Feeling the need to put this out there for people to chew on, as I don't see these moves as indicative of anything other than timing and playing time.
I do not mean to diminish any single member of the team and their efforts. They are all key pieces of the team.
However, when one steps back and assesses the losses so far, they are not as big of a problem as it might seem, or indicative of some type of backlash against Franklin and the program.
Lets review them one by one:
1) Geno Lewis--Seen as a big loss both for his late season production, particularly getting into the end zone, and his legacy as a go to Nittany Lion early in his career. Still, he went from an emerging feature guy, to a #2-3 behind Hamilton and freshmen Godwin and Blacknall, to a #3-4 behind Godwin, Hamilton, Blacknall, Polk . . . w/ Charles and Johnson in the wings. The man saw the writing on the wall, and took a chance to be featured in Sooner Maroon/White. Says a LOT about the talent at the WR spot at PSU.
2) Troy Reeder--HUGE LOSS. Saying anything less slights the kid. All upside. Have to take him at his word that he felt playing at UD, w/ his brother, is the right fit for him. HE WILL BE MISSED, but it's not like he's sitting out a year to play for Pitt or some other unrelated program.
3) Gary Wooten--Was a nice find by OB and staff when depth was needed, and never contributed like some had hoped. No loss--plenty of RS guys who will step into his shoes.
4) Daquan Worley--Can't blame the kid. Wasn't making strides at a position of strength--needed to find a new home.
5) Coach Herb Hand--Fall guy for poor OL play . . . and now we're the scorned boyfriend, upset that the girl we weren't that hyped about is now dancing w/ another guy? Can't have it both ways. Best of luck to Coach Hand, but get some perspective.
In short, Reeder's loss this late in the game w/ so few 'difference makers' left uncommitted at LB hurts. Cooper needs to grow up in a hurry, and Wartman-White MUST return healthy or 2016 D has an even steeper uphill climb. However, the others are the price of doing business in 2016 with a talented roster, and competition at every position.
Get used to it fellows . . . when Miles Sanders signs w/ PSU, one or two former 4* RBs may take a walk as well.
I do not mean to diminish any single member of the team and their efforts. They are all key pieces of the team.
However, when one steps back and assesses the losses so far, they are not as big of a problem as it might seem, or indicative of some type of backlash against Franklin and the program.
Lets review them one by one:
1) Geno Lewis--Seen as a big loss both for his late season production, particularly getting into the end zone, and his legacy as a go to Nittany Lion early in his career. Still, he went from an emerging feature guy, to a #2-3 behind Hamilton and freshmen Godwin and Blacknall, to a #3-4 behind Godwin, Hamilton, Blacknall, Polk . . . w/ Charles and Johnson in the wings. The man saw the writing on the wall, and took a chance to be featured in Sooner Maroon/White. Says a LOT about the talent at the WR spot at PSU.
2) Troy Reeder--HUGE LOSS. Saying anything less slights the kid. All upside. Have to take him at his word that he felt playing at UD, w/ his brother, is the right fit for him. HE WILL BE MISSED, but it's not like he's sitting out a year to play for Pitt or some other unrelated program.
3) Gary Wooten--Was a nice find by OB and staff when depth was needed, and never contributed like some had hoped. No loss--plenty of RS guys who will step into his shoes.
4) Daquan Worley--Can't blame the kid. Wasn't making strides at a position of strength--needed to find a new home.
5) Coach Herb Hand--Fall guy for poor OL play . . . and now we're the scorned boyfriend, upset that the girl we weren't that hyped about is now dancing w/ another guy? Can't have it both ways. Best of luck to Coach Hand, but get some perspective.
In short, Reeder's loss this late in the game w/ so few 'difference makers' left uncommitted at LB hurts. Cooper needs to grow up in a hurry, and Wartman-White MUST return healthy or 2016 D has an even steeper uphill climb. However, the others are the price of doing business in 2016 with a talented roster, and competition at every position.
Get used to it fellows . . . when Miles Sanders signs w/ PSU, one or two former 4* RBs may take a walk as well.
