Yasin Willis transferring to Kansas

[Blanko97]

Running back is probably the easiest position to fill. Look at Tylik Hill a three star unheralded running back who came in and showed what he could do as a true freshman. I’m more concerned with our offensive line development. We’ll get a good running back from the portal

I missing what makes people think running backs are so easily replaceable? Before Sean Tucker we hadn't had a 1,000 yard rusher since jerome smith in 2012.

 

[Ttk.gman2]

Dang that sucks he flashed great potential.

 

[HRE Otto IV]

Yeah, it's really not good. Lost 3 RBs. The room now consists of a 6th year player awaiting a waiver, who's an average RB at best. 3 lightly recruited players and a converted WR or DB, all of whom will be in their first or second year on campus and have almost zero playing experience.

Throw a big bag at that UConn RB, and one other and I'll feel much better, as will the staff I assume.

Can he catch? This O needs a RB who can catch a bunch of passes. So did he have 19 catches because of UConn's system or is he more of a traditional runner?

 

[Blanko97]

Culture. Culture. Culture.

Red should take a page out of Fran's book.

If we are being honest, this is living up to the culture. At least the one I saw last year... When things dont go your way (your QB gets injured and the backup stinks) you quit on the season. Fran basically admitted it after the UNC game

 

[Doc5120]

This sucks. Most transfers don't bother me, but this one hurts. Also, as I've said many times, I HATE what college sports has become.

 

[orangepassion]

We've lost almost all of Fran's top recruits.

 

[JuiceMeUp]

This one stings. I wouldn’t even be mad but the fact he went out of his own way to say oh I’m 100% coming back next year, just to switch up. Why even do that? Not gonna panic because I’m sure we will snag someone out of the portal but just frustrating to say the least.

 

[sufan59]

Mass exodus. Team was 3-9 last year with one of the worst offenses in the country the last 8 games. Not exactly the stuff dreams are made of if you’re an offensive position player

This isn't a depth loss, it is by far our best RB. Even if we do replace him (which IMO won't be easy), we have nothing else there. That should be a concern.

IMO we needed to bring in a RB to pair with Wiillis. Now what?

The red flag alarmists have arrived!


It is a big loss. Fran also was open that there would be bigger losses from guys you may have not expect to hit the portal, this is one of them, I have no idea if there will be more, but you never know. Let’s see how they replace what I imagine was someone with a pretty good compensation package in the portal market.

 

[ScriptCuse]

I missing what makes people think running backs are so easily replaceable? Before Sean Tucker we hadn't had a 1,000 yard rusher since jerome smith in 2012.

True for sure - but Yasin's numbers don't jump off the page, either. Granted, you could chalk it up to scheme, OL, etc. but 129 carries for 558 yards, 4 TDs and 9 catches doesn't exactly say Sean Tucker lol

​

 

[Cuse4455]

I missing what makes people think running backs are so easily replaceable? Before Sean Tucker we hadn't had a 1,000 yard rusher since jerome smith in 2012.

Because of the Transfer portal... Between 2012-2020 there wasn't a Transfer Portal, where 100s of really good RBs were there to choose from!

 

[Cuseregular]

Dang that sucks he flashed great potential.

yeah the year before last. This year he really performed well below expectations. I'm sure the line was a part of that no doubt, but great running back find ways to get yards regardless, even good ones do. This kid ending up being disappointingly average.

 

[Ttk.gman2]

yeah the year before last. This year he really performed well below expectations. I'm sure the line was a part of that no doubt, but great running back find ways to get yards regardless, even good ones do. This kid ending up being disappointingly average.

That’s your opinion, and I respect it. Personally, I think he flashed some elite traits — especially with the way he made his cuts once the offensive line opened things up. That huddle moment in the Duke game stood out, and his play against Clemson spoke for itself. It’s wild how people forget how much of a monster he was versus Tennessee. I really hope Fran can convince him not to enter the portal.

 

[Blanko97]

True for sure - but Yasin's numbers don't jump off the page, either. Granted, you could chalk it up to scheme, OL, etc. but 129 carries for 558 yards, 4 TDs and 9 catches doesn't exactly say Sean Tucker lol

​

I 100% think its scheme and the fact that the o line was horrid

 

[Orangefizz]

I missing what makes people think running backs are so easily replaceable? Before Sean Tucker we hadn't had a 1,000 yard rusher since jerome smith in 2012.

Sean Tucker was an unheralded back from Baltimore who came in as a freshman and showed immediately what he was capable of.

 

[Blanko97]

Because of the Transfer portal... Between 2012-2020 there wasn't a Transfer Portal, where 100s of really good RBs were there to choose from!

So why didnt we get a better running back last year?

 

[Newhouser]

We will be fine, people. I get it, it’s a room that had no depth as is, but it is one of the easiest positions to replace. Now Fran just needs to live up to his recruiting reputation

Your program has arrived when you can replace RBs and LBs with no problem. Guess we will find out where we stand.

 

[23Zone]

The portal can't be beat. Resistance is futile. Besides he never hit the right hole.

 

[Ttk.gman2]

The more I think about it, the more this loss hurts. Yeah, he ran out of gas toward the end of the season, but he was outstanding early on — especially when we had competent quarterback play. That stretch showed just how impactful he could be.

 

[Cuse4455]

So why didnt we get a better running back last year?

Because our Coaches thought Yasin would take that next step, and he didnt.

 

[Chip]

Can he catch? This O needs a RB who can catch a bunch of passes. So did he have 19 catches because of UConn's system or is he more of a traditional runner?

Doesn't look like UConn threw to their RBs very much, so I don't really know. 1/3 of his catches were against Duke and us.

 

[AAM62]

$$$$$

 

[sufan59]

The more I think about it, the more this loss hurts. Yeah, he ran out of gas toward the end of the season, but he was outstanding early on — especially when we had competent quarterback play. That stretch showed just how impactful he could be.

You don’t know how big of a loss it is until you know how he is being replaced. If we get a guy with a lower ceiling, but is much more reliable and complimentary to the passing game then it may be a better fit. I get why it feels like a big loss to you, I saw that potential of him to be one of those elite type backs you see at a Notre Dame or Penn State.

 

[Scooch]

FWIW, I’m certainly not angry or hurt. These guys can do what they want. It’s pro sports with everyone on one year contracts.

I’m speaking purely from a cold, objective POV. We need a couple more very good backs now, because what we have in house isn’t nearly good enough.

 

[Chip]

Because our Coaches thought Yasin would take that next step, and he didnt.

I think he got a concussion in that UConn game on the play near the sideline. And may have had another one later in the season when he was out again.

We'll see where all this goes. Maybe not a factor, who knows.

 

[Blanko97]

Because our Coaches thought Yasin would take that next step, and he didnt.

Did he not take the next step or did the line suck? The way people are talking it sure seems like we should’ve always known Yasmin wasn’t good. I just think fans are quick to dismiss losses