Transfer Portal '22-'23 Offseason

MadBird

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 16, 2017
Messages
4,730
Location
Madison, Wisconsin
I am now officially concerned that we haven't had any announcements of transfer commitments in early '23. We have a critical need for cornerbacks and wide receivers due to players not returning - graduation or transfer. Players continue to flow into the portal on a daily basis so I remain optimistic that we will pick up some quality commits at some point, like late spring or summer, but time is running out to get players enrolled for the next semester and spring ball. For WR's it is important for them to work with Annexstad and the other QBs in Spring practice. Summer workouts are nice but they are not a replacement for 11 on 11 practices with pads and coaches. DBs are close behind. Have you ever seen a blown coverage that goes for an easy TD? It happens far too often. It happens more with inexperienced players. Either that or you are forced to play a simple vanilla defense that does nothing to confuse the opposing QB. We need additional help for '23. We'll take it later if we have to but we could really use it now.
Well, when Total Red's concerned then all Redbird fans are concerned - or should be! ;)

Of course, the situations are very different (P5, coaching change, NIL, etc. etc.) but we have been having almost daily reports from the portal here in Madison for the Badgers, over the last few weeks. So, things are happening out there, somewhere, for somebody.

Last year, transfers were officially announced Feb. 2 (including Annexstad), was spring signing day maybe? So, maybe we're not too late?? Come in off the ledge TR??
 

MadBird

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 16, 2017
Messages
4,730
Location
Madison, Wisconsin
I don't think the school can announce or make comments about transfers until they enroll and are on campus or sign a letter of intent. We are pass the signing period. I think there is a dead period right now too. I think we are relying on players to announce via Twitter at this point or you will here about them on Jan 17th when the semester begins. I may be wrong but I think that's how it works.
What he said . . .
 

Total Red

Well-known member
Staff member
Joined
Jul 17, 2017
Messages
3,143
Location
One mile west of Hancock
I don't think the school can announce or make comments about transfers until they enroll and are on campus or sign a letter of intent. We are pass the signing period. I think there is a dead period right now too. I think we are relying on players to announce via Twitter at this point or you will here about them on Jan 17th when the semester begins. I may be wrong but I think that's how it works.
Yes I believe you are correct. I'm not expecting an official announcement at this time. I was hoping for the players themselves to announce on social media resulting in some alert and savvy board member (Dmills) to share it with the rest of us. I'm hearing players announcing for other schools but there has been nothing around here so far, not even crickets chirping, but maybe that's typical in January.
 

TIMMY

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 17, 2017
Messages
5,438
Location
1050 W Addison
Yes I believe you are correct. I'm not expecting an official announcement at this time. I was hoping for the players themselves to announce on social media resulting in some alert and savvy board member (Dmills) to share it with the rest of us. I'm hearing players announcing for other schools but there has been nothing around here so far, not even crickets chirping, but maybe that's typical in January.
These kids live for posting their stuff on the Twitters. Seriously though I think there is some reason for concern. And in addition to the skill kids, I'd still like to see a few fat kids to do some thumping.
 

fourthandshort

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 17, 2017
Messages
9,700
I'm confused .. we announced 15 HS recruits + 7 transfers for the Dec signing period. Plus we have the 2nd signing period coming in early Feb. Why are we concerned at this point .. am I missing something ?

Besides ... we may be low on scholarships .. we signed 22 and were very young last year. So I assume our roster is still fairly young this year .. though I haven't looked at it yet to see our make up heading into 2023 fall.
 

Total Red

Well-known member
Staff member
Joined
Jul 17, 2017
Messages
3,143
Location
One mile west of Hancock
I'm confused .. we announced 15 HS recruits + 7 transfers for the Dec signing period. Plus we have the 2nd signing period coming in early Feb. Why are we concerned at this point .. am I missing something ?
Review all the players we lost at CB and WR. Then look at the 22 players we signed for next year. We brought in one transfer for the D-secondary but he is better suited to Safety. We are thin, undersized and inexperienced at CB. Help is needed and in most cases incoming freshmen aren't ready. Same with WR. We signed one. I like him a lot but he's a freshman that was primarily a RB in HS. I don't think we can count on him for immediate help.
The transfer portal is becoming an overflowing, frenzied flee market. Players are committing and time is running out to get some in time for 2nd semester and spring practice. They call this striking while the iron is hot.
 

