ETSU Game Thread and discussion

[KentHogan]

I wonder how the resulting ETSU team feels when a new coach comes in and basically brings his entire team from old school to replace the existing team? Tre brought 24 players, an entire team. Does that seem like you are spitting in the face of the remaining players? How do that many new players blend into new team? Interesting dynamic.

This would be a likely similar situation here if the fire someone crowd had gotten what they wanted.

I don’t think too many fans wanted Clark gone last year after he turned things around, he deserved credit for saving the season.

If he had finished with a losing record, then that’s a different story.

He does need to win the conference.

Go App!

[AppStFan1]

This has to be the year we put it together. It's the new CFP, we are coming off a strong finish with a bowl win, and it's the last year with Joey and some key players. We may never get another shot like this one.

If we can keep everyone who is eligible to return for 2025 that we want and replace Joey with a real good QB then we could be really good in 2025 as well.

[AppStFan1]

I wonder how the resulting ETSU team feels when a new coach comes in and basically brings his entire team from old school to replace the existing team? Tre brought 24 players, an entire team. Does that seem like you are spitting in the face of the remaining players? How do that many new players blend into new team? Interesting dynamic.

This would be a likely similar situation here if the fire someone crowd had gotten what they wanted.

I don’t think too many fans wanted Clark gone last year after he turned things around, he deserved credit for saving the season.

If he had finished with a losing record, then that’s a different story.

He does need to win the conference.

Go App!

I was about to say the same thing. There are a couple fringe people who wanted him gone immediately when we were 3-4 but most of us, even if we had doubts he would, agreed that we need to let the season play out. Shawn had a strong finish and with the talent we have the expectations are very high for good reason. It has been way too long since we won a SBC title so we do need to win it this year.

[AppSt94]

I wonder how the resulting ETSU team feels when a new coach comes in and basically brings his entire team from old school to replace the existing team? Tre brought 24 players, an entire team. Does that seem like you are spitting in the face of the remaining players? How do that many new players blend into new team? Interesting dynamic.

This would be a likely similar situation here if the fire someone crowd had gotten what they wanted.

I don’t think too many fans wanted Clark gone last year after he turned things around, he deserved credit for saving the season.

If he had finished with a losing record, then that’s a different story.

He does need to win the conference.

Go App!

My point is that if he were let go, we would have had been decimated by player turnover as well.

[AppSt94]

This has to be the year we put it together. It's the new CFP, we are coming off a strong finish with a bowl win, and it's the last year with Joey and some key players. We may never get another shot like this one.

If we can keep everyone who is eligible to return for 2025 that we want and replace Joey with a real good QB then we could be really good in 2025 as well.

We have Joey’s replacement on the roster. Need someone for 2026 though.

[AppStFan1]

This has to be the year we put it together. It's the new CFP, we are coming off a strong finish with a bowl win, and it's the last year with Joey and some key players. We may never get another shot like this one.

If we can keep everyone who is eligible to return for 2025 that we want and replace Joey with a real good QB then we could be really good in 2025 as well.

We have Joey’s replacement on the roster. Need someone for 2026 though.

If you are referring to Wiles then does that mean people you talk to who have seen our QBs believe that Wilson is a miss? If so, and Niu does not pan out then it will have been a decade since we hit on a HS QB signee (Thomas in 2016). That would be a long drought to not hit on one and mean we have depended solely on the portal or JUCO to get a QB since the portal area started.

[AppSt94]

This has to be the year we put it together. It's the new CFP, we are coming off a strong finish with a bowl win, and it's the last year with Joey and some key players. We may never get another shot like this one.

If we can keep everyone who is eligible to return for 2025 that we want and replace Joey with a real good QB then we could be really good in 2025 as well.

We have Joey’s replacement on the roster. Need someone for 2026 though.

If you are referring to Wiles then does that mean people you talk to who have seen our QBs believe that Wilson is a miss? If so, and Niu does not pan out then it will have been a decade since we hit on a HS QB signee (Thomas in 2016). That would be a long drought to not hit on one and mean we have depended solely on the portal or JUCO to get a QB since the portal area started.

