I actually think the term "offer" does apply. It's D-III, so obviously it's not an athletic scholarship. But would not a guaranteed roster spot still be an "offer"?  Maybe it's not for UHMB because of the number of student athletes the team carries. But at UW-W where our number has been limited to around 107, a guaranteed roster spot for a freshman actually does carry some (non-monetary) value.

Former 3-star, First-team all state 6A Kyle Brown transferring to Hardin Simmons from West Texas A&M. That is an insanely good pickup. Would have loved that for my Tigers as they begin a major reloading year. Congrats yall.

https://twitter.com/kyledbrown12/status/1736536743552147628?s=46&t=dfcmo1e43ukeLdhk5rGKLg

https://gobuffsgo.com/sports/football/roster/kyle-brown/12439

Looks like KJ Peoples and Myles Featherston from HSU ended up at East Central University Tigers:

https://x.com/Myles_E_F/status/1736521749640999422?s=20
https://x.com/eazzy_KJ/status/1736530803822043605?s=20

Well I have to say it really looks like our coaches have made the transfer portal a priority to start the offseason. I thought it was a little odd that we didn't utilize it more going into last season but it's encouraging to see us going and getting some big time players this early in the window.

The 6'5" ALL Conference left tackle from ETBU, the RB transfer from Oklahoma State/Juco. I saw they offered another Juco WR today that looks extremely talented. It almost feels like the coaches are saying, "screw it, whatever it takes, let's just go get the best players available". As opposed to keeping it mostly in house and developing. We'll see how it works out but it definitely seems like a more aggressive transfer approach to start the offseason.

Quote from: CruFrenzy on December 19, 2023, 08:29:39 PM
Well I have to say it really looks like our coaches have made the transfer portal a priority to start the offseason. I thought it was a little odd that we didn't utilize it more going into last season but it's encouraging to see us going and getting some big time players this early in the window.

The 6'5" ALL Conference left tackle from ETBU, the RB transfer from Oklahoma State/Juco. I saw they offered another Juco WR today that looks extremely talented. It almost feels like the coaches are saying, "screw it, whatever it takes, let's just go get the best players available". As opposed to keeping it mostly in house and developing. We'll see how it works out but it definitely seems like a more aggressive transfer approach to start the offseason.

Yeah, it'll be interesting seeing who shows up.  the OL from ETBU is an interesting case.  Looks like he started his career at A&M Kingsville in 2020, then was a coach at ETBU before returning to play there last year.  I added a few more commits to the spreadsheet.  If you see anyone I missed feel free to point them out.  Maybe we'll find our next great QB in the portal.  I mean, we kind of have a history of transfer QB's right?  Blake Jackson, Jase Hammack, and Kyle King all transferred in from somewhere if I remember correctly. 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EBXnYmF_xOSzLTPsObwab9zldMuRlGNE9xIZCyEuVZo/edit?usp=sharing

Quote from: CruFrenzy on December 19, 2023, 08:29:39 PM
Well I have to say it really looks like our coaches have made the transfer portal a priority to start the offseason. I thought it was a little odd that we didn't utilize it more going into last season but it's encouraging to see us going and getting some big time players this early in the window.

The 6'5" ALL Conference left tackle from ETBU, the RB transfer from Oklahoma State/Juco. I saw they offered another Juco WR today that looks extremely talented. It almost feels like the coaches are saying, "screw it, whatever it takes, let's just go get the best players available". As opposed to keeping it mostly in house and developing. We'll see how it works out but it definitely seems like a more aggressive transfer approach to start the offseason.

I think we may see more of this in certain programs moving forward Cru. I think some coaches are getting tired of kids they have put time and energy into, especially ones who are playing well, jumping into the portal. As a result they realize that if possible, they have to change their thinking and play the game a bit to stay relevant. I think this hasn't hit the d3 football world as much as it's hit other divisions yet, but I think it may be coming and be a "normal occurrence" sooner than later.

At the very least as someone who initially despised the portal and still isn't a fan because of his admitted nostalgia for the way programs used to develop, I am even coming around to an acceptance of it and not even getting into a tizzy anymore when kids leave the schools I support. Most notably Syracuse's recent signing of Ohio State's Kyle McCord. My excitement about that hangs in a hypocrisy that is thicker than any morning fog I've seen...

