[North Texas Portal Entry Thread]

3 hours ago, VideoEagle said:

Just to be clear, these players are being encouraged to find a place where they might be a better fit. Is that correct?

For the most part. If a player enters the portal… and you can’t remember seeing him on field.. he may have been recommended to move on 

[North Texas Portal Entry Thread]

I am hearing there could be a mass exodus ( house cleaning) of players that aren't/haven't contributed as much. I will keep a running thread of who jumps in.

 

Players that have entered the PORTAL:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

https://meangreensports.com/sports/football/roster/logan-wilson/6000

 

https://meangreensports.com/sports/football/roster/stone-earle/5933

 

https://meangreensports.com/sports/football/roster/ja-mori-maclin/5962

 

 

https://meangreensports.com/sports/football/roster/robert-johnson/5531

 

https://meangreensports.com/sports/football/roster/isaiah-villanueva/5994

https://meangreensports.com/sports/football/roster/dameon-smallwood/5984

 

[Call me crazy...]

[Extend Caponi!]

1 minute ago, 3_n_out said:

We can’t afford losses with this program. Their DC and defense has blown arguably 3-4 games for us this year. Morris giving him the same amount of leash next season is t going to cut it. We keep wasting years we don’t have. 

 

20 minutes ago, RBP79 said:

So with Morris claiming he supports Caponi....next year very well could be a repeat of this year...maybe one win or loss different.

( for you down voters)

All I see is NT just hired Seth Littrel 2.0. And the claim "Oh...but this conference is so much harder"!!! Sure...just keep saying that it.... helps with mental justification.

I honestly believe this is a jimmy and joes problem. I can see morris giving him a full off season to over haul the defense. How many times over the year was there a guy in the postion to make a play and either whiffed on a tackled or didnt execute. More times than not. Even if you fired caponi and made another hire I think you are just setting back progress. 3rd DC in 5 years is not the answer. 

[North Texas Sr Day List]

Unique group of seniors to be honored
The Mean Green will close out the season with a Senior Day ceremony before kickoff on Saturday when the program will honor 19 players who will be playing their final game at DATCU Stadium: Oscar Adaway III, Roderic Burns, Daizion Carroll, John Davis, JP Hadley, Kaylon Horton, Isaiah Johnson, Kadren Johnson, Carson Kropp, Christian Lee, Tarik Luckett, Kaci Moreka, Nick Nakwaasah, Noah Rauschenberg, Caden Reeves, Mazin Richards, Kaghen Roach, Jace Ruder and Kevin Wood.

[BTG: EMBRACING THE UNCOMFORTABLE By JP Hadley]

https://btg.meangreensports.com/jp-hadley-football-embracing-the-uncomfortable/

[2023 North Texas Assistant Coach Salaries and Other Notable Assistants]

13 hours ago, 97and03 said:

This is a fair argument. I don’t see that it was “destined” to be worse. It wasn’t so great last year so it would have been reasonable to assume that the new staff could have hurdled a low bar like improving from a bottom 20 defense. Instead it is dead ass last in the country.  If we expect a bottom 20 defense to be worse, then to me that means we are questioning the quality of the hire of the defensive coaching staff. I was definitely questioning bringing in someone at that salary with zero coordinating experience above D3, but still didn’t expect a last place defense. (UAB is equally terrible so hopefully our offense hangs 50 on them and they take the last place slot from us.) 

Many people have pointed to the players we lost but every team loses players, even late like we did with Nixon, who was the biggest loss for us, as his results at Auburn prove. The coaches didn’t ensure that they had the personnel to run the defense they wanted to install. That’s a massive fail and Morris has all but confirmed they messed up in that area. 

They have admitted multiple times the messed up on roster building on that side of the ball. Even though they missed the whole early signing period(where a huge percentage of signings take place). Not to mention losing 5 of top 7 tacklers from a defense that wasn’t exactly lighting the world on fire. Add in Tom Trieb retiring and Kevin Wood getting injured. Then Nixon hitting the portal all played against us..then add in defenses historically struggle in year one but show improvement in year two. With the young guys that they were able to pull bring in this year and that are getting valuable, playing time and us seeing the Defense gradually improve against a very tough schedule, I think if this staff is able to use the lot utilize the portal we’re going to see some huge growth between now and next season. But I think if you fire the defensive coordinator and bringing a new guy, you’re still looking at another transition and it’s just gonna delay progress another season.