I’m not saying that at all. I’ve seen Wilson and he looks like a true freshman. He could be the guy in two years. But it stands to reason that you go in the portal after this year regardless as you don’t really want to go into next season with Wiles as #1 and the next up being a RS and true freshman. There is a situation that I am curious to see how it shakes out but I wouldn’t mind having their backup in Boone next year.

[AppStFan1]

This has to be the year we put it together. It's the new CFP, we are coming off a strong finish with a bowl win, and it's the last year with Joey and some key players. We may never get another shot like this one.

If we can keep everyone who is eligible to return for 2025 that we want and replace Joey with a real good QB then we could be really good in 2025 as well.

We have Joey’s replacement on the roster. Need someone for 2026 though.

If you are referring to Wiles then does that mean people you talk to who have seen our QBs believe that Wilson is a miss? If so, and Niu does not pan out then it will have been a decade since we hit on a HS QB signee (Thomas in 2016). That would be a long drought to not hit on one and mean we have depended solely on the portal or JUCO to get a QB since the portal area started.

I’m not saying that at all. I’ve seen Wilson and he looks like a true freshman. He could be the guy in two years. But it stands to reason that you go in the portal after this year regardless as you don’t really want to go into next season with Wiles as #1 and the next up being a RS and true freshman. There is a situation that I am curious to see how it shakes out but I wouldn’t mind having their backup in Boone next year.

I find it interesting that we are already planning to go into the portal automatically without looking to see if there is anyone that could help us or seeing how our guys look on the field. What if it all comes together for Wilson and he looks good in mop up duty or if Wiles has to play some and he impresses? Would we go into the portal despite having 2 capable players? At some point it is okay to put a freshman on the field. Coastal did it with McCall and others have as well. I would love to sign a HS QB who is good enough to put out there as a redshirt freshman. It would be nice to have a 3-4 year starter at QB again.

[biggie]

Not sure we or any good G5 program ever has a 3-4 year starter at QB again unless that QB isn't too good and the program starts going downhill. NIL has made that the way it is now.

[JTApps1]

If we can keep everyone who is eligible to return for 2025 that we want and replace Joey with a real good QB then we could be really good in 2025 as well.

We have Joey’s replacement on the roster. Need someone for 2026 though.

If you are referring to Wiles then does that mean people you talk to who have seen our QBs believe that Wilson is a miss? If so, and Niu does not pan out then it will have been a decade since we hit on a HS QB signee (Thomas in 2016). That would be a long drought to not hit on one and mean we have depended solely on the portal or JUCO to get a QB since the portal area started.

I’m not saying that at all. I’ve seen Wilson and he looks like a true freshman. He could be the guy in two years. But it stands to reason that you go in the portal after this year regardless as you don’t really want to go into next season with Wiles as #1 and the next up being a RS and true freshman. There is a situation that I am curious to see how it shakes out but I wouldn’t mind having their backup in Boone next year.

I find it interesting that we are already planning to go into the portal automatically without looking to see if there is anyone that could help us or seeing how our guys look on the field. What if it all comes together for Wilson and he looks good in mop up duty or if Wiles has to play some and he impresses? Would we go into the portal despite having 2 capable players? At some point it is okay to put a freshman on the field. Coastal did it with McCall and others have as well. I would love to sign a HS QB who is good enough to put out there as a redshirt freshman. It would be nice to have a 3-4 year starter at QB again.

Wiles will be out of eligibility after next year so we'd enter 2026 with Wilson as a RS Sophomore with presumably little experience, a RS Freshmen in Niu, and whatever high school QB(s) we sign next year. That's a dangerous situation to put yourself in.

[AppSt94]

If we can keep everyone who is eligible to return for 2025 that we want and replace Joey with a real good QB then we could be really good in 2025 as well.

We have Joey’s replacement on the roster. Need someone for 2026 though.

