Hate to post/agree with a Davey J piece, but...

[Player2BNamedL8r]

...he makes some really good points in his article about Stevens.

Tommy Stevens’ likely transfer from Penn State raises question: Why shouldn’t any player be able to depart anytime?
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefo...dnt-any-player-be-able-to-depart-anytime.html

 

[Art]

...he makes some really good points in his article about Stevens.

Tommy Stevens’ likely transfer from Penn State raises question: Why shouldn’t any player be able to depart anytime?
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefo...dnt-any-player-be-able-to-depart-anytime.html

Same here, though I have to say that he apparently hasn't driven in NYC very often.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

...he makes some really good points in his article about Stevens.

Tommy Stevens’ likely transfer from Penn State raises question: Why shouldn’t any player be able to depart anytime?
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefo...dnt-any-player-be-able-to-depart-anytime.html

Interesting - his contention is that most people will believe Franklin strung Stevens along, while fewer folks will believe Tommy didn't want to compete. Do most believe that? I believe TS bailed because he wasn't guaranteed the starting job - no harm in leaving if his goal is to start.

As to 'free player movement' that would be like herding cats. There has to be *some* system in place to protect athletes *and* schools. What that looks like, I don't know (maybe free transfer in the off-season which is basically what we have now with the portal), but letting kids leave whenever they want is a mistake IMO. Maybe sign one year scholarship agreements? I also believe players should be able to transfer or change LOIs when a coach leaves.

 

[WDLion]

...he makes some really good points in his article about Stevens.

Tommy Stevens’ likely transfer from Penn State raises question: Why shouldn’t any player be able to depart anytime?
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefo...dnt-any-player-be-able-to-depart-anytime.html

Why shouldn’t any player be able to depart anytime?
If you want to be a fan of a team of free agents, have at it. I'll decline.

 

[Art]

Interesting - his contention is that most people will believe Franklin strung Stevens along, while fewer folks will believe Tommy didn't want to compete. Do most believe that? I believe TS bailed because he wasn't guaranteed the starting job - no harm in leaving if his goal is to start.

As to 'free player movement' that would be like herding cats. There has to be *some* system in place to protect athletes *and* schools. What that looks like, I don't know (maybe free transfer in the off-season which is basically what we have now with the portal), but letting kids leave whenever they want is a mistake IMO. Maybe sign one year scholarship agreements? I also believe players should be able to transfer or change LOIs when a coach leaves.

I have no idea what Franklin told Stevens or what Stevens's motivations to transfer are. I also see absolutely no reason why a school should be "protected" if a player wants to leave. Coaches make millions. Time for them to grow up.

 

[WDLion]

I have no idea what Franklin told Stevens or what Stevens's motivations to transfer are. I also see absolutely no reason why a school should be "protected" if a player wants to leave. Coaches make millions. Time for them to grow up.

If players want to be free to leave anytime they desire, then they also should be willing to be traded or released.

 

[Art]

If players want to be free to leave anytime they desire, then they also should be willing to be traded or released.

They should also get paid, but that's another matter. They can already get released. Allowing them to be traded? I kinda like that idea.

 

[WDLion]

They should also get paid, but that's another matter. They can already get released. Allowing them to be traded? I kinda like that idea.

Penn State trades John Doe to Akron for $10,000 and a player to be named later.

 

[TheWizardofCamelot]

It's not so much that Stevens doesn't want to compete, it's that he wants to play. If he risks losing the job a week before the CFB season starts, how can he reasonably find another spot in the country as the starting QB? His career could potentially be over at that point.

 

[christoph]

I saw it my own son. Different sport. D3. But it was an eye opener. Team usually carries 12 people at his position. Got there and there were 14 IN HIS CLASS. He quit and played club after two practices. Coach said it was a random landslide of commitments. Yea right.

 

[83wuzme]

If players can leave anytime for another scholarship, why should schools honor scholarship offers on anything more than a moment - to - moment basis ? Should schools be allowed to accept midseason transfers or will academic considerations prevent that at some or all schools ? How about transfers prior to a bowl appearance ?
Grad transfers are one thing, but I think these “ free agency “ transfer rules are going to cause four year scholarship offers to disappear and “ processing “ to become the norm.

 

[WDLion]

It's not so much that Stevens doesn't want to compete, it's that he wants to play. If he risks losing the job a week before the CFB season starts, how can he reasonably find another spot in the country as the starting QB? His career could potentially be over at that point.

