Class of '21 Question

UNTLifer · October 19, 2020

So, with only 16 seniors or redshirt seniors on our roster, and this year not counting against eligibility, how many can we sign in this upcoming class? We already have 14 commitments. Do we end up with a small class, do we get a full allotment, or are the numbers thrown out the window and we can go "Troy crazy" with our class?

BillySee58 · October 19, 2020

This is a little complicated. By my count we have 75 players on scholarship. This only includes players who signed LOIs with us as well as Austin Aune and Jason Pirtle, so the real number is probably higher since we have likely awarded scholarships to other walkons like Ethan Mooney, Rod Burns, Kyleb Howell, etc.

No matter how many spots are available, we can still only sign up to 25 for the class. Ikaika Ragsdale has already taken one of those spots by blueshirting, so I’d think we’re looking at about 24 spots. I’m estimating that we have about 13 scholarship seniors, plus the 7 or so open spots puts us roughly at about 20 open spots for the class. Even if a few more of those seniors are on scholarship than what I’m thinking, it would still open a spot in 2021.

With players inevitably quitting and transferring, we should be able to sign a full class. What’s going to be real tricky is 2022. If we are allowed 85 scholarship players next season EXCLUDING seniors, where is the room to bring in another signing class in 2022? Unless the NCAA allows for more than 85 scholarships in 2022 and beyond, the impact for giving all of these guys an extra year is going to be felt for the next 5 years.

BillySee58 · October 19, 2020

Also looks like the NCAA is going to allow for one-time sit-out free transfers. No idea how this is going to look. Are any of our young standouts going to see if they can go P5? Should we be saving some more than a few spots for P5 guys looking for playing time or FCS talent looking to prove themselves at the FBS level? With all this uncertainty I expect us to be very judicious with our spots. Especially since the 2020 class will still be classified as true freshmen next year.