Transfer Cycle 2024-2025 - It's Time For You Dorks To Worry About the Numbers

[Texas Wahoo 3384]

Transfer windows shortening, but they are keeping the second window for football.

 

 

[BurntOrange&White 39901]

Per OTF Johntay Cook is no longer going to be part of the team and is expected to hit the transfer portal. 

[texifornia 56636]

Too bad he didn't pan out. Never had any one thing that stood out as great, and dropped too many balls to overcome that. Moore seems to be the same player but better.

Edited November 7 by texifornia

[texifornia 56636]

He won't be heading to A&M

 

[Hiphopopotamos 20867]

25 minutes ago, texifornia said:

He won't be heading to A&M

 

Quinn is completing 35% of his deep passes (20+ yards) on 17 attempts.

Marcel Reed has completed 19% of his deep passes on 21 attempts.

Conner Weigman has completed 25% of his 12 deep attempts.

[TheRRKid 227]

It’s telling when a school like A&M is already passing on him. Hope he gets things figured out

[texifornia 56636]

52 minutes ago, TheRRKid said:

It’s telling when a school like A&M is already passing on him. Hope he gets things figured out

Their WR recruiting is such a mess, I don't know how much it says about anyone.

[Dbeasy 15013]

I knew the Cook stuff was coming. He had disappeared and was obviously unhappy with the situation. 

[MuellerHorn 4203]

More context from FCB:

What you need to know about the "mutual" parting of ways between Texas and WR Johntay Cook

Spoiler

What you need to know about the "mutual" parting of ways between Texas and WR Johntay Cook

AUSTIN, Texas — Sophomore receiver Johntay Cook was the fifth-highest rated member of Texas' 2023 recruiting class and could go on to have a great college career at Oregon or Ohio State or wherever he ends up.

But right now, a player leaning toward the transfer portal at season's end was enough for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, whose Longhorns are No. 5 in the College Football Playoff rankings heading into Saturday's 11 am CT game against Florida, to encourage Cook to finish up his semester away from the Longhorns' football team, according to sources close to the situation.

Cook was called into a meeting with Sarkisian on Thursday morning, and during their conversation, it came up that Cook was considering transferring at the end of the semester, sources said.

That was all Sarkisian needed to hear and told Cook it was probably best if they mutually parted ways immediately, sources said.

"We've had some roster movement today with Johntay Cook moving on," Sarkisian said Thursday during a regular weekly teleconference with local media. "You know, we have nothing but respect for he and his family. Wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Sarkisian called the parting "mutual."

Cook undoubtedly thought he was going to be a bigger piece of the offense this season as the only returning wideout with a catch in a game last season (eight catches for 136 yards in 2023).

The arrivals of junior transfers Isaiah Bond from Alabama and Matthew Golden from Houston as well as grad transfer Silas Bolden from Oregon State and five-star freshman Ryan Wingo suddenly gave Texas a receiver room six-deep along with returning sophomore DeAndre Moore Jr.

Cook was averaging 25.8 snaps per game through Texas' first four contests of the season - third-most on the team behind Bond (42.3 snaps per game) and Golden (42.0 snaps per game).

But receivers getting fewer snaps per game than Cook through the first four contests, such as Moore (20.8), Wingo (23.8) and Bolden (20.3) were continuing to make the most of their snaps while Cook had a big drop on a deep ball from Arch Manning that would gone for a 62-yard touchdown against Mississippi State on Sept. 28 while also complaining of a toe injury.

So Cook's snaps dropped immediately to seven against Mississippi State, to four snaps against Oklahoma and to zero snaps against Georgia and Vanderbilt. He had eight catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns this season.

While Cook was on the sideline nursing his toe injury, Bolden was running 55 yards to recover a fumble in the end zone in a critical play against OU. Wingo was taking a 4-yard pass from Quinn Ewers against OU and turning it into a 44-yard catch-and-run and taking an end-around for 25 yards, and Moore was solidifying his role as the best blocking receiver on the team and as an emerging leader.

At Texas, the fish are jumping into the boat to play a skill position in Sarkisian's offense. The Longhorns currently  have commitments from 2025 five-star WR Kaliq Lockett, four-star WR Jaime Ffrench, the nation's No. 48 prospect, and four-star WR Daylan McCutcheon, the nation's No. 185 prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite Ranking.

And when there are five receivers on the team right now making plays, while one receiver might be starting to grow frustrated with the situation, feeling like he's falling behind, Sarkisian isn't going to have patience for a player having second thoughts - no matter how talented he is.

