Remaining Portal Needs

[pick6s]

What position(s) do you think UConn still needs to address in the portal? Here are the top three needs, in my opinion:

1- Quarterback: Evers has not shown that he is the answer.
2- Offensive line: We are losing three starters and have brought in one OL via the portal thus far.
3- Pass rushers: We have four DL coming in but all weigh between 275-290. Those sound like DTs, but I see no DE size players. Of note, not having any incoming DT over 290 lbs is concerning considering we're losing several big DTs who stuffed the run effectively.

 

[CCSUblue]

What position(s) do you think UConn still needs to address in the portal? Here are the top three needs, in my opinion:

1- Quarterback: Evers has not shown that he is the answer.
2- Offensive line: We are losing three starters and have brought in one OL via the portal thus far.
3- Pass rushers: We have four DL coming in but all weigh between 275-290. Those sound like DTs, but I see no DE size players. Of note, not having any incoming DT over 290 lbs is concerning considering we're losing several big DTs who stuffed the run effectively.

OL, yes lost 3 starters but we lost 3 last year and Wes Hoeh is the only transfer from last year starting.

The one OL transfer is an OT to go opposite Danny A. Who knows what they do with Murawski but he started at G and might be able to play Tackle. You've also got Wayburn and Juergens at Guard and Hoeh in the center.

I'm pretty sure that Casady was listed as backup at every line spot at some point this season.

And let's not forget the incoming freshman Mountain Greenlee and Joe McGann.

Last year also had some younger OL transfers like Jayden Bass.

 

[Duncan Idaho]

I think pass rushers come from the LBs in the 335ish system and/or from a LB/DE plus the secondary. Possibly look for Branch to replace Hardy next year. 275 lb. DEs are not uncommon. Great to have a 315+ NG to anchor the middle and some push on pass plays like a Jones a few years ago.

 

[kcc1442]

OL, yes lost 3 starters but we lost 3 last year and Wes Hoeh is the only transfer from last year starting.

The one OL transfer is an OT to go opposite Danny A. Who knows what they do with Murawski but he started at G and might be able to play Tackle. You've also got Wayburn and Juergens at Guard and Hoeh in the center.

I'm pretty sure that Casady was listed as backup at every line spot at some point this season.

And let's not forget the incoming freshman Mountain Greenlee and Joe McGann.

Last year also had some younger OL transfers like Jayden Bass.

Is Jack Stewart coming back? Medical Redshirt?

 

[Purple Stein]

I thought Storrs Central wasn't trying to kill this place... I have seen many comments like the one above lately. Do you have to sign a non-disclosure agreement when you sign up?

The Boneyard is a news aggregator forum. We come here to discuss the news, no speculation.

Storrs Central is "pay for insider access, speculation OK." Forum is clunkier and conversation is less rich -- it's all about the endorphin hit from feeling like you're on the "inside."

Both sites have their place. The $10 a month over there goes to NIL which is great. At the same time, people on this board pimping the other board does get old IMHO.

 

[Stray_Dog]

The Boneyard is a news aggregator forum. We come here to discuss the news, no speculation.

Storrs Central is "pay for insider access, speculation OK." Forum is clunkier and conversation is less rich -- it's all about the endorphin hit from feeling like you're on the "inside."

Both sites have their place. The $10 a month over there goes to NIL which is great. At the same time, people on this board pimping the other board does get old IMHO.

I think what would be good is to have a page on here that talks about Storrs Central. At the top is a link to Storrs Central or perhaps just the web address with no link if links are not allowed. If necessary make rules defining what is or is not allowed to be shared between platforms. such as - Not allowed to copy and paste forums but perhaps titles of topics. People who want to talk about the pros / cons of Storss Central could go there on this board. It allows for a place here for people to get general information about that site. Define what their promoting over their and its value. People here can discuss all things related to it without posting in all the various chats. I think that would work out best. But its just my $0.02

 

[Skiblets]

Storrs Central has a link to the Boneyard.

Think both parties have figured out that they complement each other and don’t directly conflict. Probably have some sort of a handshake agreement.

As a long time Yarder I was skeptical of SC but have come around to it enthusiastically. I enjoy flipping back and forth. And $10 per month going to NIL is a no brainer

 

[huskymedic]

I think what would be good is to have a page on here that talks about Storrs Central. At the top is a link to Storrs Central or perhaps just the web address with no link if links are not allowed.

