1. Everyone will have to win their jobs in camp with an entirely new roster as well as staff, BUT this guy was brought in to be our starting QB. Not just how he was thought of coming out of high school but, unlike our last two Big Ten transfer QBs, his numbers (albeit in cameos) at Tennessee are such that he will take the first snap in the first practice. And make no mistake — getting him here cost us real money. Wouldn’t surprise me if he’s the highest paid player on the team next year.
2. Tucker M still has four years left if he wants it, as his injury this year would entitle him to a second redshirt year. He will be competing with the guy who started for Toledo in its bowl game for the #2 job. But if Merklinger reaches his potential here (which hopefully he does) he could easily transfer out as easily as he transferred in, so Tucker could certainly be playing the long game knowing that if it doesn’t work out for him next year he can always go somewhere with three years of eligibility left.
3. This means the highly touted incoming frosh who decommitted from Toledo to commit here with Candle doesn’t have to be pushed on the field as a true frosh unless he’s truly ready.
This is a major positive step forward, as opposed to just trading our roster for Toledo’s which may or may not turn out to be a step forward.
