Should we go transfer portal for 2020 WR talent??

[Kiber]

Assuming Hamler opts for the NFL, our returning team on Offense has 1 glaring weakness heading into the 2020 season.... WR. We'll return 6-7 OL with either starting or plenty of playing time experience. An AA Tight End and a stable of good back-up TEs. We'll return a stable of RBs including 2 (Journey Brown & Cain) who look like total studs. And a starting QB.

But our top 2 returning WRs will be Dotson and George. Dotson looks OK. George has struggled with getting open and with the "drops".

So does the staff treat the transfer portal like NFL free agency to ;plug in 1 or 2 legit WRs?? I'd have to think we'd be an "easy" pitch for a WR in the portal. You have an experienced QB throwing you the ball. You can be plugged in to Hamler's #1 WR spot. And you have a new OC who has produced several very recent 1,000 yard WRs. Plus, we are most likely starting the year as a top 10 team, so you are looking at big time exposure on national TV games.

 

[BigMatt]

We haven’t seen Dunmore or Jones in practice so it’s hard to say if they’re ready

 

[ClarkstonMark]

No room at the inn (85)

 

[danvillenit]

We haven’t seen Dunmore or Jones in practice so it’s hard to say if they’re ready

If they were ready I would think they would have gotten at least a snap. It’s not like our WRs were tearing it up

 

[81b&w]

Our portal WR this year sure payed off

 

[psuro]

No.

 

[Sproul]

We have no room and is there anybody in th portal that would even see the field here?

 

[Kiber]

We have no room and is there anybody in th portal that would even see the field here?

Can't believe it would be too hard to beat our our WRs. From what I watched this year, assuming there is no Hamler, about the only one that would be difficult to beat out would be Dotson.

A guy could not beat out George? Hippenhammer?

 

[SUPERTODD]

We have no room and is there anybody in th portal that would even see the field here?

Kid from Michigan would. Tarik Black. We could really use a big WR who hasn't eaten himself out of the position.

 

[RGWhirly]

If there was room at the inn, maybe at S or CB.

 

[1000_OaksLion]

No room. Let's see if anyone emerges this spring.

 

[Ceasar]

Yes. Ask the question, if Ohio State had a hole to fill, what would they do? We already know - they needed an OL and went to the portal for a kid from Rutgers; needed a QB, went and got Fields. They recruit as well as anyone so obviously they had young studs who they could have plugged in and they would be fine. But they don't want to be fine, they want to be great.
So if I'm PSU I go into the portal and find someone who is ready on day one. Tariq Black comes to mind very quickly. Dunmore, Jones, Lambert, Washington can play and contribute, but name the last true FR WR at PSU who has been a really good, big time player?
In terms of scholarship numbers, by my count PSU is 7 over the 85 limit and that assumes only Gross-Matos turns pro. I think we all know that's not going to be the case. If you look at the roster, at second and third year kids who are buried deep on the depth chart, you can easily identify 7-10 guys who would be strong candidates for transfer if they want to play.

 

[bdgan]

No room at the inn (85)

13 JR
22 SO
13 RS FR
21 FR
27 New commits
96 eligible to return

Matos is gone but that only gets it to 95. Others will transfer or try the NFL. Perhaps a couple of the new commits will grayshirt.

I suspect any juniors who haven't played to this point will be gone. I don't know how the guaranteed 4 year scholarship thing works. Can football scholarships be converted to non-football scholarships?

 

[LaJolla Lion]

If someone proven knocks on the door, maybe. 3 of the 4 teams last night leveraged the portal to get them there. I just think it would have to be a proven pass catcher.

 

[Art]

13 JR
22 SO
13 RS FR
21 FR
27 New commits
96 eligible to return

Matos is gone but that only gets it to 95. Others will transfer or try the NFL. Perhaps a couple of the new commits will grayshirt.