Quote from: Ice Bear on December 20, 2023, 12:01:42 PM

Quote from: CruFrenzy on December 19, 2023, 08:29:39 PM
Well I have to say it really looks like our coaches have made the transfer portal a priority to start the offseason. I thought it was a little odd that we didn't utilize it more going into last season but it's encouraging to see us going and getting some big time players this early in the window.

The 6'5" ALL Conference left tackle from ETBU, the RB transfer from Oklahoma State/Juco. I saw they offered another Juco WR today that looks extremely talented. It almost feels like the coaches are saying, "screw it, whatever it takes, let's just go get the best players available". As opposed to keeping it mostly in house and developing. We'll see how it works out but it definitely seems like a more aggressive transfer approach to start the offseason.

I think we may see more of this in certain programs moving forward Cru. I think some coaches are getting tired of kids they have put time and energy into, especially ones who are playing well, jumping into the portal. As a result they realize that if possible, they have to change their thinking and play the game a bit to stay relevant. I think this hasn't hit the d3 football world as much as it's hit other divisions yet, but I think it may be coming and be a "normal occurrence" sooner than later.

At the very least as someone who initially despised the portal and still isn't a fan because of his admitted nostalgia for the way programs used to develop, I am even coming around to an acceptance of it and not even getting into a tizzy anymore when kids leave the schools I support. Most notably Syracuse's recent signing of Ohio State's Kyle McCord. My excitement about that hangs in a hypocrisy that is thicker than any morning fog I've seen...

Yeah, I'm not sure what to think of it yet either.  Looks like UMHB picked up two more ETBU Transfers:

3rd team all ASC DB Daevien Willis
https://x.com/DATBOY_DWill23/status/1737539254085918805?s=20

3rd team all ASC CB Robert Williams
https://x.com/Robdakid_9/status/1737513142928711829?s=20


Edit to add:
Looks like Kenneth Cormier is going to end up at East Central Unversity with KJ Peoples from Hardin-Simmons.

Brock Bunjoch from Hardin-Simmons ended up at A&M Kingsville.

Quote from: Etchglow on December 20, 2023, 02:31:20 PM

Quote from: Ice Bear on December 20, 2023, 12:01:42 PM

Quote from: CruFrenzy on December 19, 2023, 08:29:39 PM
Well I have to say it really looks like our coaches have made the transfer portal a priority to start the offseason. I thought it was a little odd that we didn't utilize it more going into last season but it's encouraging to see us going and getting some big time players this early in the window.

The 6'5" ALL Conference left tackle from ETBU, the RB transfer from Oklahoma State/Juco. I saw they offered another Juco WR today that looks extremely talented. It almost feels like the coaches are saying, "screw it, whatever it takes, let's just go get the best players available". As opposed to keeping it mostly in house and developing. We'll see how it works out but it definitely seems like a more aggressive transfer approach to start the offseason.

I think we may see more of this in certain programs moving forward Cru. I think some coaches are getting tired of kids they have put time and energy into, especially ones who are playing well, jumping into the portal. As a result they realize that if possible, they have to change their thinking and play the game a bit to stay relevant. I think this hasn't hit the d3 football world as much as it's hit other divisions yet, but I think it may be coming and be a "normal occurrence" sooner than later.

At the very least as someone who initially despised the portal and still isn't a fan because of his admitted nostalgia for the way programs used to develop, I am even coming around to an acceptance of it and not even getting into a tizzy anymore when kids leave the schools I support. Most notably Syracuse's recent signing of Ohio State's Kyle McCord. My excitement about that hangs in a hypocrisy that is thicker than any morning fog I've seen...

Yeah, I'm not sure what to think of it yet either.  Looks like UMHB picked up two more ETBU Transfers:

3rd team all ASC DB Daevien Willis
https://x.com/DATBOY_DWill23/status/1737539254085918805?s=20

3rd team all ASC CB Robert Williams
https://x.com/Robdakid_9/status/1737513142928711829?s=20


Edit to add:
Looks like Kenneth Cormier is going to end up at East Central Unversity with KJ Peoples from Hardin-Simmons.

