Transfer Portal

[Lobot]

Steven Hawthorne is in the portal. Along with Michael Pitts, that makes two DE/OLB.

[Bearcat Chris]

Guys, who were all high school studs, wanna play. You can't blame them for wanting to go to "greener pastures".

B.C.

[GangstaTakester]

It's hard to believe Hawthorne couldn't earn playing time. He was the 4th best recruit out of his class. I know our recruiting has come a long way, but you would have thought this kid could have cracked the rotation.

[RedDog]

Hype and resume just doesn't always translate to playing time. Depth at a position and upper class priorities often keep young talent down. Its not a bad reflection just circumstances dictate its not someones time yet. Kids today want to play right away rather than develop and play later. They often try to make that a condition of recruitment. The best programs and coaches avoid those commitments if at all possible. I hate to lose talented kids also but its a negative side to a positive situation of upgraded talent. Sometimes, however, coaches realize that a player was just overestimated and doesn't meet their hype. Not sure what the story was with Hawthorne but wish him well.

[Lobot]

I think there may be more to it than playing time. Hawthorne opted out before the season due to COVID and hasn't been with the team all season.

[Lobot]

Dalrone Donaldson has opted for the portal. This is the guy we signed as a walk on from junior college. Never cracked the WR rotation here and I’m guessing he was unable to play himself into a scholarship.