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UGA NIL and Portal Strategy
Posted on 12/18/24 at 11:54 am
Posted on 12/18/24 at 11:54 am
I was listening to DawgNation daily last night and they kind've touched on a point but don't think they explored it enough.
It sure seems like Kirby is zigging while other programs are zagging. We've been very quiet in the portal. We've never really abused the portal in the past, either.
Kirby was asked about the portal and he made a comment like "we're trying to concentrate on the guys who want to be here" which, at the time, I took to mean there's no use talking about a guy like Humphreys because he's gone and didn't want to be at UGA.
What if what he was actually saying was that he's using NIL resources to retain players who want to be at UGA but are considering leaving due to NIL opportunities elsewhere? While other teams are blowing much of their NIL by signing mercenaries off the Portal, UGA is spending to keep the guys they've invested in via development. I think it's a pretty damn brilliant move.
Apparently, there were rumors of Evans leaving. Next thing you know, dude is no longer entering the portal and driving around in a brand new ride. Pretty easy to guess how that happened and seems to prove that this is the strategy UGA has chosen to employ.
As a top recruiting school who cares greatly about character, keeping zigging, Kirby, while programs like tOSU and Texas blow money on guys not at all invested in their programs.
It sure seems like Kirby is zigging while other programs are zagging. We've been very quiet in the portal. We've never really abused the portal in the past, either.
Kirby was asked about the portal and he made a comment like "we're trying to concentrate on the guys who want to be here" which, at the time, I took to mean there's no use talking about a guy like Humphreys because he's gone and didn't want to be at UGA.
What if what he was actually saying was that he's using NIL resources to retain players who want to be at UGA but are considering leaving due to NIL opportunities elsewhere? While other teams are blowing much of their NIL by signing mercenaries off the Portal, UGA is spending to keep the guys they've invested in via development. I think it's a pretty damn brilliant move.
Apparently, there were rumors of Evans leaving. Next thing you know, dude is no longer entering the portal and driving around in a brand new ride. Pretty easy to guess how that happened and seems to prove that this is the strategy UGA has chosen to employ.
As a top recruiting school who cares greatly about character, keeping zigging, Kirby, while programs like tOSU and Texas blow money on guys not at all invested in their programs.
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Posted on 12/18/24 at 11:58 am to mmmmmbeeer
Its gonna be hard to keep a cork on it regardless. Loyal players vs mercenaries I will take loyal. I think Kirby’s biggest sell is you stay here and you will be pro ready and you will have a higher draft stock where you will make real money.
Posted on 12/18/24 at 12:01 pm to mmmmmbeeer
Dawgnation - I give that dude credit, he can turn 5 minutes of info into a one hour podcast as good as anybody.
Posted on 12/18/24 at 12:24 pm to mmmmmbeeer
Software engineering companies talk about attracting the best talent, but keeping talent has always been a problem for most in the industry. With high turnover, there's no company culture, weak communication, no teamwork...
I imagine you can a have a very talented collection of coders or football players, but if they don't play well together, you likely develop a mediocre product.
I imagine you can a have a very talented collection of coders or football players, but if they don't play well together, you likely develop a mediocre product.
This post was edited on 12/18/24 at 12:25 pm
Posted on 12/18/24 at 12:32 pm to mmmmmbeeer
quote:
What if what he was actually saying was that he's using NIL resources to retain players who want to be at UGA but are considering leaving due to NIL opportunities elsewhere? While other teams are blowing much of their NIL by signing mercenaries off the Portal, UGA is spending to keep the guys they've invested in via development.
I woulnd't know where to find a link but kirby has said exactly this, it's 100% accurate. I think it was last offseason and his comment was mostly talkin about carson and malaki but he basically said that we want to pay to retain our guys rather than just throwin gmoney at recruits or the portal.
It is a good strategy but I do think there are times where spenidng top dollar could be worth it. An elite DT or LT can be worth their weight in gold . And of course we haven't had a nationally elite receiver in ages so I'd love one of those.
Posted on 12/18/24 at 12:45 pm to Peter Buck
quote:
Loyal players vs mercenaries I will take loyal.
You need some of both. A loyal 3 sar more than likely isn't going to be better than a 5 star mercinary.
quote:
I think Kirby’s biggest sell is you stay here and you will be pro ready and you will have a higher draft stock where you will make real money.
Yes, and that's the pitch he's used in the past. I don't think it works as well anymore under the NIL regime. How many 19 year olds will turn down $1M today from another team, the future be damned. That doesn't mean there aren't others who would turn it down.
I do agree that focusing on keeping current team talent is better than paying for new talent every year.