[Understanding the 3-3-5]

3 hours ago, TIgreen01 said:

Good read…but this just confuses me more.  A fast, blitzing defense is not what I’m seeing out there.

 

1 hour ago, 3_n_out said:

Exactly!

Seems like Caponi doesn’t understand it either 

Also only seeing 3 players Caponi has brought in.. and 2 are true Freshman. 

[2023 North Texas Assistant Coach Salaries and Other Notable Assistants]

4 hours ago, TIgreen01 said:

Hard to tell where he fits with the rest of the AAC since the privates don’t disclose data…but Caponi is the highest paid assistant coach at a public school in the conference.  The expectations that come with that kind of pay are certainly higher than dead last in the NCAA.

JayD posting this is interesting.  Changed your mind after last week?  Hearing rumblings that there might be change?

Edit: zoomed out…he’s the highest paid assistant across G5.  Ouch.

No I haven’t heard of any rumblings. Just thought some of the pay was interesting. Do think Morris should get credit to take less money to make sure assistants are taking care of. Not many in country would do that…

[2023 North Texas Assistant Coach Salaries and Other Notable Assistants]

 

 

Full List here: https://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/salaries/football/assistant

[Barbershop is back tonight live!!!! Link in post.]

Come Join IN!!!

 

[Should Matt Caponi Be Fired? My Thoughts on the Situation.]

24 minutes ago, Cr1028 said:

How was he rewarded for that growth? Walking papers.

He re-retired. Last year was his final year whether North Texas asked him back or not. 

[Should Matt Caponi Be Fired? My Thoughts on the Situation.]

2 minutes ago, Wag Tag said:

The recruiting aspect is going to be a big sign on if this staff can succeed. Morris focusing on HS and still seems to be is a mistake. I could care less about what coach has the inside track on a certain HS or HS connections! We should be transfer “U” and I hope every true fan is making a pledge to the NIL! The grassroots effort is very inspiring and we should all participate! GMG 

  I think we continue to see Morris and co go after the Taylor Starling and Jayven Anderson and Landon Sides of the world. The guys that can come in and contribute right away. But unlike last class I don't think you see us spend half the class on projects. But I believe those that are paying attention to recruiting can already see this staff's strategy. They have already pulled multiple high school offers. This team will have plenty of scholarships available come December and Spring to utilize portal and juco routes. Now they will still need to hit on evaluations but there will be a big emphasis on getting guys that can contribute day one

[Who Should We Hire to be Our DC Next Season?]

10 minutes ago, 97and03 said:

It’s the portal era. Few excuses for not being able to bring in what fits your needs. 

It does when you arrive in January. Spend spring evaluating. Lose key guys after spring ball. Yes I have stated they should have been more aggressive. But I don't think they realized the cupboard on the defensive side of ball was so empty until it was too late. 

[Should Matt Caponi Be Fired? My Thoughts on the Situation.]

Before we place the blame on Matt Caponi, I think we need to take a step back at how we got here. North Texas lost 5 of its top returning 7 tacklers from last year’s defense. With only Mazin Richards and Kevin Woods returning. Kevin Woods has not returned to preinjury form while Mazin has been playing in a new position most of the year. I know we have spoken to nauseum on the board that the 3-3-5 defense will not work at North Texas. But if you scan down the top defenses in the country you will see several 3-man fronts scattered in the top 20.

