USC DT Jay Toia a transfer portal possiblilty?
I know it was previously discussed when he entered the portal, but in a recent article he specifically mentions Michigan as a school he wished he could’ve visited prior to COVID restrictions. Between previous interest on his end and Michigan’s new interested in actually recruiting DTs, any chance here?
https://usc.rivals.com/news/usc-freshman-dt-jay-toia-comments-on-his-transfer-portal-decision
Well, if it's true that the major problem with getting transfers is that many transfer credits aren't accepted at UM, then it shouldn't really be a problem here. He's only been at USC for one semester.
He probably would't make an immediate impact because he's only a freshman, but I hope the staff are really working on this one.
Given our lack of depth and what the USC boards are saying about him he may actually make an immediate impact. He did enough in the spring to warrant some thoughts of him potentially starting. Now I'm not too familiar with USC's hype machine, so it could be just that. But hard not to get excited about the potential of that position after adding a couple transfers.
Also makes me wonder what this staff thinks of our CBs? Maybe they are better off than we thought?
I would tack onto that by mentioning how he said (via a Twitter explanation) that he had worked his way into the two-deep at USC already.
Don't know if that's true, obviously, as it's his words and not the coaching staff's, but if he is already good to crack a spot as a regular contributor, then he would definitely be a possibility to see playing time as a freshman at Michigan given the state of the line.
Great point about the CBs. I hope you're right. However I would add the we have a lot of bodies at CB and have next to nobody that fits the bill as a 3-4 NT. Mazi Smith hopefully can pull it off because of his rumored Hulk strength. But all of our average sized to undersized DTs translate to the ends of our 3-4. At CB we at least have bullets in the chamber, even if a lot are blanks. At NT we don't even have bullets yet.
I don’t think our corners were necessarily “bad” last year. They were just “bad” at being put out on an island. Aside from size, neither starter really has the skill set you desire in a man-coverage corner.
The feeling from the staff might be a realization of that and that by putting them in a more coverage-friendly scheme, they’ll be vastly improved. Let’s remember we had two young, first time starters last year. That alone spells improvement this season.
Coming back more experienced and in a scheme more fitting to their skill set, and it’s probably not as big of a hole as fans think. Might not be great, but good enough to where the portal won’t help
At this point just another DT sized body is a huge get, instant impact or not.
This would be HUGE!
Literally and figuratively.
From what I’ve heard Toia flashed a lot during the USC spring game but didn’t mesh well with Vic So’oto. I know some USC fans where saying he was uncoachable which you can choose to believe or not. Michigan finished 2nd in his recruitment but I would watch out for UCLA if we do decide to pursue.
I would agree with you to watch out for UCLA, but I am hoping that he wants to get away as I am sure still playing to SoCal, he would get some "noise" from SC fans, and leaving town to Ann Arbor would be a nice clean break.
Please don't rain on my parade!
Well, apparently after he was on campus, the coaches raved about how coachable he was. So the uncoachable thing sounds like sour grapes
Very interesting article. It seems based on his comments this one might have moved from the pipe dream category towards one to monitor. I'm still a little skeptical he ends up at Michigan over UCLA or Utah (BPONE etc. etc.), but if he schedules a visit to campus in the next week or two, we might really have something here.
No doubt bringing a guy like this into the fold would be a HUGE addition. When you have a need for warm bodies at a position group, having a 4.5 star unexpectedly fall in your lap is a pretty nice development!
Good(ish) chance he comes. We are indeed in play if not the favorite. Would play a lot right away even as a freshman a la Colson. Nasty bull rush! Toia, Hinton, Jeter, Mazi Smith and Jordan Whittley really seems to solidify the depth chart not to mention all the other bodies and not including the other true freshman like Rayshaun Benny. Go blue!
Toia and Whittley in on goal line stands would be a very great sight!!
I like the sound of your confidence! It seems like between the enhancement of the recruiting/communications department and the reports that the new staff is really coming together and the players have rediscovered their enthusiasm, if we could get him on campus there is a lot to like for prospective players. If we can get him on campus, I think we would definitely get a serious look at a recommitment.
Nua is due, for landing a big Samoan.
Not only that, but it would be a building block in creating a pipeline to the Polynesian Islands like Utah, Utah St, BYU, and USC have enjoyed for some time.
That is what I want. Some look at an acorn and see a tree. Some look at an acorn and see a forest.
It would be a great pick up for Nua. This was one of those guys that we were in on only because of Nua and it coincided with many fans wanted him gone because he "couldn't recruit:.
https://twitter.com/AaronMcMann/status/1397324098540392448?s=20
With the potential health issues of our last portal pick up this would be a huge get for us.
There is a chance.
And daddy want!
Well, he’s not homesick. Must really want a change to sit out for a year.
Hope UM was tampering behind the scenes to get a leg up. That seems to be the way.
It's not the Michigan way.
Well...my comment was mostly TIC. But...I sure hope UM isn't waiting for the NCAA to come to the rescue.
Kid will love playing in Campbell’s defense.