Dylan Raiola to Enter the Portal?

[sjt18]

You and I agree on more than we disagree (looking at your other posts in this thread) but I'm not convinced G-Mac is ready for one reason: the depth chart.

It's reasonably clear to everyone Merk will probably drop a level when he transfers but Merk appeared to be QB2 most of the year.

Perhaps Josh was throwing Merk a bone, hoping he'd stay after G-Mac won QB1 next year, but perhaps not.

I'm not being adversarial with the question but why do you think Merk seemed to stay QB2 most of the season if Merk is dropping down a level and G-Mac is ready?

Maybe a play to keep him. Maybe Heupel just trusts him with knowing the O better- not as likely to make mistakes. IMO, if JA got hurt we would see something similar to when Dobbs became the starter over Dormady.

I like the O roster. That's why I don't think spending big money on another QB is a good strategy. You have a good young OL. A couple of solid RBs. Good young WRs. A couple of stars in the making at TE. You can get a lot of mileage out of the NIL you have to pay a starting caliber QB.

The other side of the ball though is where they really need to invest. Both CBs will benefit but neither should have started this year. More quality depth in the secondary is a must if they're going to take a step forward. Again, another reason not to spend money on a portal QB IMO

 

[sjt18]

I agree. But it’s not any better on the end of recruiting high schoolers. Look at the money we paid Nico to sit as a freshmen, and the money we paid him to suck the year after that. Millions. No guarantee on either end.

That's a universal truth no matter the job. Some of the best applicants and interviewees I've ever had turned out to be terrible employees. In this particular situation, I'd rather see 3 addition CBs rather than one $3 million QB.

 

[IndianaVol]

I just realized you are approaching 20 years on VN.

What are you doing with your life, bro?

AMEN...what have you been doing...HAHAHAAAAA

 

[SayUWantAreVOLution]

Maybe a play to keep him. Maybe Heupel just trusts him with knowing the O better- not as likely to make mistakes. IMO, if JA got hurt we would see something similar to when Dobbs became the starter over Dormady.

I like the O roster. That's why I don't think spending big money on another QB is a good strategy. You have a good young OL. A couple of solid RBs. Good young WRs. A couple of stars in the making at TE. You can get a lot of mileage out of the NIL you have to pay a starting caliber QB.

The other side of the ball though is where they really need to invest. Both CBs will benefit but neither should have started this year. More quality depth in the secondary is a must if they're going to take a step forward. Again, another reason not to spend money on a portal QB IMO

I'd feel more comfortable if G-Mac had clearly jumped Merk on the depth chart because Heupel sees a lot more of these guys than us and makes the depth chart.

As for getting a QB, the hard part is getting a guy who COULD be a game manager for us but is also okay with never playing a meaningful snap. That's a tough get, IMO.

In the event G-Mac goes down hurt or isn't really workable, we could be going into games with either Faizon, who really doesn't need to start for his career's sake and likely for our success, or a portal guy we picked up but never really wanted to play.

It's a very difficult portal choice IMO.

I agree the big NIL money could better be spent on the D. Much better spent.

 

[swampfoxfan]

Others have mentioned he is untested and unknown. So I won't elaborate on that part.

There is almost-universal expectation that Merk transfers. From the knoxville radio guys to the "insiders" who post here. IF that is true, even if GMac is amazing as QB1, it is dangerous to enter a season with only 2 QBs on roster. So the conventional wisdom is we will be finding another QB in the portal regardless of whether GMac is ready or not.

But Tennessee won't chase Raiola and his 4-6 million price tag. Money better spent elsewhere.

 

[Jaxon_Vol2017]

Why is there this much disrespect for GMac? Honest question, not trying to be abrasive.

Heupel obviously loves a big arm. GMac seems to have that and the head to go with it. He seemed to make progressions and reads well ahead of his experience during the spring game especially considering the newness of the system. He looked to be more comfortable with the speed of the game than most Fr.

I don't have anything against the other guys or even taking a look at the portal. Just wondering why everyone thinks it has to be someone other than GMac. I get why confidence might be low for Merklinger. But the grass isn't always greener. We've seen that already. Heupel inherited Hooker and recruited Milton. He overpaid Nico then got JA as the consolation prize.

I personally think one of the 3 guys that will hopefully be on the roster next fall can do the job. Spend the money on D then let the young O guys grow into their roles.

Wouldn't he be going out before Merk if he was the better option? Maybe he's just not ready or not good.