2025 Transfer Portal Thread

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bulldawg28

IF ALL the guys coming back and signed are back ups the transfers are expected to be starters. Football doesn't work that way. Guys will improve year to year. Again, everyone isn't Chris Jones. However, I'm confident returning guys are SEC talents.

---

I'm glad you are, because I'm not. If we have SEC talent, it sure didn't show this year. I mean there's a reason we're bringing in so many guys, it's because we don't think we have talent or depth at that position. Like I said, we have some depth pieces but no high end starters. Could Kalvin Dinkins be that? Absolutely. Could Trevion Williams be that? Absolutely. The problem is that we're hoping and not knowing. Hope gets you beat in the SEC. You need production, especially this day and age.

That's why I'm really excited about a guy like Will Whitson. He's shown he can do it and stay healthy doing it, yes he got banged up last year but could've come back. He shut it down so he could enter the portal. We don't know if Dinkins can do it and Trevion hasn't been healthy long enough to see. If those guys could get and stay healthy, then we have something.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bulldawg28

IF ALL the guys coming back and signed are back ups the transfers are expected to be starters. Football doesn't work that way. Guys will improve year to year. Again, everyone isn't Chris Jones. However, I'm confident returning guys are SEC talents.

---

Did you watch the same defensive line group last year that I watched?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

I'm glad you are, because I'm not. If we have SEC talent, it sure didn't show this year. I mean there's a reason we're bringing in so many guys, it's because we don't think we have talent or depth at that position. Like I said, we have some depth pieces but no high end starters. Could Kalvin Dinkins be that? Absolutely. Could Trevion Williams be that? Absolutely. The problem is that we're hoping and not knowing. Hope gets you beat in the SEC. You need production, especially this day and age.

That's why I'm really excited about a guy like Will Whitson. He's shown he can do it and stay healthy doing it, yes he got banged up last year but could've come back. He shut it down so he could enter the portal. We don't know if Dinkins can do it and Trevion hasn't been healthy long enough to see. If those guys could get and stay healthy, then we have something.

---

Dinkins & Williams along with the transfer guys is 2 to 3 deep and SEC talent.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by msu15

Did you watch the same defensive line group last year that I watched?

---

The DL was average. The LB play was poor along with the secondary. There's not much a DL can do when you're playing majority 3 down lineman vs 5 or 6 OL each play.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bulldawg28

Dinkins & Williams along with the transfer guys is 2 to 3 deep and SEC talent.

---

I want to agree with you, but even if healthy Dinkins and Williams are average SEC guys. I really like the Whitson kid, he is a clear upgrade.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HancockCountyDog

I want to agree with you, but even if healthy Dinkins and Williams are average SEC guys. I really like the Whitson kid, he is a clear upgrade.

---

That's all you need if they're backups.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bulldawg28

The DL was average.

---

As someone that played in the trenches I disagree pretty strongly. To each their own.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by msu15

As someone that played in the trenches I disagree pretty strongly. To each their own.

---

I agree with you. Our DL was BAD. No way around it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

I agree with you. Our DL was BAD. No way around it.

---

Bad is generous. I know injuries, but the Arkansas game was the worst DL I think I've ever watched in CFB... not just MSU games. Non existent that game.

A nice corner prospect just hit the portal - Michael Coats, an ALL MWC performer from Nevada. He would be a perfect fit.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DEDawg

Bad is generous. I know injuries, but the Arkansas game was the worst DL I think I've ever watched in CFB... not just MSU games. Non existent that game.

---

It was non existent most games. But we were in a Catch 22. We couldn't get home if we sent 3 or 4, but would have receivers running open if we blitzed. I thought the Egg Bowl we did a great job of disguising coverage until the snap.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HancockCountyDog

A nice corner prospect just hit the portal - Michael Coats, an ALL MWC performer from Nevada. He would be a perfect fit.

---

Open the checkbook. I want him, the DE from Clemson, the DT from Coastal then whatever Lebby ends up doing at WR

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DEDawg

Open the checkbook. I want him, the DE from Clemson, the DT from Coastal then whatever Lebby ends up doing at WR

---

We're not getting the DE from Clemson. I doubt we even are able to get in the game with him. We will get the DT from Coastal and Lebby still has plenty of time at WR.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

We're not getting the DE from Clemson. I doubt we even are able to get in the game with him. We will get the DT from Coastal and Lebby still has plenty of time at WR.

---

I figured as much, but I'm still in Christmas miracle mode

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DEDawg

Open the checkbook. I want him, the DE from Clemson, the DT from Coastal then whatever Lebby ends up doing at WR

---

You just need to put the DE from Clemson out of your mind. He's not coming

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by msu15

As someone that played in the trenches I disagree pretty strongly. To each their own.

