Any Portal News Yet

[RangeCat]

Cats offer a CB from Nevada. He's "6-foot"

[kwcat]

Cats offer 2 transfer DBs, with good size.

We are in best needed of improvement in the secondary steel. That is not to say that the new bodies in these positions could not get to where they need to be by fall camp. Right now there are big holes to fill

[mslacatfan]

Anyone else surprised by the lack of portal signings so far this spring?

I know they have some offers out…. And I know Vigen prefers to develop highschool guys vs the portal “quick fix” (which I agree with completely). But still…

[BelligerentBobcat]

Anyone else surprised by the lack of portal signings so far this spring?

I know they have some offers out…. And I know Vigen prefers to develop highschool guys vs the portal “quick fix” (which I agree with completely). But still…

Patience. They’ll come.

[catatac]

You'd think there would be a lot of good options to add players at any needed position groups, considering there are over TEN THOUSAND players in the portal. That's insane.

[grizzh8r]

You'd think there would be a lot of good options to add players at any needed position groups, considering there are over TEN THOUSAND players in the portal. That's insane.

Wow.

At this point, it's not a portal, it's a black hole...

[MSU01]

Anyone else surprised by the lack of portal signings so far this spring?

I know they have some offers out…. And I know Vigen prefers to develop highschool guys vs the portal “quick fix” (which I agree with completely). But still…

There are currently 76 players listed on the online roster, and MSU has signed 28 freshmen or transfers who will be joining the team for Fall camp. Add these together and you get 104, only one less than the new maximum roster size of 105. So it's hard to be surprised by the relative lack of portal signings when you realize that most of those roster spots are already filled by incoming freshmen. This is how MSU is building the program, by prioritizing the recruitment and development of freshmen over signing dozens of transfer portal quick fixes every year.

[catatac]

Anyone else surprised by the lack of portal signings so far this spring?

I know they have some offers out…. And I know Vigen prefers to develop highschool guys vs the portal “quick fix” (which I agree with completely). But still…

There are currently 76 players listed on the online roster, and MSU has signed 28 freshmen or transfers who will be joining the team for Fall camp. Add these together and you get 104, only one less than the new maximum roster size of 105. So it's hard to be surprised by the relative lack of portal signings when you realize that most of those roster spots are already filled by incoming freshmen. This is how MSU is building the program, by prioritizing the recruitment and development of freshmen over signing dozens of transfer portal quick fixes every year.

Yep. Unfortunately there is a flaw with that process\system. Because of the way Vigen runs this program, there are going to be a lot of players that are so good and develop to the point where they are going to get huge cash offers to move up. So I think there needs to be a part of the equation where we are continually getting players from the transfer portal to plug these holes. So far, I think Vigen has done pretty well in this area. We'll see if it continues.

[MSU01]

Anyone else surprised by the lack of portal signings so far this spring?

I know they have some offers out…. And I know Vigen prefers to develop highschool guys vs the portal “quick fix” (which I agree with completely). But still…

There are currently 76 players listed on the online roster, and MSU has signed 28 freshmen or transfers who will be joining the team for Fall camp. Add these together and you get 104, only one less than the new maximum roster size of 105. So it's hard to be surprised by the relative lack of portal signings when you realize that most of those roster spots are already filled by incoming freshmen. This is how MSU is building the program, by prioritizing the recruitment and development of freshmen over signing dozens of transfer portal quick fixes every year.

Yep. Unfortunately there is a flaw with that process\system. Because of the way Vigen runs this program, there are going to be a lot of players that are so good and develop to the point where they are going to get huge cash offers to move up. So I think there needs to be a part of the equation where we are continually getting players from the transfer portal to plug these holes. So far, I think Vigen has done pretty well in this area. We'll see if it continues.

