Portal 2024-25

[BambooRdApp]

Serious question- do some of you guys lack complete originality? The reason I ask is because some the repeated (quite frankly) dumb retorts like the alleged excuses for poor football results have completely exhausted their humor. Sometimes it’s really ok to move the hell on.

I do see irony in this statement and request related to scrolling on

[Bigdaddyg1]

Serious question- do some of you guys lack complete originality? The reason I ask is because some the repeated (quite frankly) dumb retorts like the alleged excuses for poor football results have completely exhausted their humor. Sometimes it’s really ok to move the hell on.

I do see irony in this statement and request related to scrolling on

Yeah no kidding. Scroll on Garth

[AppSt94]

Something to keep in mind is that not all portal defections are player driven. The coaches and players hold exit interviews at the end of the season, and sometimes in season where playing time and roles are set for next season. Candid conversations around work ethic and fit are had and guys are advised that staying around isn’t in their best interest, or that of the team.

[BambooRdApp]

Serious question- do some of you guys lack complete originality? The reason I ask is because some the repeated (quite frankly) dumb retorts like the alleged excuses for poor football results have completely exhausted their humor. Sometimes it’s really ok to move the hell on.

I do see irony in this statement and request related to scrolling on

Yeah no kidding. Scroll on Garth

Sure thing Wayne

[asu2000]

Do we anticipate any returners getting NIL money? Makai?

I like this question - we are 5 and 5 - who would be poaching our players with money? Do we even need to pay anyone to stay. I am not being caddy, but we had a paid offense and our biggest payout ROI was not that great. We seem to have a QB ready to go for next year? Most of the team names are under the radar, I might be crazy for saying this, but should we say come back next year and earn your check to everyone? We will pay you or you will be so good someone else will pay you after next season? I honestly feel like only a handful of players might need a small check but who is burning up the airwaves of conversation to actually use any NIL money we have?

[311neers]

Do we anticipate any returners getting NIL money? Makai?

I like this question - we are 5 and 5 - who would be poaching our players with money? Do we even need to pay anyone to stay. I am not being caddy, but we had a paid offense and our biggest payout ROI was not that great. We seem to have a QB ready to go for next year? Most of the team names are under the radar, I might be crazy for saying this, but should we say come back next year and earn your check to everyone? We will pay you or you will be so good someone else will pay you after next season? I honestly feel like only a handful of players might need a small check but who is burning up the airwaves of conversation to actually use any NIL money we have?

Definitely worrisome that no one is “poaching” our guys. That either means 1. We don’t have the dudes or 2. The guys want to stay in Boone. Sure, we’ve had a few that made the jump to P4 (McLeod, Noel, Everette) and some that could have probably done it (Joey and Nate) but for the most part over 5 years of TP, it just doesn’t seem like we’ve had a slew of “poachable” guys.

[Bigdaddyg1]

Do we anticipate any returners getting NIL money? Makai?

I like this question - we are 5 and 5 - who would be poaching our players with money? Do we even need to pay anyone to stay. I am not being caddy, but we had a paid offense and our biggest payout ROI was not that great. We seem to have a QB ready to go for next year? Most of the team names are under the radar, I might be crazy for saying this, but should we say come back next year and earn your check to everyone? We will pay you or you will be so good someone else will pay you after next season? I honestly feel like only a handful of players might need a small check but who is burning up the airwaves of conversation to actually use any NIL money we have?

Definitely worrisome that no one is “poaching” our guys. That either means 1. We don’t have the dudes or 2. The guys want to stay in Boone. Sure, we’ve had a few that made the jump to P4 (McLeod, Noel, Everette) and some that could have probably done it (Joey and Nate) but for the most part over 5 years of TP, it just doesn’t seem like we’ve had a slew of “poachable” guys.

Hasn’t it been documented and said that at least half of the guys who enter the portal never go anywhere else? If that’s accurate then we are not alone. Seems like dudes everywhere can get poached or can test the waters and come up empty. Does every team now have guys paid to watch film of every single game in order to look for players to pursue? Are the big boys watching App v JMU game tape to look for players to steal? Seems doubtful

[AppSt94]

Is it widely assumed that guys that go were poached and guys that stay were not contacted? Either scenario isn’t the only conclusion that can be drawn. Given the lack of public information provided with these situations, it is difficult to disseminate between information and mis-information.

[BallantyneApp]

Do we anticipate any returners getting NIL money? Makai?