I suspect any juniors who haven't played to this point will be gone. I don't know how the guaranteed 4 year scholarship thing works. Can football scholarships be converted to non-football scholarships?

Not easily, particularly at a place like PSU.

 

[bdgan]

Assuming Hamler opts for the NFL, our returning team on Offense has 1 glaring weakness heading into the 2020 season.... WR. We'll return 6-7 OL with either starting or plenty of playing time experience. An AA Tight End and a stable of good back-up TEs. We'll return a stable of RBs including 2 (Journey Brown & Cain) who look like total studs. And a starting QB.

But our top 2 returning WRs will be Dotson and George. Dotson looks OK. George has struggled with getting open and with the "drops".

So does the staff treat the transfer portal like NFL free agency to ;plug in 1 or 2 legit WRs?? I'd have to think we'd be an "easy" pitch for a WR in the portal. You have an experienced QB throwing you the ball. You can be plugged in to Hamler's #1 WR spot. And you have a new OC who has produced several very recent 1,000 yard WRs. Plus, we are most likely starting the year as a top 10 team, so you are looking at big time exposure on national TV games.

It seems to me that QBs are best suited for the portal because a team might have 2 very good QBs but only 1 gets to play. That's why Fields wanted to transfer. But most teams play at least 3 WRs. Why would a WR who is already getting lots of PT want to transfer? Maybe if he's a grad transfer who thinks he needs another year before trying the NFL and he thinks he's got a better shot with a national contender.

 

[Kiber]

Yes. Ask the question, if Ohio State had a hole to fill, what would they do? We already know - they needed an OL and went to the portal for a kid from Rutgers; needed a QB, went and got Fields. They recruit as well as anyone so obviously they had young studs who they could have plugged in and they would be fine. But they don't want to be fine, they want to be great.
So if I'm PSU I go into the portal and find someone who is ready on day one. Tariq Black comes to mind very quickly. Dunmore, Jones, Lambert, Washington can play and contribute, but name the last true FR WR at PSU who has been a really good, big time player?
In terms of scholarship numbers, by my count PSU is 7 over the 85 limit and that assumes only Gross-Matos turns pro. I think we all know that's not going to be the case. If you look at the roster, at second and third year kids who are buried deep on the depth chart, you can easily identify 7-10 guys who would be strong candidates for transfer if they want to play.

Agree with all of this... especially the part about "....But they don't want to be fine, they want to be great".

It's pretty obvious that there is a very big gap between the 3-4 truly elite teams in college football vs. the rest of the field. Those 3-4 truly elite teams are willing to do ANYTHING "legal" to win... they'll recruit, they'll spend money on facilities, they'll spend money on coaches, they'll fire under-achieving coaches.... And, they will "make room" on their already bloated rosters for incoming transfers who will offer them roster upgrades.

You better believe that if a Clemson, or an Ohio State or an Alabama had a glaring weakness at a position like WR, but they "had no room at the Inn", they'd sure as hell would gently remove as many players as possible to "make room at the Inn" in order to bring in those players that improve their rosters. You think any of those programs would keep an under-achiever like Hippenhammer if they could swap him out for a better proven WR??

If those schools were staring at a 2020 WR roster of Dotson + George + a bunch of unproven redshirt FR and true FR..... that every single one of those schools would make the necessary moves.

 

[marshall23]

No

 

[bdgan]

You better believe that if a Clemson, or an Ohio State or an Alabama had a glaring weakness at a position like WR, but they "had no room at the Inn", they'd sure as hell would gently remove as many players as possible to "make room at the Inn" in order to bring in those players that improve their rosters. You think any of those programs would keep an under-achiever like Hippenhammer if they could swap him out for a better proven WR??

I agree with you but I wonder how they magically make room while honoring a 4 year scholarship. Also, what makes you think PSU wouldn't do the same thing? Would you be surprised if Hippenhammer enters the portal?

