Both Chandler and Johnson spent 4 years or it's equivalent on The Hill and of the two Johnson would have started and Chandler would likely have slipped down the depth chart or at the minimum gotten less carries next season even if remained a lissted starter. He knows whatsup and I remain a fan of his. Shrout was going to be nothing more than a clipboard carrier had he returned, he had no future with playing time on The Hill. Buchanon's role had he returned would have been significantly reduced, we've got DBs falling all over each other on the roster with more coming in via recruiting. Pope has been hands of stone since he arrived. Lowe was going to play, where? When? Elsewhere and he knows it.
Really? You think there's high level competition in UT's secondary? They were sieve. You are assuming that these experienced players will simply be replaced by young players who are better. That's far from a guarantee.
Chandler would have been pretty critical if Gray is ineligible.
Shrout was competitive with HB... even if he's just there in case HB is injured (assuming Maurer is done at UT) then that's important depth. UT doesn't have an effective TE.
Lowe has the right measurables at a position of need. Overrated? I don't know. But he's 2 years into his career and should be someone that's been developed to help.
But again... you are dismissing these guys but there's no proof someone better is behind them. This roster could get really ugly if this type of attrition continues.
Pope likely would have started if not for his back injury.... at worst he would have been experienced depth at a position of need.