Bama RB in Transfer Portal
Trey Sanders was a 5* and #1 RB in the class of 2019. Grad transfer so no problem with the cranky old ladies of Admissions. I believe he has two years of eligibilty remaining.
With Corum potentially gone next year this looks like a good guy to go after. Our concentration on the run game should be appealing to him.
https://twitter.com/RussHoops/status/1595170984348221440
November 23rd, 2022 at 9:22 AM ^
Saban will just medical scholarship guys. It was the worst kept secret in college football, and no one did anything about it.
November 23rd, 2022 at 12:01 PM ^
Incognito, I recall seeing players from SEC teams who were told - "you're not putting forth the effort we expected." These were players who 1) participated in every practice, 2) followed their S&C regimen, 3) were in "good standing" academically, and 4) were not in any "trouble" regarding public safety, law enforcement, etc.
What happened? A "newer, shinier star" came on the horizon - and, those SEC teams signed them. And, to the "current player"? Well, his one year renewable, wasn't renewed. No medical redshirt, nothing.
I guess the SEC saying - "It just means more", is the justification. It might be why those schools have so much in common with the school in Columbus. You can mislead kids who attend camps. You can lie to your administration. You can lie to the NCAA. You can not report members of your staff involved in Domestic Violence. But, if you win games - we'll honor you like no other.
Principle and character count. Well, let's say I'm glad they count and have meaning at Michigan.
Go Blue!
November 23rd, 2022 at 9:59 AM ^
Not sure of the exact mechanics, but how about scholarship rules such that every HS recruit signee counts as a point for next 5 years, every non-grad transfer counts as a point for each year of remaining eligibility +1, grad transfers count for each year of remaining eligibility. These points count whether the player is still on the team or not.
So you recruit a player and cut them or medically retire them, they still count against your scholarship numbers... would also stop coaches from cleaning house and bringing in a bunch of transfers.
You get a certain number of points 125??
November 23rd, 2022 at 9:02 AM ^
If I was a running back looking for a place that'll utilize my rushing ability, Michigan would definitely be a consideration. But has there ever been a player enter the portal that Michigan fans don't think would/could/should come to Michigan? lol
November 23rd, 2022 at 9:06 AM ^
Ready - I think the biggest factor in potential transfers coming to the roster is - culture. Olu seems to be a great example of someone who "fits" into Michigan's culture and character.
I'm not judging anyone else - but, the cultural fit, is as important as ability.
November 23rd, 2022 at 9:22 AM ^
I think Olu just works his ass off and gets it done. He’s an unsung hero on this offense who gets little praise.
November 23rd, 2022 at 9:32 AM ^
Dukman, One characteristic about Olu that's very important is - he's smart. The role of the center - identify the D - communicate with the QB and OL about adjustments - etc., AND - he did this while changing from the Virginia nomenclature to Michigan's - really indicates how sharp he is.
Your description an "unsung hero" - is a great description, and I hope he wins the Rimington Award.
November 23rd, 2022 at 9:32 AM ^
Olu gets a ton of praise, especially for an OL.
November 23rd, 2022 at 10:19 AM ^
If we don't be careful, then Olu transferring to Michigan, winning a Rimington and becoming a high draft pick, may give Michigan a reputation as OL U.
November 23rd, 2022 at 9:34 AM ^
He actually gets quite a bit of praise on the TV broadcasts from time to time
November 23rd, 2022 at 9:47 AM ^
I can assure you, Jim shares your opinion.
November 23rd, 2022 at 9:27 AM ^
word is that he hasn't recovered from a pelvis injury and just isnt the same player, despite being talented and a hard worker. Not a bad idea, since we only have the copa... but... still would prefer new talent recruited and use the portal for other positions. on the other hand... there are going to be other Kenneth Walkers out there, so...
November 23rd, 2022 at 9:51 AM ^
My pelvis never fully recovered from college either. (thanks Tanya)
November 23rd, 2022 at 5:40 PM ^
Heyooooooo
November 23rd, 2022 at 9:30 AM ^
If he can play this Saturday, I say go for it.
November 23rd, 2022 at 9:47 AM ^
no way....he WAS a 5*, but he has been injured and is nowhere near the talent he was. Let's develop the guys on our roster, including Donovan Edwards, who is an in-house borderline 5*. For a school like Michigan, the transfer portal should be for areas of dire need. If you rely on it too much, and recruit over your own guys, you get what MSU has...culture issues.
November 23rd, 2022 at 9:51 AM ^
GR - not sure what you mean - I LOVE what Mel is doing in EL.
November 23rd, 2022 at 10:50 AM ^
I think it's less about Edwards and more about the guys behind him. Prior to last season, Charbonnet (who by the way is leading the Pac-12 in rushing, and is just outside top 10 nationally) transferred because he felt he was passed by both Haskins and Corum. Those guys rose up and just grabbed his spot. Stokes has shown a few flashes, but nothing that would make Charbonnet fear for his job, and Dunlap, Gash, et al have more or less looked like "just guys." So I think it's fair to wonder if there will be a dude behind Edwards next season, as we've been accustomed to the past few years. And games like Illinois show just how important it is to have depth. Hopefully Stokes develops, or a freshman comes in next year looking like a stud, but I get the interest.
November 23rd, 2022 at 10:35 AM ^
i would think sparty would have a better chance. they live by the portal nowadays.
November 23rd, 2022 at 10:43 AM ^
He has had several significant injuries. Not saying don't bring him in, just to understand he's not getting on the field at Bama unless it's garbage time, ie 4th rb on the depth chart.......14 carries for the season.
November 23rd, 2022 at 10:50 AM ^
As for rb's I'd prefer to find big back to compliment the backs we have. Thunder would be nice esp heading into the game this week with our backs banged up.
November 23rd, 2022 at 11:17 AM ^
call me crazy but I would rather not go after a grad transfer who never really saw the field due to at least two severe injuries in the last 3 years.
November 23rd, 2022 at 1:13 PM ^
Only position we could use from the portal would be a WR. The RB room is stacked for a couple of years.
November 23rd, 2022 at 1:27 PM ^
I wouldn't necessarily say stacked. With Corum and Edwards out we couldn't do anything. Hoping Cabana turns out to be a stud but with RB being such a physical position I wouldn't mind having too many RB's. I'm not sold on Dunlap and Stokes either.
November 23rd, 2022 at 1:16 PM ^
Injuries or not, I think the potential is there to take him. I'd love it if we became the destination for Alabama transfers who were at the top of their recruiting class. Eyabi in 2018, lets take Sanders from their 2019 class. Hey Bryce Young, do you want to transfer?
November 23rd, 2022 at 1:32 PM ^
Unless he’s been injured this year it’s unlikely that he would a big difference maker at a UM. He’s 7th on his team in terms of number of carries with 14 carries for 80 yards.
November 23rd, 2022 at 3:14 PM ^
The University of Michigan happens to be an academic institution that values quality and competitive athletic programs. There's nothing wrong with that.
There are plenty of teams playing on Sunday that you can follow if you are so bothered by Admissions upholding a high standard.
November 23rd, 2022 at 5:10 PM ^
I think he has publicly denied it but I am still dreaming of an Allen/Edward's duo with a version of Stokes with another year in the program as the third option.