past recruiting class to land Sanders. Those guys may end up panning out. Money into the Oline isn’t the issue. We also wanted to get Branch in the portal but he never even visited. Money isn’t the entire issue and spending on QB kind of attracts players at every other position. Even if you skimp on the qb position it’s still not going to allow you to outbid some teams like Texas if they want to really spend on someone.

Spent on the LT with Heard BECAUSE they did not have any other options...

 

[volsofsteele]

Food for thought: With Heupel seemingly getting his guy 4 cycles in a row, and assuming QB’s are getting paid equal how the NFL values the position, would it start to make more sense to go get an “upside developmental” guy, save a few Pennie’s and begin to invest NIL money into stacking players around the QB’s we already have? I mean hypothetical situation; Nico this year, Merlinger or George M. for the next 2 years, we’d have 3 years to develop an upside QB as a bridge gap and/or go portal shopping and we could start investing in positions that naturally need a few years to mature into the game (physically or mentally). Just a food for thought discussion to start off this Monday morning.

Thanks for posting. I don't often, but had to say it's a pretty interesting perspective. I don't know the price tag on Merk and GMac... guessing Brandon's is high. But there simply is only a certain amount to spend. You don't see NFL teams stacked with 4 #1 QB's because they would have nothing to spend in the trenches. QB is clearly most important, but we have to concede even Nico didn't drag a bunch of talented players with him, as top talent used too. Not GMac or Brandon either. The $ matter, not the connections, so maybe one top QB every 2,3 years does makes more sense.

 

[NighthawkVol]

Some of y’all don’t seem to know what “upside” means.

 

[Orange_Crush]

I understand the importance of the QB position, but when you don’t have the receivers to get separation, the OL to hold up protection, or a defense that can’t stop the other team, the QB’s impact is far less. And again, where we stand right now, I think we are always good for 8 to 10 win seasons, but like every other Vols fan, I do want to see the next step. These next 2 to 3 years, will be the obvious tale b/c the roster construction is fully on Heupel and I think he has done a masterful job getting us back as a top 10/15 team, but I do wonder if we are padding a “crowded” QB room when we could maybe go snag the next Hyatt, Trey Smith, etc to bolster around Nico and future QB’s.

I'm not sure I agree with your logic; it would seem to make the QB more important. And I'm not sure we should lessen the talent at one position in response to potential lesser talent everywhere else on the offense. That seems mad.

 

[VOLINVONORE]

I understand the importance of the QB position, but when you don’t have the receivers to get separation, the OL to hold up protection, or a defense that can’t stop the other team, the QB’s impact is far less. And again, where we stand right now, I think we are always good for 8 to 10 win seasons, but like every other Vols fan, I do want to see the next step. These next 2 to 3 years, will be the obvious tale b/c the roster construction is fully on Heupel and I think he has done a masterful job getting us back as a top 10/15 team, but I do wonder if we are padding a “crowded” QB room when we could maybe go snag the next Hyatt, Trey Smith, etc to bolster around Nico and future QB’s.

I understand what you are saying, however, there were several occasions when receivers were open and the QB locked on his # 1 target instead of finding that open receiver. I also agree that the Oline was not nearly as efficient as we would like, but often the QB had at least 2 seconds to find the open guy. So, not all the blame rest on the Oline or the receivers.

 

[tsad06]

Coming full circle after a few comments; my thought process was multi-layered, each year our first major commit has come from the QB, I have to assume for multiple reasons (we heavily invest dollars there, historically great players want to play for a great QB, etc), but we’d be naive to think with the current NIL landscape, these 18 year old high profile athletes are going to go where the money is most offered (for the most part). For UT specifically, the great players haven’t followed Nico or G-Mac in throves. I have to believe we verbally commit such a strong financial package to the QB’s that we do come up short on the other positional players despite we constantly hearing that we made a competitive offer. So while we can’t boost recency in a championship pedigree like Bama, UGA, etc, how do we get over that next hump? Go to Dolly and ask for a line of credit, it seems the only thing being thrown around is raise more money. Having worked in the AD at UT for 5 years in the mid to late 2000’s, it’s never been an issue of investment (see facilities, sponsorships, etc). In my opinion, I think it’s an error in our recruiting strategy, and while I say that, I want to acknowledge I’m in full appreciation of what Coach Heupel has done and is doing, but there is a major difference in top 12-15, and really competing in that Top 5 sector. I understand landing “premier” talent does not always correlate to that player producing. I’ll hang up and listen