Transfer Portal Musings

[Ktmguy2018]

OBD is in a bye week so of course that means my brain must go into hyperdrive looking into the future. I recently went back over the articles within this forum and have found a lot of posts and thoughts regarding the development of roster QB's, bringing in transfers, etc.  Most of those posts are very applicable to today as well.  I am inviting a little bit different response in this article.

 

All across the sports wires are hypothetical theories about which QB's may end up where next year.  One article discusses Quinn Ewers "possibly" transferring from Texas and what the "possible" destinations are.  The usual suspects, tOSU, USC (whatever), Alabama, and Notre Dame.  Then, one just popped up about Dylan Riaola "possibly" transferring from Nebraska.  The article listed three "possible" destinations of Miami, tOSU, and Georgia.

 

I realize many of these articles are click-bait as we are still within the throws of the season, but it did make me wonder.  OBD has had transfer QB's for the last 3 years and we have had/are having significant success with those QB's.  In the wings, we have Dante Moore waiting, along with Austin Novosad. 

 

I realize that if Arch Manning messaged DL and asked if he could come to Eugene to play his college ball, you don't say no to that.  I don't think you would even say no to Quinn Ewers.  Outside of those two names, is there a QB out there that you would like to see come west?  Is there a signal caller that is head and shoulders above Dante Moore that you would want to bring in?

 

Full disclosure, I have NOT seen all of the QB's in college football play.  There may be some phenom at Aardvarka State dropping dimes left and right that I've never watched.

 

Ultimately, I trust DL and Will Stein to evaluate talent and know what direction they want to go, but I also like to tickle the cortexes of this forum to see what others think.

 

 

[Haywarduck]

This will be the biggest decision, once the season is over, for next years team. It doesn't seem like Lanning has trust in either guy on the bench right now.

 

Maybe I wrong, again, but I see another transfer coming soon.

 

It is almost like Oregon needs a farm team like baseball has. You bring in Dante Moore and he goes and plays for osu until you need him, he develops into the refined product we need. Kind of a perfect job for the beleaguered beavs, and we benefit too.

 

Just an idea, but who knows what college football will look like in 5 years? Making some programs farm teams could really elevate college football. Players need playing time to develop. I would love to see some of these freshman LB's get more playing time too. Maybe farm out a couple receivers too?

 

Without a game this weekend, I say bring on the crazy ideas!

[DrJacksPlaidPants]

I would rather get two skilled and experienced OT's from the portal than get a highly experienced transfer QB. Oregon is going to need a good OL next season for any QB to be successful.

[Ktmguy2018]

On 11/22/2024 at 10:18 AM, DrJacksPlaidPants said:

I would rather get two skilled and experienced OT's from the portal than get a highly experienced transfer QB. Oregon is going to need a good OL next season for any QB to be successful.

Very interesting thought and I think the beginning of this season would demonstrate the value of the O-Line.  DG is a very skilled QB, but he struggled as the OL figured things out.

 

[Augduck]

I am not sure we have enough data points on Dante at the moment. We've only seen glimpses of Novosad and nothing I recall of Moga so this certainly leads to questions for sure.

 

We know they are doing everything to preserve Dante's redshirt so not sure how much real game time experience he gets and the fact they are preserving the red shirt MAY mean something.

 

Maybe one of the aforementioned hits the portal.  I have no insights at all but I would be surprised if Dante were to hit the portal again.

 

Lots of grist for the mill since the portal opens in a few weeks.

[Ktmguy2018]

On 11/22/2024 at 10:33 AM, Augduck said:

I am not sure we have enough data points on Dante at the moment. We've only seen glimpses of Novosad and nothing I recall of Moga so this certainly leads to questions for sure.

 

We know they are doing everything to preserve Dante's redshirt so not sure how much real game time experience he gets and the fact they are preserving the red shirt MAY mean something.

 

Maybe one of the aforementioned hits the portal.  I have no insights at all but I would be surprised if Dante were to hit the portal again.

 

Lots of grist for the mill since the portal opens in a few weeks.

I actually completely forgot about Moga.  And you have Akili Smith Jr coming in next year also.

[Ktmguy2018]

On 11/22/2024 at 10:02 AM, Haywarduck said:

almost like Oregon needs a farm team like baseball has.

I wonder if we could enlist PSU to be our "farm team". 

[Autzen Magic]

On 11/22/2024 at 10:49 AM, Ktmguy2018 said:

I wonder if we could enlist PSU to be our "farm team". 

I was thinking Beavis could be our "farm team." 

[Just Ducky]

IMHO if the Ducks land the kid from Hawaii, name skips my mind at the moment, there could be more than one qb go by by. 
 

And there is some evidence this could happen.

