Where is the talent

[Sportsfan]

Clearly a disappointing season for the fans, players and coaches.  Getting rid of another offensive coordinator and a new offensive system for player in 2024.  Not great continuity by the staff.

A bigger question is where is the talent going to come from.  Besides Justin Marshall, the Transfer Portal as not been successful for UB.  A bunch of average players replacing another group of average players.  Where are the Anthony Johnston, KJ Osborn, Malcom Koonce, Patterson brothers, Jacob Gall, Mike Novisky, etc. etc. etc.  Heck, even Jeff Quinn recruited Tyree Jackson.

For being labelled a "Great Recruiter", Lance was far superior of a talent evalurator at this stage then Mo.

Grant, Murdoch, Crawford have the "look", but all on defense.  The offensive recruiting is a little more difficult to find a "future" All MAC talent.

Edited December 7, 2023 by Sportsfan

[zigo230]

I think Lance will be the last UB football coach to ever recruit the old fashioned way....getting students athletes in the program and develop them for 3-4 years.  Now it's plug and play.  I'm sure even LL is having to figure it all out.  In addition to recruiting high schools it would be nice to see Mo build up UB as a really attractive place for wayward FBS players to come.  The players will use UB to get extensive playing time and film,,, UB uses them to get some wins.  There's definitely a path to the NFL through UB, and you have an NFL team in town.  Get 'er done Mo.  

[RecoveringHillbilly]

Great points on the lopsided defense. We have to rebuild the line and find SOME kind of pass rushers. But all-MAC talent behind them with LB's, Grant, add McCartherens too. 

Running game was merely ok so hopefully Sperling becomes the guy to replace Cook. A healthy McMillan is key, and Morrow should fit into Marlyn Johnson's spot and hopefully show why he had so many P5 offers. Jevell Fugerson has the talent profile, but has to grown and earn a spot.

[Sportsfan]

5 hours ago, RecoveringHillbilly said:

Great points on the lopsided defense. We have to rebuild the line and find SOME kind of pass rushers. But all-MAC talent behind them with LB's, Grant, add McCartherens too. 

Running game was merely ok so hopefully Sperling becomes the guy to replace Cook. A healthy McMillan is key, and Morrow should fit into Marlyn Johnson's spot and hopefully show why he had so many P5 offers. Jevell Fugerson has the talent profile, but has to grown and earn a spot.

If this is the choices for next year at WR, and no QB, this offense looks to be in trouble.  BTW, no Jevell Fugerson on the roster.

[Sportsfan]

The OL might see some improvement, with their 2023 game experience.

Edited December 7, 2023 by Sportsfan

[121Merrimac]

1 hour ago, Sportsfan said:

The OL might see some improvement…

I for one am pleasantly surprised how much eligibility Doty has left. 

[RecoveringHillbilly]

1 hour ago, Sportsfan said:

If this is the choices for next year at WR, and no QB, this offense looks to be in trouble.  BTW, no Jevell Fugerson on the roster.

I noted Fugerson, as he is in the UB directory. Likely working on the academic side.

I always cheered for Johnson to have his shot, but he took a while to become a starter, and last year he had no TD's in the last 2/3 of the season. Not an ALL-MAC caliber WR. Harding and Curry were underwhelming too. Staff have to do better with some real WR speed from the portal to complement McMillian and Morrow. 

[UB Horns Up]

But there will always be other players to replace what UB Bulls lost. Remember the other MAC schools are losing players to like UB because of the transfer portal and NIL. What UB athletics needs to understand that the old way of giving head coaches 5 year contracts should be over because before the old system was you give a coach one graduating class of his players after 4 or 5 years. But players aren’t staying anymore like in the past so there is no need for 5 years. 3 years max should be the MAC coaches salary in my opinion. UB Horns Up! Go Bulls! Let’s Go Buffalo 

[BrooklynBull]

6 hours ago, UB Horns Up said:

3 years max should be the MAC coaches salary in my opinion.

That will hurt recruiting.  Other schools will say why go to that school, the coach will be gone before you are done.

[TawJackson]

On 12/8/2023 at 5:27 AM, BrooklynBull said:

That will hurt recruiting.  Other schools will say why go to that school, the coach will be gone before you are done.

Not sure that old argument really holds much water now in the Transfer Portal era. Today's players aren't planning on staying at one school for four years anymore.

[DaBulls99]

39 minutes ago, TawJackson said:

Not sure that old argument really holds much water now in the Transfer Portal era. Today's players aren't planning on staying at one school for four years anymore.

Also coaches leave all the time. I’d say it’s way better odds a kid doesn’t have the same coach their 4 years than does.