---

As someone who played in the SEC with elite talent and SEC talent I stand on my foundation.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by msu15

As someone that played in the trenches I disagree pretty strongly. To each their own.

---

Name the DL that played with Chris Jones. Name the DL with Simmons. Were they SEC talent? At MSU there's typically one elite guy surrounded with SEC talent. The elite teams have elite depth. However, we've found our formula for success.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bulldawg28

Name the DL that played with Chris Jones. Name the DL with Simmons. Were they SEC talent? At MSU there's one elite with SEC talent surrounding him. The elite teams have elite depth. However, we've found our formula for success.

---

Jones: Nelson Adams, Ryan Brown, Jonathan Calvin, Torrey Dale, Braxton Hoyett, Nick James, AJ Jefferson

Simmons: Corey Thomas, Gerri Green, Grant Harris, Fletcher Adams, Montez Sweat, Marquiss Spencer


Those were some DUDES. They were SEC guys. Most were depth guys, but SEC depth guys. We don't have any guys like that. We have G5 depth guys. We'd kill for a Braxton Hoyett or a Fletcher Adams or a Grant Harris or even a Ryan Brown on this team.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

Jones: Nelson Adams, Ryan Brown, Jonathan Calvin, Torrey Dale, Braxton Hoyett, Nick James, AJ Jefferson

Simmons: Corey Thomas, Gerri Green, Grant Harris, Fletcher Adams, Montez Sweat, Marquiss Spencer


Those were some DUDES. They were SEC guys. Most were depth guys, but SEC depth guys. We don't have any guys like that. We have G5 depth guys. We'd kill for a Braxton Hoyett or a Fletcher Adams or a Grant Harris or even a Ryan Brown on this team.

---

One or two were dudes. The rest were SEC talented guys if they were dudes they would have been NFL guys. Simmons and Sweat were dudes. Jones played with SEC talent. The transfer guys signed are proven or guys with high ceilings. It's up to the coaching to bring it out.

If the current coaches can't sign or bring out talent Mullen will upon his return.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bulldawg28

One or two were dudes. The rest were SEC talented guys if they were dudes they would have been NFL guys. Simmons and Sweat were dudes. Jones played with SEC talent. The transfer guys signed are proven or guys with high ceilings. It's up to the coaching to bring it out.

If the current coaches can't sign or bring out talent Mullen will upon his return.

---

Dan isn't coming back. I can say that with pretty much 100% confidence. There were talks last year and he had no interest. He only took the UNLV job because Bishop Gorman is such a good HS that his son will get recognition and the AAU circuit is huge in Vegas now.

There's also the Zach Arnett piece to it. We will never let him back in our building again.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

Jones: Nelson Adams, Ryan Brown, Jonathan Calvin, Torrey Dale, Braxton Hoyett, Nick James, AJ Jefferson

Simmons: Corey Thomas, Gerri Green, Grant Harris, Fletcher Adams, Montez Sweat, Marquiss Spencer


Those were some DUDES. They were SEC guys. Most were depth guys, but SEC depth guys. We don't have any guys like that. We have G5 depth guys. We'd kill for a Braxton Hoyett or a Fletcher Adams or a Grant Harris or even a Ryan Brown on this team.

---

-Brown played in the NFL for two seasons or so,Calvin played in the NFL for three seasons, Hoyett as well. AJ made it to final cuts with Rams.

-Corey played for two seasons in NFL, Gerri at least four seasons,Sweat well obviously, and Spencer spent at least two years in NFL.

So our DL weren?t just some chumps, they were NFL level talent. And people say Mullen couldn?t recruit ha.

Kelly Ahkaraiyi declared for the draft today. We're in the market for 2 WRs again.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BankerDog

-Brown played in the NFL for two seasons or so,Calvin played in the NFL for three seasons, Hoyett as well. AJ made it to final cuts with Rams.

-Corey played for two seasons in NFL, Gerri at least four seasons,Sweat well obviously, and Spencer spent at least two years in NFL.

So our DL weren?t just some chumps, they were NFL level talent. And people say Mullen couldn?t recruit ha.

---

Honestly, the only place Mullen really struggled over the long run was recruiting highly rated WR's. It never showed in the ratings but he recruited higher than the services gave him credit for and that became the de facto message board fodder, Mullen couldn't recruit. He wasn't the best recruiter but he was a damn good talent projector.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Really Clark?

Honestly, the only place Mullen really struggled over the long run was recruiting highly rated WR's. It never showed in the ratings but he recruited higher than the services gave him credit for and that became the de facto message board fodder, Mullen couldn't recruit. He wasn't the best recruiter but he was a damn good talent projector.

