The Bobcat Nation

This is my way of grieving...projecting forward. This is likely subject to change as NIL will likely take 2-3 of our guys but here is how it stands in my view. 1st string listed first.

QB: Wilson or (insert transfer)/Reed or River Warren
RB: Jones/Coon or Henley
FB: Murphy or Valcin
WR: R. King/J. King
WR: Taco/Trimble or Steel
WR: Garrigan/J. King or Dodson-Greene
TE: Provience or Schlepp/Lencioni
LT: Jefferson/Thornton (incoming true frosh)
LG: Mastel/Carr
C: Reed/Kaplan or Nyland
RG: Rollins/Nilson
RT: Fleischmann/Ezekial

DE: Eiden/Parsons
DT: Eckart/Black or Marsh
DT: Brott/Sharbono
DE: Crews/Salano
LB: Grebe/Taylor or Bowles
LB: Daily/Krahe or Bowles
NB: Gray/Dolan or Petre
CB: Powdrell/Carr or S. Johnson or Boyd
CB: J. Johnson/McMillan or Williams
FS: Polidore/Uluilakepa
SS: Dowler/Pottenger or Steel

A lot up in the air at QB and kind of the OL (but not really). Hearing Moore is headed to a Big Ten school on a sizeable NIL deal. Cedric Jefferson played well in the first three games of the year while Mastel/Reed were healing up and Moore played guard. He's ready. WR is a little exposed with Alexander hitting the portal but if Ryan King comes back, he and Javonte King give us two big body receivers who can make plays. Will likely bring in two transfer WRs like we do every year. Jabez Woods is highly thought of and they like the two freshman they are bringing in to push for time right away. RB is loaded again even with Scottre leaving. Jared White leaving means he wants to be a feature back somewhere else and likely means Mix viewed him as the #4 behind Jones, Coon, and Henley. We bring in two freshman backs but we'll likely pursue a transfer just like Davis a few years back. We also just might bring back Davis! TE we only lose Lonergan. It obviously all hinges on QB but we will have a base run game that still will produce at a high level.

I think defensively we are bringing a good core back on the DL and two now-battle tested LBs but we need our other backers to take the next step. They are very high on Bowles but Krahe and Taylor took steps this year in practice/special teams. In the secondary, Dowler replaces Ortt but strength of the group hinges on Jon Johnson maybe getting another year because of the new JUCO rule not counting towards eligibility. Same goes for Cole Sain but I think he's done. Really like our interior DL coming back and the foursome of Eiden, Crews, Parsons, and Salano is wonderful. Dominic really came on later in the year and played a TON in the title game. Taki playing well this year helps our depth. Corner will be that foursome of talented freshman pushing for starter reps (McMillan, Johnson, Boyd, and Williams). I also have a feeling Brendan Ross is going to push for a spot next year somewhere in the secondary (nickel or safety).

Overall, everything comes down to Chance Wilson taking the next step or bringing in a transfer that we can install into what fits us. Walker is gone as OC so Vigen will get the chance to show his QB development chops once again. Here's to counting down the days to spring ball!

VimSince03 wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 12:22 pm

This is my way of grieving...projecting forward. This is likely subject to change as NIL will likely take 2-3 of our guys but here is how it stands in my view. 1st string listed first.

QB: Wilson or (insert transfer)/Reed or River Warren
RB: Humphrey/Jones
FB: Jones/Murphy
WR: Lonyatta/King
WR: Taco/Trimble or Steel
WR: King/Garrigan
TE: Provience or Schlepp/Lencioni
LT: Moore/Jefferson
LG: Mastel/Carr
C: Kaplan or Nyland
RG: Rollins/Nilson
RT: Fleischmann/Ezekial

DE: Eiden/Parsons
DT: Eckart/Black or Marsh
DT: Brott/Sharbono
DE: Crews/Frederickson or Vigen or Brock
LB: Grebe/Taylor or Bowles
LB: Daily/Krahe or Bowles
NB: Gray/Dolan or Petre
CB: Powdrell/Carr or Johnson
CB: Johnson/McMillan or Williams
FS: Polidore/Uluilakepa
SS: Dowler/Pottenger or Steel

A lot up in the air at QB and kind of the OL (but not really). Hearing Moore is headed to a Big Ten school on a sizeable NIL deal. WR should be fine and RB is loaded again even if Scottre leaves. TE we only lose Lonergan. It obviously all hinges on QB but we will have a base run game that still will produce at a high level.