I think it's as simple as he has come to realize that he probably won't be the starter.

 

[shultz40]

...he makes some really good points in his article about Stevens.

Tommy Stevens’ likely transfer from Penn State raises question: Why shouldn’t any player be able to depart anytime?
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefo...dnt-any-player-be-able-to-depart-anytime.html

Shouldn't the coaches be able to recruit any play from any team and cut a player at anytime too?

 

[shultz40]

Yeah, that makes sense.

There's probably a right school for him, but that choice won't be easy. Does he want to be a sure thing to start? Possibly drop down a level in competition or even to an FCS school?

What school would he not be looking over his shoulder?

I have no idea what Franklin told Stevens or what Stevens's motivations to transfer are. I also see absolutely no reason why a school should be "protected" if a player wants to leave. Coaches make millions. Time for them to grow up.

That is a two way street. Why should a player be protected if a school wants to replace him? Let the coaches cut them at any time. PSU should have went after BOTH Wimbush and Fields in the off season. Just win baby.

 

[LionJim]

I think it's as simple as he has come to realize that he probably won't be the starter.

Yeah, if he thought he'd be the starter, why would he leave?

Anyway, enough with the hand-wringing. Next man up. Hostetler transferred and we did okay.

 

[christoph]

How many perfectly capable starters are sitting on the bench in D1? Even if they seem a notch below a current starter, they haven’t played enough in real games to get comfortable. So the decisions are based on practice and coach preference. My attitude would be that I went to college to PLAY a sport. No I’m not going pro but it’s a huge commitment to just watch. Can you imagine standing on the sidelines for four years!! Watching other players joy and excitement while you are happy “for the team”. F that

 

[poker1]

http://www.espn.com/college-footbal...-herm-edwards-threatens-cut-players-packed-in

...he makes some really good points in his article about Stevens.

Tommy Stevens’ likely transfer from Penn State raises question: Why shouldn’t any player be able to depart anytime?
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefo...dnt-any-player-be-able-to-depart-anytime.html

What are you, some kind of commie?
Maybe football should have year to year contracts and allow the coach to cut a player at any time for any reason, but let that player keep his scholarship if he doesn't transfer. Here's how the PAC handles it, not sure of B10.
http://www.espn.com/college-footbal...-herm-edwards-threatens-cut-players-packed-in

 

[WDLion]

What are you, some kind of commie?
Maybe football should have year to year contracts and allow the coach to cut a player for any reason, but let that player keep his scholarship if he doesn't transfer.

Being able to cut players at the coaches whim is going to create a lot of dissent on college teams.

 

[Art]

If players can leave anytime for another scholarship, why should schools honor scholarship offers on anything more than a moment - to - moment basis ? Should schools be allowed to accept midseason transfers or will academic considerations prevent that at some or all schools ? How about transfers prior to a bowl appearance ?
Grad transfers are one thing, but I think these “ free agency “ transfer rules are going to cause four year scholarship offers to disappear and “ processing “ to become the norm.

Answers:

"....why should schools honor scholarship offers on anything more than a moment - to - moment basis ?"

They can and do.

"Should schools be allowed to accept midseason transfers or will academic considerations prevent that at some or all schools ? How about transfers prior to a bowl appearance ?"

You answered your own question, ""academic considerations." In order to play, an athlete has to be enrolled at the school. I've yet to find a school that allows mid-season enrollment. Prior to a bowl game is possible, though I can't see a lot of coaches/schools granting waivers of the one year residence requirement and the bowl would be long over by the time appeals ran their course. Regardless, it would be kind of difficult to fully integrate a player into the new team's system given time and practice restrictions.

 

[poker1]

Being able to cut players at the coaches whim is going to create a lot of dissent on college teams.

I'm not so sure it isn't already allowed but not done often because of the PR/dissension. NCAA rules experts?

 

[Art]

Being able to cut players at the coaches whim is going to create a lot of dissent on college teams.

Happens now with a fair degree of regularity. Some on this board call it "processing."

 

[Nitt1300]

I'm not reading anything Jones writes, but I believe that CJF is a relatively honest head coach. I also believe that there are no truly honest head coaches. It's a dog eat dog business, and anyone in the business knows it.

 

[WDLion]

Happens now with a fair degree of regularity. Some on this board call it "processing."

It doesn't happen during the season or after spring and fall practice.