If you are referring to Wiles then does that mean people you talk to who have seen our QBs believe that Wilson is a miss? If so, and Niu does not pan out then it will have been a decade since we hit on a HS QB signee (Thomas in 2016). That would be a long drought to not hit on one and mean we have depended solely on the portal or JUCO to get a QB since the portal area started.

I’m not saying that at all. I’ve seen Wilson and he looks like a true freshman. He could be the guy in two years. But it stands to reason that you go in the portal after this year regardless as you don’t really want to go into next season with Wiles as #1 and the next up being a RS and true freshman. There is a situation that I am curious to see how it shakes out but I wouldn’t mind having their backup in Boone next year.

I find it interesting that we are already planning to go into the portal automatically without looking to see if there is anyone that could help us or seeing how our guys look on the field. What if it all comes together for Wilson and he looks good in mop up duty or if Wiles has to play some and he impresses? Would we go into the portal despite having 2 capable players? At some point it is okay to put a freshman on the field. Coastal did it with McCall and others have as well. I would love to sign a HS QB who is good enough to put out there as a redshirt freshman. It would be nice to have a 3-4 year starter at QB again.

You still want 4 QBs on your roster. I’m sure that there is already a plan on how to address this issue. Roster management is a chess move. If you aren’t planning moves that are four moves away then you aren’t going to be successful. Again, I’m not suggesting that Wilson couldn’t be the guy. Whoever can do the job most consistently will play. Ideally you need a veteran presence in that QB room. I wouldn’t count on seeing Wilson out there this year. If you have a situation of mop up duty, that will in all likelihood be David Hernandez.

[AppStFan1]

We have Joey’s replacement on the roster. Need someone for 2026 though.

If you are referring to Wiles then does that mean people you talk to who have seen our QBs believe that Wilson is a miss? If so, and Niu does not pan out then it will have been a decade since we hit on a HS QB signee (Thomas in 2016). That would be a long drought to not hit on one and mean we have depended solely on the portal or JUCO to get a QB since the portal area started.

I’m not saying that at all. I’ve seen Wilson and he looks like a true freshman. He could be the guy in two years. But it stands to reason that you go in the portal after this year regardless as you don’t really want to go into next season with Wiles as #1 and the next up being a RS and true freshman. There is a situation that I am curious to see how it shakes out but I wouldn’t mind having their backup in Boone next year.

I find it interesting that we are already planning to go into the portal automatically without looking to see if there is anyone that could help us or seeing how our guys look on the field. What if it all comes together for Wilson and he looks good in mop up duty or if Wiles has to play some and he impresses? Would we go into the portal despite having 2 capable players? At some point it is okay to put a freshman on the field. Coastal did it with McCall and others have as well. I would love to sign a HS QB who is good enough to put out there as a redshirt freshman. It would be nice to have a 3-4 year starter at QB again.

Wiles will be out of eligibility after next year so we'd enter 2026 with Wilson as a RS Sophomore with presumably little experience, a RS Freshmen in Niu, and whatever high school QB(s) we sign next year. That's a dangerous situation to put yourself in.

Hopefully just for depth. I love Joey but this is why I was pulling for Burger to win the job and and keep it. We would have been set at the starting spot through 2026. It has to be tough on Shawn thinking he has to go to portal every year for a QB. I am really hoping we start hitting on HS QBs and don't feel the need to get one every cycle after this this year.

[AppStFan1]

We have Joey’s replacement on the roster. Need someone for 2026 though.

If you are referring to Wiles then does that mean people you talk to who have seen our QBs believe that Wilson is a miss? If so, and Niu does not pan out then it will have been a decade since we hit on a HS QB signee (Thomas in 2016). That would be a long drought to not hit on one and mean we have depended solely on the portal or JUCO to get a QB since the portal area started.

I’m not saying that at all. I’ve seen Wilson and he looks like a true freshman. He could be the guy in two years. But it stands to reason that you go in the portal after this year regardless as you don’t really want to go into next season with Wiles as #1 and the next up being a RS and true freshman. There is a situation that I am curious to see how it shakes out but I wouldn’t mind having their backup in Boone next year.

