Biggest Single 72 Hour Upgrade in Talent

[mikedog10]

thoroughly enjoying the number of pessimistic optimists in the thread - "we suck every year but i'm back!" - lol love u guys, seriously.

my feelings after these 72 hours are somewhat more measured.

i'm honestly not excited for wins, cuz this team really sucks until they prove otherwise to me.

BUT - i'm hoping as a starting point, we can look and feel like an actual FBS team. Wins aside, since i became a fan in 2018, i've gotten seriously tired of being an OBVIOUS FCS team (and a MID one, at that) who was only dressed in FBS clothes. I'm tired of sending out boys who have no business being on an FBS field, and to be confirmed in my suspicion when they transfer out just to get picked up by the likes of Merrimack and Fordham. I'm tired of slow receivers, undersized running backs, inaccurate QBs, corners who can't cover, and d-lines that just. don't. get to the QB.

My first ever game as a uconn fan was the boise state game, week 2 2018 - absolutely pitiful.

Even in our 6-7 2022 season, we did not truly look the part, which matters to a Big-12 or ACC commish, and which i believe is why that season did not help us land the Power invite everyone was hoping for last summer.

please note i'm venting about my entire experience from 2018 to today - i know there are select counter examples to the contrary (Jackson MItchell, Christian Haynes), but the overall theme i saw was this. And all of football america casually saw it too, and have made fun of us ad nauseum in the twitterverse and in media. Those voices matter. Perception matters. And we have lost the battle to this day.

I apologize for my pessimistic pessimism. But until I see a UConn team pass the eyeball test, i.e. obvious fully-merited FBS-level competency across all 3 phases of the game, and particularly in the passing offense, I cannot even begin to expect wins.

Rooting for them regardless. let's go Jim Mora & boys, I so want to see you win and celebrate.

Buddy, you have no idea what you’ve missed. I was a teenager in the 2000’s when this team succeeded and exceeded year after year… that was an amazing time to become a fan.

I so badly want for you to experience a packed-Rentschler field late in the season, it’s gonna blow your mind.

 

[Greedo]

thoroughly enjoying the number of pessimistic optimists in the thread - "we suck every year but i'm back!" - lol love u guys, seriously.

my feelings after these 72 hours are somewhat more measured.

i'm honestly not excited for wins, cuz this team really sucks until they prove otherwise to me.

BUT - i'm hoping as a starting point, we can look and feel like an actual FBS team. Wins aside, since i became a fan in 2018, i've gotten seriously tired of being an OBVIOUS FCS team (and a MID one, at that) who was only dressed in FBS clothes. I'm tired of sending out boys who have no business being on an FBS field, and to be confirmed in my suspicion when they transfer out just to get picked up by the likes of Merrimack and Fordham. I'm tired of slow receivers, undersized running backs, inaccurate QBs, corners who can't cover, and d-lines that just. don't. get to the QB.

My first ever game as a uconn fan was the boise state game, week 2 2018 - absolutely pitiful.

Even in our 6-7 2022 season, we did not truly look the part, which matters to a Big-12 or ACC commish, and which i believe is why that season did not help us land the Power invite everyone was hoping for last summer.

please note i'm venting about my entire experience from 2018 to today - i know there are select counter examples to the contrary (Jackson MItchell, Christian Haynes), but the overall theme i saw was this. And all of football america casually saw it too, and have made fun of us ad nauseum in the twitterverse and in media. Those voices matter. Perception matters. And we have lost the battle to this day.

I apologize for my pessimistic pessimism. But until I see a UConn team pass the eyeball test, i.e. obvious fully-merited FBS-level competency across all 3 phases of the game, and particularly in the passing offense, I cannot even begin to expect wins.

Rooting for them regardless. let's go Jim Mora & boys, I so want to see you win and celebrate.

As the poster above me noted, there was a time when this was a very good team and home games were rockin'. RG3 said his game at UConn was the loudest environment he played in. They were ranked in the top 25 and competing for Big East (which was considered a "Power" conference at the time) titles. A lot of us know what this team is capable of with the right set of circumstances.

