Why would anyone jump ship?

[TipoftheSpear]

Where's the downside?

D is solid and can be expected to remain the same, O can only get better = More wins, better bowls, more exposure.

Hmm, possibly:
a. More discipline, higher expectations?
b. No more loyalty for players that are starting/getting lots of playing time that just aren't cutting it?
c. Those waiting "their turn" may not get one?

I can't think of any others.

 

[gth816f]

a. Probably not.
b & c. Absolutely. Would you rather sit or play during the last four years you will ever get to play football?

Not to mention some of the freshmen probably have aspirations of playing for the NFL, and if they feel Paul Johnson's offense will prevent them from showing what they have, it could be a life-altering change. Or I'm sure some players weren't happy here to begin with because of the overly difficult academics, but were staying because they liked Chan so much. Now those players would have no reason to stay, and why spend your college years being miserable if you don't have to?

 

[beej67]

Not to mention some of the freshmen probably have aspirations of playing for the NFL, and if they feel Paul Johnson's offense will prevent them from showing what they have, it could be a life-altering change.

Everybody keeps saying that.

If we have any WRs or QBs on our team (other than Nesbitt) who have remote aspirations at the NFL, they shoulda thrown and/or caught passes better last year. We have exactly ZERO NFL caliber talent in the passing game. The running game, however, is a different story, and those guys should be tickled pink for Johnson.

 

[gth816f]

Everybody keeps saying that.

If we have any WRs or QBs on our team (other than Nesbitt) who have remote aspirations at the NFL, they shoulda thrown and/or caught passes better last year. We have exactly ZERO NFL caliber talent in the passing game. The running game, however, is a different story, and those guys should be tickled pink for Johnson.

Well, that's why I said freshmen. They still have three years of eligibility left, plenty of time to start catching passes. Receiver is the hardest position for young players to adjust to(be it freshmen in college or rookies in the NFL). Dropping passes can by fixed by the right coach, just like fumbling can(see: Tiki Barber and Tom Coughlin).

 

[clapper]

I don't see any difference between players leaving and recruits decommiting. One of things people were concerned about with CPJ was that recruits would leave due to his style of offense. Anyone that's here right now was expecting some sort of pro-style offense. They might be better suited for that, at least in their mind.

The defense is different. Those guys don't even know who their leader will be. Of course, we've had some major losses there too. So, we've got some good opportunities for those that stay.

 

[beej67]

We had guys leave when Chan was hired, complaining about the coaching philosophy Gailey brought. I fully expect the same thing this time. We knew this when we fired Gailey.

 

[TIARB]

Beej, who left when Chan started?

I can count only 2, and they were both QB's - Rashan Johnson and Andy Hall.

 

[beej67]

Beej, who left when Chan started?

Check a year afterwards. Several people left because they felt Chan wasn't a good enough disciplinarian. Wasn't what they were looking for. That is, btw, info from a buddy of mine in school during the transition, knew some guys on the FB team. Call it 'insider' if you like, but treat it with a grain of salt. Just know that it's not unique, it's pretty standard in any coaching transition.