'26 NC QB Faizon Brandon (Tennessee commit)

[NighthawkVol]

I used the NFL because NIL has been exploding so much recently that its made deals made just a few years ago look out of date. Why do you think Nico left us? Because he saw how much other QBs were getting paid this offseason and thought his old contract with us was outdated. What he forgot was he wasn't good enough to demand a pay raise.

Right now the going rate for an elite QB is north of $3 million a year. That's what Bryce Underwood is getting as a true freshman. As the numbers keep going up the demand for a return on investment will get more urgent. What we saw with Nico was the first real big NIL deal and teams didnt know how to handle it. So they moved like they did historically in college football.

As the numbers keep going up they will start to operate more and more like the NFL. With guys like Bryce Underwood who are getting paid top dollar as true freshman being expected to play immediately like 1st round NFL picks. Whether you like it or not college is becoming more and more like the NFL.

The days of stacking positions and going with experience are over. You're gonna see teams being built like we are right now. Lots of young guys being depth. That's the equivalent of undrafted free agents that make up the bulk of NFL rosters. A few upperclassmen and highly regarded freshman being the top line starters. They will get most of the NIL money and thus will be counted on to play. The days of five star freshman sitting are over now that they're getting paid starter money. Look no further than David Sanders.

You’re not even attaching the correct evidence to your argument.

If Brandon is going to transfer out because he doesn’t start as a freshman, then Nico transferring out IN SPITE OF THE FACT HE STARTED, but wanted more NIL is not a fact in your favor. It’s not analogous. The fact is, Nico sat as a freshman after getting a record NIL deal, which is evidence against your argument.

Either your argument is that Brandon will transfer due to lack of immediate PT (and if that’s your argument, then there is plenty of evidence to the contrary that shows 5*s are willing to sit), OR your argument is that Brandon will transfer due to perceived lack of NIL like Nico did (and if that’s your argument, you need to show what Brandon will be making at UT and why that will be unsatisfactory). But you can’t conflate the evidence for one argument while asserting another argument and expect anyone to think you’re making a valid point. You’re not.

And the David Sanders case is actually evidence in favor of my position…he’s starting Day 1 because who the hell else was going to. Day 1 starting freshmen start because their is a void.

Again, both QBs will be given a shot next year. The best one will start. That might be GMac, that might be Faizon. But Josh Heupel isn’t going to start a QB who was outperformed preseason because he makes more NIL. The suggestion is laughable.

 

[JCVol00]

Brandon went 11-16 for 166 yards and a td, as well as a rushing td, not sure about the yards rushing wise. Grimsley ran mostly tunnel and bubble screens as the o-line was not good

 

[volfan411]

I think the Nico and Brandon situation are completely different arguments. Nico knew Joe was a senior and he would be handed the job as a sophomore. If Brandon loses the spot to Gmac he is likely looking at sitting for 3 seasons and I just am not sure a player of his capability would be willing to do that.

On a side note isn’t it great we get to have this discussion?? How many other teams will have to QB’s with a Gmac and Brandon on it next spring??

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

You’re not even attaching the correct evidence to your argument.

If Brandon is going to transfer out because he doesn’t start as a freshman, then Nico transferring out IN SPITE OF THE FACT HE STARTED, but wanted more NIL is not a fact in your favor. It’s not analogous. The fact is, Nico sat as a freshman after getting a record NIL deal, which is evidence against your argument.

Either your argument is that Brandon will transfer due to lack of immediate PT (and if that’s your argument, then there is plenty of evidence to the contrary that shows 5*s are willing to sit), OR your argument is that Brandon will transfer due to perceived lack of NIL like Nico did (and if that’s your argument, you need to show what Brandon will be making at UT and why that will be unsatisfactory). But you can’t conflate the evidence for one argument while asserting another argument and expect anyone to think you’re making a valid point. You’re not.

And the David Sanders case is actually evidence in favor of my position…he’s starting Day 1 because who the hell else was going to. Day 1 starting freshmen start because their is a void.