Certainly, not right now, when Sarkisian is trying to kick start an offense that has bogged down the last three games due to turnovers and penalties.

"Our mojo offensively is one thing I want to get back," Sarkisian said Monday. "Whether you want to call it our sense of urgency, our intent, the way we go about our business - we've got a talented group of guys that are very competitive. They're tough. They work really hard. They want to play well.

"Sometimes you can over try, if that makes sense. And to me, that gets back into your mojo. That gets back into our swagger a little bit. And I want to try to recreate that with the guys, because I know what we're capable of, and if we can get that clicking to go along with what we're doing defensively and special teams-wise, that would be a huge bonus."

When you're trying to get your mojo back, the last thing a coach wants is a player in the locker room who isn't all in - especially in a room where the players are all in.

Sarkisian was asked Thursday if it's expected for a player to want to transfer out of a room in which five guys are already producing?

"I think in this day and age of college football, some of that is natural," Sarkisian said. "We try to really pride ourselves on being a heck of a developmental program. And you know, I think that we have some living examples on our roster today of guys that maybe weren't front-line starters in year one or year two and then developed into really productive players in year three or even in year four.

"And so I try not to fall prey to, 'That's just what's going to happen,' but I understand it when it does happen."

Yeah, this wasn't mutual. It reads like Sark is trying to protect his culture and doesn't want someone who has already checked out around to bring others down. "All gas, no brakes." Seems like Sark viewed Cook as a "brake" based on his comments and FCB's additional color.

I don't have clips handy, but I noticed a few occasions earlier in the season where Cook wouldn't run to block downfield or from the other side of the field to follow up the play. That's something Moore and Bolden both do.

[Hookem2147 21005]

3 hours ago, MuellerHorn said:

More context from FCB:

What you need to know about the "mutual" parting of ways between Texas and WR Johntay Cook

  Reveal hidden contents

What you need to know about the "mutual" parting of ways between Texas and WR Johntay Cook

AUSTIN, Texas — Sophomore receiver Johntay Cook was the fifth-highest rated member of Texas' 2023 recruiting class and could go on to have a great college career at Oregon or Ohio State or wherever he ends up.

But right now, a player leaning toward the transfer portal at season's end was enough for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian, whose Longhorns are No. 5 in the College Football Playoff rankings heading into Saturday's 11 am CT game against Florida, to encourage Cook to finish up his semester away from the Longhorns' football team, according to sources close to the situation.

Cook was called into a meeting with Sarkisian on Thursday morning, and during their conversation, it came up that Cook was considering transferring at the end of the semester, sources said.

That was all Sarkisian needed to hear and told Cook it was probably best if they mutually parted ways immediately, sources said.

"We've had some roster movement today with Johntay Cook moving on," Sarkisian said Thursday during a regular weekly teleconference with local media. "You know, we have nothing but respect for he and his family. Wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Sarkisian called the parting "mutual."

Cook undoubtedly thought he was going to be a bigger piece of the offense this season as the only returning wideout with a catch in a game last season (eight catches for 136 yards in 2023).

The arrivals of junior transfers Isaiah Bond from Alabama and Matthew Golden from Houston as well as grad transfer Silas Bolden from Oregon State and five-star freshman Ryan Wingo suddenly gave Texas a receiver room six-deep along with returning sophomore DeAndre Moore Jr.

Cook was averaging 25.8 snaps per game through Texas' first four contests of the season - third-most on the team behind Bond (42.3 snaps per game) and Golden (42.0 snaps per game).

But receivers getting fewer snaps per game than Cook through the first four contests, such as Moore (20.8), Wingo (23.8) and Bolden (20.3) were continuing to make the most of their snaps while Cook had a big drop on a deep ball from Arch Manning that would gone for a 62-yard touchdown against Mississippi State on Sept. 28 while also complaining of a toe injury.

So Cook's snaps dropped immediately to seven against Mississippi State, to four snaps against Oklahoma and to zero snaps against Georgia and Vanderbilt. He had eight catches for 137 yards and two touchdowns this season.

While Cook was on the sideline nursing his toe injury, Bolden was running 55 yards to recover a fumble in the end zone in a critical play against OU. Wingo was taking a 4-yard pass from Quinn Ewers against OU and turning it into a 44-yard catch-and-run and taking an end-around for 25 yards, and Moore was solidifying his role as the best blocking receiver on the team and as an emerging leader.

At Texas, the fish are jumping into the boat to play a skill position in Sarkisian's offense. The Longhorns currently  have commitments from 2025 five-star WR Kaliq Lockett, four-star WR Jaime Ffrench, the nation's No. 48 prospect, and four-star WR Daylan McCutcheon, the nation's No. 185 prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite Ranking.