I think a huge reason this defense has struggled this year has been due to youth and lack of talent. I think we are seeing a ton of youth playing more and more each week. The freshman trio of Jayven Anderson, Evan Jackson and Ethan Wesloski played over 160 snaps between the three this last Saturday against UTSA. The most so far this season. I don't think the best move is to fire Caponi just yet. I want to see him, and this staff have a full offseason to use the portal and juco ranks to revamp this defense. North Texas has several key pieces set to return. If Caponi is fired it will be the 4th Defensive Coordinator in 5 years for North Texas. I would like this team to be able to have some continuity and have the chance to grow. We all love Phil Bennett, but his defense didn’t set the world on fire in year one. But we saw huge growth in year two.

I think if you don't lose Gaddie and Nixon this defense looks greatly improved this year. But hindsight is 20/20. I am not going to say Morris made the wrong hire. I do think they made a mis step by not being more aggressive in bringing in ready to play players on that side and may have been too dependent on high school recruiting. But I am wanting to see what they can do with a full offseason. Caponi was not hired till after the early signing period. That is a ton of talent off the boards and put the whole team behind the 8 ball in terms of roster building. The Mount Union and Iowa State connection gives me hope that Caponi can turn this thing around.

 

This defense has a ton of talent to return. The Junior trio of Safeties in Hill, Wilson and Nakwaasah with freshman’s Jayven Anderson and Evan Jackson fighting for Starting Roles. Ridge Texada and Taylor Starling are set to return as cornerbacks. All Conference caliber DT Rod Brown is set to return as well. I truly believe this has been ugly this season I am no denying that. But I believe with Caponi’s intelligence and pedigree that with some recruiting he will get this thing trending in the right direction.

 

Disclaimer: This is all my personal optimistic opinion. Morris may fire him after the SMU for all I know. But I would like a second season just to make sure. Like I said with Bennett, just because you hire a new Defensive Coordinator, I believe it will take whoever you hire to get it turned around. Especially with learning another new system.

[Who Should We Hire to be Our DC Next Season?]

11 minutes ago, 97and03 said:

Well then the answer is that it isn’t the defensive scheme but the coaching? 

 

10 minutes ago, El Paso Eagle said:

Slightly different results. Better players at Toledo or better coaching?
Toledo gives up 19.3 points per game, and 318 yards
We give up 36.7 and 469

Kehres is in 4th year. So I am assuming he has the player in postions to fit scheme. 

[Who Should We Hire to be Our DC Next Season?]

On 11/4/2023 at 9:19 PM, Side.Show.Joe said:

Every rational person can see that Caponi isn't the answer. If Morris fires Caponi after the UAB game, who should we get?

 

My pick......

 

Vince Kehres, the DC at 9-1 Toledo. No Texas ties that I can find, but the dude knows defense and wins wherever he goes. I don't care about Texas ties. I care about good defense that allows us to win games. Being at Toledo, he should be affordable. 

Vince Kehres’ Coaching Experience
2020-23    Toledo – Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers (28-14)
2013-19    Mount Union – Head Coach (95-6)
2005-12    Mount Union – Defensive Coordinator
2004         Mount Union - Offensive Line
2000-03    Mount Union - Defensive Line

We need a guy like this.

https://utrockets.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/vince-kehres/1125

Matt Caponi

Current position
Title	Defensive Coordinator/CB Coach
Team	North Texas
Biographical details
Born	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Playing career
2000–2003	Mount Union
Position(s)	Safety
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
2004	Mount Union (SA)
2005	Mount Union (LB)

It's almost like these guys might run the same defense.....

[Worst hire since Dodge?]

6 minutes ago, keith said:

Be honest, how many of you had Eric Morris circled as your number one target for our head coach?  How many of you knew who he was before he was announced as our head coach?  He wanted to get back to Texas and we were kind enough to pay his relocation expenses.  Regardless of how you feel about him, his hire was a big risk and with that comes the potential for huge returns.  If he flames out, he'll be gone in three years.  If he orchestrates a massive turn-around, he'll also be gone in three years.  Hopefully it's the latter and he gets hired away instead of fired away.

There were people on here that were wanting Morris when Seth flirted with Kansas State. 

[Worst hire since Dodge?]

