Portal Update

 OK, so a lot of stuff flying on the web about BG and the portal.  Specifically, the idea that BG is losing 15 players to the portal....which is true, but also not an accurate picture.

Since I last posted, Jalen Grant has entered the portal.  This is a significant loss in terms of snaps.  He essentially started every game for BG and is a guy who we recruited out of HS.  At guard, PFF had him as the #6 pass blocker and the #9 run blocker in the conference.  He led all MAC linemen in penalties. (Note, he did play some center too).  (Second, note.  Warner was second in penalties.)

Now, let's get to the 15 players in the portal.  Look, I'm not saying this situation is good, but within the 15 are Owen Rozanc, a kicker we never used, Justin Shiets who hadn't played in a year, walk-ons Kellen Adler and Leiris Manzi, long snapper Dominic Konopka, and Marcelo Mendiola, who quit the team before the first game of the season.

The real number is 9 in the portal, to date.  Again, that's not good, but it's not 15.

It is certainly very frustrating.  But it is how this works now.  Take Broden.  He has offers from all kinds of P5 schools and is going to get paid (I would imagine).  We have nothing to offer in return and I don't think having a new coach would have made a difference. Many of you feel differently.  I get it.

If it feels like we are just going to be a farm system, I worry about that, too.  Here is what the new AD said:

Unfortunate part of our industry…. Everywhere. Those who stay will be champions! Still applies….. @CoachLoefflerBG

— Derek van der Merwe (@vandermerwe63) January 3, 2023

 

No, it is not going to be easy.  I'm reminded of Moneyball:  The Art of Winning an Unfair Game.

Not claiming we have Billy Beane hanging around.

To me, football has continued to morph into two classes.  This has been going on since BG was first pushed into I-AA (briefly) in the 70s. Going to FCS is not an option unless we leave the MAC or the entire MAC goes.  You're not going to see that.  

It's discouraging enough without people screaming about 15 people in the portal.

First step....get out there and get better players who want to come to BG and develop.