 

[SUPERTODD]

I agree with you but I wonder how they magically make room while honoring a 4 year scholarship. Also, what makes you think PSU wouldn't do the same thing? Would you be surprised if Hippenhammer enters the portal?

Yes, but I would not be surprised if he decided to “focus on baseball.”

 

[83wuzme]

With Dottin and Lambert enrolling early, we may not have to resort to the portal.
If some people unexpectedly depart, we’ll have one spot for a WR transfer.
I would not use that spot for anybody who is not a proven commodity.

 

[SUPERTODD]

With Dottin and Lambert enrolling early, we may not have to resort to the portal.
If some people unexpectedly depart, we’ll have one spot for a WR transfer.
I would not use that spot for anybody who is not a proven commodity.

I wish Parker Washington was coming in early. He has the physical tools to contribute early. His tape playing against 6A competition in Texas is phenomenal.

 

[Kiber]

I agree with you but I wonder how they magically make room while honoring a 4 year scholarship. Also, what makes you think PSU wouldn't do the same thing? Would you be surprised if Hippenhammer enters the portal?

No. I would not be surprised to see Hippenhammer enter the portal. Actually, I'd be surprised if he is on the team next year. IMO, either by simply giving up football to focus on baseball, or entering the portal, I see him leaving the team. I could see about 5-10 more doing the same. Good guys. Nothing against them, but guys who have simply dropped down the depth chart. Look at a Daniel Joseph at DE. Good guy, but DEs like Oweh and Adissa Isaac are ahead of him. I think players like that are prime candidates for the portal. You can go down the roster and get 5-10 pretty easy.

 

[sss]

Agree with all of this... especially the part about "....But they don't want to be fine, they want to be great".

It's pretty obvious that there is a very big gap between the 3-4 truly elite teams in college football vs. the rest of the field. Those 3-4 truly elite teams are willing to do ANYTHING "legal" to win... they'll recruit, they'll spend money on facilities, they'll spend money on coaches, they'll fire under-achieving coaches.... And, they will "make room" on their already bloated rosters for incoming transfers who will offer them roster upgrades.

You better believe that if a Clemson, or an Ohio State or an Alabama had a glaring weakness at a position like WR, but they "had no room at the Inn", they'd sure as hell would gently remove as many players as possible to "make room at the Inn" in order to bring in those players that improve their rosters. You think any of those programs would keep an under-achiever like Hippenhammer if they could swap him out for a better proven WR??

If those schools were staring at a 2020 WR roster of Dotson + George + a bunch of unproven redshirt FR and true FR..... that every single one of those schools would make the necessary moves.

Please tell me the transfers Clemson and Bama have taken last year to bolster their roster? I know OSU took the Rutgers grad transfer OL and Fields, but who else?

 

[KCLion]

Please tell me the transfers Clemson and Bama have taken last year to bolster their roster? I know OSU took the Rutgers grad transfer OL and Fields, but who else?

Maybe Alabama should have like OSU, LSU, and OU did. You point out 1 of the four that didn’t, while ignoring two of the three that did.

 

[Kiber]

Maybe Alabama should have like OSU, LSU, and OU did. You point out 1 of the four that didn’t, while ignoring two of the three that did.

Exactly. I don't follow all teams like I follow Penn State. But I know LSU is where they are because of Burrow. Ohio State would not have been 13-0 if not for Fields. And OU sure was helped by Jalen Hurts. 3 of the 4 in the CFP were greatly aided by transfers.

 

[elfman]

If a player that fills the need is available you take him. With 85 scholarships the numbers will almost always work themselves out. There is less wiggle room in other sports with fewer scholarships.

 

[sss]

Maybe Alabama should have like OSU, LSU, and OU did. You point out 1 of the four that didn’t, while ignoring two of the three that did.

Well, not quite. The OP said Bama, Clemson, and OSU. I pointed out that 1 of the 3 fit the description. You added LSU and OU. So, the whole moving of the goalposts thing. And the reality is, PSU took 2 transfers last year. The others, save OSU, took 1 that I am aware of.