Again, both QBs will be given a shot next year. The best one will start. That might be GMac, that might be Faizon. But Josh Heupel isn’t going to start a QB who was outperformed preseason because he makes more NIL. The suggestion is laughable.

No my argument is Faizon will start regardless of how he or GMac looks because of the money he's getting paid. No different than why 1st round QBs start even if they don't look great in practice. Your salary determines how you get treated early on. In particular how much financial investment the team makes in you. The more money a team has invested the more rope you get as a player to prove yourself. Faizon is a lock to start for us next year.

I'm telling you what's coming while you're hung up on the past. This offseason will be the new normal. Teams will base their budgets on who to pay and who to let walk. Think of Squirrel White. He's a real good player. But he wanted #1 WR money. We didn't view him as that so we let him walk. We didn't replace him with another receiver in the portal cause there wasn't a true #1 for us to spend money on. What we're gonna do is replace him with a younger cheaper guy who we think has potential.

College is like the NFL now in that regard. NFL teams let experienced guys looking for money walk in free agency and replace them with cheaper draft picks. The first round picks play early because of the financial investment while the cheap late round picks and undrafted free agents provide depth. Five stars are like 1st round picks. Which is why they'll begin playing sooner than ever thanks to how much money it now takes just to get one of them on your team. David Sanders was always gonna start because of how much we are paying him.

 

[MarcoVol]

I think the Nico and Brandon situation are completely different arguments. Nico knew Joe was a senior and he would be handed the job as a sophomore. If Brandon loses the spot to Gmac he is likely looking at sitting for 3 seasons and I just am not sure a player of his capability would be willing to do that.

On a side note isn’t it great we get to have this discussion?? How many other teams will have to QB’s with a Gmac and Brandon on it next spring??

If Brandon is *that* good and GMac still beats him out, he would have to sit for 2 seasons not 3. If GMac beats Brandon out and he’s not good enough to bounce after Y3 then that should tell you some things.

 

[MarcoVol]

No my argument is Faizon will start regardless of how he or GMac looks because of the money he's getting paid. No different than why 1st round QBs start even if they don't look great in practice. Your salary determines how you get treated early on. In particular how much financial investment the team makes in you. The more money a team has invested the more rope you get as a player to prove yourself. Faizon is a lock to start for us next year.

I'm telling you what's coming while you're hung up on the past. This offseason will be the new normal. Teams will base their budgets on who to pay and who to let walk. Think of Squirrel White. He's a real good player. But he wanted #1 WR money. We didn't view him as that so we let him walk. We didn't replace him with another receiver in the portal cause there wasn't a true #1 for us to spend money on. What we're gonna do is replace him with a younger cheaper guy who we think has potential.

College is like the NFL now in that regard. NFL teams let experienced guys looking for money walk in free agency and replace them with cheaper draft picks. The first round picks play early because of the financial investment while the cheap late round picks and undrafted free agents provide depth.

“Don’t be hung up on the past, I’m telling you the future. To hammer home my point, let’s take a look at this example from….the past.”

Dude you are too funny

 

[swampfoxfan]

NIL changes everything. Its like thinking a first round NFL QB won't start. If you make a significant financial investment in a player he will play. It'll be on him to prove he can't play. Just like how first round QBs get the chance to start early on whether they deserve it or not. Its only after they prove they're a bust the team moves on.

Times have changed in college football now that players are getting paid. Especially highly regarded five stars who come in as true freshman with seven figure salaries.

Nil does not increase ability,knowledge, or maturity. Some things money can't buy.

 

[NighthawkVol]

.

 

[volfan411]

Then you’ve already been proven wrong. The fact that you don’t know it makes you no less wrong.

Agreed. No way CJH starts a player based on money or fear for transferring.

 

[NighthawkVol]

No my argument is Faizon will start regardless of how he or GMac looks because of the money he's getting paid.

Then you’ve already been proven wrong. The fact that you don’t know it makes you no less wrong.

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

“Don’t be hung up on the past, I’m telling you the future. To hammer home my point, let’s take a look at this example from….the past.”