Ideally, when holes open up from players transferring out they can be filled by your younger players who have been developing in the system for a year or two or are good enough to play as true freshmen. This is what MSU has done with the offensive line that just keeps on dominating even as great players transfer out year after year. They've brought in a couple transfer portal guys recently in Ezekiel and Rollins but neither has played a major role as yet. The position where MSU probably lost a couple guys they weren't expecting to this year was DB with Powdrell, Johnson, and Polidore all leaving. So it's no surprise that this is the position that accounts for two of the three transfers Vigen has signed so far.

I firmly believe that building the program around freshman recruits is still the way to go even when we all know that some of the best guys you get will only be around for two or three years instead of for four or five.

[TomCat88]

Anyone else surprised by the lack of portal signings so far this spring?

I know they have some offers out…. And I know Vigen prefers to develop highschool guys vs the portal “quick fix” (which I agree with completely). But still…

There are currently 76 players listed on the online roster, and MSU has signed 28 freshmen or transfers who will be joining the team for Fall camp. Add these together and you get 104, only one less than the new maximum roster size of 105. So it's hard to be surprised by the relative lack of portal signings when you realize that most of those roster spots are already filled by incoming freshmen. This is how MSU is building the program, by prioritizing the recruitment and development of freshmen over signing dozens of transfer portal quick fixes every year.

Yep. Unfortunately there is a flaw with that process\system. Because of the way Vigen runs this program, there are going to be a lot of players that are so good and develop to the point where they are going to get huge cash offers to move up. So I think there needs to be a part of the equation where we are continually getting players from the transfer portal to plug these holes. So far, I think Vigen has done pretty well in this area. We'll see if it continues.

I’m not picking up what you’re laying down.

Of the positions that have key players transfer out over the past 3-4 years how many have had significant drop offs?

[Cataholic]

Anyone else surprised by the lack of portal signings so far this spring?

I know they have some offers out…. And I know Vigen prefers to develop highschool guys vs the portal “quick fix” (which I agree with completely). But still…

There are currently 76 players listed on the online roster, and MSU has signed 28 freshmen or transfers who will be joining the team for Fall camp. Add these together and you get 104, only one less than the new maximum roster size of 105. So it's hard to be surprised by the relative lack of portal signings when you realize that most of those roster spots are already filled by incoming freshmen. This is how MSU is building the program, by prioritizing the recruitment and development of freshmen over signing dozens of transfer portal quick fixes every year.

Yep. Unfortunately there is a flaw with that process\system. Because of the way Vigen runs this program, there are going to be a lot of players that are so good and develop to the point where they are going to get huge cash offers to move up. So I think there needs to be a part of the equation where we are continually getting players from the transfer portal to plug these holes. So far, I think Vigen has done pretty well in this area. We'll see if it continues.

I’m not picking up what you’re laying down.

Of the positions that have key players transfer out over the past 3-4 years how many have had significant drop offs?

You are right. We could make the argument that we have actually improved as we made the title game last year despite losing guys to the portal.

[VimSince03]

Anyone else surprised by the lack of portal signings so far this spring?

I know they have some offers out…. And I know Vigen prefers to develop highschool guys vs the portal “quick fix” (which I agree with completely). But still…

Transfer positions they are searching for:

RB - freshman won't be ready so need one or two more for depth. Henley changed the process here.

WR - they always are looking to add to the room here

DT - Every FCS team is always looking to add quality interior DL...as they are hard to find at this level as the great ones move up

CB - Some of the redshirt freshman are ready but losing Jon and Andrew hurt the veteran presence of this room. Don't be surprised if they add two more.

S - I like the guys we brought in in January but if they land a player who is at or near Ortt's level you have to pull the trigger

So I'm gonna say they would bring in at least 8 more players if it fits which would mean some additional cuts would have to happen as AFCAT has broken down. Surprised they aren't pursuing LB but that also means they like the progress of Daily, Grebe, Taylor, Krahe, and the young freshman (Dethman, Woodbury, and Bowles).

And if this is about the Griz adding players left and right...they are addressing different problems over there. Hauck has really been upset with the trenches so it makes sense that's where they've focused the most.

