This is all reasonable. I’ll say:
1. Gbayor-I believe the staff was more worried about losing Shavers than Gbayor so encouraged him to find money. I expect Shavers to more than replace his production in more snaps and another season under his belt. So what we’d be looking for is a backup replacement. Maybe 2. And ideally Rogers is ready to be one of those two.
2. Boerk-I believe that if we felt he was critical he’d still be here. The diminishing role of the TE will be evident next year and I’m not concerned we lost Boerk. I more so hope we can make use out of Nelson as he’s a better fit for body type we want moving forward.
3. Dowdell- not ideal. We don’t have a RB like him left on the roster. But I don’t think his production is irreplaceable. Especially since I’m doubtful those tight stacked goal line sets aren’t going to be a thing moving forward. And I actually would rather see us see what Parker and Nelson can do that bring someone in. Ives, too, maybe.
4. This Gabe guy- agree he’s not going to be a difference maker for us but I dint think we need that. We need a body though. And think he is better than Dylan Parrott.
5. Nwaneri- I believe he asked to red shirt. His production in a red shirt year of a true freshman season was fine. He did play, btw. I expect him to be a major part of our game plan next year and be good while at it.
6. I would like a top tier WR. If we can’t do that then I’d prefer seeing what the guys we have can offer.
7. We need a starting OT. This is the ultimate need.
8. We need another IOL, preferably a C.
9. We need a backup QB.
10. I Like the George commit. I felt our DL was either too OLBie or too DT’ie. This guys is a decent edge setter for us. Downgrade from Butler for sure. But hopefully Cam in a bigger role will make up the difference.
11. We need another S or two.
Overall, if we want to be a developmental program at some point we’ve got to play those kids we’re developing and not just rely on the portal. What we lost was proven capabilities so it’s uncomfortable. And the math we’re doing is comparing the losses to the adds. Hopefully the players who are sticking around and who showed good flashes are going to have great years for us.
I'm pumped as hell for Shavers. My concern at that spot is you lose Bullock, Gbayor, Thompson, and more than likely Wright. You have basically no one with experience sitting there.
Good call on Boerkircher if Holgo isn't going to use him, why pay him.
Agree on Dowdell, that was more to illustrate we are losing production.
I hope Gabe is a difference maker, but my immediate reaction was he is a Stephon Wynn type.
We need a WR, 2 OL, and a backup QB but I don't know what transfer QB looks at our situation as a good fit? Maybe there's another Gebbia out there that left Oregon State for Ohio State?
The East Tennessee State guy I think will be good. In fact i'd argue we have had some more success with lesser level kids at a higher clip like Toure, Omar Brown, etc.
The developmental part is the key. And do you even redshirt guys anymore? I like what Rhule is doing for our program, I just am really scratching my head at who we are "ok" losing and who we are replacing with. We need a LB on the second level in a bad way.