Dude you are too funny

I already said this offseason is a sign of what's to come. Everyone was going crazy about all the player movement. Expect that to be the new normal. Guys will ask for pay raises every offseason. The coaches will determine who to pay and who not to. The projected starters like Rickey Gibson will get paid even if they act out. Guys who overvalue themselves like Nico will be let go. Young guys will be called upon each year to be the depth.

This will be the new normal. The days of juniors and seniors being the majority of the two deep are over. Money and not experience will now determine roster position. And if five star true freshman are getting paid top of the market money they will be asked to play immediately. Just like how 1st round picks are called to play immediately because they're getting paid like starters.

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

Then you’ve already been proven wrong. The fact that you don’t know it makes you no less wrong.

Just wait and see. The NFL has proven this for ages. Teams sometimes draft 2 QBs in the same draft. The guy drafted in the first round always gets the first shot regardless of how good the later round pick looks in practice. Its only after the 1st rounder flames out that the late round guy even gets a shot. RG3 and Kirk Cousins being the most recent example.

Faizon is our equivalent of a 1st round pick. He'll be given the first shot at proving himself. The less heralded prospect will only play after the more heralded one proves himself to not be good.

 

[Dobbs 4 Heisman]

Nil does not increase ability,knowledge, or maturity. Some things money can't buy.

True. I'm not saying the guy whose getting paid more money will be better. Just saying money talks. And the bigger salary guy will get the first shot at proving themselves.

 

[Jackcrevol]

Found the broadcast for the Grimsley game friday

Couple of observations.

- Only saw 1 player listed as a D1 prospect, on W Charlotte's team. I'm floored.
- W Cha is solid. And easily couldve won that game. They are fast, long limbed, and well coached. I cant believe they dont have more big time prospects.
- Grimsley has an OT committed to VPI. They got absolutely manhandled.
- Sloppy on LoS. Understandable considering the stage and competition level. Missed blocks, missed lanes, procedure penalties...
- Grimsley has an Austin Rogers at Receiver
- #5 for W Cha is a player
- Interior of W Cha reminds me of TN's
- Outside of a slant, and couple well designed passing routes, FB was Grimsley's offense. Clearly best player on the field. Competitor. And a leader. Just what you want.
- I do NOT love Grimsley's offense. It reminds me of Clemson's. It tries to get cute, and QB to designed run out of the gun. Short, intermediate throws for 1st downs.
-FB will feast in an actual offense

 

[JCVol00]

Couple of observations.

- Only saw 1 player listed as a D1 prospect, on W Charlotte's team. I'm floored.
- W Cha is solid. And easily couldve won that game. They are fast, long limbed, and well coached. I cant believe they dont have more big time prospects.
- Grimsley has an OT committed to VPI. They got absolutely manhandled.
- Sloppy on LoS. Understandable considering the stage and competition level. Missed blocks, missed lanes, procedure penalties...
- Grimsley has an Austin Rogers at Receiver
- #5 for W Cha is a player
- Interior of W Cha reminds me of TN's
- Outside of a slant, and couple well designed passing routes, FB was Grimsley's offense. Clearly best player on the field. Competitor. And a leader. Just what you want.
- I do NOT love Grimsley's offense. It reminds me of Clemson's. It tries to get cute, and QB to designed run out of the gun. Short, intermediate throws for 1st downs.
-FB will feast in an actual offense

Grimslet was starting 3 new OL, and they were getting manhandled all game long

 

[Jackcrevol]

Grimslet was starting 3 new OL, and they were getting manhandled all game long

I think the missed blocks were biggest thing. Lucky to have FB.

 

[JCVol00]

I think the Nico and Brandon situation are completely different arguments. Nico knew Joe was a senior and he would be handed the job as a sophomore. If Brandon loses the spot to Gmac he is likely looking at sitting for 3 seasons and I just am not sure a player of his capability would be willing to do that.

On a side note isn’t it great we get to have this discussion?? How many other teams will have to QB’s with a Gmac and Brandon on it next spring??