I think defensively we are bringing a good core back on the DL and two now-battle tested LBs but we need our other backers to take the next step. They are very high on Bowles but Krahe and Taylor took steps this year in practice. In the secondary, Dowler replaces Ortt but strength of the group hinges on Jon Johnson maybe getting another year because of the new JUCO rule not counting towards eligibility. Same goes for Cole Sain but I think he's done. Really like our interior DL coming back and the trio of Eiden, Crews, and Parsons is wonderful. Taki playing well this year helps our depth. Corner will be that trio of talented freshman pushing for starter reps (McMillan, Johnson, and Williams). I also have a feeling Brendan Ross is going to push for a spot next year somewhere in the secondary.

Overall, everything comes down to Chance Wilson taking the next step or bringing in a transfer that we can install into what fits us. Walker is gone as OC so Vigen will get the chance to show his QB development chops once again. Here's to counting down the days to spring ball!

I love the core we have coming back. Chance is going to get his opportunity, I think, even if we bring in a portal guy to compete he's going to get his shot. Been assuming all along Moore will leave. Wonder about sain and/or jt Reed. My instinct on Cole, given his path to this point, would be that he's done, same as you. We will be younger but likely more athletic in the secondary. A great, great base to start from.

GoldstoneCat wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 12:29 pm

VimSince03 wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 12:22 pm

This is my way of grieving...projecting forward. This is likely subject to change as NIL will likely take 2-3 of our guys but here is how it stands in my view. 1st string listed first.

QB: Wilson or (insert transfer)/Reed or River Warren
RB: Humphrey/Jones
FB: Jones/Murphy
WR: Lonyatta/King
WR: Taco/Trimble or Steel
WR: King/Garrigan
TE: Provience or Schlepp/Lencioni
LT: Moore/Jefferson
LG: Mastel/Carr
C: Kaplan or Nyland
RG: Rollins/Nilson
RT: Fleischmann/Ezekial

DE: Eiden/Parsons
DT: Eckart/Black or Marsh
DT: Brott/Sharbono
DE: Crews/Frederickson or Vigen or Brock
LB: Grebe/Taylor or Bowles
LB: Daily/Krahe or Bowles
NB: Gray/Dolan or Petre
CB: Powdrell/Carr or Johnson
CB: Johnson/McMillan or Williams
FS: Polidore/Uluilakepa
SS: Dowler/Pottenger or Steel

A lot up in the air at QB and kind of the OL (but not really). Hearing Moore is headed to a Big Ten school on a sizeable NIL deal. WR should be fine and RB is loaded again even if Scottre leaves. TE we only lose Lonergan. It obviously all hinges on QB but we will have a base run game that still will produce at a high level.

I think defensively we are bringing a good core back on the DL and two now-battle tested LBs but we need our other backers to take the next step. They are very high on Bowles but Krahe and Taylor took steps this year in practice. In the secondary, Dowler replaces Ortt but strength of the group hinges on Jon Johnson maybe getting another year because of the new JUCO rule not counting towards eligibility. Same goes for Cole Sain but I think he's done. Really like our interior DL coming back and the trio of Eiden, Crews, and Parsons is wonderful. Taki playing well this year helps our depth. Corner will be that trio of talented freshman pushing for starter reps (McMillan, Johnson, and Williams). I also have a feeling Brendan Ross is going to push for a spot next year somewhere in the secondary.

Overall, everything comes down to Chance Wilson taking the next step or bringing in a transfer that we can install into what fits us. Walker is gone as OC so Vigen will get the chance to show his QB development chops once again. Here's to counting down the days to spring ball!

I love the core we have coming back. Chance is going to get his opportunity, I think, even if we bring in a portal guy to compete he's going to get his shot. Been assuming all along Moore will leave. Wonder about sain and/or jt Reed. My instinct on Cole, given his path to this point, would be that he's done, same as you. We will be younger but likely more athletic in the secondary. A great, great base to start from.

Sain and Reed are both out of eligibility, aren’t they?

wbtfg wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 12:32 pm

Sain and Reed are both out of eligibility, aren’t they?

They were until the recent NCAA ruling after the Diego Pavia lawsuit went against them. Both spent a year playing JC ball, so they get that year of eligibility back for the 2025 season if they choose to use it. Jon Johnson is covered under the ruling as well since he played two years of JC before transferring to MSU.

MSU01 wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 12:35 pm

wbtfg wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 12:32 pm

Sain and Reed are both out of eligibility, aren’t they?

They were until the recent NCAA ruling after the Diego Pavia lawsuit went against them. Both spent a year playing JC ball, so they get that year of eligibility back for the 2025 season if they choose to use it.