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

But 247 dings these guys’ scores once they commit to us. Should be even higher

 

[AllHusky]

We are closer today than we have been in a long time. Competent leadership, upgrade in talent, challenging yet manageable schedule. It's game time Sports Fans!!

#SomethingsDifferent

 

[AD DB Burner]

But 247 dings these guys’ scores once they commit to us. Should be even higher

Even with the 247 ding, the portal class is currently ranked 70th according to their rankings. UConn slots in at 12th among G5 teams.

Rumors on Storrs Central indicate there are two more players expected to commit as well.

 

[Patman]

As the poster above me noted, there was a time when this was a very good team and home games were rockin'. RG3 said his game at UConn was the loudest environment he played in. They were ranked in the top 25 and competing for Big East (which was considered a "Power" conference at the time) titles. A lot of us know what this team is capable of with the right set of circumstances.

I always thought uconn was making the investment to consistently be in the mix. Regular top 25 visitor. A lot of things conspired to derail that.

 

[Greedo]

I always thought uconn was making the investment to consistently be in the mix. Regular top 25 visitor. A lot of things conspired to derail that.

I don't disagree, but NIL changes the whole ball game. UConn should be able to get enough NIL support to be above every other G5 school. In the next couple of years we need this program to become the best of the G5. No other G5 program should be able to put together the same level of NIL packages for these players that we can. That should allow Mora to pull in the kids that aren't getting the playing time they want in the P4, but know they have the ability to make it to the NFL and just need the chance to show it.

 

[LBird33]

We are closer today than we have been in a long time. Competent leadership, upgrade in talent, challenging yet manageable schedule. It's game time Sports Fans!!

#SomethingsDifferent

I miss the fish cake’s stories

 

[LIUCHusky]

I don't disagree, but NIL changes the whole ball game. UConn should be able to get enough NIL support to be above every other G5 school. In the next couple of years we need this program to become the best of the G5. No other G5 program should be able to put together the same level of NIL packages for these players that we can. That should allow Mora to pull in the kids that aren't getting the playing time they want in the P4, but know they have the ability to make it to the NFL and just need the chance to show it.

Just curious, why do you think no other G5 program shouldn’t be able to put together a NIL package at the same level as UConn?

 

[Greedo]

Just curious, why do you think no other G5 program shouldn’t be able to put together a NIL package at the same level as UConn?

I could be wrong, I haven't looked at the data on this to be certain, but I would expect fan base size, and number of fans willing to donate to NIL to be higher at a flagship like UConn compared to a school like Central Michigan, for example. UConn also has a bigger "brand name" than those other schools due to the basketball program. I suppose a school like Boise State may have a strong enough fanbase to be allocating enough money to football NIL to have more than UConn, but at minimum, I would think UConn should be among the top G5 schools for football NIL.

When I signed up for Storrs Central, I didn't specify "I want my $100 to go to the basketball team exclusively." I would bet that many people signing up there are doing so for basketball coverage/support, but that money is helping the football team as well. How many G5 schools can do that?

 

[LIUCHusky]

I could be wrong, I haven't looked at the data on this to be certain, but I would expect fan base size, and number of fans willing to donate to NIL to be higher at a flagship like UConn compared to a school like Central Michigan, for example. UConn also has a bigger "brand name" than those other schools due to the basketball program. I suppose a school like Boise State may have a strong enough fanbase to be allocating enough money to football NIL to have more than UConn, but at minimum, I would think UConn should be among the top G5 schools for football NIL.

When I signed up for Storrs Central, I didn't specify "I want my $100 to go to the basketball team exclusively." I would bet that many people signing up there are doing so for basketball coverage/support, but that money is helping the football team as well. How many G5 schools can do that?

I hope you are right.

 

[Forte]

As the poster above me noted, there was a time when this was a very good team and home games were rockin'. RG3 said his game at UConn was the loudest environment he played in. They were ranked in the top 25 and competing for Big East (which was considered a "Power" conference at the time) titles. A lot of us know what this team is capable of with the right set of circumstances.

Its so weird to hear all this said.

