Oversigning Recruits

[Legacy]

Interesting comments made on the Alabama blog, RollBamaRoll, by bammer, their manager, in an article, Alabama Football 85 Man Roster (May 2014)

Roll Bama Roll digs through the records to seek out the answer to the age old question: exactly who all is on scholarship?

And like you responded to me above.. Well, that is certainly one way of looking at it.
I wonder, if Saban didn’t manage his roster the way he does and Bama didn’t over-sign the way we do now, would everyone be so adamant to support the process or would they perhaps be on the other side of the issue? If Saban spoke out against over-signing like so many other coaches where would everyone stand?

Hint: We probably wouldn’t support over-signing.

The fact is Saban has changed Bama fans and we have all just fallen in line with the process. In many ways he can do no wrong in our eyes and we will all defend his actions to the death (I’ve certainly found myself doing this with our rivals). But on this one little issue (the use of MS to make room for other players) I will not fall in line. If that means I’m part of the .01% of Bama fans, as you well know, I’m perfectly fine with that cause I have my own brain and own set of standards by which I adhere to.

Supreme Allied Manager, Roll 'Bama Roll
Follow @thelyell_RBR
by bammer on May 5, 2014 | 8:04 AM up

The discussion then evolved to medical scholarships (MS)

That's exactly what I'm getting at.
We have given out nearly 20 MS’s, if not more, since Saban arrived in ‘07. (the number was 12 in 2010) We’ve also been over-signing by what, 4 or 5 players per signing period? Even if that number’s 3-4 we are talking about 30ish players we’ve brought in over the limit. That’s a lot BTW.

Look, I really REALLY hope we aren’t doing what I think we’re doing but if you sit back and think about it…You have to wonder how in god’s name we are able to make the numbers work each and every year without some kid getting screwed over at some point. And as I’ve said before, if a player got screwed over, I’m not OK with that.

Does that happen with MS? Don’t know. Is it grey shirting that’s the problem? Maybe, maybe not and maybe nothing shifty is going on.The argument has always been that Saban knows his roster better than anyone, but we also admitted at the time that the skittles five probably saved a few guys from having to leave. So, I’d rather not have to hope a guy transfers or even gets arrested to make the numbers work. But this will be part of the process for as long as Saban is around and maybe even the guy after him. I’m certainly not flinging mud at him or asking for his resignation but I don’t think it’s unfair to question the practice. In fact, we should question it to make sure there in-fact ISN’T any wrong doings going on.

Supreme Allied Manager, Roll 'Bama Roll
Follow @thelyell_RBR
by bammer on May 5, 2014 | 11:39 AM

After NSD in 2014 with a class of twenty-six, Alabama was at ninety scholarship players. By February, two players (Kamara and Hart) were not with the team - and are not counted in the ninety. Then, in July, three others transferred (Brandon Hill, Dee Hart, Parker McLeod). (Hill tweeted he was "released" then tweeted that he was "leaving by choice".) When two players (Bo Scarborough, Montel McBride) of the 2014 Signing class did not qualify, Alabama reached 85.

Follow up on Brandon Hill
Brandon Hill has been at four schools in four years. Initially, he signed with Alabama in 2012, did not qualify and went to prep school. The next year he was at Alabama. Then he left for Community College (Mississippi Gulf Coast). This January, Hill was one of nineteen mid-year signees from CCs in UAB's first group of recruits since restarting their football program. UAB signed another eighteen players on NSD. UAB plays its first game September 2017.

I'm not sure of eligibility rules with regard to the UAB program, but by September 2017, Hill will be five years out of high school and have played one year of FBS football. Would his Senior year be 2018 - six years out of high school? Or 2019?

 

[Legacy]

Attrition and Scholarship Update

Attrition and Scholarship Update

Redshirt Seniors not on the two deep are counted, but counts could be reduced by their numbers if scholarships not renewed for fifth year.

And Then There Were Four

No Attrition. Above 85
Alabama - 89. '16 class size - 25 (including 1 - Grayshirt from '15 class.) One Transfer In.
--- Redshirt Seniors not on the two deep - None

Florida State - 89. '16 Class Size - 25.
--- Redshirt Seniors not on the two deep - Two.

