I had started to feel that MDT should be offered a graduate student scholarship position. I considered that his experience in the system, and his three years spent working with Balis’ S&C program would be beneficial at some point in the season. And like previously mentioned, there is not much of a veteran presence in the interior of the defensive line for next season (MDT would be the only senior at the position group).
Now, I’ve started to rethink my original position.
The four returning players, aside from MDT, have had time on the field, and you can make the arguments that players like Myron, Kurt and now Jayson Ademilola could have seen the same amount, if not more, game action that MDT. Also, our two committed players, Spears and Lacey, are both listed as early-enrollees on 247. That is crucial, as they get the spring reps and winter workouts to help acclimate themselves into the depth chart as true freshman, if needed.
Another reason is the availabilites of scholarships for next season. By my count, we will have 86 players under scholarship if:
A) Brandon Wimbush transfers to another program
B) Love, Boykin, and Mack all leave with eligibility remaining to the NFL.
C) Finke, Ruhland, Bilal, and Crawford accept GS scholarships.
On further note, the 2019 recruiting class is not yet over. There does not seem to be many more prospects on the board. Of course, senior seasons will be ending and under the radar recruits will receive more attention towards National Signing Day. Isaiah Rutherford will be added to that 86 scholarship count come Saturday, and there could be one or two more potential commits on the lead up to NSD.
Attrition will happen. But what if Boykin and/or Mack decide to to return, thus further adding to the scholarship dilemma. Some tough decisions will be made, and given the talent and by adding two freshman EEs at the DT position, I don’t think Micah Dew-Treadway has a spot on this team in 2019.
