App Transfer Portal 2025 - IN

[311neers]

As stated. #3 for the day. I'm still working on back building a profile for him but here's his posting...

Moose, Was this a big weekend for visits?
They got to see the snow and weather first hand and fell in love. Mountain Strong!

[firemoose]

As stated. #3 for the day. I'm still working on back building a profile for him but here's his posting...

Moose, Was this a big weekend for visits?
They got to see the snow and weather first hand and fell in love. Mountain Strong!

We did have several visitors in the past few days. The visits are not the usual 3 days weekend types right now but more get them in whenever and however it works. I expect we'll have a couple more announcements soon-ish, but probably done for today. These were the three I was expecting. But we'll be finishing up soon for this cycle given we're only a week from classes starting and anyone we bring in has to go through the registration process and that takes a few days to complete, plus they have to move and find housing as well.

[704App]

I am sure Coach DLo will sleep better tonight knowing you are willing to give the kid a second chance

Oh, my bad—I didn’t realize opinions weren’t allowed here. Apologies for daring to express a concern about the kid we were discussing. I’ll be sure to do better next time, Your Majesty!

[ASUTodd]

I’m not sure how I feel about the Arkansas RB commitment. He was suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules this past season. While he did earn his way back onto the field, which speaks to some accountability, that’s not typically the kind of situation we associate with players at App.

That said, hopefully, the suspension was a wake-up call, and it’s all in the past. And let’s be honest—it’s not like the previous staff didn’t have some players with some red flags. I’m willing to give the kid a chance, and who knows? Maybe I’ll end up eating crow on this one! Fingers crossed it’s all smooth sailing from here.

I'm always weary once someone shows their true colors. The helmet swinger should have been gone the day the incident happened. New college for the Arkansas guy so new day to show he's got what it takes to keep himself inline and be a team player. I'm with you on this one.

[704App]

Let me give you a specific example of how hard it is to do real journalism and maintain access. Keep in mind this story takes place with a different administration at App State so no reflection on the current people there. When I ran AppStateNation (pre 247) I was frustrated that all of these "journalists" weren't getting any info about conference realignment (we were trying to get in Sun Belt/CUSA at the time). You could ask all the questions you wanted but they of course weren't going to answer openly about confidential discussions. Looking back I don't blame them, but at the time I didn't get it.

Finally I just researched how to do a FOIA request and submitted one. App State STILL refused to answer. They sent me a polite letter saying more or less to pound sand. I would have basically had to get a lawyer and I was 19 years old so that wasn't an option. So I got creative and I sent a FOIA request to Georgia Southern since I knew they were in a similar situation. They asked me for $20 to cover printing costs, which I provided. In return I immediately got a giant stack of emails and charts between the Sun Belt/Georgia Southern which included information about App State. I posted it on my blog and actually NBC Sports cited my blog as a source. Here's one example of a site citing me: https://www.aseaofred.com/new-informati ... alignment/. At the time I was really proud of myself.

What did I get in return for that "journalism"? About half of the people who read the articles called me a liar said I made the whole thing up for clicks. The school didn't trust me for years and it was hard for me to get interviews even when I worked at 247. And in the end we all found out we were going to the Sun Belt soon enough when the news was official anyway. So I burned bridges basically for nothing.

This situation underscores exactly why having a dedicated journalist and beat writer is so important, in my opinion. I’m sorry you had to deal with being called a liar and similar accusations—it’s an unfortunate part of journalism today, and it’s a tough job to say the least.

When we had coverage from writers like Strelow and Wilkerson-New, we had access to insights we don’t have now. They excelled at asking the right questions and providing the context needed for readers to draw their own conclusions—without burning bridges. They didn’t even have to spell out the answers; the context clues they provided allowed readers to piece things together themselves.

Additionally, having beat writers like them meant more information for everyone, including the "little guys." Press conferences played a significant role, and the administration often chose to share information directly because they knew it was going to come out anyway—it was better to frame it in their own words.

If you are a journalist covering a program you better kiss administration butt. The same with radio broadcast. If you become anything but a yes man you are history. Just take it for what it’s worth.

Let’s agree to disagree on this. Strelow and Wilkerson-New excelled at providing fans with the information they needed without pandering to the administration. They were so effective, in fact, that Strelow was even offered a job! Administrations and coaches understand and respect the role of journalists who approach their work professionally. However, they lose respect for journalists who inject personal bias into their reporting or go behind their backs to gather information—those actions inevitably burn bridges.

What earns respect (and sometimes even job offers) is handling sensitive information with integrity. For example, if someone in the department says, "We have a 5-star recruit visiting today, but we need to keep it under wraps," you might report something like, "Top prospects are visiting campus this weekend, and here’s a breakdown of potential offers and priority recruits." This approach respects the source’s request while still providing valuable information to the audience. It lets readers draw their own conclusions.

To be clear, this example is just that—an example. It’s meant to illustrate the balance journalists must strike between respecting sources and providing value to readers. On the other hand, what burns bridges is taking that same information and deducing, "Based on the offers out there, it must be this recruit," and publishing that. It’s a fine line to walk, but it’s essential in this industry.