Brock Bunjoch from Hardin-Simmons ended up at A&M Kingsville.

Former 3 STAR defensive back (267th ranked player in Texas class of 2020) Jason Kerl Jr committed to UMHB today after a stint at Blinn & Santa Anna Juco in California. He went to Nolan Catholic in Ft Worth & was initially committed to North Texas. Could be a nice grab in the portal if he buys in.

I also saw UMHB offered Howard tight end/WR Gavin Harris 6'3" 235 lbs. Saw significant playing time last year as a freshman and was impressive for such a young player. IDK if we will get him or not but would be a big time weapon no doubt.

Our coaches are blasting the portal and I have to say I don't mind it at all! GO CRU

Quote from: CruFrenzy on December 20, 2023, 07:54:47 PM

Quote from: Etchglow on December 20, 2023, 02:31:20 PM

Quote from: Ice Bear on December 20, 2023, 12:01:42 PM

Quote from: CruFrenzy on December 19, 2023, 08:29:39 PM
Well I have to say it really looks like our coaches have made the transfer portal a priority to start the offseason. I thought it was a little odd that we didn't utilize it more going into last season but it's encouraging to see us going and getting some big time players this early in the window.

The 6'5" ALL Conference left tackle from ETBU, the RB transfer from Oklahoma State/Juco. I saw they offered another Juco WR today that looks extremely talented. It almost feels like the coaches are saying, "screw it, whatever it takes, let's just go get the best players available". As opposed to keeping it mostly in house and developing. We'll see how it works out but it definitely seems like a more aggressive transfer approach to start the offseason.

I think we may see more of this in certain programs moving forward Cru. I think some coaches are getting tired of kids they have put time and energy into, especially ones who are playing well, jumping into the portal. As a result they realize that if possible, they have to change their thinking and play the game a bit to stay relevant. I think this hasn't hit the d3 football world as much as it's hit other divisions yet, but I think it may be coming and be a "normal occurrence" sooner than later.

At the very least as someone who initially despised the portal and still isn't a fan because of his admitted nostalgia for the way programs used to develop, I am even coming around to an acceptance of it and not even getting into a tizzy anymore when kids leave the schools I support. Most notably Syracuse's recent signing of Ohio State's Kyle McCord. My excitement about that hangs in a hypocrisy that is thicker than any morning fog I've seen...

Yeah, I'm not sure what to think of it yet either.  Looks like UMHB picked up two more ETBU Transfers:

3rd team all ASC DB Daevien Willis
https://x.com/DATBOY_DWill23/status/1737539254085918805?s=20

3rd team all ASC CB Robert Williams
https://x.com/Robdakid_9/status/1737513142928711829?s=20


Edit to add:
Looks like Kenneth Cormier is going to end up at East Central Unversity with KJ Peoples from Hardin-Simmons.

Brock Bunjoch from Hardin-Simmons ended up at A&M Kingsville.

Former 3 STAR defensive back (267th ranked player in Texas class of 2020) Jason Kerl Jr committed to UMHB today after a stint at Blinn & Santa Anna Juco in California. He went to Nolan Catholic in Ft Worth & was initially committed to North Texas. Could be a nice grab in the portal if he buys in.

I also saw UMHB offered Howard tight end/WR Gavin Harris 6'3" 235 lbs. Saw significant playing time last year as a freshman and was impressive for such a young player. IDK if we will get him or not but would be a big time weapon no doubt.

Our coaches are blasting the portal and I have to say I don't mind it at all! GO CRU

I saw Kerl's post. But couldn't really find any info on him. I think our last guy who was a former 3 star would he Aphonso Thomas. I saw Thomas signed for a pro team in Poland.

Edit to add: Looks like they've gotten verbal commitments from quite a few transfer defensive players. Hopefully we will see the normal wrecking Cru defense we know and love next year!

One good thing about the portal is it seems there are more d3 guys moving up divisions. I know at least 3 asc kids have gone D2 and Trashawn Adams ended up going d1 fcs.

