[Onlyu]

Positive vibes around the program, Tanu’s announcement notwithstanding. Hard to see a guy who loves it here leave but I’ll save my portal rant for a day that’s NOT Christmas Eve!

Strong portal additions to go with what’s coming back. QB play is obviously key but having an experienced “athlete” running the offense is really important and allows for a productive spring.

Plenty of G5 “guy” comments but the majority of the signings were from P4 schools and filled positions of need and the HS class was very strong (all things considered) as well.

No uncertainty in the building with Whitt coming back…Still need to add a high quality WR and now a DL (but not worried about that position honestly).

Ultimately I’m pleasantly surprised with what’s happened the past few weeks. Some nice surprises that should at least generate some interest into next fall.

Merry Christmas and go Utes!

[Onlyu]

Solid hire in Beck. I like the RPO style (if in fact he’s able to actually run it as designed), portal acquisition is the key but we should be right back in the mix next year and frankly that’s what needs to happen the next few years. Just don’t fall off a cliff, stay in view and when the final shift happens we’ll be included.

I also think it points to Whitt staying for more than just another year which is a bit surprising as well. I’m now leaning to him finishing out his contract which I wouldn’t have said even a week ago. Things have changed. There was a growing feeling for the past few months that he was done after this year and he has thrown a bit of a curveball to many involved in the process.

Solid signing day, solid OC hire, solid returning experience…can they turn solid into good/great will be the question.

[Onlyu]

I think it depends on if Johnson can come back healthy from the knee and if Cotton or Saunders can help immediately.

Cotton is pretty highly rated but obviously hasn’t played at a major college level. All kinds of NFL corners from small schools so interested to see if he belongs. Compare him to Saunders from a big time program but not rated as high. Excited to watch that play out.

[Onlyu]

7 of the 11 commits are P4 guys so far – Oregon, USC, A&M, Miss St, Nebraska, , Wash St and Louisville (pre JUCO) and a top 15 portal ranking at the moment with Nate Johnson from Vandy a likely add in the WR room. 8 out of 12 P4 kids wouldn’t be bad at all.

At the very least it’s been an extremely positive portal szn for our Utes. We’ll see it on the field soon enough but you have to feel a lot better about where the roster stands today vs a few weeks ago with some excitement and buzz around the program again. Add in a healthy Johnson at CB next season and you’ve got plenty of pieces to work with 🙏.

Awful year but hope springs eternal!

[Onlyu]

Yeah…plenty of on and off the field conflict this year that frankly went too far but those guys are mostly gone.

I can remember everyone absolutely “hating” a true freshman named Eric Weddle because he was so damn c**ky. Rubbed the veterans the wrong way in major fashion but of course that turned out just fine!

I’d rather have a player who believes in his ability vs. one that doesn’t. The game has a way of teaching humility to those who need it anyway.

[Onlyu]

For what it’s worth, Issac had already gotten a few offers (including from TDS), but felt comfortable with the new offense under Beck and how he fits in moving forward. He has quite a bit of potential so I’m happy he chose to return. IMO this gives him a chance to learn and develop on a more normal trajectory vs. what he was forced to deal with last year.

He certainly locked up mentally at times but he also showed flashes of why he was a highly rated recruit. I for one would like to see the progress he can make with a RS year learning and developing properly.

[Onlyu]

I’d expect Dampier to follow Beck and join soon and they’ll likely bring in another.

Rising is not in a position to hold anyone hostage at Utah. If he is granted another year AND if he wants to stay he won’t tie up much, if any, NIL at Utah. If he’s trying to get paid again it will be elsewhere.

[Onlyu]

Players loved Andy…but they knew he had to go. It was just time. I imagine Whitt sensed that as well. I don’t know if Coach is willing to change. My gut says no but I sure hope he does.

It comes down to a having a QB he can trust like he did with Cam. He would win the flip and take the ball…when in his coaching career did that ever happen except for those two years?

If the QB plays well, Beck has a long leash.

[Onlyu]

I’m sure it crossed his mind recently haha…but ultimately he’s got a great situation that will come to fruition sooner than later regardless AND in a place that he loves. A year or two longer is worth the wait when looking at the big picture imo

[Onlyu]

I don’t know…he’s been around and has now been in regions that we’re not typically recruiting from but we obviously have some good recruiters on staff already.

Whitt has always hated recruiting but has somewhat adapted the past 8-10 years. Scalley, Swan, Shaw and Harding are the main guys. Lud wasn’t even a great recruiter so I don’t think it can be any worse if that helps??!!

Whitt and Lud have the respect of players because of their knowledge and experience but not because they are investing in quick, lasting relationships with these kids on the recruiting trail (until they’re on campus).

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