 

[poker1]

I'm not reading anything Jones writes, but I believe that CJF is a relatively honest head coach. I also believe that there are no truly honest head coaches. It's a dog eat dog business, and anyone in the business knows it.

In selling and big-time football recruiting (same thing), honesty is relative.

 

[Art]

It doesn't happen during the season or after spring and fall practice.

So you've never heard of kids being tossed for violations of unspecified team rules? Mkay.

 

[bison13]

I saw it my own son. Different sport. D3. But it was an eye opener. Team usually carries 12 people at his position. Got there and there were 14 IN HIS CLASS. He quit and played club after two practices. Coach said it was a random landslide of commitments. Yea right.

while I understand your displeasure, realize many D3 school coaches are told to bring in as many recruits as possible to keep the student enrollment up. Every D3 coach in america always beings in more than what he lost by at least double. They expect 50% of recruits to never make out of camp, but if they can keep half of those kids there as regular paying students they are ahead of the game.

 

[WDLion]

So you've never heard of kids being tossed for violations of unspecified team rules? Mkay.

C'mon, that's different than being told you're cut.

 

[Art]

C'mon, that's different than being told you're cut.

Coaches aren't that dumb. Players know what's going on even if the public remains blissfully ignorant or deluded.

 

[psualum10]

The stupid thing about this is that there are only 24 positions that are starting every game. EVERY player is going to think they are worthy of being #1 at their position from day 1. Kids have been blown smoke up their ass since they were probably 8 years old about how great they are. So basically since you can possibly have up to 75% of players on every team wanting to be #1 and switching schools yearly. It's a dumb idea.

In addition, you'd also have no depth causing your starters to play more snaps and be more likely to get injured.

 

[lionville]

Interesting - his contention is that most people will believe Franklin strung Stevens along, while fewer folks will believe Tommy didn't want to compete. Do most believe that? I believe TS bailed because he wasn't guaranteed the starting job - no harm in leaving if his goal is to start.

As to 'free player movement' that would be like herding cats. There has to be *some* system in place to protect athletes *and* schools. What that looks like, I don't know (maybe free transfer in the off-season which is basically what we have now with the portal), but letting kids leave whenever they want is a mistake IMO. Maybe sign one year scholarship agreements? I also believe players should be able to transfer or change LOIs when a coach leaves.

One year scholarships opens the door to coaches not renewing said scholarships.

 

[Media Fan]

Transfer portal to me is another indicator of the lack of commitment that seems prevalent. All for one, and that’s me.
I also feel that is the attitude of many coaches, despite the mandatory I do it for the kids.
In the end, it gives young adults more choice, and for me, that’s good - the lesser of two evils.
So be it.

 

[joeparules]

I don't know about the rest of you, but the transfer portal and players sitting out bowl games is starting to kill my passion for the last remaining sport I care about.

NBA ... yuck
CBB ... too corrupt, one-and-dones
MLB ... too boring
NHL ... mehhh, I'll watch some Flyers games during the season but lately they either don't make the playoffs or early exit
NFL ... still enjoy watching, but no where near as much fun as CFB

Free agency did a lot to kill my passion for pro sports and now is creeping into college football. I understand why it is in place ... just miss the days when you could buy a player's jersey knowing he would be on your team a long time. Bought a Mike Richards shirt for my daughter (big Flyers fan) two weeks before he was traded.

Now GET OFF MY LAWN!!!

 

[Art]

One year scholarships opens the door to coaches not renewing said scholarships.

There really is no such thing as a multiple year scholarship despite what some of the folks who run college football would have you believe.

 

[psu00]

It's not so much that Stevens doesn't want to compete, it's that he wants to play. If he risks losing the job a week before the CFB season starts, how can he reasonably find another spot in the country as the starting QB? His career could potentially be over at that point.

True, but you can say that about any player on any team. There are no guarantees in life. The same could also happen to him on any team he transfers to as well.

The next debate (IMO) as this portal issue continues will be from coaches wanting to go full speed on processing- to add/ drop players at any time to fill sudden needs for their team (whether brought on by a player leaving the team, a recruit who flips on signing day causing a gap in a position of need, a player injury issue, or just a lack of production from a player at their position).

 

[WDLion]

Coaches aren't that dumb. Players know what's going on even if the public remains blissfully ignorant or deluded.

Now you're digging into conspiracy theories.