Storrs Central has a link to the Boneyard.

… and the Bonyard has a link to StorrsCentral (click three horizontal lines on upper left above < before the Boneyard logo). This gives you general access - not access to the $Premium or $$Varsity content)

 

[huskymedic]

Beck to the topic @ hand: Current incoming transfer portal adds by position:

UConn Football Transfer Portal/JUCO Inbound
(8/1/24 thru 7/31/25 Cycle)

Offense:

• Hayden Bozich (OL) - Steubenville, Ohio > Brown University (UConn Commit 12/15/24) (Transfer Portal)

• MJ Flowers (RB) - Cincinnati Ohio > Eastern Illinois University (UConn Commit 12/20/24)(Transfer Portal)

• Reymello Murphy (WR) Fremont, California College of San Mateo > ODU > University of Arizona (UConn Commit 12/25/24) (Transfer Portal)
• Caleb Burton III (WR) - Austin, Texas > Ohio State > Auburn University (UConn Commit 1/8/25) (Transfer Portal)
• Chris Parker (WR) - Saginaw Michigan > CMU (UConn Commit 1/11/25) (Transfer Portal)
• Javonte Vereen (TE/WR) - Havelock, North Carolina > NC State (UConn Commit 12/31/24) (Transfer Portal)

Defense:

• Stephon Wright (DL) - Los Angles, California > Arizona State > SMU >Texas Southern (UConn Commit 12/15/24) (Transfer Portal)
• Vincent Jackson (DL) - Harrisburg PA > Nebraska (UConn Commit 12/17/24) (Transfer Portal)
• Trent Jones II (DL) - Eden Prairie, Minnesota > Iowa State University (UConn Commit 12/22/24)(Transfer Portal)
• Ben Smiley III (DL) - Norfolk, Virginia > UVA (UConn Commit 1/8/25) (Transfer Portal)

• Terry Kirksey (LB) - Theodore Alabama - Kansas State (UConn Commit 12/20/24) (Transfer Portal)
• Bryun Parham (LB) - Long Beach California > San Jose State > Washington (UConn Commit 12/22/24) (Transfer Portal)
• Tyquan King (LB) - West Haven CT > Dillon High School, Dillon South Carolina > NC AT&T > ECU > Temple (UConn Commit 1/9/25) (Transfer Portal)

• Kolubah Pewee Jr (DB) Staten Island, New York > Maine > Georgetown UConn Commit 12/17/24)(Grad Transfer)
• Devin Pringle (DB) - Bolingbrook Illinois > Grand Valley State University (UConn Commit 12/19/24) (Transfer Portal)
• Sammy Anderson (DB) - Dayton, > Cincinnati > Austin Peay (UConn Commit 12/20/24) (Transfer Portal)
• Kamo'i Latu (DB) - Honolulu Hawaii > Utah > Wisconsin (UConn Commit 12/23/24) (Grade Transfer)
• Kobi Albert (DB) - Fairfield, Alabama > Kentucky > Mississippi State (UConn Commit 1/7/25) (Transfer Portal)

(Full class to date <<)

 

[gioff2323]

Beck to the topic @ hand: Current incoming transfer portal adds by position:

UConn Football Transfer Portal/JUCO Inbound (8/1/24 thru 7/31/25 Cycle)

Offense:

• Hayden Bozich (OL) - Steubenville, Ohio > Brown University (UConn Commit 12/15/24) (Transfer Portal)

• MJ Flowers (RB) - Cincinnati Ohio > Eastern Illinois University (UConn Commit 12/20/24)(Transfer Portal)

• Reymello Murphy (WR) Fremont, California College of San Mateo > ODU > University of Arizona (UConn Commit 12/25/24) (Transfer Portal)
• Caleb Burton III (WR) - Austin, Texas > Ohio State > Auburn University (UConn Commit 1/8/25) (Transfer Portal)
• Chris Parker (WR) - Saginaw Michigan > CMU (UConn Commit 1/11/25) (Transfer Portal)
• Javonte Vereen (TE/WR) - Havelock, North Carolina > NC State (UConn Commit 12/31/24) (Transfer Portal)

Defense:

• Trent Jones II (DL) - Eden Prairie, Minnesota > Iowa State University (UConn Commit 12/22/24)(Transfer Portal)
• Stephon Wright (DL) - Los Angles, California > Arizona State > SMU >Texas Southern (UConn Commit 12/15/24) (Transfer Portal)
• Vincent Jackson (DL) - Harrisburg PA > Nebraska (UConn Commit 12/17/24) (Transfer Portal)
• Ben Smiley III (DL) - Norfolk, Virginia > UVA (UConn Commit 1/8/25) (Transfer Portal)

• Terry Kirksey (LB) - Theodore Alabama - Kansas State (UConn Commit 12/20/24) (Transfer Portal)
• Bryun Parham (LB) - Long Beach California > San Jose State > Washington (UConn Commit 12/22/24) (Transfer Portal)
• Tyquan King (LB) - West Haven CT > Dillon High School, Dillon South Carolina > NC AT&T > ECU > Temple (UConn Commit 1/9/25) (Transfer Portal)

• Kolubah Pewee Jr (DB) Staten Island, New York > Maine > Georgetown UConn Commit 12/17/24)(Grad Transfer)
• Devin Pringle (DB) - Bolingbrook Illinois > Grand Valley State University (UConn Commit 12/19/24) (Transfer Portal)
• Sammy Anderson (DB) - Dayton, > Cincinnati > Austin Peay (UConn Commit 12/20/24) (Transfer Portal)
• Kamo'i Latu (DB) - Honolulu Hawaii > Utah > Wisconsin (UConn Commit 12/23/24) (Grade Transfer)
• Kobi Albert (DB) - Fairfield, Alabama > Kentucky > Mississippi State (UConn Commit 1/7/25) (Transfer Portal)

(Full class to date <<)

It’s almost like the staff has a plan

 

[Waquoit]

It’s almost like the staff has a plan

Refreshing, isn't it? At a minimum we knew coming in that Mora was a pro, he'd have a plan. Turns out he has a pretty darn good plan.

 

[Windham4th]

I think what would be good is to have a page on here that talks about Storrs Central. At the top is a link to Storrs Central or perhaps just the web address with no link if links are not allowed. If necessary make rules defining what is or is not allowed to be shared between platforms. such as - Not allowed to copy and paste forums but perhaps titles of topics. People who want to talk about the pros / cons of Storss Central could go there on this board. It allows for a place here for people to get general information about that site. Define what their promoting over their and its value. People here can discuss all things related to it without posting in all the various chats. I think that would work out best. But its just my $0.02

$9.98 more gets you on the inside...

 

[AllHusky]

You really think that Bill Belichik with more money and a school like UNC couldn't twist this kid around? Say what you want about Pryce, he is still more kid than man.

 

[giddyup]

You really think that Bill Belichik with more money and a school like UNC couldn't twist this kid around? Say what you want about Pryce, he is still more kid than man.

I’m sure that’s all true - and that’s what they call a test of character.

 

[Patman]

Refreshing, isn't it? At a minimum we knew coming in that Mora was a pro, he'd have a plan. Turns out he has a pretty darn good plan.

I think modernizing the football staffing is a lot of it

 

[pick6s]

I think pass rushers come from the LBs in the 335ish system and/or from a LB/DE plus the secondary. Possibly look for Branch to replace Hardy next year. 275 lb. DEs are not uncommon. Great to have a 315+ NG to anchor the middle and some push on pass plays like a Jones a few years ago.

I think you’re right about this. The pressure is supposed to mostly come from the outside linebackers, but those linebackers are usually a little bigger (basically hybrid DE/LB), like Langston Hardy at 250 lbs. Our three incoming LBs are 225, 230, and 230 lbs. What also makes a 3 man like work well- as you mentioned- is a big nose tackle to take up two blockers, and we do not currently have that.

 

[uconnfan68]

Need to win on the lines.

 

[KembaKek]

What position(s) do you think UConn still needs to address in the portal? Here are the top three needs, in my opinion:

1- Quarterback: Evers has not shown that he is the answer.
2- Offensive line: We are losing three starters and have brought in one OL via the portal thus far.
3- Pass rushers: We have four DL coming in but all weigh between 275-290. Those sound like DTs, but I see no DE size players. Of note, not having any incoming DT over 290 lbs is concerning considering we're losing several big DTs who stuffed the run effectively.