Hot damn….i totally missed that.

I believe Garrigan is done. Is Julius not coming back at RB? I thought that was confirmed.

LTown Cat wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 12:42 pm

I believe Garrigan is done. Is Julius not coming back at RB? I thought that was confirmed.

I think it was confirmed that Julius can play one more year, not necessarily that he will.

wbtfg wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 12:32 pm

GoldstoneCat wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 12:29 pm

VimSince03 wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 12:22 pm

This is my way of grieving...projecting forward. This is likely subject to change as NIL will likely take 2-3 of our guys but here is how it stands in my view. 1st string listed first.

QB: Wilson or (insert transfer)/Reed or River Warren
RB: Humphrey/Jones
FB: Jones/Murphy
WR: Lonyatta/King
WR: Taco/Trimble or Steel
WR: King/Garrigan
TE: Provience or Schlepp/Lencioni
LT: Moore/Jefferson
LG: Mastel/Carr
C: Kaplan or Nyland
RG: Rollins/Nilson
RT: Fleischmann/Ezekial

DE: Eiden/Parsons
DT: Eckart/Black or Marsh
DT: Brott/Sharbono
DE: Crews/Frederickson or Vigen or Brock
LB: Grebe/Taylor or Bowles
LB: Daily/Krahe or Bowles
NB: Gray/Dolan or Petre
CB: Powdrell/Carr or Johnson
CB: Johnson/McMillan or Williams
FS: Polidore/Uluilakepa
SS: Dowler/Pottenger or Steel

A lot up in the air at QB and kind of the OL (but not really). Hearing Moore is headed to a Big Ten school on a sizeable NIL deal. WR should be fine and RB is loaded again even if Scottre leaves. TE we only lose Lonergan. It obviously all hinges on QB but we will have a base run game that still will produce at a high level.

I think defensively we are bringing a good core back on the DL and two now-battle tested LBs but we need our other backers to take the next step. They are very high on Bowles but Krahe and Taylor took steps this year in practice. In the secondary, Dowler replaces Ortt but strength of the group hinges on Jon Johnson maybe getting another year because of the new JUCO rule not counting towards eligibility. Same goes for Cole Sain but I think he's done. Really like our interior DL coming back and the trio of Eiden, Crews, and Parsons is wonderful. Taki playing well this year helps our depth. Corner will be that trio of talented freshman pushing for starter reps (McMillan, Johnson, and Williams). I also have a feeling Brendan Ross is going to push for a spot next year somewhere in the secondary.

Overall, everything comes down to Chance Wilson taking the next step or bringing in a transfer that we can install into what fits us. Walker is gone as OC so Vigen will get the chance to show his QB development chops once again. Here's to counting down the days to spring ball!

I love the core we have coming back. Chance is going to get his opportunity, I think, even if we bring in a portal guy to compete he's going to get his shot. Been assuming all along Moore will leave. Wonder about sain and/or jt Reed. My instinct on Cole, given his path to this point, would be that he's done, same as you. We will be younger but likely more athletic in the secondary. A great, great base to start from.

Sain and Reed are both out of eligibility, aren’t they?

I think they were 2 of the 3, along with jon Johnson, impacted by the Juco ruling. Sain and Johnson for sure. Whether any of them plays another year, i don't know.

MSU01 wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 12:43 pm

LTown Cat wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 12:42 pm

I believe Garrigan is done. Is Julius not coming back at RB? I thought that was confirmed.

I think it was confirmed that Julius can play one more year, not necessarily that he will.

I was under the impression that they didn't bring him back till 4 left to play so he could utilize a redshirt. They had to petition to get his first year turned to a grey shirt due to injury. I can't imagine they would do that unless he wants to play this fall.

Prodigal Cat wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 12:47 pm

MSU01 wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 12:43 pm

LTown Cat wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 12:42 pm

I believe Garrigan is done. Is Julius not coming back at RB? I thought that was confirmed.

I think it was confirmed that Julius can play one more year, not necessarily that he will.

I was under the impression that they didn't bring him back till 4 left to play so he could utilize a redshirt. They had to petition to get his first year turned to a grey shirt due to injury. I can't imagine they would do that unless he wants to play this fall.

Here's hoping. He plays with an edge and can be a vocal leader on a brand new offense next year.

I did not list Davis. Not intentional...he may come back. Regardless, RB is one or our deepest groups.

MSU01 wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 12:43 pm

LTown Cat wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 12:42 pm

I believe Garrigan is done. Is Julius not coming back at RB? I thought that was confirmed.