[kwcat]

Anyone else surprised by the lack of portal signings so far this spring?

I know they have some offers out…. And I know Vigen prefers to develop highschool guys vs the portal “quick fix” (which I agree with completely). But still…

Transfer positions they are searching for:

RB - freshman won't be ready so need one or two more for depth. Henley changed the process here.

WR - they always are looking to add to the room here

DT - Every FCS team is always looking to add quality interior DL...as they are hard to find at this level as the great ones move up

CB - Some of the redshirt freshman are ready but losing Jon and Andrew hurt the veteran presence of this room. Don't be surprised if they add two more.

S - I like the guys we brought in in January but if they land a player who is at or near Ortt's level you have to pull the trigger

So I'm gonna say they would bring in at least 8 more players if it fits which would mean some additional cuts would have to happen as AFCAT has broken down. Surprised they aren't pursuing LB but that also means they like the progress of Daily, Grebe, Taylor, Krahe, and the young freshman (Dethman, Woodbury, and Bowles).

And if this is about the Griz adding players left and right...they are addressing different problems over there. Hauck has really been upset with the trenches so it makes sense that's where they've focused the most.

I think they are keeping their eye out for a linebacker. Just nothing very public. We definitely have a need there in the short term. I will add to this that I do like the developing players, but they are just a step out until they prove different.

[VimSince03]

Anyone else surprised by the lack of portal signings so far this spring?

I know they have some offers out…. And I know Vigen prefers to develop highschool guys vs the portal “quick fix” (which I agree with completely). But still…

Transfer positions they are searching for:

RB - freshman won't be ready so need one or two more for depth. Henley changed the process here.

WR - they always are looking to add to the room here

DT - Every FCS team is always looking to add quality interior DL...as they are hard to find at this level as the great ones move up

CB - Some of the redshirt freshman are ready but losing Jon and Andrew hurt the veteran presence of this room. Don't be surprised if they add two more.

S - I like the guys we brought in in January but if they land a player who is at or near Ortt's level you have to pull the trigger

So I'm gonna say they would bring in at least 8 more players if it fits which would mean some additional cuts would have to happen as AFCAT has broken down. Surprised they aren't pursuing LB but that also means they like the progress of Daily, Grebe, Taylor, Krahe, and the young freshman (Dethman, Woodbury, and Bowles).

And if this is about the Griz adding players left and right...they are addressing different problems over there. Hauck has really been upset with the trenches so it makes sense that's where they've focused the most.

I think they are keeping their eye out for a linebacker. Just nothing very public. We definitely have a need there in the short term. I will add to this that I do like the developing players, but they are just a step out until they prove different.

Regarding LB, I personally think they need to bring in two who can push for starting roles. Daily/Grebe proved they can play impactful snaps last year and are going to be relied upon heavily this fall...but both have injury histories and will miss games. Are Cole Taylor and Ryan Krahe at the level needed to compete at a high level? I think they can play spot duty but from what I saw still are thinking too much. Neil Daily is our veteran presence at LB right now which I think sums up my current opinion of the group. A lot of talent but only two players with starting minutes.

[kwcat]

Anyone else surprised by the lack of portal signings so far this spring?

I know they have some offers out…. And I know Vigen prefers to develop highschool guys vs the portal “quick fix” (which I agree with completely). But still…

Transfer positions they are searching for:

RB - freshman won't be ready so need one or two more for depth. Henley changed the process here.

WR - they always are looking to add to the room here

DT - Every FCS team is always looking to add quality interior DL...as they are hard to find at this level as the great ones move up

CB - Some of the redshirt freshman are ready but losing Jon and Andrew hurt the veteran presence of this room. Don't be surprised if they add two more.

S - I like the guys we brought in in January but if they land a player who is at or near Ortt's level you have to pull the trigger

So I'm gonna say they would bring in at least 8 more players if it fits which would mean some additional cuts would have to happen as AFCAT has broken down. Surprised they aren't pursuing LB but that also means they like the progress of Daily, Grebe, Taylor, Krahe, and the young freshman (Dethman, Woodbury, and Bowles).