Michigan - 87. '16 Class size - 29.
--- Redshirt Seniors not on the two deep - None

Ohio State - 87. '16 Class size -24. (One grayshirt to '17)
--- Redshirt Seniors not on the two deep - None

One SEC team, two Big Ten teams, one ACC team

Attrition. At 85 or less

LSU - One transfer. Scholarship Count - 85

Florida - Two seniors not offered fifth year, one transfer and one dismissal. Scholarship Count is 83.

TCU - One transfer, two to medical scholarships. Scholarship Count - 84

Texas - Two RS Srs not returning, One transfer. Walkon with scholarship last year added. Scholarship Count - 83

 

[Legacy]

Then there were three

Then there were three

Redshirt Seniors not on the two deep are counted, but counts could be reduced by their numbers if scholarships not renewed for fifth year. (Only Florida State has Redshirt Seniors not on the two deep)

Alabama - 89. '16 class size - 25 (including 1 - Grayshirt from '15 class.) One Transfer In.

Florida State - 89. '16 Class Size - 25.
--- Redshirt Seniors not on the two deep - Two.

Ohio State - 87. '16 Class size -24. (One grayshirt to '17)


Attrition (since last posting)
Michigan - Jaron Dukes and Reon Dawson become "medical retirees". Freddy Canteen may also be gone, but no announcement. Class of 2016 verbal commit, Dytarious Johnson, has yet to sign, possible academic issues - to 85.

LSU - announced Jevonte Domand (from CC) graduated, Sci Martin commits to the Class of 2016 - remains at 85

Notre Dame - Mykelti Williams transfers, Sebastian officially added for 6th yr - remains at 84

USC - added Cyrus Hobbi for 6th yr - to 83

Georgia - A.J. Turman transfers, Tyler Catalina added as graduate transfer - remains at 82

 

[ulukinatme]

It's actually amazing that Texas is at 83 given "the Purge" over Strong's first few years.

 

[Legacy]

It's actually amazing that Texas is at 83 given "the Purge" over Strong's first few years.

So true. After his hire (1/16/14) to September 2014, Strong dismissed nine players and suspended three. (One was subsequently dismissed after his third failed drug test.) After his hire, Strong signed six more players to the seventeen verbals to that point for the Class of 2014. (Eighteen of those twenty-three remain on the roster for 2016.)

With those eighteen, a Class of 2015 of twenty-six enrolled (three did not qualify and one was a late signee to the NSD class of twenty-eight), Strong has all twenty-six still on the roster.

Then with the Class of 2016, Texas added another twenty-four. That's sixty-eight in the last three classes. With only four early enrollees (twenty more come in the fall), spring practice is with sixty-three players though some of those are out with injuries. He did close very strong for the Class of 2016 with six players committing on NSD or the day before.

Attrition since the end of last season - Five.
One Early Entrant to the NFL draft, three Graduate Transfers, One to Medical Scholarship (multiple injuries out for all of 2015) and one undergrad transfer.

Additions
Since he has room, I am counting two walkon players (both Seniors) on scholarship for 2015 having their scholarships renewed. Plus one player was granted a sixth year.

Thirteen Seniors graduate so, without too much attrition, the Class of 2017 should get Texas back to eighty-five. He has four verbals at this point. All are four stars.

Mack Brown Left Charlie Strong With Nothing, And Here’s The Proof
A definitive analysis of the last six coaching changes and the talent (or lack thereof) each of them left behind.

With players in place, time for Horns to win

When 20 freshmen arrive this summer, players Strong signed will make up more than 80 percent of Texas' 85-man scholarship roster for 2016. That ratio is significant.

The roster was in worse shape when Strong took over than most realized.

Remarkably, Texas' current spring roster features only 16 players who'd signed to play for Mack Brown.

 

[Legacy]

Michigan Update

Michigan Update

At this point, Michigan has eighty-four scholarship players, not counting two walkon players who received scholarships last year. It doesn't look like Dytarious Johnson, who committed to the 2016 class but has not signed, will enroll at Michigan.