 

[Richard the LIONhearted]

Agree with all of this... especially the part about "....But they don't want to be fine, they want to be great".

It's pretty obvious that there is a very big gap between the 3-4 truly elite teams in college football vs. the rest of the field. Those 3-4 truly elite teams are willing to do ANYTHING "legal" to win... they'll recruit, they'll spend money on facilities, they'll spend money on coaches, they'll fire under-achieving coaches.... And, they will "make room" on their already bloated rosters for incoming transfers who will offer them roster upgrades.

You better believe that if a Clemson, or an Ohio State or an Alabama had a glaring weakness at a position like WR, but they "had no room at the Inn", they'd sure as hell would gently remove as many players as possible to "make room at the Inn" in order to bring in those players that improve their rosters. You think any of those programs would keep an under-achiever like Hippenhammer if they could swap him out for a better proven WR??

If those schools were staring at a 2020 WR roster of Dotson + George + a bunch of unproven redshirt FR and true FR..... that every single one of those schools would make the necessary moves.

agree with what you say. Franklin, however, really has to be careful here. The entire foundation of the program is built upon his notion of “family” and his love for his players. If he starts unceremoniously casting off players that haven’t made super program contributions, where is the family love in that? Could be a massively destabilizing move.

 

[psuro]

agree with what you say. Franklin, however, really has to be careful here. The entire foundation of the program is built upon his notion of “family” and his love for his players. If he starts unceremoniously casting off players that haven’t made super program contributions, where is the family love in that? Could be a massively destabilizing move.

You don’t think there is a way to process players without it being unceremonious? It’s been done before.

 

[Kiber]

agree with what you say. Franklin, however, really has to be careful here. The entire foundation of the program is built upon his notion of “family” and his love for his players. If he starts unceremoniously casting off players that haven’t made super program contributions, where is the family love in that? Could be a massively destabilizing move.

I agree. Franklin's program building message is "family", so the process of casting off players is trickier than some other programs. But, it can be done. Remember, EVERY player has off-season end-of-year player evaluation meetings with the staff. Players are told where they stand, their potential, what they have to do to improve both football and physically, and the honest appraisal of their future in football.... So it's a great time to gently nudge a guy out the door.

 

[LMTLION]

Don’t forget we already have an elite wr waiting his chance - Dotson! I truly believe this. It was the desire to get many balls to Hamler that cut into Dotson’s production. He has elite hands and elite speed. He will be the breakout player of 2020.

 

[Kiber]

Don’t forget we already have an elite wr waiting his chance - Dotson! I truly believe this. It was the desire to get many balls to Hamler that cut into Dotson’s production. He has elite hands and elite speed. He will be the breakout player of 2020.

You watch the elite teams: Ohio St, Clemson, Bama, LSU.... they did not have one guy, they had 4 or 5 guys. So even if Dotson takes the next step, and he takes over as a "go to" type of WR in place of Hamler, that still leaves us about 3 or 4 of those less than the true elite teams.

 

[LMTLION]

You watch the elite teams: Ohio St, Clemson, Bama, LSU.... they did not have one guy, they had 4 or 5 guys. So even if Dotson takes the next step, and he takes over as a "go to" type of WR in place of Hamler, that still leaves us about 3 or 4 of those less than the true elite teams.

Good points, but we will have an even more experienced Freiermuth at TE commanding a couple more balls a game as well. I think we will be ok with Dotson, Pat, and one new wr getting a couple balls a game. I think we will be a running team first with enough ability in the passing game to get a first down when needed. The Cotton Bowl showed me the light that maybe we are more Wisconsin than Clemson.

 

[Lyons212]

PSU might have the best TE room in the country, put two of them on the field a lot more often. Take a page out of the Ravens playbook, they have mediocre receivers and 3 very good tight ends, they have no problem using all of the tight ends in the same formation.

