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Transfer Portal

I understand why he’s wanting to transfer, however I question your claim. It’s the big fish/small pond vs. small fish/big pond conundrum.

I honestly think his route to the NFL would be easier through UTEP, unless of course, he secures a starting spot and contributes significantly at OU…or wherever he ends up.

It is what it is and I can never fault a kid for making the choice they think is best for them.
I agree with you. We’ve seen other UTEP transfers like Deion Hankins and Tyrin Smith who didn’t do much once they left UTEP. Talented players playing at G5 schools like UTEP will get their chance to make it to the NFL. Just look at recent Miners who made it to the NFL like Aaron Jones, Will Hernandez, and Tyrice Knight, just to name a few.

Transfer Portal

I understand why he’s wanting to transfer, however I question your claim. It’s the big fish/small pond vs. small fish/big pond conundrum.

I honestly think his route to the NFL would be easier through UTEP, unless of course, he secures a starting spot and contributes significantly at OU…or wherever he ends up.

It is what it is and I can never fault a kid for making the choice they think is best for them.
That would be true however….

A. He could’ve left last year to a P4, and now is a Grad SR. and Bigger, Faster and more experienced. Therefore he can pick and choose where he wants to go.
B. He’s good enough and experienced enough to not be a small fish at a Bigger School.
C. At Utep either way the highest he’d go would be probably 3rd or 4th round. If he does well at let’s say Oklahoma his Draft status could jump all the way to late 1st, due to him playing a High Need Position at the next level.

Football Recruiting

For a G5 school like UTEP, it's probably the best/only way to build a competitive roster. JUCO, FCS and lower tier P5 guys looking for playing time will bring college level experience. A majority of the roster will be Texas HS guys.

Jaden Smith didn't work out due to injury. Jevon Jackson never got going, mainly due to poor OL play (couple Austin Peay guys on the OL). Locklear was young and inexperienced, and they have multiple transfer QB targets as of right now. The kid from Boise and the kid from USF, plus some others. The OL is being targeted heavily with FCS/JUCO guys and a bunch of HS guys already committed. It would otherwise be tough to find guys at QB and OL, as everyone in FBS covets these positions. It'll make or break UTEP next season, as RB and WR should be fine talent wise.

I thought the FCS guys played okay otherwise. Chapman, Smith, Odom, Thomas (when not injured). Can't expect a 100% hit rate. Some of these FCS guys will come in and compete and might not even end up starters.
As you pointed out, I'm sure there are some gemsat the FBS level, specifically at the skill positions but I do believe that at the D1 level, both offensive and defensive linemen need to have size, strenght and speed. The game is won in the trenches.

Transfer Portal

He’s going the right thing to have a better shot at the NFL
I understand why he’s wanting to transfer, however I question your claim. It’s the big fish/small pond vs. small fish/big pond conundrum.

I honestly think his route to the NFL would be easier through UTEP, unless of course, he secures a starting spot and contributes significantly at OU…or wherever he ends up.

It is what it is and I can never fault a kid for making the choice they think is best for them.

Football Recruiting

It looks like Scotty is offering a lot of FCS transfers again this year. Hopefully we have better luck with those guys than we did last year.
For a G5 school like UTEP, it's probably the best/only way to build a competitive roster. JUCO, FCS and lower tier P5 guys looking for playing time will bring college level experience. A majority of the roster will be Texas HS guys.

Jaden Smith didn't work out due to injury. Jevon Jackson never got going, mainly due to poor OL play (couple Austin Peay guys on the OL). Locklear was young and inexperienced, and they have multiple transfer QB targets as of right now. The kid from Boise and the kid from USF, plus some others. The OL is being targeted heavily with FCS/JUCO guys and a bunch of HS guys already committed. It would otherwise be tough to find guys at QB and OL, as everyone in FBS covets these positions. It'll make or break UTEP next season, as RB and WR should be fine talent wise.

I thought the FCS guys played okay otherwise. Chapman, Smith, Odom, Thomas (when not injured). Can't expect a 100% hit rate. Some of these FCS guys will come in and compete and might not even end up starters.
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