And until we get a true beat writer, a fan-run site like 24/7 is unlikely to gather more information than what’s already available in public forums—unless higher-ups at 24/7 with established connections get involved. In many ways, it’s no different from platforms like this one when it comes to access to information. In fact, I’ve personally found that I often get better information faster here than I ever did on 24/7, which is why I ultimately canceled my subscription and joined this community. And yes, I was warned about the toxic nature, but the ignore button works wonders for filtering that out!

This is one of the reasons my aspirations to be a journalist faded when I became a student manager and saw how things really worked behind the scenes. It was challenging then, and it’s even tougher now. I’m still in the sports reporting industry (well, until my recent retirement), though not as a journalist.

Navigating this dynamic isn’t easy, but I appreciate the effort it takes to strike that balance. It’s a critical skill for any journalist in the field. I can't speak on radio as that is a completely different animal that I know nothing about -- except it's completely different than what I deal with.

I would agree the average 247 site isn't going to get the same information as a newspaper beat writer would. But I don't think it would be fair to say they only get the same information as an average fan does. When I was at 247 I did get on email lists that press got on, I could sit in the box as press if I requested it, and I did txt with people in the administration (at the time) with quick questions and confirmations. Additionally I had recruits txting me all the time with small news like visit dates and pictures from their visits. So they do have information that the average fan wouldn't get until later.

I think this is where we differ in perspective. Most 247 sites offer genuine inside information that isn’t typically accessible to standard beat writers. Even the site you referenced, despite not being affiliated with any organization (albeit for different reasons,) manages to provide inside information.

What we currently have is someone running a fan site, largely working with information that’s accessible to the public. We don’t seem to have anyone actively presenting true inside information, or at least not in a way that provides unique value. Personally, I kept my 247 subscription as long as I did because it gave access to other teams’ inside information.

Take Igoe, for example, over at Hoist the Colours. He does an excellent job providing inside information, presenting it in a way that his subscribers can piece together, and ultimately giving ECU fans a real benefit for subscribing. That’s the kind of value-add that makes these sites worth paying for. Unfortunately, I don’t feel we’re getting that with our 247 site.

When we had beat writers (thanks to T Dog for reminding me about Ethan—old man brain moment there), 247 was valuable because the media dumps were filled with more information, knowing those beat writers would be knocking at their door with follow-up questions if the details were lacking. Without beat writers actively pursuing answers, the information in those media dumps isn’t as thorough, because there’s no expectation of being challenged or questioned. I get the same press releases. That’s the real issue here, at least in my opinion.

That said, I’ll leave it at that for now—this thread isn’t the place to dive deeper into this discussion. I’d be happy to start another thread or continue this via DMs if anyone’s interested. I always enjoy civil discussions, which feel like a rarity on the internet these days!

[311neers]

As stated. #3 for the day. I'm still working on back building a profile for him but here's his posting...

Moose, Was this a big weekend for visits?
They got to see the snow and weather first hand and fell in love. Mountain Strong!

We did have several visitors in the past few days. The visits are not the usual 3 days weekend types right now but more get them in whenever and however it works. I expect we'll have a couple more announcements soon-ish, but probably done for today. These were the three I was expecting. But we'll be finishing up soon for this cycle given we're less than two weeks from classes starting and anyone we bring in has to go through the registration process and that takes a few days to complete, plus they have to move and find housing as well.

Excellent info!
When you say cycle, do you mean we’re almost done with the 2025 class or early spring enrollees? Surely we have more scholarships left to give out? Not sure where we stand with the new scholarship rule but the math seems like we have more to give.

9 HS signees.
7 portal
A few portal returners.
+ 20ish guys

Anyone have any idea how many we lost to portal and graduations? Feels like more than 20.

[Saint3333]

Can’t be near done we don’t have a two deep across the lines.

[AppSt94]

As stated. #3 for the day. I'm still working on back building a profile for him but here's his posting...

Moose, Was this a big weekend for visits?
They got to see the snow and weather first hand and fell in love. Mountain Strong!

We did have several visitors in the past few days. The visits are not the usual 3 days weekend types right now but more get them in whenever and however it works. I expect we'll have a couple more announcements soon-ish, but probably done for today. These were the three I was expecting. But we'll be finishing up soon for this cycle given we're less than two weeks from classes starting and anyone we bring in has to go through the registration process and that takes a few days to complete, plus they have to move and find housing as well.

Excellent info!
When you say cycle, do you mean we’re almost done with the 2025 class or early spring enrollees? Surely we have more scholarships left to give out? Not sure where we stand with the new scholarship rule but the math seems like we have more to give.

9 HS signees.
7 portal
A few portal returners.
+ 20ish guys

Anyone have any idea how many we lost to portal and graduations? Feels like more than 20.

Classes start soon so time is running out on getting guys in for spring.

[spacemonkey]

I am not trying to be a smartarse but is it necessary to go to class or just promise you are going to go to class during the spring semester. They quit early and leave without finishing class why even pretend class matters.

