
Re: Updates to 2017 Football Roster
Saul Goodman wrote:
https://texasstate.rivals.com/news/2017-preferred-walk-ons
So lets discuss the PWOs.
Why do you think we added so many?
Last year, we added 2 PWOs that we were aware of (C Fryrear and Guard Williams) with just up to 3-4 months to add players over summer. This year its 16 high school players and 4 transfer PWOs (3 practiced this spring).
How many total ship players on roster?
Currently, my count on total ships on current spring roster is 71 (not counting McDowell, Guidry, Berry, or Willie Williams that already transferred to Lamar this spring). Some of those guys will be graduate transfers like McDowell, possibly Berry and Guidry (not sure if Guidry but a guess). If we are at 71 right now, add Tupe and Rogers over summer is my guess (guess they'll take McDowell and possibly one other ship either available now or Berry.. maybe). If so, that will be 73 total ships and 85-73 equals 12 ships still left and I believe these cannot be put into the recruiting classes of 2018 or 2019 directly. Personally, I'm still expecting players like Luna and Ripley to earn ships for this upcoming season but its a total guess.
Back to PWOs: Why would so many consider TXST instead of going either JC or DI-AA?
Opportunity to earn one of those possible double digit ships still open.
RB: We'll have 4 returners (no seniors) with Smith coming in. Depth on practice squad is necessary and with Longbotham only other RB, good to have talent at position.
OL: We'll not have 1 graduating senior at this position. These two will again help with depth on practice squad with Fryrear and Williams. Again, they may be able to earn a ship but they will have to earn it.
WR: We still need depth and practice players. We only added 3 plus transfer TV Williams eligible now. Only having 8-9 WRs with Kordell Rogers listed as WR/DB, we still need more depth and this is not counting WR Luna at this time.
TE: Adding 2 adds to practice squad. There is likely more opportunity here than other positions but gotta earn it under Withers.
DL: To have 4 PWOs added tells me we need better talent on practice squad. They'll get their chance but many are undersized by height or weight.
LB/OLB: Adding 3 again for practice squad is important. Pretty deep on paper at these positions but again need better talent on practice squad.
CB: 1-2 and again practice squad depth. We do need more help here so there is opportunity.
S: Another position that needs help. Opportunity is there.
Basically, I see it as we need better talent on practice squad and they'll get opportunities to earn PT/ship but it won't be most of these guys.
Either way, I do believe talent on practice squads helps teams win. Consider the talent Bama is able to put on field. They only get better with good talent to compete with. Assuming they are Wither's type of guys, I would expect hard work and love football or they won't last long.