I like this question - we are 5 and 5 - who would be poaching our players with money? Do we even need to pay anyone to stay. I am not being caddy, but we had a paid offense and our biggest payout ROI was not that great. We seem to have a QB ready to go for next year? Most of the team names are under the radar, I might be crazy for saying this, but should we say come back next year and earn your check to everyone? We will pay you or you will be so good someone else will pay you after next season? I honestly feel like only a handful of players might need a small check but who is burning up the airwaves of conversation to actually use any NIL money we have?

Definitely worrisome that no one is “poaching” our guys. That either means 1. We don’t have the dudes or 2. The guys want to stay in Boone. Sure, we’ve had a few that made the jump to P4 (McLeod, Noel, Everette) and some that could have probably done it (Joey and Nate) but for the most part over 5 years of TP, it just doesn’t seem like we’ve had a slew of “poachable” guys.

I don't mind it really. To borrow a phrase from the finance world "time in the market beats timing the market" the best way to build a G5 team now is to still target and get 90% of your players that don't have the measureables for the P4 to poach, guys that are a little too short, light etc, and then build them up in a culture. Have your 3-4 guys that fall through the cracks and have a good year or two and then move up to P4 too. Look at Navy Army this year. The G5 teams that can keep a core together for 3-4 years to learn how to play together are going to do better than the teams that get more "talent" but have to replace it every year.

[Pikapp79]

Do we anticipate any returners getting NIL money? Makai?

I like this question - we are 5 and 5 - who would be poaching our players with money? Do we even need to pay anyone to stay. I am not being caddy, but we had a paid offense and our biggest payout ROI was not that great. We seem to have a QB ready to go for next year? Most of the team names are under the radar, I might be crazy for saying this, but should we say come back next year and earn your check to everyone? We will pay you or you will be so good someone else will pay you after next season? I honestly feel like only a handful of players might need a small check but who is burning up the airwaves of conversation to actually use any NIL money we have?

Definitely worrisome that no one is “poaching” our guys. That either means 1. We don’t have the dudes or 2. The guys want to stay in Boone. Sure, we’ve had a few that made the jump to P4 (McLeod, Noel, Everette) and some that could have probably done it (Joey and Nate) but for the most part over 5 years of TP, it just doesn’t seem like we’ve had a slew of “poachable” guys.

I don't mind it really. To borrow a phrase from the finance world "time in the market beats timing the market" the best way to build a G5 team now is to still target and get 90% of your players that don't have the measureables for the P4 to poach, guys that are a little too short, light etc, and then build them up in a culture. Have your 3-4 guys that fall through the cracks and have a good year or two and then move up to P4 too. Look at Navy Army this year. The G5 teams that can keep a core together for 3-4 years to learn how to play together are going to do better than the teams that get more "talent" but have to replace it every year.

Soon as you develop them they are gone. Transfer portal is the critical component of today’s pitiful college game. Build and rebuild every year.

[Saint3333]

Many athletes are using the portal as a graceful exit from the game, not just their program. These exits occurred for decades without fans really noticing.

I track TP on a net basis of how many of our transfers out are picked up and how many we gain. The "picked up" part is the key.

[kornegaylw]

Do we anticipate any returners getting NIL money? Makai?

I like this question - we are 5 and 5 - who would be poaching our players with money? Do we even need to pay anyone to stay. I am not being caddy, but we had a paid offense and our biggest payout ROI was not that great. We seem to have a QB ready to go for next year? Most of the team names are under the radar, I might be crazy for saying this, but should we say come back next year and earn your check to everyone? We will pay you or you will be so good someone else will pay you after next season? I honestly feel like only a handful of players might need a small check but who is burning up the airwaves of conversation to actually use any NIL money we have?

Definitely worrisome that no one is “poaching” our guys. That either means 1. We don’t have the dudes or 2. The guys want to stay in Boone. Sure, we’ve had a few that made the jump to P4 (McLeod, Noel, Everette) and some that could have probably done it (Joey and Nate) but for the most part over 5 years of TP, it just doesn’t seem like we’ve had a slew of “poachable” guys.

I don't mind it really. To borrow a phrase from the finance world "time in the market beats timing the market" the best way to build a G5 team now is to still target and get 90% of your players that don't have the measureables for the P4 to poach, guys that are a little too short, light etc, and then build them up in a culture. Have your 3-4 guys that fall through the cracks and have a good year or two and then move up to P4 too. Look at Navy Army this year. The G5 teams that can keep a core together for 3-4 years to learn how to play together are going to do better than the teams that get more "talent" but have to replace it every year.