[AppSt94]

I am not trying to be a smartarse but is it necessary to go to class or just promise you are going to go to class during the spring semester. They quit early and leave without finishing class why even pretend class matters.

Well they have to be enrolled.

[spacemonkey]

3 CREDIT HOURS, 6, 9, 12...What is considered enrolled? Seriously.

[311neers]

3 CREDIT HOURS, 6, 9, 12...What is considered enrolled? Seriously.

It was 12 hours minimum per semester to maintain egibility 10 years ago. Not sure about now, would assume the same.

[firemoose]

When I said cycle I was meaning the transfers in for Spring Semester. Time is short for those. We will, of course, be continuing to pursue recruits all spring and will be hitting the spring portal window hard too, once we see what we have, what we need, and who is available after spring ball ends.

As far as high school guys, we have the usual February signing window, which normally we don't work much since we usually have our class signed in the early period. But this year is different. We weren't working with a staff in December and we need to hit the film room and see who's still available, if they fit our plans, and if we can build a relationship quickly enough to get someone to sign with us. The more the portal comes into play the more HS guys will be available later in a recruiting year and who will be available going the JUCO route. That's changing too along with everything else. No longer is JUCO seen as a route for non qualifiers and others with some issues to work out. More and more players who can't find a spot in a recruiting year will be going JUCO to establish themselves at the college level, and they will be available as one year JUCO's with no other issues other than not finding a spot the previous cycle.

In short, the world of recruiting for college coaches has gotten even harder and longer than it was before the portal. And it was difficult enough then.

[BambooRdApp]

Is Spring practice going to be a little earlier in the spring as in past years compared to past years?
Could be a little bit of an advantage this year as the coaching staff has our assessment of the team and know if any of our players are going to hit the portal before other teams have completed their spring practice.

[AppSt94]

As stated. #3 for the day. I'm still working on back building a profile for him but here's his posting...

Moose, Was this a big weekend for visits?
They got to see the snow and weather first hand and fell in love. Mountain Strong!

We did have several visitors in the past few days. The visits are not the usual 3 days weekend types right now but more get them in whenever and however it works. I expect we'll have a couple more announcements soon-ish, but probably done for today. These were the three I was expecting. But we'll be finishing up soon for this cycle given we're less than two weeks from classes starting and anyone we bring in has to go through the registration process and that takes a few days to complete, plus they have to move and find housing as well.

Excellent info!
When you say cycle, do you mean we’re almost done with the 2025 class or early spring enrollees? Surely we have more scholarships left to give out? Not sure where we stand with the new scholarship rule but the math seems like we have more to give.

9 HS signees.
7 portal
A few portal returners.
+ 20ish guys

Anyone have any idea how many we lost to portal and graduations? Feels like more than 20.

According to my current roster, we have 73 scholarship players. Will update after classes start and rosters are updated.

[Saint3333]

105 scholarship players are allowed for 2025 correct?

Anyone have insight on how many we plan to carry the first year of this increase?

[bcoach]

I’m not sure how I feel about the Arkansas RB commitment. He was suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules this past season. While he did earn his way back onto the field, which speaks to some accountability, that’s not typically the kind of situation we associate with players at App.

That said, hopefully, the suspension was a wake-up call, and it’s all in the past. And let’s be honest—it’s not like the previous staff didn’t have some players with some red flags. I’m willing to give the kid a chance, and who knows? Maybe I’ll end up eating crow on this one! Fingers crossed it’s all smooth sailing from here.

I'm always weary once someone shows their true colors. The helmet swinger should have been gone the day the incident happened. New college for the Arkansas guy so new day to show he's got what it takes to keep himself inline and be a team player. I'm with you on this one.

It will be interesting to see how money changes what is acceptable.

[ASUTodd]

I’m not sure how I feel about the Arkansas RB commitment. He was suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules this past season. While he did earn his way back onto the field, which speaks to some accountability, that’s not typically the kind of situation we associate with players at App.

That said, hopefully, the suspension was a wake-up call, and it’s all in the past. And let’s be honest—it’s not like the previous staff didn’t have some players with some red flags. I’m willing to give the kid a chance, and who knows? Maybe I’ll end up eating crow on this one! Fingers crossed it’s all smooth sailing from here.

I'm always weary once someone shows their true colors. The helmet swinger should have been gone the day the incident happened. New college for the Arkansas guy so new day to show he's got what it takes to keep himself inline and be a team player. I'm with you on this one.

It will be interesting to see how money changes what is acceptable.

Unfortunately money speaks louder than any action.... We see it in politics and sports every day. Morality is def in the decline.

[Pikapp79]

In the new era of pro sports requiring educational requirements is silly. Sign them, pay them and if they produce pay again. If not cut them loose. It’s a new day.

[Mjohn1988]

In the new era of pro sports requiring educational requirements is silly. Sign them, pay them and if they produce pay again. If not cut them loose. It’s a new day.

Word is we only had 10 players get NIL money last year. The model you’re suggesting isn’t going to work for us.