Commits at:
DE- Ben Smiley (Virginia)
DT- Vincent Jackson (Nebraska), Trent Jones (Iowa State), Stephon Wright (Texas Southern)

At DT we still have Kervins Choute, who was a rotational guy. Never looked bad.

Incoming freshman DE Aubrey Melvin is the highest rated defensive player of the Mora era. Worth noting. I think we’ll see one more DE added. Perhaps another interior guy for good measure, but with a 3-man front there can only be so many. We still have Brandon Kelly who will be a R-So as will Matt Hoffman.

 

[uconnbill]

I would like another tackle/guard and a kicker/and punter.

I would be happy with that as the staff has done a very good job in the portal

 

[Bubba1957]

Interesting thing with the QBs. Look at the final four teams in CFB. None of them have a QB that stands out as a great passer. None of them look like sure fire NFL stars.

What you see is leadership, game management and the ability to make a play when needed. Coaches are finding ways to win without a gunslinger. Not seeing Leinart vs Young type performances.

That’s probably the best we can hope for, a guy who doesn’t to anything great, but know how to lead a team and doesn’t make costly mistakes. Like JF did this year.

 

[DoctorWho85]

OL we lost a lot to graduation and the draft.

I think QB wise we'll be ok.

But DE and LB are needed so we can get better pressure on opposing QB's

 

[ShakyTheMohel]

I think QB wise we'll be ok.

I will assume this is based on some sort of Storrs Central info. Hard to be confident with the current stable of QBs. They may be ok…but we don’t know.

 

[Duncan Idaho]

I would like another tackle/guard and a kicker/and punter.

I would be happy with that as the staff has done a very good job in the portal

Yeah, Murawski seems somewhat bitten with the injury bug. Good player but has had three so far that required surgery.

 

[Jimdish255]

Positions where one guy can be a game-changer are primarily QB on offense, and an edge rusher on defense. QB's can create offense or create turnovers and put pressure on your defense. The caveat being every skill position depends on blocking upfront. A good edge rusher is a disruptor. A guy that changes the opposition approach and can put additional pressure on the QB.

If you have a decent game manager you don't need a game-changer. But on offense the foundation that can make everyone better is the OL. And history tells us you need depth there. We've gone and reloaded on the other depth position which is DB. And gone out and gotten experienced guys in two cycles. We should be happy there. LB is clearly being addressed also. We could use another LB or DL that can compete for time if one becomes available. But I think the area that's been mentioned where we are thin and can't afford to be is OL. If there's any money left in the kitty our number one priority should be two more OL. It's the most cost effective upgrade we can make on offense, and one of our most glaring deficiencies in the down years. And it only takes one weak link to blow up a play. In those down years we might have multiple breakdowns on a single play or just no push. I'm sure Coach Sammis is aware of this but he needs to be cold-blooded about upgrading positions on the depth chart. Expecting that is part of the plan.

 

[pick6s]

Positions where one guy can be a game-changer are primarily QB on offense, and an edge rusher on defense. QB's can create offense or create turnovers and put pressure on your defense. The caveat being every skill position depends on blocking upfront. A good edge rusher is a disruptor. A guy that changes the opposition approach and can put additional pressure on the QB.

If you have a decent game manager you don't need a game-changer. But on offense the foundation that can make everyone better is the OL. And history tells us you need depth there. We've gone and reloaded on the other depth position which is DB. And gone out and gotten experienced guys in two cycles. We should be happy there. LB is clearly being addressed also. We could use another LB or DL that can compete for time if one becomes available. But I think the area that's been mentioned where we are thin and can't afford to be is OL. If there's any money left in the kitty our number one priority should be two more OL. It's the most cost effective upgrade we can make on offense, and one of our most glaring deficiencies in the down years. And it only takes one weak link to blow up a play. In those down years we might have multiple breakdowns on a single play or just no push. I'm sure Coach Sammis is aware of this but he needs to be cold-blooded about upgrading positions on the depth chart. Expecting that is part of the plan.

I agree wholeheartedly with almost everything you said. The exception is that while OL is very important and should be priority #2, the #1 priority has to be QB. Evers simply has not shown that he’s good enough and bad QB play can kill a team. It’s incredible to me how horrible UConn’s quarterbacks have been for the majority of the last two decades. Even when we won the Big East and went to the Fiesta Bowl, our quarterback was Zach Frazier, who- although he presided over a lot of wins- was an awful passer to put it mildly.