 

[mikedog10]

Just curious, why do you think no other G5 program shouldn’t be able to put together a NIL package at the same level as UConn?

Liberty doesn’t count. Besides, Marc D’Amelio is a better NIL ambassador than Jerry Falwell.

 

[LBird33]

Just curious, why do you think no other G5 program shouldn’t be able to put together a NIL package at the same level as UConn?

Um what about Memphis?

 

[Jetskies]

Bigger question is how do you randomly decide to be a UConn fan? Kid went there? If not, you may have issues with self-hatred. There may be medicine to help you stop being a UConn fan...

are you asking me? if so, i went to uconn for a grad degree. my undergrad alma mater has a prominent D3 football program, consistently in the NCAA playoffs and contenders for a national title - but, its D3 at a research university so no one cares. So i wanted to find someone in FBS to cheer for. lo and behold, connecticut was my only "relevant" option.

 

[Jetskies]

Liberty doesn’t count. Besides, Marc D’Amelio is a better NIL ambassador than Jerry Falwell.

Respectfully - liberty counts. politics aside, they are doing their "football development" right and are on the way up. you don't need to agree with their values to acknowledge that wins don't lie. Yeah yeah, C-USA, etc. etc. - I know.
Let us not be too proud in our worldview, to refuse good examples of indep/G5 football management when we see it.

bottom line - They are getting G5 anddd P4 wins, keep hiring the right coaches even after guys leave* (uconn take note) , and spending money on their program, to attract NFL caliber players. They are consistently represented in the draft now. That will move the needle for your newest recruit who's also weighing an offer to a mid-tier P4 school (pitt/wake/kansas/WVU).

there is something to be learned about what Liberty is doing (see * above).

 

[mikedog10]

Respectfully - liberty counts. politics aside, they are doing their "football development" right and are on the way up. you don't need to agree with their values to acknowledge that wins don't lie. Yeah yeah, C-USA, etc. etc. - I know.
Let us not be too proud in our worldview, to refuse good examples of indep/G5 football management when we see it.

bottom line - They are getting G5 anddd P4 wins, keep hiring the right coaches even after guys leave* (uconn take note) , and spending money on their program, to attract NFL caliber players. They are consistently represented in the draft now. That will move the needle for your newest recruit who's also weighing an offer to a mid-tier P4 school (pitt/wake/kansas/WVU).

there is something to be learned about what Liberty is doing (see * above).

I just meant, they don’t count in terms of us “keeping up with the Joneses”… I don’t care if they spend more than us or not, we can still out recruit and out perform them in the long run.

 

[UConnJim]

Just curious, why do you think no other G5 program shouldn’t be able to put together a NIL package at the same level as UConn?

There may be a couple of G5 schools that could match UConn in NIL spending, but not many. And, there aren't any G5 schools with UConn's athletic department spend. Heck, UConn's AD outspends Memphis' AD by 50%

 

[Patman]

I could be wrong, I haven't looked at the data on this to be certain, but I would expect fan base size, and number of fans willing to donate to NIL to be higher at a flagship like UConn compared to a school like Central Michigan, for example. UConn also has a bigger "brand name" than those other schools due to the basketball program. I suppose a school like Boise State may have a strong enough fanbase to be allocating enough money to football NIL to have more than UConn, but at minimum, I would think UConn should be among the top G5 schools for football NIL.

When I signed up for Storrs Central, I didn't specify "I want my $100 to go to the basketball team exclusively." I would bet that many people signing up there are doing so for basketball coverage/support, but that money is helping the football team as well. How many G5 schools can do that?

Don't compare against CMU. Compare against Boise and Memphis

 

[How Sway?!]

They also have a for profit business behind them, so it's not apples to apples comparison

I just meant, they don’t count in terms of us “keeping up with the Joneses”… I don’t care if they spend more than us or not, we can still out recruit and out perform them in the long run.

 

[ZooCougar]

Liberty doesn’t count. Besides, Marc D’Amelio is a better NIL ambassador than Jerry Falwell.

Falwell has nothing to do with Liberty and he is embroiled in a public feud with the President.

Also they totally do count. Touch grass and stop looking at the world through New England colored glasses.