And when there are five receivers on the team right now making plays, while one receiver might be starting to grow frustrated with the situation, feeling like he's falling behind, Sarkisian isn't going to have patience for a player having second thoughts - no matter how talented he is.

Certainly, not right now, when Sarkisian is trying to kick start an offense that has bogged down the last three games due to turnovers and penalties.

"Our mojo offensively is one thing I want to get back," Sarkisian said Monday. "Whether you want to call it our sense of urgency, our intent, the way we go about our business - we've got a talented group of guys that are very competitive. They're tough. They work really hard. They want to play well.

"Sometimes you can over try, if that makes sense. And to me, that gets back into your mojo. That gets back into our swagger a little bit. And I want to try to recreate that with the guys, because I know what we're capable of, and if we can get that clicking to go along with what we're doing defensively and special teams-wise, that would be a huge bonus."

When you're trying to get your mojo back, the last thing a coach wants is a player in the locker room who isn't all in - especially in a room where the players are all in.

Sarkisian was asked Thursday if it's expected for a player to want to transfer out of a room in which five guys are already producing?

"I think in this day and age of college football, some of that is natural," Sarkisian said. "We try to really pride ourselves on being a heck of a developmental program. And you know, I think that we have some living examples on our roster today of guys that maybe weren't front-line starters in year one or year two and then developed into really productive players in year three or even in year four.

"And so I try not to fall prey to, 'That's just what's going to happen,' but I understand it when it does happen."

Yeah, this wasn't mutual. It reads like Sark is trying to protect his culture and doesn't want someone who has already checked out around to bring others down. "All gas, no brakes." Seems like Sark viewed Cook as a "brake" based on his comments and FCB's additional color.

I don't have clips handy, but I noticed a few occasions earlier in the season where Cook wouldn't run to block downfield or from the other side of the field to follow up the play. That's something Moore and Bolden both do.

Gerry mentioned on an OTF video today that someone in Cook's circle has been in his ear about entering the portal basically all year. 

[LebongJames 1790]

[Best served cold 150]

3 hours ago, Hookem2147 said:

Gerry mentioned on an OTF video today that someone in Cook's circle has been in his ear about entering the portal basically all year. 

That person sounds like a selfish asshole. 

[Horn Under a Bad Sign 20367]

It's sad to see how some people, and I'm talking about Johntay here, respond to a little bit of adversity.

[texifornia 56636]

 

[Tex-19 2872]

So I guess we'll probably be in the market for a portal WR now? Losing Bond, Bolden, Cook for sure. What are the odds on Golden going pro?

That leaves you with Moore, Wingo, and maybe Golden as the only guys with experience. Then add a couple 5 star Freshmen to the mix but who knows how ready they'll be. Sark doesn't seem to like taking any chances at WR

[texifornia 56636]

2 minutes ago, Tex-19 said:

So I guess we'll probably be in the market for a portal WR now? Losing Bond, Bolden, Cook for sure. What are the odds on Golden going pro?

That leaves you with Moore, Wingo, and maybe Golden as the only guys with experience. Then add a couple 5 star Freshmen to the mix but who knows how ready they'll be. Sark doesn't seem to like taking any chances at WR

Aaron Butler will have a year in the system if not on the field, and he's quick as hell. Dubose needs to either be all the way back from his injury or out the door. And we'll probably try to take one or two excellent Portal guys because why not.

Edited November 8 by texifornia

[Mother mopar 3311]

1 hour ago, Tex-19 said:

So I guess we'll probably be in the market for a portal WR now? Losing Bond, Bolden, Cook for sure. What are the odds on Golden going pro?

That leaves you with Moore, Wingo, and maybe Golden as the only guys with experience. Then add a couple 5 star Freshmen to the mix but who knows how ready they'll be. Sark doesn't seem to like taking any chances at WR

I belive Bolden has a year of eligibility left.  

[Funk Doctor Spock 12142]

16 minutes ago, Mother mopar said:

I belive Bolden has a year of eligibility left.  

He doesn't. He's gone after this season. 

[FCB 32]

Cook had posted some mess last year about hitting the portal or some such. Seems very much like the diva that if he's not getting what he wants, he's making noise then hitting the portal. 

I think texas is healthy enough in recruiting and portal to survive losing unproductive divas

[Burt Macklin 19000]

5 hours ago, Tex-19 said:

So I guess we'll probably be in the market for a portal WR now? Losing Bond, Bolden, Cook for sure. What are the odds on Golden going pro?