Michigan has seventeen Seniors. All are starters or expected to contend for starting positions. For the Class of 2017, Michigan has eleven verbals, but we've seen how Harbaugh will not hesitate to dump these recruits if they are injured or if he has a player he likes better. Ethics are no obstacle.

Big Ten has guaranteed all athletes a four year scholarship. Harbaugh could turn that into a medical scholarship. At this point, Harbaugh has seven more scholarships to give, considering they are one short of eighty-five, which will probably go to a Redshirt Senior. The Big Ten does allow a total of eighty-seven scholarship players after NSD with an explanation on how they will get to eighty-five.(Those two would put Michigan's 2017 class to nineteen.)

Anyone want to bet that Harbaugh pushes twenty-five for 2017 a la Saban and Meyer? (Saban has signed 102, enrolled 98 over the last four years - average 24.2. Meyer has signed and enrolled 98 - average 24.2)

 

[Legacy]

Redshirt Seniors not on the two deep are counted, but counts could be reduced by their numbers if scholarships not renewed for fifth year. (Only Florida State has Redshirt Seniors not on the two deep)

Alabama - 89. '16 class size - 25 (including 1 - Grayshirt from '15 class.) One Transfer In.

Florida State - 89. '16 Class Size - 25.
--- Redshirt Seniors not on the two deep - Two.

Ohio State - 87. '16 Class size -24. (One grayshirt to '17)

******************************************************

On Florida State, medical scholarships may be considered for three players with serious injuries/conditions:

Mario Pender, RB, RS Senior - had a collapsed lung last fall, hospitalized, seen at spring practice, but not on spring game roster. Jimbo says he is still rehabbing and hopes to have him by the fall.

Chad Mavety, OL, RS Senior - starter, out indefintely with "cardiac issues"

Lorenzo Featherston, DE, Junior - knee injury and was out most of last year as well as this year so far. Jimbo says it may be "career-ending"

Other attrition possibilities -
Justin Shanks, DT, RS Senior - not listed on three deep at either DT or NG at the end of last year. FSU has ten NGs/DTs listed on roster. FSU plays a 4-3.

Shavar Manuel, DT from Class of 2016 - has not qualified yet

 

[Legacy]

Florida State

Florida State

Lorenzo Featherstone has been medically disqualified

No other attrition in the over 85 group.

Alabama still at 89.
FSU at 88.
Ohio State still at 87.

 

[Legacy]

FSU

FSU

With Mario Pender's arrest and dismissal from the team, Florida State is now at 87.

Alabama - 89
Florida State - 87
Ohio State - 87

 

[ThePiombino]

With Mario Pender's arrest and dismissal from the team, Florida State is now at 87.

Alabama - 89
Florida State - 87
Ohio State - 87

How convenient.

 

[irishtrain]

The over signing issue fall directly under the heading of these schools run a semi pro football program. All these schools of which most are sec teams need the $$$$$ money generated by the football program in a big way. Do some research and see that not many of these schools are endowed in the top 50-75 schools in the country and the $$$$$ generated by the football program are a big issue to the school. That is why the admn seems to say just win to the coach and we will give you our fullest co operation allowed. It as simple as that. Its the difference between a college team and a minor league semi pro program that beats the %$#@ out of the college boys. The problem is that you develop a false profile of the college athlete and your putting guys on the street after college life that are not really developed in a job skill compared the to guys who actually went to college. Plain and simple 'they need to over sign to win'.

 

[Legacy]

Attrition and scholarship number changes.

Alabama -- Charles Baldwin is dismissed. Tide are at 88.

Other SEC teams
Georgia -- Chauncey Rivers was arrested for third time for MJ and subsequently dismissed. Brian Herrien, RB, qualifies academically and becomes the twenty-first member of their '16 class. Georgia is at 82.

Florida -- Ryan Sousa is transferring. He caught two passes last year. Florida is at 82.

LSU remains at 84.

Other teams over 85
Florida State and Ohio State remain at 87.

 

[GoIrish41]

Attrition and scholarship number changes.

Alabama -- Charles Baldwin is dismissed. Tide are at 88.