Virginia Redbird

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 26, 2017
Messages
2,581
Location
Chesapeake, Virginia
I am not that smart on the portal but I would think that we would be approaching a busy time with quite a bit of activity. I assume coaching staffs would love to have their new players registered in time to participate in spring ball. I also assume players would like to get confirmation of where they are headed and also participate in spring ball. It would not be a show stopper if they were not around for the spring but it would certainly give them a jump start at the new school. I am guessing this would be a very active time frame as the time to the registration deadline quickly approaches. I was thinking the same thing as TR. Seems the Birds have lost a lot of cornerbacks. HS players are probably not going to fill that void. I am still wondering why it seems there has been an exodus from the defensive backfield.
 

isuquinndog

Administrator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 16, 2017
Messages
7,235
Location
Redbird Country
These kids live for posting their stuff on the Twitters. Seriously though I think there is some reason for concern. And in addition to the skill kids, I'd still like to see a few fat kids to do some thumping.
Kids don't really use Twitter any more do they? IG and TikTok?
 

Total Red

Well-known member
Staff member
Joined
Jul 17, 2017
Messages
3,143
Location
One mile west of Hancock
Seems the Birds have lost a lot of cornerbacks. HS players are probably not going to fill that void. I am still wondering why it seems there has been an exodus from the defensive backfield.
I've pondered that as well. As near as I can tell it is a combination of the "grass is greener on the other side" and "I'm as good as that guy."
We've had cornerbacks that transferred and enjoyed moderate success at the FBS level. Devin Taylor played here before transferring to Bowling Green and then Virginia Tech. DB Charles Woods transferred to West Virginia. He was injured most of last season but that didn't stop SMU from offering him and that will be his new team in '23.

Cornerbacks Franky West and Braden Price entered the portal after the season. I think they were hoping for multiple FBS offers. West does show an offer from FBS Hawaii but it's hard to get the family to those games. West ended up at Eastern Kentucky. If he knew that EKU would be his destination, I don't know if he would have entered the portal but once you announce that you're leaving it is hard to turn back.

I would encourage players to look a little further back. DB Davontae Harris spent his entire career at Illinois State where he won All-American honors. He has now been in the NFL for 7 years. I think Zeke has put himself in a good position as well. I know the NFL won't fall all over themselves chasing after the Buchanan award winner but they will take note of it and I think he has a good chance to get drafted and stick.
 

Virginia Redbird

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 26, 2017
Messages
2,581
Location
Chesapeake, Virginia
I've pondered that as well. As near as I can tell it is a combination of the "grass is greener on the other side" and "I'm as good as that guy."
We've had cornerbacks that transferred and enjoyed moderate success at the FBS level. Devin Taylor played here before transferring to Bowling Green and then Virginia Tech. DB Charles Woods transferred to West Virginia. He was injured most of last season but that didn't stop SMU from offering him and that will be his new team in '23.

Cornerbacks Franky West and Braden Price entered the portal after the season. I think they were hoping for multiple FBS offers. West does show an offer from FBS Hawaii but it's hard to get the family to those games. West ended up at Eastern Kentucky. If he knew that EKU would be his destination, I don't know if he would have entered the portal but once you announce that you're leaving it is hard to turn back.

I would encourage players to look a little further back. DB Davontae Harris spent his entire career at Illinois State where he won All-American honors. He has now been in the NFL for 7 years. I think Zeke has put himself in a good position as well. I know the NFL won't fall all over themselves chasing after the Buchanan award winner but they will take note of it and I think he has a good chance to get drafted and stick.
Maybe you are right but you have to be careful with the grass is greener thing. It is not always greener. Best of luck to those who depart. I hope it works out for them.
 

MadBird

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 16, 2017
Messages
4,730
Location
Madison, Wisconsin
From the "how the other half lives" department, and probably also from the "grass is/might be/maybe not greener" department. Just a little discussion while we're on the subject of the portal . . . .

QB Braeyden Locke today announces - on Twitter - that he is transferring to Wisconsin, from Mississippi St. He redshirted his FR year at MSU, was a 4-star with a couple outfits and 3 star with another. He's the 3rd incoming transfer QB since Luke Fickell took over (also RS FR Nick Evers from Oklahoma and SR Tanner Mordecai from SMU). Also there is incoming FR Cole LeCrue, returning SR backup Chase Wolf and returning FR Myles Burkett. They also recently got a verbal from class of 2024 QB Mabry Mettauer.

Now, who blinks first? How does the first commit/transfer feel (it was Evers I believe)? The guy from SMU "giving up" his senior year at SMU to "play" at UW (did I mention he started his career at OK, but transferred to SMU after failing to beat out first Kyler Stewart, then Jalen Hurts and then Spencer Rattler)? How about the class of 2024 guy who gave his verbal?

So, you know, how is this any good? There's obviously more transfers here waiting to happen, maybe even before spring practice, but surely after. 6 scholarship QB's. Come on . . . . .
 

TIMMY

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 17, 2017
Messages
5,438
Location
1050 W Addison
From the "how the other half lives" department, and probably also from the "grass is/might be/maybe not greener" department. Just a little discussion while we're on the subject of the portal . . . .

