Agree that Lajuan Owens is a huge pickup. Left tackle is generally the most important spot on the line. He was good enough to start as a redshirt freshman on a highly successful unit, so can really lock down that position for 3 years. Plus, he'll be working with his former position coach, so there won't be any problems with adjusting to a new coach or blocking scheme. Very few guys left in the portal. I'm sure Brown is a good QB, or he wouldn't be the #2 at OSU. Just maybe need an edge rusher or two, maybe an LB and Cal should be in good shape. More placekickers maybe?
It seems we lost more than we gained at QB -- Brown not being the established starter that Fernando is - although we have a potential star true freshman. We certainly lost at WR. And DB - losing an All American through graduation. Hopefully much better on OL -but it is hard to judge given coming from smaller programs. Hopefully we can add some depth at WR and on defense before the season starts....
Shouldn’t JUCOs be on this list even though technically they don’t come from the portal? Practically, they serve the same purpose and we have some impact guys coming in at Edge.
What about the center? Who is it? That was a huge need up front. No push, no holes! Were lucky Ott stayed, unlike Mendoza! Do we have ice vein kicker? Special team, hopefully its better.
This is fantastic! I wish eligibility was easier to track so kudos to you for putting in what I know is a ton of effort.
We lost some absolute gamers but likely found some new ones. The huge surprise is that we MAY possibly have upgraded our overall QB room talent despite Nando's departure. And I'm just praying that we got that New Mexican OL magic with a coach and a tackle he trusts.
The defense might be hurting some with the apparent drop in experience and talent at ILB and OLB (edge) and CB. Maybe there are some youngsters on the roster not mentioned here who could surprise and step in to do a good job. Defense is SO important but most fans just pay attention to offense.
Super informative, but might be more so if including key returnees by position to give full roster picture. Kicking/Punting is scary, hopefully more to be added???
Agree that Lajuan Owens is a huge pickup. Left tackle is generally the most important spot on the line. He was good enough to start as a redshirt freshman on a highly successful unit, so can really lock down that position for 3 years. Plus, he'll be working with his former position coach, so there won't be any problems with adjusting to a new coach or blocking scheme. Very few guys left in the portal. I'm sure Brown is a good QB, or he wouldn't be the #2 at OSU. Just maybe need an edge rusher or two, maybe an LB and Cal should be in good shape. More placekickers maybe?
It seems we lost more than we gained at QB -- Brown not being the established starter that Fernando is - although we have a potential star true freshman. We certainly lost at WR. And DB - losing an All American through graduation. Hopefully much better on OL -but it is hard to judge given coming from smaller programs. Hopefully we can add some depth at WR and on defense before the season starts....
Shouldn’t JUCOs be on this list even though technically they don’t come from the portal? Practically, they serve the same purpose and we have some impact guys coming in at Edge.
A fair point, I’ll add that into future analysis
What about the center? Who is it? That was a huge need up front. No push, no holes! Were lucky Ott stayed, unlike Mendoza! Do we have ice vein kicker? Special team, hopefully its better.
My guess is that they have one of the incoming guards play center
Great overview! I believe Moko will have big impact on the offensive line.
This is fantastic! I wish eligibility was easier to track so kudos to you for putting in what I know is a ton of effort.
We lost some absolute gamers but likely found some new ones. The huge surprise is that we MAY possibly have upgraded our overall QB room talent despite Nando's departure. And I'm just praying that we got that New Mexican OL magic with a coach and a tackle he trusts.
The defense might be hurting some with the apparent drop in experience and talent at ILB and OLB (edge) and CB. Maybe there are some youngsters on the roster not mentioned here who could surprise and step in to do a good job. Defense is SO important but most fans just pay attention to offense.
Super informative, but might be more so if including key returnees by position to give full roster picture. Kicking/Punting is scary, hopefully more to be added???
Didn’t we lose a punter to Arkansas State, where Honore came from?
Yes. I guess it was omitted because he never played before. But he was the only returning punter so it's worth a mention.