Other SEC teams
Georgia -- Chauncey Rivers was arrested for third time for MJ and subsequently dismissed. Brian Herrien, RB, qualifies academically and becomes the twenty-first member of their '16 class. Georgia is at 82.

Florida -- Ryan Sousa is transferring. He caught two passes last year. Florida is at 82.

LSU remains at 84.

Other teams over 85
Florida State and Ohio State remain at 87.

Is this like the pre season? what a dehumanizing process for cut players. This is gross. Hope we never get to this level.

 

[Bishop2b5]

Is this like the pre season? what a dehumanizing process for cut players. This is gross. Hope we never get to this level.

Please don't assume every player that's dismissed from the team was cut due to poor performance or to make room for better players. Baldwin was a 5-star player who was one of the top handful of JUCO transfers in the country and had only been on campus a few months. It's therefore very unlikely he'd had any real chance yet to be "cut" for not panning out. I have a good connection who's in the know as to why he was dismissed from the team. His attitude and not buying into how Saban wanted things done put him in the doghouse and some recent completely unacceptable behavior that was a major violation of team & school rules got him sent home.

 

[phork]

Please don't assume every player that's dismissed from the team was cut due to poor performance or to make room for better players. Baldwin was a 5-star player who was one of the top handful of JUCO transfers in the country and had only been on campus a few months. It's therefore very unlikely he'd had any real chance yet to be "cut" for not panning out. I have a good connection who's in the know as to why he was dismissed from the team. His attitude and not buying into how Saban wanted things done put him in the doghouse and some recent completely unacceptable behavior that was a major violation of team & school rules got him sent home.

Right, unless he was a 1st line producer. Can you not see through the bullshit? He was a 5th year. Probably not going to start, probably not at Alabamas regular level and therefore an easy target once their numbers were stillover 85.

 

[Bishop2b5]

Right, unless he was a 1st line producer. Can you not see through the bullshit? He was a 5th year. Probably not going to start, probably not at Alabamas regular level and therefore an easy target once their numbers were stillover 85.

Good grief, man! You're letting what you want to believe cloud all your objectivity and just make up stuff to fit the narrative you want to be true. Baldwin wasn't a fifth year player who hadn't panned out. He was a JUCO transfer who just joined the team in January and had two years of eligibility left. He was the #2 rated JUCO transfer in the country and expected to start or at least compete for a starting job this season. He got kicked off the team for a major violation of team & school rules. It had nothing to do with whether he was a producer or not. For what he allegedly did, he'd have gotten immediately dismissed if he'd been an All-American (well, maybe not at FSU, but...). When successful programs dismiss players for bad behavior, you cry "roster management" and when they don't, you cry "win at all cost." Which way do you want it?

 

[GoIrish41]

Please don't assume every player that's dismissed from the team was cut due to poor performance or to make room for better players. Baldwin was a 5-star player who was one of the top handful of JUCO transfers in the country and had only been on campus a few months. It's therefore very unlikely he'd had any real chance yet to be "cut" for not panning out. I have a good connection who's in the know as to why he was dismissed from the team. His attitude and not buying into how Saban wanted things done put him in the doghouse and some recent completely unacceptable behavior that was a major violation of team & school rules got him sent home.

I don't think every player is dismissed due to poor performance, but I think, given the frequency that it happens, it would be difficult to believe that it wasn't sometimes the case ... even often the case. I would be upset if ND did this even once. This happens every year in Ttown. It's not a good look for Bama.

 

[phork]

Good grief, man! You're letting what you want to believe cloud all your objectivity and just make up stuff to fit the narrative you want to be true. Baldwin wasn't a fifth year player who hadn't panned out. He was a JUCO transfer who just joined the team in January and had two years of eligibility left. He was the #2 rated JUCO transfer in the country and expected to start or at least compete for a starting job this season. He got kicked off the team for a major violation of team & school rules. It had nothing to do with whether he was a producer or not. For what he allegedly did, he'd have gotten immediately dismissed if he'd been an All-American (well, maybe not at FSU, but...). When successful programs dismiss players for bad behavior, you cry "roster management" and when they don't, you cry "win at all cost." Which way do you want it?

