DT discussion thread.

[Sudden Impact]

It has been 24 hours since I kicked off this discussion thread and thanks to all who have chipped in.

It appears we collectively do not have a consensus opinion if we have the talent on board to meet the needs. Lots of youth.

Did the staff not prioritize multiple additions in that room because they thought our existing guys have higher equal or higher ceilings than those really in play?

Did they save roster spots for some alternative potential supply, court generated or other?

Are we going to add a couple more young and inexperienced guys in the portal simply based on athletic evaluations and Hope yields work out?

The lack of urgency gives me questions but not panic. Overwhelming negative responses would have changed that.

It's ok to be a doubting Thomas and I questioned it myself, but in any sport in recruiting, contracts are based on position of need.
I am guessing that between RG, JK, and staff know what their priorities are for the team and knew how much they were willing to spend to what they needed. If they swung and missed they were not to concerned.
Right now too many questions and not enough answers. We will know more at the end of the season.

 

[OldLofter]

Talent acquisition is slowing down and although every room is important, the post portal concerns seem to be greatest for CRG’s room.

From farmdogvol roster breakdown..,,,

Defensive Tackle​

• Sr. Daevin Hobbs
• R-So. Xavier Gilliam (Penn State)
• R-Jr. Nathan Robinson
• So. Isaiah Campbell
• So. Ethan Utley
• Fr. Dereon Albert
• Fr. Darryl Rivers
• Fr. JJ Finch
• Fr. NicQuayvion Simmons
• R-Fr. Charles House III
• R-Sr. Joshua Helsdon
• R-So. Isaiah Inge

I know experienced talent is safer than inexperienced talent, BUT BUT BUT…,,

Do we have the ABILITY to have a reliable rotation with this group if coached up?

Guessing we would like to creatively add some experience but it APPEARS staff likes our younger talent.

Where are we really?

The problem of coaching up today, frequently becomes coaching up and out! That is today’s way of CFB. Yes, some teams have been able to keep players ( Indiana, Georgia). But kids want playing time and/or money. Contracts don’t seem to help, i.e., the QB from Oregon.
I am going to assign Nick Saban to organize and drive a solution to this problem. He is the only one with the bona fides to actually get something done. NICK, I’m calling you today.

 

[Sudden Impact]

The problem of coaching up today, frequently becomes coaching up and out! That is today’s way of CFB. Yes, some teams have been able to keep players ( Indiana, Georgia). But kids want playing time and/or money. Contracts don’t seem to help, i.e., the QB from Oregon.
I am going to assign Nick Saban to organize and drive a solution to this problem. He is the only one with the bona fides to actually get something done. NICK, I’m calling you today.

I don't disagree with an organization to drive a solution to this problem, but Nick Saban plays favorites and cannot look at this objectively with his favorable twists.

Second, the NCAA needs to reorganize. They have been playing this game with their hands tied behind their backs sue to their own ineptness. Maybe a new organization needs to be formed that deals with this and has power granted to make determination like a second clearing house.

Transfers in portal, need to be hard to accomplish and require paperwork and standards for meeting a criteria. Another requirement should be once committed would require a minimum of a 2 year commitment. Second part would be you have a 2 commitment if you use the transfer portal. Exceptions granted for grad students, hardships and etc., but must be approved.

Contracts sure, big boy rules. Image the NFL without guardrails. The NCAA is toothless.

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

It's ok to be a doubting Thomas and I questioned it myself, but in any sport in recruiting, contracts are based on position of need.
I am guessing that between RG, JK, and staff know what their priorities are for the team and knew how much they were willing to spend to what they needed. If they swung and missed they were not to concerned.
Right now too many questions and not enough answers. We will know more at the end of the season.

I can handle questions, it is those with hard answers that give me pause. I am personally prepared to accept hopeful speculation by FANS, not bodacious assurance of greatness. Likewise legitimate concerns but not expectations of failure…,,,,,,AT THIS TIME.

Spring can provide some trends, the eye tests in fall can provide some help and as you said games will provide realities to publicly share.

Lots of guys, young guys, are getting a do over with new schemes and top leadership and the guidance of a proven position coach. Months under a new S&C and nutrition regime too.

They are FOR SURE on the clock and worthy of rational scrutiny by the entire world. A creative addition or two could add to the fun.

 

[Volnanza]

Indiana's largest DL was 6'3" 300. Others ranged from 6'1" - 6'3" and 244-282#. Weight is not necessary to have a very good DL. Quickness and strength are necessary.

and knowing what you are suppose to do.

 

[Sudden Impact]

I can handle questions, it is those with hard answers that give me pause. I am personally prepared to accept hopeful speculation by FANS, not bodacious assurance of greatness. Likewise legitimate concerns but not expectations of failure…,,,,,,AT THIS TIME.

Spring can provide some trends, the eye tests in fall can provide some help and as you said games will provide realities to publicly share.

Lots of guys, young guys, are getting a do over with new schemes and top leadership and the guidance of a proven position coach. Months under a new S&C and nutrition regime too.

They are FOR SURE on the clock and worthy of rational scrutiny by the entire world. A creative addition or two could add to the fun.

I saw something that stated we have 12 DL going through winter workouts. Does that sound right to you? A lot of youth but don't know their potential.

 

[WaywardVol]

2025 roster stats
Utley 285
Campbell 295
Robinson 300
House 295
Hobbs 290

They all could use at least 20 pounds.

Yes. You had a lot of guys with good frames that got shoved around. I’ll believe Hobbs plays a healthy season when I see it. You have to have some 320 pounders to endure the season. I’m sure this will be a focus in the weight room.

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

I saw something that stated we have 12 DL going through winter workouts. Does that sound right to you? A lot of youth but don't know their potential.

Yep, the list is provided in post#1 of this thread. A couple may be walkons. Most young or inexperienced. So time will tell. Hoping the fact our new DC did not raise big flags and push for more portal guys means he and CRG feel our guys were as good as those available in portal.