I am as excited as anyone about these new portal additions - Thomas, Branch (x2), etc. We've picked up great players in the past who have shown themselves to be DGD.
But I also hate it.
I hate that we spend years becoming invested in a player's development, talent, and commitment to the University, all for him to transfer somewhere else - or lose his starting spot to a newcomer who wore a different jersey 2 months ago. I want Stockton or Pugs to start at QB. I want Bell, Tuggle, and Evans to be the guys at WR. I want the guys who I've read about and rooted for over the last few years to become the guys who lead us to victory on Saturdays.
One of the best things about CFB is the chance to watch young men grow up in front of your eyes, and it's even more fun when you get to trace the trajectory all the way back to their sophomore or junior year of high school. That experience is effectively gone.
NIL sucks too, but if I had to pick that or the portal, I think I'd give up the portal.
But I also hate it.
I hate that we spend years becoming invested in a player's development, talent, and commitment to the University, all for him to transfer somewhere else - or lose his starting spot to a newcomer who wore a different jersey 2 months ago. I want Stockton or Pugs to start at QB. I want Bell, Tuggle, and Evans to be the guys at WR. I want the guys who I've read about and rooted for over the last few years to become the guys who lead us to victory on Saturdays.
One of the best things about CFB is the chance to watch young men grow up in front of your eyes, and it's even more fun when you get to trace the trajectory all the way back to their sophomore or junior year of high school. That experience is effectively gone.
NIL sucks too, but if I had to pick that or the portal, I think I'd give up the portal.