Because the evidence suggests otherwise once you cross the mason-dixon line.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Good grief, man! You're letting what you want to believe cloud all your objectivity and just make up stuff to fit the narrative you want to be true. Baldwin wasn't a fifth year player who hadn't panned out. He was a JUCO transfer who just joined the team in January and had two years of eligibility left. He was the #2 rated JUCO transfer in the country and expected to start or at least compete for a starting job this season. He got kicked off the team for a major violation of team & school rules. It had nothing to do with whether he was a producer or not. For what he allegedly did, he'd have gotten immediately dismissed if he'd been an All-American (well, maybe not at FSU, but...). When successful programs dismiss players for bad behavior, you cry "roster management" and when they don't, you cry "win at all cost." Which way do you want it?

First off, Legacy's number for Bama is more than likely incorrect anyway. Bama doesn't release scholarship numbers... only that they are at the 85 limit. So any number legacy throws out is pure guessing on his part. But he can figure that out. Secondly, from the rumor mill, Baldwin was dismissed due to something very significant. Lastly, I won't be shocked to see five star Tony Brown hit the road soon if he messes up again. Roster management? You bet ya. Either get your act together or get your stuff and leave. RTR

 

[Legacy]

First off, Legacy's number for Bama is more than likely incorrect anyway. Bama doesn't release scholarship numbers... only that they are at the 85 limit. So any number legacy throws out is pure guessing on his part. But he can figure that out. Secondly, from the rumor mill, Baldwin was dismissed due to something very significant. Lastly, I won't be shocked to see five star Tony Brown hit the road soon if he messes up again. Roster management? You bet ya. Either get your act together or get your stuff and leave. RTR

Good to be back airing our difference on college football in a productive manner. The offseason is a killer. Don't be like Congress, 3T. If you have an alternative, produce it. To review again, I get my numbers from commitment lists, roster reviews, publicly announced news of players and teams, and on occasion a scholarship chart, which I review for accuracy. If I - or RollBamaRoll - waited on Saban to release any scholarship numbers, it'd be a cold day in hell. My numbers are as accurate as what is publicized, which works out to as accurate or more accurate than other scholarship charts. If you want to contest Florida's, Georgia's or LSU's numbers, produce them. For now, I'll assume you have no idea on Bama's except that they are over 85 after signing the '16 class.

B2b5: Please don't assume every player that's dismissed from the team was cut due to poor performance or to make room for better players. Baldwin was a 5-star player who was one of the top handful of JUCO transfers in the country and had only been on campus a few months. It's therefore very unlikely he'd had any real chance yet to be "cut" for not panning out. I have a good connection who's in the know as to why he was dismissed from the team. His attitude and not buying into how Saban wanted things done put him in the doghouse and some recent completely unacceptable behavior that was a major violation of team & school rules got him sent home.

Good to hear from you, B2b. Agree and thanks for passing along some of your inside info. Some Juco lineman (OL,DL) work out for Bama - Dominick Jackson, Leon Brown, Jarran Reed, D.J. Pettway, - a couple hve been sent packing - Jonathan Taylor and Charles Baldwin. Taylor and Baldwin were dismissed before their first season. Saban has rules you don't break.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Good to be back airing our difference on college football in a productive manner. The offseason is a killer. Don't be like Congress, 3T. If you have an alternative, produce it. To review again, I get my numbers from commitment lists, roster reviews, publicly announced news of players and teams, and on occasion a scholarship chart, which I review for accuracy. If I - or RollBamaRoll - waited on Saban to release any scholarship numbers, it'd be a cold day in hell. My numbers are as accurate as what is publicized, which works out to as accurate or more accurate than other scholarship charts. If you want to contest Florida's, Georgia's or LSU's numbers, produce them. For now, I'll assume you have no idea on Bama's except that they are over 85 after signing the '16 class.

So... you only have a semi-educated guess as to what the numbers are. Who is the one sounding like Congress now? My post was simply to point out that your representation that Bama is now at 88 is not based on fact but assumption. You have been incorrect in the past with your numbers so forgive me if I don't just accept your assumptions as facts on the subject.

