(Not saying I fully endorse his chosen path, but it is interesting and does seem to have some merits)
Dabo is zigging when everyone else zags. And who is to say it won't work?)
- First of all, I see nothing that says that his players aren't cashing in on NIL (and if I am mistaken, just let me know).
- And from my somewhat limited understanding, there are no longer limits on class size. So he can sign a freshman class of 50 if need be. Point is, CU/Dabo won't be down on bodies.
- This will bring consistency/stability to his program that other programs will not have. At least not to the same degree.
- He is going to be able to develop players and that, to me, is what is largely lost with the portal. This is likely his primary rationale.
- Some HS recruits/families are going to be drawn to this, ... "hey, my son wants to go to a school for four years to complete and graduate (as opposed to attending three schools along the way and perhaps not graduating). He will earn his time and not be as beholden to the whims of a HC who might pull in a 5th-year player at his position from the West Coast..."
- This is a team first/program first mindset. There is some risk, but not everyone is Deion. Some want to play college football, make some money, take a stab at getting better and positioning themselves for the NFL, and likely graduating.
- His program is immediately distinct and that means something.
- Not identical, but Kirby Smart is using the portal, but not in a cavalier fashion like most teams. I think they've tallied six transfers from the portal (that was with a quick check).