 

[83wuzme]

Answers:

"....why should schools honor scholarship offers on anything more than a moment - to - moment basis ?"

They can and do.

"Should schools be allowed to accept midseason transfers or will academic considerations prevent that at some or all schools ? How about transfers prior to a bowl appearance ?"

You answered your own question, ""academic considerations." In order to play, an athlete has to be enrolled at the school. I've yet to find a school that allows mid-season enrollment. Prior to a bowl game is possible, though I can't see a lot of coaches/schools granting waivers of the one year residence requirement and the bowl would be long over by the time appeals ran their course. Regardless, it would be kind of difficult to fully integrate a player into the new team's system given time and practice restrictions.

How many schools will continue to offer four year scholarships as long as a student athlete fulfills his obligations on and off the practice field ? If an athlete becomes physically unable to continue in his sport for whatever reason, will schools increasingly terminate scholarships in these situations ? How much worse will the oversigning problem become ?
I have to believe, if some schools perceive that they money is right, ways will be found to accommodate in season transfers.

 

[Nitt1300]

I don't know about the rest of you, but the transfer portal and players sitting out bowl games is starting to kill my passion for the last remaining sport I care about.

NBA ... yuck
CBB ... too corrupt, one-and-dones
MLB ... too boring
NHL ... mehhh, I'll watch some Flyers games during the season but lately they either don't make the playoffs or early exit
NFL ... still enjoy watching, but no where near as much fun as CFB

Free agency did a lot to kill my passion for pro sports and now is creeping into college football. I understand why it is in place ... just miss the days when you could buy a player's jersey knowing he would be on your team a long time. Bought a Mike Richards shirt for my daughter (big Flyers fan) two weeks before he was traded.

Now GET OFF MY LAWN!!!

You were born in the wrong era- you would have loved the Roman Empire in say 10 AD. Those gladiators didn't get any free agent option.

 

[Art]

Now you're digging into conspiracy theories.

What conspiracy? Coaches don't need anyone's assistance to get rid of a player. Do you think anyone, the AD, the conference, the NCAA, is checking the circumstances?

Some years ago Saban put a couple of kids on so-called "medical scholarships." One or two bridled and made a stink about it; they wanted to play. Brouhaha lasted a couple of days and then vanished.

 

[WDLion]

What conspiracy? Coaches don't need anyone's assistance to get rid of a player. Do you think anyone, the AD, the conference, the NCAA, is checking the circumstances?

Some years ago Saban put a couple of kids on so-called "medical scholarships." One or two bridled and made a stink about it; they wanted to play. Brouhaha lasted a couple of days and then vanished.

You suggested that coaches use violations of unspecified team rules that didn't happen to dismiss players during the season and practice. I'll accept that as your opinion, not as fact.

 

[MoyerJones]

Here are a bunch of not nefarious reasons for Stevens being in the transfer portal:

1. Stevens is simply seeing what's out there, knowing that it is his dream to be drafted into the NFL
2. CJF and TS respectfully disagree on the extent of TS's injury. Team docs are (rationally and objectively) saying to sit out for a lot longer, and TS (rationally and objectively) believes he can play immediately
3. TS wanted to transfer in 2018, and CJF explained (rationally and objectively) that it made better sense to stay, not sit-out a year, and leave after 2018
4. A team with a great offense (combo of players, scheme, national-attention, coaches, etc.) came knocking for TS and TS has the blessings of everybody

Hypothetical in line with DJones piece:

Your son is a 1st or 2nd string on a great (not elite) team (i.e. odds are it will finish in Top 20 but not Top 6).
Your son is eligible to grad-transfer.
Your son has not been the lone starter in his position for one or more years.
Whether your son is drafted or undrafted, signed as a undrafted free agent or not signed, practice squad or no practice squad, invited to the combine or not, largely depends on his performance in 2019.
Your son's goal has always been to attend the combine and be drafted/play in the NFL.
Your son's on-the-field leadership/starting role is not a guarantee if he stays.

If that is the decision matrix, I think most on this board would say that it is, AT THE VERY LEAST more than 51%, the right move to enter the transfer portal and see what is out there.

I hope TS stays. I hope that if TS stays, he stays healthy and starts. If he goes, I hope it is to a school which has games that air in my cable network footprint. Whether he stays or goes, I hope he signs with an NFL team and in 5 years, NFL pundits are saying, "Where the hl did this guy come from?"