Class of 2023 QB Malachi Nelson (CA) TRANSFERRING TO SYRACUSE (1/16/26)

[wfschrec]

If they only used 13 guys on D that means they never rotated at all on the dline.

The way injuries happen at SU we wouldnt survive 1 game

Well injuries are another story I don't disagree considering IU had Dailey pretty banged up.

That's fair and certainly no ill will behind any of it. Also, I actually think you and I chatted many times over the years, I don't always pay attention to posters names.

I think 16 is the bare minimum as it gives you 1 backup at each skill group. Versatility helps for sure but guys that run a lot OR are 300+ pounds can't play 60+ snaps a night. You can have a core group for sure but guys get dinged, injured, or need breathers.

I would agree ... I would go as far as 20 on each side O/D and then another 20-25 reserves ... this is why Cignetti goes after the older players .. more time in S&C and they hold up far better over a full season. My thought process works for a Cignetti style ... spend more money per player (on a smaller volume lets say 65 guys) and get more experienced battle-tested guys. Go hard after roughly 15-20 recruits ... if you pay attention to IU they are roughly 50/50 portal vs HS with Cignetti. In the end I think reducing the number of total players as we move closer to NFL behavior make sense. Much like having a 53 man roster and adding 7-12 via draft UDFA. Except in the NCAA free agency is an annual thing not many guys with multiyear deals and no real enforcement anyway (Mensah cough cough).

This allows you to reduce your player acquisition spend since you are chasing less recruits by volume ... players get more focus from coaches as there are less to manage and a reduction in overall expenses such as scholarships and other related budgets which can be applied to other areas of the program. You can be more selective with who you chase, how much you pay them, and use it on guys other programs have "built" while you bring along higher end recruits because you could pay a little more to make splash moves for 4-5 stars ... it requires a very tough balancing act no doubt.