QB Braeyden Locke today announces - on Twitter - that he is transferring to Wisconsin, from Mississippi St. He redshirted his FR year at MSU, was a 4-star with a couple outfits and 3 star with another. He's the 3rd incoming transfer QB since Luke Fickell took over (also RS FR Nick Evers from Oklahoma and SR Tanner Mordecai from SMU). Also there is incoming FR Cole LeCrue, returning SR backup Chase Wolf and returning FR Myles Burkett. They also recently got a verbal from class of 2024 QB Mabry Mettauer.

Now, who blinks first? How does the first commit/transfer feel (it was Evers I believe)? The guy from SMU "giving up" his senior year at SMU to "play" at UW (did I mention he started his career at OK, but transferred to SMU after failing to beat out first Kyler Stewart, then Jalen Hurts and then Spencer Rattler)? How about the class of 2024 guy who gave his verbal?

So, you know, how is this any good? There's obviously more transfers here waiting to happen, maybe even before spring practice, but surely after. 6 scholarship QB's. Come on . . . . .
If we had 6 quarterbacks, 7 of them would be moved to safety.
 

Virginia Redbird

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 26, 2017
Messages
2,581
Location
Chesapeake, Virginia
From the "how the other half lives" department, and probably also from the "grass is/might be/maybe not greener" department. Just a little discussion while we're on the subject of the portal . . . .

QB Braeyden Locke today announces - on Twitter - that he is transferring to Wisconsin, from Mississippi St. He redshirted his FR year at MSU, was a 4-star with a couple outfits and 3 star with another. He's the 3rd incoming transfer QB since Luke Fickell took over (also RS FR Nick Evers from Oklahoma and SR Tanner Mordecai from SMU). Also there is incoming FR Cole LeCrue, returning SR backup Chase Wolf and returning FR Myles Burkett. They also recently got a verbal from class of 2024 QB Mabry Mettauer.

Now, who blinks first? How does the first commit/transfer feel (it was Evers I believe)? The guy from SMU "giving up" his senior year at SMU to "play" at UW (did I mention he started his career at OK, but transferred to SMU after failing to beat out first Kyler Stewart, then Jalen Hurts and then Spencer Rattler)? How about the class of 2024 guy who gave his verbal?

So, you know, how is this any good? There's obviously more transfers here waiting to happen, maybe even before spring practice, but surely after. 6 scholarship QB's. Come on . . . . .
I guess that is where we are at. Just one big wild west show! I don't like it but they did not ask me.
 

MadBird

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 16, 2017
Messages
4,730
Location
Madison, Wisconsin
Interesting, not sure it is really a big change, but you know, it seems to indicate that all the big dogs aren't totally happy with transfer madness. Some potential for closing off immediate eligibility after the first transfer with new guidelines:

 

Virginia Redbird

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 26, 2017
Messages
2,581
Location
Chesapeake, Virginia
Interesting, not sure it is really a big change, but you know, it seems to indicate that all the big dogs aren't totally happy with transfer madness. Some potential for closing off immediate eligibility after the first transfer with new guidelines:

With the NIL money some players are making they can probably hire a law firm not just a single lawyer!
I think it is a good idea to put some limitations on the number of moves. For the player they still have some flexibility but they would think more about a move if they were stuck at the next stop. I would bet some players just get frustrated or mad about something at one program and dump their name in the portal when a little perseverance would have been better for them in the long run. For coaches and programs a little more stability than what is now the case. For the fans a little more stability would be a good thing as well. The players still have the ability to move just not every year.
 

Redbirdwarrior

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 18, 2017
Messages
2,213
With the NIL money some players are making they can probably hire a law firm not just a single lawyer!
I think it is a good idea to put some limitations on the number of moves. For the player they still have some flexibility but they would think more about a move if they were stuck at the next stop. I would bet some players just get frustrated or mad about something at one program and dump their name in the portal when a little perseverance would have been better for them in the long run. For coaches and programs a little more stability than what is now the case. For the fans a little more stability would be a good thing as well. The players still have the ability to move just not every year.
They can, but all a lawyer can do is interpret rules against the constitution and laws on the books. If the NCAA changes its rules to say you are only eligible to play a sport for 2 different colleges in the same division and the schools agree to that, then a lawyer will have to prove that such a ruling is against a person's rights in whatever state they are in. Since there is no right to be guaranteed the ability to play football at endless schools on the books, lawyers may be up a creek.

But we saw this coming. If there is one think that kills the NCAA, it will be paying players and turning 90% of college athletics into a minor league for the ones with the big money.
 

Dmills

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 6, 2020
Messages
1,738
2 offers have gone out in the last 2 days to OL.
OG Talati Polamalu (Georgetown) - 2 years of eligibility, 2021 and 2022 2nd-team all-Patriot League
LT Xavior Gray (Akron) - 3 years of eligibility, 14 career starts
 
Top Bottom