 

[ZooCougar]

Even with the 247 ding, the portal class is currently ranked 70th according to their rankings. UConn slots in at 12th among G5 teams.

Rumors on Storrs Central indicate there are two more players expected to commit as well.

That ranking is biased towards quantity not quality.

 

[AD DB Burner]

That ranking is biased towards quantity not quality.

I completely agree the quantity plays a factor, but just over half of the transfers have even received a transfer ranking.

 

[Alum86]

Can we get a back up kicker? We lost 2 to the portal who were very very good. If The IU kid is gonna start and stubs his toe like McF did, then what? Folks here continue to laugh that we go for 2 and Special Teams don’t matter.

 

[UConnJim]

Can we get a back up kicker? We lost 2 to the portal who were very very good. If The IU kid is gonna start and stubs his toe like McF did, then what? Folks here continue to laugh that we go for 2 and Special Teams don’t matter.

Joe McFadden made 53.8% of his FGs last year which is near the bottom of FBS kickers. He was never the same after he was injured. Ruelas didn't play much last year, so who knows? UConn does have a backup kicker on the roster although he is listed as a punter, Seth Turner who was on the team last year.

 

[huskymedic]

Can we get a back up kicker?

UConn does have a backup kicker on the roster although he is listed as a punter, Seth Turner who was on the team last year.

Yup…

Seth Turner • Class of 2023 • Kickers

-> Seth is a very talented high school kicking and punting prospect. He is a great looking athlete with big college potential. Seth does an excellent job on field goal. He gets the ball up well off the ground and easily has 50+ yard range. His kickoffs are strong. He drives the ball into the endzone with good hang time. Seth is also an excellent punting prospect. He punts for a nice combination of distance and hang time. Seth is a competitor who does well under pressure. I really like his all around upside. He has all the tools to be a special college player. He is a fine young man who is always a great pleasure to work with. Strong combo prospect. OFFER NOW!!! Great addition for UCONN.

Accomplishments

Major Chris Sailer Kicking Camp Accomplishments:
2022 Vegas XXXIX Field Goal Finalist
2022 Vegas XXXIX Class of 2023 Field Goal Champion
2022 TX Spring Camp Punt Champion <-

 

[UCan3]

I'm not going to say everyone added since the weekend will be great.
But overall, this is the largest upgrade in talent based off D1 production this program has ever had.
No FCS players. All FBS and many with a bunch of snaps on file.

I think the upgrade at the QB position helped us - certainly if you are a receiver and you see the likes of Evers an Welliver, you might be thinking why not UConn! Hiring a new O Coordinator and Defensive one - as a player, you got to think it helps. And also, I’ve always liked our schedule and fact is, if you’re a good player at UConn, yes you can get a good look by the NFL scouts. So why not UConn?

This year I just want to see us do things like play better as the game goes on, win some close games, and most importantly, establish ourselves as a team that even with bad reffing on the road, is a team to be reckoned with.

 

[Waquoit]

Falwell has nothing to do with Liberty and he is embroiled in a public feud with the President.

That's like saying Jefferson has nothing to do with UVa.

 

[JohnFSilver]

It’s been a monumental couple of days, it’s the type of thing a local sports beat should be all over. Can’t wait to read all the coverage!!!

Who is supposed to write it? There are no newspapers left. It is Hearst and a couple of people at the courant.

 

[superjohn]

I wouldn't call this a very difficult schedule nor a schedule filled with a lot of high-level competition.

Yes, you can chalk up the Maryland game and three ACC games as likely losses, but outside of that, every other game should be considered winnable. Aside from Wake, they are slated to only face one other top-100 SP+ team at home. Go 5-2 at home and win the UMass game on the road and you have your 6-6 season. I don't feel that is all that unreasonable.

45. Maryland	Away
Merrimack	Home
48. Duke	Away
114. FAU	Home
130. Buffalo	Home
128. Temple	Home
72. Wake Forest	Home
92. Rice	Home
116. Georgia St.	Home
101. UAB	Away
61. Syracuse	Away
118. UMass	Away

Incredibly easy schedule.