I find it interesting that we are already planning to go into the portal automatically without looking to see if there is anyone that could help us or seeing how our guys look on the field. What if it all comes together for Wilson and he looks good in mop up duty or if Wiles has to play some and he impresses? Would we go into the portal despite having 2 capable players? At some point it is okay to put a freshman on the field. Coastal did it with McCall and others have as well. I would love to sign a HS QB who is good enough to put out there as a redshirt freshman. It would be nice to have a 3-4 year starter at QB again.

You still want 4 QBs on your roster. I’m sure that there is already a plan on how to address this issue. Roster management is a chess move. If you aren’t planning moves that are four moves away then you aren’t going to be successful. Again, I’m not suggesting that Wilson couldn’t be the guy. Whoever can do the job most consistently will play. Ideally you need a veteran presence in that QB room. I wouldn’t count on seeing Wilson out there this year. If you have a situation of mop up duty, that will in all likelihood be David Hernandez.

4 does seem like an ideal number so if we keep Niu and Wilson we should just need 1 more QB for the 2025 season. Does anyone know if the staff believes Estep can become a scholarship player or is he definitely going to remain a walk-on for next year?

[AppSt94]

If you are referring to Wiles then does that mean people you talk to who have seen our QBs believe that Wilson is a miss? If so, and Niu does not pan out then it will have been a decade since we hit on a HS QB signee (Thomas in 2016). That would be a long drought to not hit on one and mean we have depended solely on the portal or JUCO to get a QB since the portal area started.

I’m not saying that at all. I’ve seen Wilson and he looks like a true freshman. He could be the guy in two years. But it stands to reason that you go in the portal after this year regardless as you don’t really want to go into next season with Wiles as #1 and the next up being a RS and true freshman. There is a situation that I am curious to see how it shakes out but I wouldn’t mind having their backup in Boone next year.

I find it interesting that we are already planning to go into the portal automatically without looking to see if there is anyone that could help us or seeing how our guys look on the field. What if it all comes together for Wilson and he looks good in mop up duty or if Wiles has to play some and he impresses? Would we go into the portal despite having 2 capable players? At some point it is okay to put a freshman on the field. Coastal did it with McCall and others have as well. I would love to sign a HS QB who is good enough to put out there as a redshirt freshman. It would be nice to have a 3-4 year starter at QB again.

You still want 4 QBs on your roster. I’m sure that there is already a plan on how to address this issue. Roster management is a chess move. If you aren’t planning moves that are four moves away then you aren’t going to be successful. Again, I’m not suggesting that Wilson couldn’t be the guy. Whoever can do the job most consistently will play. Ideally you need a veteran presence in that QB room. I wouldn’t count on seeing Wilson out there this year. If you have a situation of mop up duty, that will in all likelihood be David Hernandez.

4 does seem like an ideal number so if we keep Niu and Wilson we should just need 1 more QB for the 2025 season. Does anyone know if the staff believes Estep can become a scholarship player or is he definitely going to remain a walk-on for next year?

I can’t speak for the staff but No. He isn’t an FBS QB.

[biggie]

Ended up putting some on the +34.5 so I apologize for others that did, we probably cover now.

[MrCraig]

I wonder how the resulting ETSU team feels when a new coach comes in and basically brings his entire team from old school to replace the existing team? Tre brought 24 players, an entire team. Does that seem like you are spitting in the face of the remaining players? How do that many new players blend into new team? Interesting dynamic.

I understand how someone would feel slighted and have a chip on their shoulders with that happening. I probably wouldn't like it if it were me. However, ETSU has only won 3 games a year for the last two years. If you were on the team the last two years, that's partially your fault. You can get glad in the same pants you got mad in.

[AppStFan1]

I’m not saying that at all. I’ve seen Wilson and he looks like a true freshman. He could be the guy in two years. But it stands to reason that you go in the portal after this year regardless as you don’t really want to go into next season with Wiles as #1 and the next up being a RS and true freshman. There is a situation that I am curious to see how it shakes out but I wouldn’t mind having their backup in Boone next year.