The other schools you mention? Who cares? I don't. They will be at 85 when it matters.

 

[Legacy]

So... you only have a semi-educated guess as to what the numbers are. Who is the one sounding like Congress now? My post was simply to point out that your representation that Bama is now at 88 is not based on fact but assumption. You have been incorrect in the past with your numbers so forgive me if I don't just accept your assumptions as facts on the subject.

The other schools you mention? Who cares? I don't. They will be at 85 when it matters.

I'm fine with "semi-educated" if you're fine with less educated than that. Yeah, the Congress, as currently composed, has no idea how to count. We know you don't care about any team other than Bama. The only two teams of those thirteen teams I cover who've oversigned in both of the last two years -Ohio State and Bama. Saban, Meyer, and Harbaugh will oversign again this year - for only those who do care.

 

[mick2]

Is there any excuse for being over 85? I mean that is the limit put in place. teams should abide by it and not go over it.

Know your roster, who's coming/who's leaving, and recruit to that number, I know its not cut and dried, but bringing in more than the limit and then picking and choosing which players to keep to bring your roster down gives a clear competitive advantage.

This type of roster manipulation should be left to professional football not college, promising a kid a ride to play ball and then yanking it because of poor on field performance under the guise of the ever vague "violation of team rules" is a disgusting practice.

 

[NDRock]

Is there any excuse for being over 85? I mean that is the limit put in place. teams should abide by it and not go over it.

Know your roster, who's coming/who's leaving, and recruit to that number, I know its not cut and dry, but bringing in more than the limit and then picking and choosing which players to keep to bring your roster down gives a clear competitive advantage.

This type of roster manipulation should be left to professional football not college, promising a kid a ride to play ball and then yanking it because of poor on field performance under the guise of the ever vague "violation of team rules" is a disgusting practice.

We did the same thing last year. You don't have to be at 85 until August 1. Being "over" 85 after signing day is not against any rule and many around here want ND to do the same thing as transfers, suspensions, etc... happen every year.

 

[mick2]

We did the same thing last year. You don't have to be at 85 until August 1. Being "over" 85 after signing day is not against any rule and many around here want ND to do the same thing as transfers, suspensions, etc... happen every year.

hence why I said its not cut and dried, we may have been over but I don't believe Kelly is oversigning, then releasing the players that aren't the stars he thought they would be.

I believe ND honors the scholly even if that player will never see the field.

 

[Legacy]

We did the same thing last year. You don't have to be at 85 until August 1. Being "over" 85 after signing day is not against any rule and many around here want ND to do the same thing as transfers, suspensions, etc... happen every year.

With the SEC reigning in the egregious aspects of oversigning in 2011 over the objections of all their coaches, oversigning is much less of an issue than it was when there were no restrictions by the conference on SEC teams. Few will argue that these changes were not beneficial.

Most attrition as far as graduate transfers, medical scholarships, undergraduate transfers have been announced. Saban, Meyer and Fisher undoubtedly know the last few players who will not make it onto their fall rosters. Maybe some RS Seniors are not offered a fifth year. But no announcements in the media by the school or the players yet.

Anymore, my scholarship counts are illustrative of overall trends - who is below 85 at this point, who is included (RS Seniors, walkon scholarships renewed or not, etc).

At this point, I have:

SEC
Alabama - 88. '16 class size - 25 (including 1 - Grayshirt from '15 class.) One Transfer In. (All eight RS Seniors included, including one transfer in.)

LSU - 84. '16 Class Size -- 24. (All three RS Seniors included - one is not on two deep)

Georgia - 82. '16 Class Size -- 21 (All three RS Seniors included. Two of those are grad transfers in.)

Florida - 82. '16 Class size - 25 (All four RS Seniors included.)

ACC
Florida State - 87. '16 Class Size - 25. (All three RS Seniors included. One is not on their two deep.)

Clemson - 84. '16 Class Size -- 21 + 1 Grayshirt (All four RS Seniors included. Also counting five walkons with scholarships last year have those renewed.)