Here is Kerl Jr's 247 recruiting page for anyone interested. Had offers from North Texas & Liberty.

https://247sports.com/player/jason-kerl-jr-46042161/

Quote from: Ice Bear on December 20, 2023, 12:01:42 PM

Quote from: CruFrenzy on December 19, 2023, 08:29:39 PM
Well I have to say it really looks like our coaches have made the transfer portal a priority to start the offseason. I thought it was a little odd that we didn't utilize it more going into last season but it's encouraging to see us going and getting some big time players this early in the window.

The 6'5" ALL Conference left tackle from ETBU, the RB transfer from Oklahoma State/Juco. I saw they offered another Juco WR today that looks extremely talented. It almost feels like the coaches are saying, "screw it, whatever it takes, let's just go get the best players available". As opposed to keeping it mostly in house and developing. We'll see how it works out but it definitely seems like a more aggressive transfer approach to start the offseason.

I think we may see more of this in certain programs moving forward Cru. I think some coaches are getting tired of kids they have put time and energy into, especially ones who are playing well, jumping into the portal. As a result they realize that if possible, they have to change their thinking and play the game a bit to stay relevant. I think this hasn't hit the d3 football world as much as it's hit other divisions yet, but I think it may be coming and be a "normal occurrence" sooner than later.

At the very least as someone who initially despised the portal and still isn't a fan because of his admitted nostalgia for the way programs used to develop, I am even coming around to an acceptance of it and not even getting into a tizzy anymore when kids leave the schools I support. Most notably Syracuse's recent signing of Ohio State's Kyle McCord. My excitement about that hangs in a hypocrisy that is thicker than any morning fog I've seen...

I'm having a tough time with it myself to be completely honest. I know it's just the way it's going to be moving forward but there's just something pure about a team with Jrs and SRs that stick around on behalf of the TEAM.

As a UMHB fan my hope is that with the facilities and national championship reputation we will be able to benefit from the portal more than it hurts us, maybe that's what our coaches have realized going into this offseason. But same with NIL in D1 it feels like the rich may get richer and the smaller programs may struggle to retain their best athletes, we shall see.

Interesting, per reporting on DCTF and FootballScoop Jack Johnson has left UMHB to pursue jobs outside of football.

ETA:  Job posted on the 5th:
https://umhb.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a2zc18ocjf7d?jobtitle=&js_222710=&js_222711=713308&apply_filters=1

Quote from: bleedpurple on December 17, 2023, 08:19:57 PMI actually think the term "offer" does apply. It's D-III, so obviously it's not an athletic scholarship. But would not a guaranteed roster spot still be an "offer"?  Maybe it's not for UHMB because of the number of student athletes the team carries. But at UW-W where our number has been limited to around 107, a guaranteed roster spot for a freshman actually does carry some (non-monetary) value.

Interesting discussion. You see this on Twitter sometimes where random fans or D2 supporters get oddly upset about the word "offer" for D3.

To me, it's extremely silly to think that the term "offer" doesn't apply. If you know anything about D3 recruiting, coaches work their absolute rear ends off to land kids. And, if you're not being recruited, you're not going to be playing intercollegiate athletics.

The thought of someone just randomly showing up on campus to try out is not how it works in 99.9% of cases. Maybe it was that way in the 1970s. But nowadays, kids are recruited by certain schools, offered a roster spot and you commit from there. D3 isn't all that different from D1 or D2 in that respect, just that there isn't an athletic scholarship attached.

Also, it's worth noting, many of the D2 and FCS commits that you see have no scholarship or very minimal money attached. D2 only allows 36 scholarships to be divided among the 100+ athletes. Many guys are getting nothing or "peanuts".

Quote from: Etchglow on February 20, 2024, 12:34:30 PMInteresting, per reporting on DCTF and FootballScoop Jack Johnson has left UMHB to pursue jobs outside of football.

ETA:  Job posted on the 5th:
https://umhb.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a2zc18ocjf7d?jobtitle=&js_222710=&js_222711=713308&apply_filters=1

Something tells me he would have made a better coach than Larry Harmon.

Anybody heard anything as far as who the CRU's non-conference opponents might be for 2024?