4 hours ago, WinningCulture_UNT said:

You Can't compare Morris to Kinne. Kinne had half of his team from UIW transfer into T-State. How was Morris going to get WSU kids to come to UNT? Not happening, not to mention Kinne's kids from UIW were all from Morris era at UIW. Morris will figure this out. To all UNT fans, take a note from Aaron Rodgers. R-E-L-A-X.

THIS 110%

 

57 minutes ago, rcade said:

A team has 22 starters except for Colorado, which has 21.

Even if half of Kinne's starters were actually from Incarnate Word, the idea that bringing in a bunch of Incarnate Word players was an advantage for him is far-fetched. For the love of God it's Incarnate Word! A school that small which wasn't playing even FCS football 12 years ago isn't churning out players who can win at the FBS level.

If Morris had arrived and brought in five Incarnate Word transfers we'd have thought "sweet Jesus our cupboard was bare."

UIW was one of the best FCS in the country the last two seasons.. If we played them last year I am not sure we would have beat them. Yes bringing in half of the starters already familiar with the staff and system is a huge advantage that we can't over look. 

['24 DL Offer Tonga Lolohea- TJC]

On 11/4/2023 at 8:04 AM, jtm0097 said:

Former Trinity Euless DL Tonga Lolohea recently received an offer from our staff. He's 6'5 325 according to the TJC roster. They are currently playing him at Nose. It looks like he has offers from Charlotte, FIU, Utah State, SFA, Tarleton, Austin Peay, Houston Christian, and Texas A&M Commerce. We have had success over the years with the Juco players we get from TJC. The Euless Trinity pipeline has been good to us as well. We need size on the DL and I would be thrilled with this addition.

 

This kid was on our roster last year. Old staff tried to move him to OL. Will be interesting if we can get him back to Denton. 

[Praying Maclin does not enter the portal.]

2 hours ago, WQuinn27 said:

Little worried about it.

 

2 hours ago, MeanGreenZen said:

He’s already transferred once. He can’t transfer again until he graduates. It is another reason we should be building through the portal as much as possible. 

 

2 hours ago, NorthTexasWeLove said:

He can't unless he sits or graduates. 

As another poster said, it's why recruiting the portal is advantageous. It actually creates roster stability, oddly enough. 

He has been very good for us. Good football player. 

Maclin is scheduled to graduate next summer. Rogers is a graduate as well. 

[Worst hire since Dodge?]

On 11/5/2023 at 5:06 AM, Got5onIt said:

Yes.

Rebuilding year??????? Get outta here with the BS excuses.

  Well it probably wasn't a rebuilding year.. Until you lost Cole Brown, Varkeyes Gumm, Jake Roberts, Deshawn Gaddie, Larry Nixon, Cam Robertson, Jyaire Shorter.. Not to mention already having to replace Manase Moses and KD Davis. Then hiring a coach that missed the whole early signing period didn't help. So yes I would 110% qualify this as a rebuilding year. With a full off-season I believe we see a completely different team next fall. Not to mention they have only lost by one possession each of the last three games against 3 of the best 4 in conference. Not bad for having the absolute worst defense in the country.   

 

[Barbershop is back tonight live!!!! Link in post.]

17 hours ago, KingDL1 said:

I disagree with disagree.  I think the QB argument is not likely until you see them play in a game. Plus, he brought in Rogers. What I see as really different is Eric's motivation to win. He learns from mistakes, and you can see the speed at which his mind works. He could loop around Seth twice in a conversation before Seth even got his mind in gear. I believe Eric is sharp and motivated; that his potential is just about untapped. 

THIS!!! This is what has me excited for the North Texas Football future. 

[SOC LB Jones Commits to ULM]

17 hours ago, GMG_Dallas said:

They sure did and plenty of HS players have worked out as well. Just pointing out how silly the reaction is to move on from high schoolers because some decommit before national signing day.

I don't think they are moving away. But I think in todays age you have to be balanced. You have to use all avenues in roster building. Last staff was too HS dependent. This staff started that way.. but I think that has changed in quick amount of time

[SOC LB Jones Commits to ULM]

4 hours ago, UNT Family Man said:

No- Demps was. And he left for K-State.

  WR is one position I am not worried about in the least.