---

Mullen knew what he wanted. He didn't like chasing stars, especially after the Newton fiasco and the Quay Evans saga. He figured out he could develop and once every 3-4 years really compete. He knew his scheming and coaching would win 6-8 games every year.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

Kelly Ahkaraiyi declared for the draft today. We're in the market for 2 WRs again.

---

I guess some guys are just ready to take their shot even if the odds are against them.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

Mullen knew what he wanted. He didn't like chasing stars, especially after the Newton fiasco and the Quay Evans saga. He figured out he could develop and once every 3-4 years really compete. He knew his scheming and coaching would win 6-8 games every year.

---

If you go back and look at the schedule, he got Kentucky every year and for some reason I think we played Vandy 2-3 times with him. Throw in the fact that the bears were a trainwreck, and his floor most seasons was 6 wins.

That said, I'd drive to Vegas today and drive him back here if he was willing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Irondawg

I guess some guys are just ready to take their shot even if the odds are against them.

---

He wouldn't have been eligible for another year even under the new JUCO ruling.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

Mullen knew what he wanted. He didn't like chasing stars, especially after the Newton fiasco and the Quay Evans saga. He figured out he could develop and once every 3-4 years really compete. He knew his scheming and coaching would win 6-8 games every year.

---

Sir, stop it. Every coach like stars and recruits them, Mullen included. The big difference is Mullen didn't solely rely on stars. He was/is a rarity which is a true developer program.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

Dan isn't coming back. I can say that with pretty much 100% confidence. There were talks last year and he had no interest. He only took the UNLV job because Bishop Gorman is such a good HS that his son will get recognition and the AAU circuit is huge in Vegas now.

There's also the Zach Arnett piece to it. We will never let him back in our building again.

---

His son isn't getting recognition unless he can play. And unless he pulls height from a great great grandfather being a 5'8 guard wouldn't get hiim far.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bulldawg28

Sir, stop it. Every coach like stars and recruits them, Mullen included. The big difference is Mullen didn't solely rely on stars. He was/is a rarity which is a true developer program.

---

Mullen didn't really recruit them tbh. I mean I can count the high 4 and 5 stars we were on under Mullen on two hands. And that's not a knock on Dan. He knew what he needed. Whether that guy had 2 stars by his name or 5. I mean I can tell you with unequivocal confidence that Bernardrick McKinney(2 star out of Rosa Fort) was a better college player and pro than Robert Nkemdiche(5 star and number 1 player in the country). Dan didn't need guys like that, he'd take them if he evaluated them and liked them, see Mackensie Alexander who we had until Signing Day. Mullen was an evaluation master, along with Hevesy. He could potential where no one was else was even looking, see Elgton or Darius Slay or Braxton Hoyett.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bulldawg28

His son isn't getting recognition unless he can play. And unless he pulls height from a great great grandfather being a 5'8 guard wouldn't get hiim far.

---

He's already 6'2 or 6'3. He got his height from Meghan.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StarkVegasSteve

He's already 6'2 or 6'3. He got his height from Meghan.

---

Nice

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bulldawg28

His son isn't getting recognition unless he can play. And unless he pulls height from a great great grandfather being a 5'8 guard wouldn't get hiim far.

---

I thought his kid was a golfer?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Tripp McNeely

I thought his kid was a golfer?

---

Then he grew. Cannon is actually a pretty good basketball player. Probably not P4, but he's got some talent. Plays for the Atlanta Celtics.

Very interesting to see John Lewis still hasn't found a home. I figured he would've just committed to USM by now. I mean I don't think he's a LBer at the SEC level, but I think he could be a pretty good G5 LB. Then again, could be a situation where he and his representation are overvaluing him.

Denver Harris in the portal

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by msu15

Denver Harris in the portal

---

If his crap is together, may be the best in the portal on pure talent. But he has self sabotaged twice now. Good reports from UTSA though this past year. Even worked through a lot of little injuries this season.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Really Clark?

If his crap is together, may be the best in the portal on pure talent. But he has self sabotaged twice now. Good reports from UTSA though this past year. Even worked through a lot of little injuries this season.

---

We'll be a player for him. I'd expect us to take him and either Coats from Nevada or Stephen Hall from WSU. Kind of an either/or situation there. Still a bit early to tell who we have a better shot at. If I had to guess now, it'd be Hall.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by msu15

Denver Harris in the portal

---

No thanks.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by KOdawg1

No thanks.

---

Well we're probably taking him. I'll just go ahead and prepare you for that one. Also, I can guarantee you he's better than Khaumari Rodgers, Raydar, or Montre Miller and we had all those guys on the roster this year. He AT WORST can be a depth piece for you and fight for the 3rd corner position with Elijah Cannon, Jayven Williams, and Kyle Johnson. If he's healthy and ready to compete I would imagine he could win that job and push Kelley Jones.