That leaves you with Moore, Wingo, and maybe Golden as the only guys with experience. Then add a couple 5 star Freshmen to the mix but who knows how ready they'll be. Sark doesn't seem to like taking any chances at WR

We were probably going to hit the portal for 1 or 2 high level WRs already. I don’t think Cook leaving had any affect on that. 

[Funk Doctor Spock 12142]

If Niblack returns it gives another receiving threat. 

Sucks about Cook, welcome to.the new CFB

 

[Laxtonto 12075]

1 hour ago, Funk Doctor Spock said:

If Niblack returns it gives another receiving threat. 

Sucks about Cook, welcome to.the new CFB

 

The loss of Cooks is further mitigated with the fact that modern CFB allows for the true freaks at the WR postions to step in and play their first season on campus. So the real question is how close to Wingo is either Lockett or French in comparison to Cook to a a transfer...

[Funk Doctor Spock 12142]

59 minutes ago, Laxtonto said:

The loss of Cooks is further mitigated with the fact that modern CFB allows for the true freaks at the WR postions to step in and play their first season on campus. So the real question is how close to Wingo is either Lockett or French in comparison to Cook to a a transfer...

That's a great question. I know both have better hands and fight for 50/50 balls and don't pout. They put in the work, but at the end of the day it's on them. HS is easy for them, college is no. But I think, imo, both Lockett and Ffrench will immediate impact, much like Wingo. They're gonna need to get caught up on the playbook, but both are superior to Cook. Both block, fight for balls, and want to battle. 

No disrespect to Johntay, but his hands are made of concrete. The aforementioned have actual hands and don't drop easy passes. They're gonna love Arch. But we'll never know until they see the grind of CFB.i doubt they're worried about a transfer or two. They're not stupid. They know they have to learn and earn their plscd. They're more DeAndre Moore than Cook what I've gathered. Culture fit, elite, what's to win at all costs, and the money is great, too..

Johntay just did nothing. He was gifted wjth 1st string reps and got passed over by a possible 1st rd pick this year, a possible 1st rd pick in 2027, and Moore if he leaves will be another dasv drafted. Johntay did this all by himself. As far as I know he didn't approach Sark to ask what he can do better to see the field instead of sulking. He didn't follow Moore or Wingo using the Juggs machine after practice. He as once of the last to make it to practice. My empathy is nonexistent for the kid. He had the world in front of him and shit it away.

Sorry, I think I missed you last question. I think they're far more comparable to Wingo with size, work etgoc, biding their time, and don't be a bitch. They know they kmow they'll get their time next year, even if it's hurt limited minutes. 

Edited November 9 by Funk Doctor Spock

[Hank_Hill 18694]

8 hours ago, Funk Doctor Spock said:

 

 

Sorry, I think I missed you last question. I think they're far more comparable to Wingo with size, work etgoc, biding their time, and don't be a bitch. They know they kmow they'll get their time next year, even if it's hurt limited minutes. 

How could you possibly know this

Edited November 9 by Hank_Hill

[Funk Doctor Spock 12142]

7 hours ago, Hank_Hill said:

How could you possibly know this

 

[Teryor 4438]

Not happy to bump this thread this way and find it tough to believe we'd be interested again, blame Ears

USC DL Bear Alexander's transfer teams to watch when portal opens

Quote

Following the 2022 season, Bear Alexander transferred from Georgia to USC as one of the top players in the 247Sports Transfer Portal Rankings. In September, Alexander announced his intention to redshirt for the rest of the season and the leave the USC team.

Since that time, the big-body interior defensive lineman has been quiet as he waits to officially enter the transfer portal Dec. 9.

After being a highly-regarded prospect at the high school level, Alexander garnered attention for his disruptive play and high-profile transfer.

In an age where teams are looking to find size and athleticism up front, Alexander is set to take center stage once again this offseason.

After playing a starring role for USC in 2023, Alexander saw his playing time reduced early in the year causing him to opt for his redshirt and preserve eligibility.

247Sports caught up with sources close to Alexander for a picture of how this portal recruitment could play out.

One source we spoke with made it clear that Alexander and his camp didn't feel as if there was enough transparency with the USC staff. One of the biggest issues was mixed messages Alexander received regarding playing time. With an eye on the NFL, Alexander wants to make sure that he's getting as many reps to put on film as possible.

Though schools can't officially reach out to Alexander, we did gather some names to watch. Oregon, Texas, Colorado, LSU, Alabama and Georgia were mentioned as programs to monitored.

Alexander spent Saturday in Athens, in an unofficial capacity, watching some of his former teammates as Georgia took on Tennessee. Alexander couldn't be hosted by the Georgia staff, but we were told he traveled on his own to be there.