Yes! I said this in another thread a few weeks back....Army, Navy & Air Force are going to get cyclically good.

The TP is in its infancy and in a few years we won't fear it like some do now. A whole new generation of coaches, administrators, players, boosters, fans, etc. will know how to live and work with it.

I believe in the near future incoming freshman will sign 2 year "deals" where they will be compensated financially based on their on field participation. This will give them time to develop and NIL money won't be "wasted" on a 18 year old who doesn't see the field. After their second year they sign 1 or 2 year deals based on talent/contributions. I believe this system will allow for roster continuity and program stability...that's what everyone wants and to me it seems fair.

[Bootsy]

Many athletes are using the portal as a graceful exit from the game, not just their program. These exits occurred for decades without fans really noticing.

I track TP on a net basis of how many of our transfers out are picked up and how many we gain. The "picked up" part is the key.

Very true. In this day and age, “I’m entering the Portal” can mean a lot of things including

• “I don’t have the skills to play college football”

• “I’m not bright enough to learn the scheme they run here"

• “I never had to work to be a starter and I’m too lazy to do it now"

• “I’m not bright/dedicated enough to get a college education."

[Saint3333]

How about we go with I’m looking for a normal college student experience vs thinking the worst of these kids.

I can’t imagine the sacrifice these kids make to play at a high level these days.

[Appmountaineers19]

How about we go with I’m looking for a normal college student experience vs thinking the worst of these kids.

I can’t imagine the sacrifice these kids make to play at a high level these days.

100%

[Mjohn1988]

I just find it crazy that the portal opens before the season ends.

[AppSt94]

I just find it crazy that the portal opens before the season ends.

It’s not officially open to undergrads for a couple more weeks. Grad students can go in at anytime.

[Bootsy]

How about we go with I’m looking for a normal college student experience vs thinking the worst of these kids.

I can’t imagine the sacrifice these kids make to play at a high level these days.

100%

Help me understand: how is this “thinking the worst of these kids?”

Some players explore the TP for reasons we’re all familiar with: NIL opportunities elsewhere; a shot at playing for a P4; the possibility of more PT elsewhere, candid conversations with coaches where they learn they aren’t cutting it/aren’t a good fit, they’re done playing ball and just want to be a student, etc.

What I listed above are also legitimate reasons players opt for the TP. Not necessarily App players, but players across college football. While you may believe I’m being harsh/critical of players, that doesn’t make it any less true. Entering the TP provides these players a graceful exit versus them just disappearing at the end of football season.

Where App is concerned, I do believe Clark and his staff do a good job vetting players to ensure they can meet the rigor of football and academics at App. But it’s an art, not a science.

[Appmountaineers19]

How about we go with I’m looking for a normal college student experience vs thinking the worst of these kids.

I can’t imagine the sacrifice these kids make to play at a high level these days.

100%

Help me understand: how is this “thinking the worst of these kids?”

Some players explore the TP for reasons we’re all familiar with: NIL opportunities elsewhere; a shot at playing for a P4; the possibility of more PT elsewhere, candid conversations with coaches where they learn they aren’t cutting it/aren’t a good fit, they’re done playing ball and just want to be a student, etc.

What I listed above are also legitimate reasons players opt for the TP. Not necessarily App players, but players across college football. While you may believe I’m being harsh/critical of players, that doesn’t make it any less true. Entering the TP provides these players a graceful exit versus them just disappearing at the end of football season.

Where App is concerned, I do believe Clark and his staff do a good job vetting players to ensure they can meet the rigor of football and academics at App. But it’s an art, not a science.

So I knew the # was high but didn't realize about 30% give or take of D1 and D2 athletes walk away from scholarships before they graduate. Some for the reasons you stated above. A lot of kids find "themselves" in college and realize there's more to life than sports - the social aspect and being a regular student is their main focus (burnout). That was the main reason I had teammates quit. There may be a few that use the TP to "gracefully" bow out because of what people on message boards are saying about them. The majority of the players that choose not to play anymore could care less what you or I think. Being in a high level sport isn't for everyone.

As for the TP - A LOT of athletes are getting bad advice about going in. For the majority- the ONLY reason you should enter the TP is if you have a landing spot already secure. That why over 50% never find a home.

[Mjohn1988]

I just find it crazy that the portal opens before the season ends.

It’s not officially open to undergrads for a couple more weeks. Grad students can go in at anytime.

Well that’s much better. Thanks for the explanation.