And if this is about the Griz adding players left and right...they are addressing different problems over there. Hauck has really been upset with the trenches so it makes sense that's where they've focused the most.

I think they are keeping their eye out for a linebacker. Just nothing very public. We definitely have a need there in the short term. I will add to this that I do like the developing players, but they are just a step out until they prove different.

Regarding LB, I personally think they need to bring in two who can push for starting roles. Daily/Grebe proved they can play impactful snaps last year and are going to be relied upon heavily this fall...but both have injury histories and will miss games. Are Cole Taylor and Ryan Krahe at the level needed to compete at a high level? I think they can play spot duty but from what I saw still are thinking too much. Neil Daily is our veteran presence at LB right now which I think sums up my current opinion of the group. A lot of talent but only two players with starting minutes.

Absolutely agreed

[tetoncat]

Anyone else surprised by the lack of portal signings so far this spring?

I know they have some offers out…. And I know Vigen prefers to develop highschool guys vs the portal “quick fix” (which I agree with completely). But still…

Transfer positions they are searching for:

RB - freshman won't be ready so need one or two more for depth. Henley changed the process here.

WR - they always are looking to add to the room here

DT - Every FCS team is always looking to add quality interior DL...as they are hard to find at this level as the great ones move up

CB - Some of the redshirt freshman are ready but losing Jon and Andrew hurt the veteran presence of this room. Don't be surprised if they add two more.

S - I like the guys we brought in in January but if they land a player who is at or near Ortt's level you have to pull the trigger

So I'm gonna say they would bring in at least 8 more players if it fits which would mean some additional cuts would have to happen as AFCAT has broken down. Surprised they aren't pursuing LB but that also means they like the progress of Daily, Grebe, Taylor, Krahe, and the young freshman (Dethman, Woodbury, and Bowles).

And if this is about the Griz adding players left and right...they are addressing different problems over there. Hauck has really been upset with the trenches so it makes sense that's where they've focused the most.

I think they are keeping their eye out for a linebacker. Just nothing very public. We definitely have a need there in the short term. I will add to this that I do like the developing players, but they are just a step out until they prove different.

Regarding LB, I personally think they need to bring in two who can push for starting roles. Daily/Grebe proved they can play impactful snaps last year and are going to be relied upon heavily this fall...but both have injury histories and will miss games. Are Cole Taylor and Ryan Krahe at the level needed to compete at a high level? I think they can play spot duty but from what I saw still are thinking too much. Neil Daily is our veteran presence at LB right now which I think sums up my current opinion of the group. A lot of talent but only two players with starting minutes.

Cats only play 2, so if no injuries had happened last year we would have no one with starting minutes. If these guys are not ready for back up roles with potential starting minutes in 3rd year, will they ever be. Physically should be and only way they get better now is reps.

[VimSince03]

Anyone else surprised by the lack of portal signings so far this spring?

I know they have some offers out…. And I know Vigen prefers to develop highschool guys vs the portal “quick fix” (which I agree with completely). But still…

Transfer positions they are searching for:

RB - freshman won't be ready so need one or two more for depth. Henley changed the process here.

WR - they always are looking to add to the room here

DT - Every FCS team is always looking to add quality interior DL...as they are hard to find at this level as the great ones move up

CB - Some of the redshirt freshman are ready but losing Jon and Andrew hurt the veteran presence of this room. Don't be surprised if they add two more.

S - I like the guys we brought in in January but if they land a player who is at or near Ortt's level you have to pull the trigger

So I'm gonna say they would bring in at least 8 more players if it fits which would mean some additional cuts would have to happen as AFCAT has broken down. Surprised they aren't pursuing LB but that also means they like the progress of Daily, Grebe, Taylor, Krahe, and the young freshman (Dethman, Woodbury, and Bowles).