 

[marshall23]

agree with what you say. Franklin, however, really has to be careful here. The entire foundation of the program is built upon his notion of “family” and his love for his players. If he starts unceremoniously casting off players that haven’t made super program contributions, where is the family love in that? Could be a massively destabilizing move.

Great post. If I wanted to do "anything" legal and possible to win....I'd be rooting for LSU, Alabama etc.

 

[NittanyChris]

I don't disagree with using the portal now and then to improve our team. That said, the idea that we would use it to snag three or four wide receivers is ridiculous.
We will be tremendously successful with the best tight end room in the nation, two STUD running backs, a rejuvenated Dotson getting more opportunities and perhaps a young stud freshman like Lambert or Washington stepping up and contributing right away.
Next year is the year we are in the playoffs. Just have to do some tweaking in the secondary for sure.

 

[bdgan]

PSU might have the best TE room in the country, put two of them on the field a lot more often. Take a page out of the Ravens playbook, they have mediocre receivers and 3 very good tight ends, they have no problem using all of the tight ends in the same formation.

Who are the 3 great TEs? Freirmuth + who?

Nothing against Kuntz, Strange and true freshman Johnson but they are unproven. IMO that's like saying we have Dottin & Lambert at WR. They might turn out to be the next Butler & Norwood but we don't really have any idea at this point.

 

[PSU210]

Who are the 3 great TEs? Freirmuth + who?

Nothing against Kuntz, Strange and true freshman Johnson but they are unproven. IMO that's like saying we have Dottin & Lambert at WR. They might turn out to be the next Butler & Norwood but we don't really have any idea at this point.

PSU might have the best TE room in the country, put two of them on the field a lot more often. Take a page out of the Ravens playbook, they have mediocre receivers and 3 very good tight ends, they have no problem using all of the tight ends in the same formation.

Two tight ends guarantees 8 in the box. That's why one back spread is the formation college football uses I will bet 80% of the time. Our OL would have to perform they way they did in the bowl EVERY game then. Spread them out and get athletes in open space....College Football today.

 

[Ceasar]

I agree. Franklin's program building message is "family", so the process of casting off players is trickier than some other programs. But, it can be done. Remember, EVERY player has off-season end-of-year player evaluation meetings with the staff. Players are told where they stand, their potential, what they have to do to improve both football and physically, and the honest appraisal of their future in football.... So it's a great time to gently nudge a guy out the door.

I honestly don't think it's even going to be difficult to come out of spring ball at around 83 scholarship players (including FR who will enroll in June). A guy I would use as a good example is Josh McPherson. Remember him? Redshirt FR CB on last year's team, very nice prospect, transferred to Texas Tech. He looked at the depth chart and saw Reid and TCF as returning starters, Ellis and Wilson as early enrollees and Gordon as a RS FR as well as others in his class like Donovan Johnson and DJ Brown. So he made a decision to move on so he could try to play. Same startegy as Humphreys and the DB from Akron (forget his name). Unfortunately college football has changed and the vast majority of kids are coming to school first to play and second to get a degree. They can get the degree anywhere so if they are not going to play at PSU they will look for a place where they will. Is there any better example of that than Tommy Stevens?
So without mentioning names I would say look at the roster for kids in the "Josh McPherson" mold, good players but their path appears to be blocked, and you can probably find 10-12 of them. Then add surprises, kids like Stevens and Juwan who unexpectedly moved on, and one or two more who may declare for the draft even though nobody is going to tell them it's a good idea (such as Givens and Bates). Now you might be up to around 15. If half of those leave, there is room. So I don't expect Franklin to process anyone, any if they are in fact at 85 after everyone has made their decisions, then I don't think we will bring on a grad transfer. But if the majority of those 15 or so kids come back to PSU, knowing that the odds of them playing a significant role are very slim, it would speak volumes to the atmosphere Franklin has created.