I think it was confirmed that Julius can play one more year, not necessarily that he will.

Strong reference told me at the tailgate that Julius was approved for his medical redshirt. As stated, where he will play is unknown.

VimSince03 wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 12:55 pm

I did not list Davis. Not intentional...he may come back. Regardless, RB is one or our deepest groups.

No doubt, you could almost list every back in any order and get the same result. Jones really stepped up with tough results bs the last few games. I think UNH is a huge playmaker and they will get him more involved.

I am very grateful for what this last year’s team provided to our program, and I have a new bar has been set. However, I do love years like the one coming up where there are a few unknowns. Definitely will be exciting and I have a feeling the cat will be just fine

Now with the confirmation of Moore leaving, Jefferson is the presumed starter at LT. Who becomes #2 there?

I have faith in the o line being good again next year, but losing 4 of 5 starters and the O line coach is less than ideal.

What are the general thoughts on the group at this point? Some growing pains are to be expected to some extent, but are the guys waiting in the wings ready to hit the ground running next year?

Catsrgrood wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 4:45 pm

Now with the confirmation of Moore leaving, Jefferson is the presumed starter at LT. Who becomes #2 there?

I have faith in the o line being good again next year, but losing 4 of 5 starters and the O line coach is less than ideal.

What are the general thoughts on the group at this point? Some growing pains are to be expected to some extent, but are the guys waiting in the wings ready to hit the ground running next year?

Would have to like the building blocks with mastel, Rollins and of course titan. Unless Sain decides to play one more year center is the big question imo.

Catsrgrood wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 4:45 pm

Now with the confirmation of Moore leaving, Jefferson is the presumed starter at LT. Who becomes #2 there?

I have faith in the o line being good again next year, but losing 4 of 5 starters and the O line coach is less than ideal.

What are the general thoughts on the group at this point? Some growing pains are to be expected to some extent, but are the guys waiting in the wings ready to hit the ground running next year?

Burke Mastel and Titan Fleischmann should both be back so that's two starters returning, plus Sain and Reed now have the option for one more season after the NCAA ruling on JC eligibility. When Jefferson was starting at LT early this season they listed Samora Ezekiel as his backup, but that could easily change by August of course.

MSU01 wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 4:51 pm

Catsrgrood wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 4:45 pm

Now with the confirmation of Moore leaving, Jefferson is the presumed starter at LT. Who becomes #2 there?

I have faith in the o line being good again next year, but losing 4 of 5 starters and the O line coach is less than ideal.

What are the general thoughts on the group at this point? Some growing pains are to be expected to some extent, but are the guys waiting in the wings ready to hit the ground running next year?

Burke Mastel and Titan Fleischmann should both be back so that's two starters returning, plus Sain and Reed now have the option for one more season after the NCAA ruling on JC eligibility. When Jefferson was starting at LT early this season they listed Samora Ezekiel as his backup, but that could easily change by August of course.

I guess it’s more accurate to say losing 3.5 starters with Mastel and Reed basically rotating at guard.

But… with the possibility of Sain and/or Reed coming back, that’d be a huge boost to the group next year if they decided to do so.

Catsrgrood wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 4:55 pm

MSU01 wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 4:51 pm

Catsrgrood wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 07, 2025 4:45 pm

Now with the confirmation of Moore leaving, Jefferson is the presumed starter at LT. Who becomes #2 there?

I have faith in the o line being good again next year, but losing 4 of 5 starters and the O line coach is less than ideal.

What are the general thoughts on the group at this point? Some growing pains are to be expected to some extent, but are the guys waiting in the wings ready to hit the ground running next year?

Burke Mastel and Titan Fleischmann should both be back so that's two starters returning, plus Sain and Reed now have the option for one more season after the NCAA ruling on JC eligibility. When Jefferson was starting at LT early this season they listed Samora Ezekiel as his backup, but that could easily change by August of course.

I guess it’s more accurate to say losing 3.5 starters with Mastel and Reed basically rotating at guard.

But… with the possibility of Sain and/or Reed coming back, that’d be a huge boost to the group next year if they decided to do so.

There are guys that could step in keep the ball rolling but im concerned whether we will be good enough to roll against the MVFC/playoff teams next year. Over the last couple of weeks our output from the RBs went down dramatically and we became pretty dependent on Tommy to be our entire offense. Part of that was teams stacking the box, part was injuries but there is definitely improvement to be made over this year.

I’d like to see us get a portal WR. Chance is going to need a dude who can go get a ball. I’m not worried about a single position at the moment, assuming most guys stick around.