Personally, I think Faizon has a great chance to start as a freshman. No knock on GMac, i think he will earn the 2nd string spot soon here, but I just dont think his body can put on the muscle needed to withstand a whole season in the SEC. I could be wrong, I hope I am wrong for his sake. Faizon already has an sec qb build and will be physically ready after summer workouts next year. But yes, to ur point it is a great position to be in because I think both qb’s are elite

 

[MarcoVol]

Personally, I think Faizon has a great chance to start as a freshman. No knock on GMac, i think he will earn the 2nd string spot soon here, but I just dont think his body can put on the muscle needed to withstand a whole season in the SEC. I could be wrong, I hope I am wrong for his sake. Faizon already has an sec qb build and will be physically ready after summer workouts next year. But yes, to ur point it is a great position to be in because I think both qb’s are elite

GMac’s frame can absolutely hold the weight needed. And supposedly they had to dig into why he couldn’t keep weight on and have made progress there

 

[JCVol00]

GMac’s frame can absolutely hold the weight needed. And supposedly they had to dig into why he couldn’t keep weight on and have made progress there

What a good problem to have though

 

[OrangeMoundTNVol]

Personally, I think Faizon has a great chance to start as a freshman. No knock on GMac, i think he will earn the 2nd string spot soon here, but I just dont think his body can put on the muscle needed to withstand a whole season in the SEC. I could be wrong, I hope I am wrong for his sake. Faizon already has an sec qb build and will be physically ready after summer workouts next year. But yes, to ur point it is a great position to be in because I think both qb’s are elite

I’m not believing Heup will start a true freshman at QB until I see it. Didn’t think Elarbee would start a freshman either but here we are. We shall see I guess.

 

[OrangeMoundTNVol]

GMac’s frame can absolutely hold the weight needed. And supposedly they had to dig into why he couldn’t keep weight on and have made progress there

Him already being 200lbs is encouraging, should easily be 215 by spring. They’ll have him in the weight/nutrition heavily this fall unless he is forced to play this year. Which, IMO, is very much possible if JA struggles the first four games or so.

 

[JCVol00]

I’m not believing Heup will start a true freshman at QB until I see it. Didn’t think Elarbee would start a freshman either but here we are. We shall see I guess.

If we were to, we’d definitely have the right schedule for it. Our non conference schedule is already set:

September 5: vs Furman
September 12: @georgia tech
September 19: vs Kennesaw State

Definitely Would set up nicely for us to get him in a rhythm

 

[Buzzbait]

I'm looking at the money. Tell me the last time a high first round QB in the NFL draft didn't start in Year 1? Mahomes in 2017? And he had a guy playing MVP caliber ball who took his team to the playoffs for several years ahead of him.

College football is now like the NFL due to NIL. Money talks. And when a player is getting paid big bucks he'll be playing. You don't pay a guy millions to sit on the bench.

But we paid Nico $2M to sit on the bench.

 

[OrangeMoundTNVol]

If we were to, we’d definitely have the right schedule for it. Our non conference schedule is already set:

September 5: vs Furman
September 12: @georgia tech
September 19: vs Kennesaw State

Definitely Would set up nicely for us to get him in a rhythm

Agree, it eventually has to happen and there is not a better prospect to do it with. One itsy bitsy pause I also have about Brandon starting right away is that I’ve yet to see him have one of those big 400 yard passing games at the HS level. A lot of his final stats dating back to last year usually see him passing for about 200+ with around 16 attempts. Granted, they were usually up big by halftime and didn’t have to pass. But I sure as hell would be slinging around the yard if I had the #1 QB in the nation.

The kid is going to need reps, and lots of it. And that’s fine, Cam Newton had to sit behind Tebow. I know Tebow end up being a great college QB, but I for one am glad we didn’t experience Urban with Cam at QB. I’m looking for FB to take over year 2 unless GMac had one of those seasons that turns him into a NFL prospect.

 

[Vol423]

Idk why y’all still engage him in “conversation”

Agreed.