While it's unclear what Georgia's level of interest would be in a reunion, it sounds like Alexander's camp is open to the idea. Their familiarity with the program and the staff is enough to make Alexander consider returning to Athens.

Texas is another school that could be at the center of this recruitment. The Longhorns would provide Alexander with a return to his home state, and they have a significant need for an interior defensive lineman. Texas has been after Alexander since his high school days, and they could be a prime contender to land him this time around.

Oregon is the other school out of the group that was singled out as a program there would be significant interest in. Dan Lanning's defensive reputation and Oregon's development is something that appeals to Alexander, and several players and former players spoke highly of the Orgeon staff.

Colorado has been a big player in the portal since Deion Sanders was hired in Boulder, but there is some apprehension about what the team might look like with Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter likely leaving for the NFL.

Get the latest football and basketball transfer portal news from 247Sports.

Alexander plans to take several visits when the portal opens and make a quick decision once he's met with those coaches. His recruitment is sure to be one of the more interesting races of portal season.

 

[cafe society 2856]

Bolden does not have a year of eligibility remaining.  He's gone.  Golden does but he's gone.  Bear Alexander isn't coming here.  Don't discount Ryan Niblet next year, he has earned Sark's trust.  And lest we forget, there's that tall drink of water, Jaggy McJaggerson, that the coaches seem to really like.

[Tex-19 2872]

2 hours ago, cafe society said:

Bolden does not have a year of eligibility remaining.  He's gone.  Golden does but he's gone.  Bear Alexander isn't coming here.  Don't discount Ryan Niblet next year, he has earned Sark's trust.  And lest we forget, there's that tall drink of water, Jaggy McJaggerson, that the coaches seem to really like.

Why do you assume Golden is gone? Serious question. The only thing I've seen online is like 6th round projection which would often mean a return imo

[cafe society 2856]

2 minutes ago, Tex-19 said:

Why do you assume Golden is gone? Serious question. The only thing I've seen online is like 6th round projection which would often mean a return imo

He's fast, runs excellent routes and has jaw-dropping hands.  He is a great kickoff returner, he blocks well and he leads the SEC in TD receptions.  I anticipate him testing very well for the scouts.  

[cafe society 2856]

I would love for him to return, I think Arch will turn out a better QB than Quinn and would in theory provide Golden with better numbers before the 2026 draft, but a $300K signing bonus and a four-year contract worth $5mm is nothing to sneeze at.  Now Arch might make him a second round pick, which would mean substantially more dinero.  But I don't buy the sixth round tag; I think he goes 3rd or 4th round which is money that is VERY hard to say no to.

[Burt Macklin 19000]

8 minutes ago, cafe society said:

I would love for him to return, I think Arch will turn out a better QB than Quinn and would in theory provide Golden with better numbers before the 2026 draft, but a $300K signing bonus and a four-year contract worth $5mm is nothing to sneeze at.  Now Arch might make him a second round pick, which would mean substantially more dinero.  But I don't buy the sixth round tag; I think he goes 3rd or 4th round which is money that is VERY hard to say no to.

He’s never even had 600 receiving yards in a season. You’re drastically overrating him. 

[Funk Doctor Spock 12142]

7 hours ago, Teryor said:

Not happy to bump this thread this way and find it tough to believe we'd be interested again, blame Ears

USC DL Bear Alexander's transfer teams to watch when portal opens

 

Fuck it, take him. Just put his locker outside of Moncrief and away from the team until it's time to practice or play. 

[Funk Doctor Spock 12142]

3 hours ago, Burt Macklin said:

He’s never even had 600 receiving yards in a season. You’re drastically overrating him. 

Kids make stupid decisions all the time. They all think they're going to be all-pro in whatever sport. I'm not saying Golden is that guy, but it wouldn't surprise anyone if he felt he was ready to move on. 

I hope it doesn't because he's a beast with glue for hands. It would give him a chance to be WR1 with Wingo and whomever else behind him. He and Arch also have chemistry per reports from Gerry/Bobby earlier in the season. He already gets the most minutes on the field each week. Does Sark and Jackson sit him down and explain that he'll be #1 next season, or will he just assume he'll test well and end up in the 3rd rd?

Edited 19 hours ago by Funk Doctor Spock

[pacman 7348]

6 hours ago, Burt Macklin said:

He’s never even had 600 receiving yards in a season. You’re drastically overrating him. 

John Palmer never had more than 500 yards in a college season AND he is Canadian. Pick 77 in 2021.

Edited 17 hours ago by pacman