Time for Merk

#78
#78
Like Gibson, it's leverage. This late after Spring ball, Nico leaving is harder on UT than it is on him.

=IF= UT thinks Nico, like Gibson, is a player they cannot lose, they'll pay up and Nico plays at UT, likely gets drafted pretty well and starts trying to prove he behind in the NFL.

If not, he transfers for a year and is still likely drafted pretty well and starts trying to prove he belongs in the NFL.

Either way, the goal is the same. Get to the NFL. If you can squeeze some extra millions on the way, gravy.

D*ck move without a doubt but pro players make d*ck moves for money all the time.
The other d*ck move was the family crapping all over the On3 reporter and basically calling him a liar. Less than 24 hours later, we see that the On3 reporter was correct all along.
 
#82
#82
Like Gibson, it's leverage. This late after Spring ball, Nico leaving is harder on UT than it is on him.

=IF= UT thinks Nico, like Gibson, is a player they cannot lose, they'll pay up and Nico plays at UT, likely gets drafted pretty well and starts trying to prove he behind in the NFL.

If not, he transfers for a year and is still likely drafted pretty well and starts trying to prove he belongs in the NFL.

Either way, the goal is the same. Get to the NFL. If you can squeeze some extra millions on the way, gravy.

D*ck move without a doubt but pro players make d*ck moves for money all the time.
You can negotiate what's in front of you and rationalize a "better deal" but still be shortsighted on opportunity revenue. Very few schools... have the rabid fan base that buys "all things orange" for a lifetime. Even if you stay, but are pegged as an A$$ clown, the $$$ damage is done... Whatever, it's a new world...if he's gone, time for next up...snap and clear...
 
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#86
#86
You can negotiate what's in front of you and rationalize a "better deal" but still be shortsighted on opportunity revenue. Very few schools... have the rabid fan base that buys "all things orange" for a lifetime. Even if you stay, but are pegged as an A$$ clown, the $$$ damage is done... Whatever, it's a new world...if he's gone, time for next up...snap and clear...
It wouldn't displease me if Nico ends up with less NIL elsewhere than at UT but Google "NCAA QB NIL values" and you'll see the market for QBs favors him getting close to, if not more, than the $2M or so he's currently getting.

It is what it is. Dirty leverage but it's a dirty game.
 
#87
#87
Worse is not making the playoffs. That was what Nico did in his first year.
Nico was part of it, but we were toast w/o a stellar D and good RB. Not to diminish Nico, but it is what it is. Now, maybe if he played to $8MM level, that's an entirely different subject all together.
 
#89
#89
Not sure you give the keys to an unproven. Nico gone frees up capital for more.
Merk is in the exact same position as Nico was. Mostly sat his first year, little playing time, but highly touted qb. He might just be the guy that it clicks for him when he’s on the field. He may just see the field and coverages better than Nico. Apparently has looked really good in practice. Still a fall camp to go. Not sure what QB would be out there at this point.
 
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#91
#91
I'll take the "everything school" 100 times out of 100 times.
Id rather be elite at football. Using other sports to talk smack to other schools is a consolation prize when you're not good at football. Haven't watched a full baseball game in my life. Men's Basketball is the only other sport I somewhat care about and it's nowhere near the level of football. Not saying you have to agree but I do believe there is a reason Neyland holds 100k and TBA holds 20k.
 
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#92
#92
And to posters who say it isn’t our money paying NIL. Ticket prices increased to help fund NIL. And I paid it, plus gave to Spyre. I just don’t see how we are in this situation as surely TN knew Nico was unhappy w his deal.
Maybe they knew he or his family was, but that don’t mean they have to pay it. If it’s true he wanted 4 million for next year his play has not warranted it. GBO
 
#93
#93
Nico was part of it, but we were toast w/o a stellar D and good RB. Not to diminish Nico, but it is what it is. Now, maybe if he played to $8MM level, that's an entirely different subject all together.
Nico was average or at least shown to be average with the WR group.
 
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#96
#96
Id rather be elite at football. Using other sports to talk smack to other schools is a consolation prize when you're not good at football. Haven't watched a full baseball game in my life. Men's Basketball is the only other sport I somewhat care about and it's nowhere near the level of football. Not saying you have to agree but I do believe there is a reason Neyland holds 100k and TBA holds 20k.
As much as I love football and for as long as I have loved UT Football, over the last 5 years it has been really nice being called a “everything school”. Almost all of our teams, football, basketball, baseball and softball ranked in top 10 every year and with baseball winning the National Championship last year, Up until 2022 I had never watched a MLB or college baseball game in my life and I’m 58 yrs old. CTV has made that sport watchable. Maybe it’s the “we are the bad guys and we embrace that” mentality but for whatever reason I’ll take the everything school! But I also understand your point.
 
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#99
#99
UT should go after Gaston Moore in portal. In the fall let Merk G Mac and Moore battle for the starting job
 

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