Big 10
Ohio State - 87. '16 Class size -24. (One grayshirt to '17) (Two RS Seniors included.)

Michigan - 84. '16 Class size - 29. (Two walkon players with scholarships last year are not included.)

Big 12
Texas - 82. '16 Class Size -- 24 (All eight RS Seniors included. Two walkons with scholarships in '15 have been renewed.)

TCU - 85. '16 Class Size -- 23 (All four Redshirt Seniors included.)

Pac 12
USC - 82. '16 Class Size -- 25 (Includes five Blueshirts from last year. All five walkons with scholarships last year assumed those were renewed.)

Stanford - 80. '16 Class Size -- 24 (All seven Redshirt Seniors included.)

Independent
Notre Dame - 84. '16 Class Size -- 23 (All five RS Seniors included.)

 

[Legacy]

With Mario Pender's arrest and dismissal from the team, Florida State is now at 87.

Alabama - 89
Florida State - 87
Ohio State - 87

Attrition: Ohio State - Donovan Munger (retired, med, recurrent blood clot), Grant Schmidt (RS Fr, transfer), Kareem Felder (signed, to prep). Ohio State to 84.

Florida State - Tyrell Lyons (RS Jr, transfer). Florida State to 86. (This does not count Jack Steed, a graduate transfer Punter from Oklahoma. Unclear if he will be on scholarship.)

(Previously noted - Alabama, Charles Baldwin dismissed.)

Then there were two.

Alabama - 88
Florida State - 86

 

[Legacy]

A note on Alabama's scholarship numbers (88) - I've currently included Tony Brown, who was suspended by the NCAA, but the University has appealed with no final decision yet. The cause is speculated as either academic misconduct or posssible PED use, but not impermissible benefits. Brown is running track this spring for Alabama.

A note on Florida State's scholarship numbers (86) - I've currently included Chad Mavety who has been out since December with a "cardiac issue" and Shavar Manuel, '16 signee, who needs to complete some academic work to qualify.

Attrition - Dalton Santos' transfer brings Texas to 82.

 

[Legacy]

Alabama attrition and scholarship numbers

Alabama attrition and scholarship numbers

With (Soph) Shawn Burgess-Becker's transfer and signee, Kendall Jones, not qualifying for admission, Alabama is now at eighty-six. (Thanks, DublinIrish.) Burgess-Becker, who is from Florida, made unofficial visits after he verballed to Miami (x3), FSU, Louisville, Ohio State and Tennessee.

Saban had previously indicated that one unnamed signee still had not qualified. Cameron Robinson and Hootie Jones have a trial date on June 16th and are suspended, as noted. Tony Brown's NCAA suspension is being appealed.

Over 85
Florida State - 86
Alabama - 86

 

[Bishop2b5]

With (Soph) Shawn Burgess-Becker's transfer and signee, Kendall Jones, not qualifying for admission, Alabama is now at eighty-six. (Thanks, DublinIrish.) Burgess-Becker, who is from Florida, made unofficial visits after he verballed to Miami (x3), FSU, Louisville, Ohio State and Tennessee.

Saban had previously indicated that one unnamed signee still had not qualified. Cameron Robinson and Hootie Jones have a trial date on June 16th and are suspended, as noted.

Over 85
Florida State - 87
Alabama - 86

I think this is a good example of why oversigning isn't the epitome of evil some claim. If you exit NSD with 85 scholarship players, there's almost no chance you'll still have all 85 of those guys in August. Burgess-Becker exited spring realizing he was buried on the depth chart and had little chance for serious playing time, so he transferred in order to have a better shot at playing elsewhere. Robinson & Jones got in trouble and may or may not be back. One signee from this year's class didn't qualify academically. Luckily we didn't lose anyone this spring to a career-ending injury, but it happens at every school occasionally. There's still 60+ days left until the start of fall practice and we may still see a player or two get injured away from school, get in trouble, or decide he doesn't want to play anymore. Normal attrition typically takes a few players every season at virtually every school and if you don't account for that on NSD by oversigning, you'll hit August with 80 or so guys on your roster and be "depth-challenged" all season.