And if this is about the Griz adding players left and right...they are addressing different problems over there. Hauck has really been upset with the trenches so it makes sense that's where they've focused the most.

I think they are keeping their eye out for a linebacker. Just nothing very public. We definitely have a need there in the short term. I will add to this that I do like the developing players, but they are just a step out until they prove different.

Regarding LB, I personally think they need to bring in two who can push for starting roles. Daily/Grebe proved they can play impactful snaps last year and are going to be relied upon heavily this fall...but both have injury histories and will miss games. Are Cole Taylor and Ryan Krahe at the level needed to compete at a high level? I think they can play spot duty but from what I saw still are thinking too much. Neil Daily is our veteran presence at LB right now which I think sums up my current opinion of the group. A lot of talent but only two players with starting minutes.

Cats only play 2, so if no injuries had happened last year we would have no one with starting minutes. If these guys are not ready for back up roles with potential starting minutes in 3rd year, will they ever be. Physically should be and only way they get better now is reps.

Agree with this too. If they don't sign any additional LBers, it will be a moot point. They'll be getting those reps regardless.

[TomCat88]

Anyone else surprised by the lack of portal signings so far this spring?

I know they have some offers out…. And I know Vigen prefers to develop highschool guys vs the portal “quick fix” (which I agree with completely). But still…

Transfer positions they are searching for:

RB - freshman won't be ready so need one or two more for depth. Henley changed the process here.

WR - they always are looking to add to the room here

DT - Every FCS team is always looking to add quality interior DL...as they are hard to find at this level as the great ones move up

CB - Some of the redshirt freshman are ready but losing Jon and Andrew hurt the veteran presence of this room. Don't be surprised if they add two more.

S - I like the guys we brought in in January but if they land a player who is at or near Ortt's level you have to pull the trigger

So I'm gonna say they would bring in at least 8 more players if it fits which would mean some additional cuts would have to happen as AFCAT has broken down. Surprised they aren't pursuing LB but that also means they like the progress of Daily, Grebe, Taylor, Krahe, and the young freshman (Dethman, Woodbury, and Bowles).

And if this is about the Griz adding players left and right...they are addressing different problems over there. Hauck has really been upset with the trenches so it makes sense that's where they've focused the most.

Based on what I saw at the scrimmage there weren't any glaring needs. I'm thinking most moves are an attempt to build depth and if they happen to find a player capable of jumping into the rotation somewhere, then that's an added bonus. Every position group seems to have either 4-5 battling for an open starting position or 2-3 guys battling for backup spots.

I don't see MSU being in a position where it's looking for a guy to come in and start anywhere. This is a luxury very few teams can make a claim to.

I think the coaches accept the fact that there's not another Tommy Mellott out there. If there were, he'd be playing for a P4 team already and not looking to transfer to MSU. They also don't see one in their own ranks. That's just something they'll address by making whatever changes need to be made to make the team as productive as possible of offense. That isn't to say the QBs on hand can't make the spectacular happen, because there's no doubt they can. Almost every QB, not just Mellott, to take a snap at MSU since 2010 has been able to do that. McGhee, Prukop, Murray, Andersen, McKay, Chambers, Mellott (what an absolutely dymanic group that is; I can't think of any teams with as good and diverse of a group during the same time span). Rovig and Bruggman were the only exceptions, and they didn't suck. That's a pretty good track record.

[BelligerentBobcat]

I think we watched different Bruggman’s play.

[grizzh8r]

I think we watched different Bruggman’s play.

Yeah, he was pretty bad. Really, he's the only truly dud QB the Cats have had in over 2 decades. Rough seasons were 2008 (Iddins/Kempt/Desin platoon struggled) and the early part of 2016 until Choate gambled on a 17 y.o. true freshman Chris Murray. Aside from injuries to notable starters that influenced the outcomes of games and entire seasons (2012 SMU game STILL haunts me - oh what could have been with a healthy McGhee that season), the talent has usually been there. Even at backup QB.