I find it interesting that we are already planning to go into the portal automatically without looking to see if there is anyone that could help us or seeing how our guys look on the field. What if it all comes together for Wilson and he looks good in mop up duty or if Wiles has to play some and he impresses? Would we go into the portal despite having 2 capable players? At some point it is okay to put a freshman on the field. Coastal did it with McCall and others have as well. I would love to sign a HS QB who is good enough to put out there as a redshirt freshman. It would be nice to have a 3-4 year starter at QB again.

You still want 4 QBs on your roster. I’m sure that there is already a plan on how to address this issue. Roster management is a chess move. If you aren’t planning moves that are four moves away then you aren’t going to be successful. Again, I’m not suggesting that Wilson couldn’t be the guy. Whoever can do the job most consistently will play. Ideally you need a veteran presence in that QB room. I wouldn’t count on seeing Wilson out there this year. If you have a situation of mop up duty, that will in all likelihood be David Hernandez.

4 does seem like an ideal number so if we keep Niu and Wilson we should just need 1 more QB for the 2025 season. Does anyone know if the staff believes Estep can become a scholarship player or is he definitely going to remain a walk-on for next year?

I can’t speak for the staff but No. He isn’t an FBS QB.

I figured he was a FCS caliber QB but had not seen him practice so was not sure. From when you saw him did it appear his arm strength or this level is just too fast for him to really process?

[AppSt94]

I find it interesting that we are already planning to go into the portal automatically without looking to see if there is anyone that could help us or seeing how our guys look on the field. What if it all comes together for Wilson and he looks good in mop up duty or if Wiles has to play some and he impresses? Would we go into the portal despite having 2 capable players? At some point it is okay to put a freshman on the field. Coastal did it with McCall and others have as well. I would love to sign a HS QB who is good enough to put out there as a redshirt freshman. It would be nice to have a 3-4 year starter at QB again.

You still want 4 QBs on your roster. I’m sure that there is already a plan on how to address this issue. Roster management is a chess move. If you aren’t planning moves that are four moves away then you aren’t going to be successful. Again, I’m not suggesting that Wilson couldn’t be the guy. Whoever can do the job most consistently will play. Ideally you need a veteran presence in that QB room. I wouldn’t count on seeing Wilson out there this year. If you have a situation of mop up duty, that will in all likelihood be David Hernandez.

4 does seem like an ideal number so if we keep Niu and Wilson we should just need 1 more QB for the 2025 season. Does anyone know if the staff believes Estep can become a scholarship player or is he definitely going to remain a walk-on for next year?

I can’t speak for the staff but No. He isn’t an FBS QB.

I figured he was a FCS caliber QB but had not seen him practice so was not sure. From when you saw him did it appear his arm strength or this level is just too fast for him to really process?

None of the backups have great timing. Aguilar and Wiles are head and shoulders ahead. DH can handle it as he knows the offense.

[AppStFan1]

You still want 4 QBs on your roster. I’m sure that there is already a plan on how to address this issue. Roster management is a chess move. If you aren’t planning moves that are four moves away then you aren’t going to be successful. Again, I’m not suggesting that Wilson couldn’t be the guy. Whoever can do the job most consistently will play. Ideally you need a veteran presence in that QB room. I wouldn’t count on seeing Wilson out there this year. If you have a situation of mop up duty, that will in all likelihood be David Hernandez.

4 does seem like an ideal number so if we keep Niu and Wilson we should just need 1 more QB for the 2025 season. Does anyone know if the staff believes Estep can become a scholarship player or is he definitely going to remain a walk-on for next year?

I can’t speak for the staff but No. He isn’t an FBS QB.

I figured he was a FCS caliber QB but had not seen him practice so was not sure. From when you saw him did it appear his arm strength or this level is just too fast for him to really process?

None of the backups have great timing. Aguilar and Wiles are head and shoulders ahead. DH can handle it as he knows the offense.

Timing is one thing that can come with some time and they have some time being that they are so young. Hopefully it happens.

[biggie]