Posted on 12/18/24 at 12:49 pm to mmmmmbeeer
It’s a good overall strategy given how well UGA recruits, but it does pose issues at a few positions (WR currently). It also will make it hard to sign high end talent at QB or OT, with UGA appearing to be hesitant to pay big money to high school players at those spots.
Those three positions, along with edge rushers and DL, are very expensive. Pick your poison between paying for expensive HS kids or even more expensive transfers.
Those three positions, along with edge rushers and DL, are very expensive. Pick your poison between paying for expensive HS kids or even more expensive transfers.
Posted on 12/18/24 at 12:50 pm to Rex Feral
It’s not free vs $1M. It is negotiating wisely to keep them here and not getting in a bidding war. Some hired guns may work, but they have to be the right fit. Also, same as business hiring, every time you bring in someone at a higher salary, you create resentment for the rest of the guys who are making less. Its a difficult balance.
Posted on 12/18/24 at 1:00 pm to Peter Buck
quote:
Its a difficult balance.
Team chemistry is a priority for Kirby.
If you compare Georgia to teams like Ol' Miss and South Carolina, it speaks to a competitive edge when things don't always go your way.
Kirby is selling "development" for the next level and that is why we are not seeing a mass exodus from the program. Perhaps some of those who have walked knew that they weren't cutting it.
Lets see what Kirby comes up with in the next few weeks.
Posted on 12/18/24 at 1:00 pm to Peter Buck
Dave Claussen who just resigned as Wake Forest's HC had a great clip last year when Sam Hartman left Wake after 4 years developing in the program for his final season at ND. Apparently they put up a "We Love You, Sam!" graphic at Notre Dame Stadium after his last game.
Claussen said something to the effect of, "How can you love him? You only dated him for a year". It's so true. Kids buy in for 3-4 years with a program only to pack up and go act as a gunslinger for an outside program. It's fricked up.
Claussen said something to the effect of, "How can you love him? You only dated him for a year". It's so true. Kids buy in for 3-4 years with a program only to pack up and go act as a gunslinger for an outside program. It's fricked up.
Posted on 12/18/24 at 1:05 pm to Crowknowsbest
quote:
even more expensive transfers.
I believe we are the 2nd or 3rd highest payer of NIL in the SEC. We do just fine recruiting with what we give and do enough in the portal
Posted on 12/18/24 at 1:18 pm to IT_Dawg
quote:
I believe we are the 2nd or 3rd highest payer of NIL in the SEC. We do just fine recruiting with what we give and do enough in the portal
I’m not sure anyone know this, but I’m not saying UGA NIL isn’t competitive. I am saying that to land 5* OTs and QBs, UGA would need to pay more than they seem to be comfortable with. I understand that decision from UGA’s perspective, but people shouldn’t be surprised when we don’t have an Broderick Jones or Amarius Mims anchoring the end of the OL moving forward. It’s a tradeoff for fairness to your older players and the rest of the roster.
Posted on 12/18/24 at 1:25 pm to mmmmmbeeer
Kirby playing chess while the rest of CFB plays checkers.
That's why he's the best coach in the game.
That's why he's the best coach in the game.
Posted on 12/18/24 at 4:10 pm to WG_Dawg
quote:
I woulnd't know where to find a link but kirby has said exactly this, it's 100% accurate.
I believe this as well.
Many of the players that enter the portal wind up at a school that either is close to home or had a close relationship with the runner up school during recruiting.
I've noticed this year Kirby signed more players from the state. Could this be to hopefully prevent one reason for leaving?
Posted on 12/18/24 at 4:16 pm to Crowknowsbest
I think it breaks down like this:
*. 10% work out and produce at the level thought possible
*40% are just average to above average
*50% are busts because of poor character, injury, or just not being as good as the hype.
I think donors will get tired very quickly of paying through the nose for players that don't meet expectation or wash our all together. Imagine paying $7m to a hs QB who sits the bench for a year and leaves.
*. 10% work out and produce at the level thought possible
*40% are just average to above average
*50% are busts because of poor character, injury, or just not being as good as the hype.
I think donors will get tired very quickly of paying through the nose for players that don't meet expectation or wash our all together. Imagine paying $7m to a hs QB who sits the bench for a year and leaves.
Posted on 12/18/24 at 4:56 pm to lewis and herschel
I agree on QBs for sure. I am not sure about OTs. The truly elite ones tend to work out at a high clip.
Posted on 12/18/24 at 10:00 pm to Peter Buck
quote:
Some hired guns may work, but they have to be the right fit.
For instance, Bear Alexander. Heading for his 3rd team.
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