[Jon Joseph]

On 11/22/2024 at 3:43 PM, Autzen Magic said:

I was thinking Beavis could be our "farm team." 

 

Atticus, is that you?

[David Marsh]

I actually think that we may have next year's quarterback in house. 

 

Unless Moore is a complete dud, I think he'll probably get the job. Novosad won't go down without a fight and if he wins so be it. 

 

The transfer was have been essential to getting the program up and running at full speed. Ty Thompson was the backup for two years but was obviously not the heir to the program. Novosad sat and learned for a year under Nix which probably helped him. 

 

Now Moore gets a year under Gabriel for development and to learn the system. 

 

What is apparent is that the Lanning-Stein offense is deep. Year two of Nix in the system, albeit with changes from the Dillingham offense, to the Stein offense was far more intricate than a lot of what we've seen this year. We're starting to see more depth of the offense as the weeks go on. 

 

Now think about what Moore or Novosad might be able to do out the gate as a starter with a solid year in the system and learning. If they have the physical talent they'd probably surpass the experience of a transfer because they'll know the system. 

 

However, Lanning won't turn down a player he believes will make the team better. So we'll have to wait and see. 

[Charles Fischer]

While my big-picture view of Moore or Novosad is good-or-good, my gut tells me Novosad is a touch less talented than Moore, but Austin will not choke at key moments.

 

Sorry, but "Greatness and Weakness Emerge Early" is more than just an expression for me.  It is not 100%, but it is damned accurate overall.  I cannot get over some of the mental images I have of Moore, the multiple pick-sixes he threw at UCLA, and how he had really poor pocket presence.

 

The current Bruin QB is....not great.  And Moore could not beat him out?

 

[Haywarduck]

On 11/23/2024 at 12:38 AM, Charles Fischer said:

While my big-picture view of Moore or Novosad is good-or-good, my gut tells me Novosad is a touch less talented than Moore, but Austin will not choke at key moments.

 

Sorry, but "Greatness and Weakness Emerge Early" is more than just an expression for me.  It is not 100%, but it is damned accurate overall.  I cannot get over some of the mental images I have of Moore, the multiple pick-sixes he threw at UCLA, and how he had really poor pocket presence.

 

The current Bruin QB is....not great.  And Moore could not beat him out?

 

I tend to think Lanning wants greatness, out of the gate at the qb position. This will truly be an interesting decision and process to watch. 

 

Seems like Lanning is doing what you described at the Jack position, recruiting big numbers, and then letting the competition bring the cream to the top. He actually seems to do that at many position, RB is another. 

 

The sales pitch seems to be come to Oregon and find out if you have greatness. A guy like Jay Harris made that choice and is sitting on the bench during game time, but I would bet is pushing it to get ready during this redshirt year. He will find out what he is made of while at Oregon, and may just be another transfer out, or maybe, just maybe, find his greatness.

 

Seems like the Alabama process. I remember Najee Harris going there, over our Ducks, and then sitting on the bench. He wasn't just sitting on the bench, he was working harder than anyone else. That culture brought them the Naty's, and that underbelly culture is what Lanning is just beginning to fully develop. Another one of the  important elements of an elite program.

[Jon Joseph]

 

Where he ends up in the P4? Unknown. But Tulane QB Darian Mensah who beat out Ty, is going to be highly valued if he portals out. Word is that his representatives have already been contacted by Miami. 

 

Kurtis Rourke transferring from Ohio to Indiana is Exhibit A for what a G5 QB can do for a P4 program. 

[David Marsh]

As it concerns to Moore. 

 

I think there is a good reason why a lot of high school quarterbacks need to sit a season. 

 

The other problem was that last year UCLA took a bit of a nose dive in terms of talent and ability. Needing a freshman to play hero ball is a bad recipe for their long term career. Just ask Bo Nix, who thankfully escaped a burning Auburn. 

 

I'm not in the Moore or bust camp as it concerns next year. I am more than happy to let it all play out and see who comes out the other side. 

[OregonDucks]

On 11/23/2024 at 10:56 AM, Jon Joseph said:

 

Where he ends up in the P4? Unknown. But Tulane QB Darian Mensah who beat out Ty, is going to be highly valued if he portals out. Word is that his representatives have already been contacted by Miami. 

 

Kurtis Rourke transferring from Ohio to Indiana is Exhibit A for what a G5 QB can do for a P4 program. 

 

Someone on the radio was joking around (sort of) that Darian Mensah will be at Oregon next season.

 

I've watched some of his highlights and he's mobile (like DG but is not built as stout - he's listed at 6' 3" and 200 lbs.), throws a nice catchable ball, is accurate (65.9 completion %) and makes good decisions (18 TDs to 4 interceptions).  His game is similar to Dante Moore, only he's slightly more mobile. Of course, he is doing that against lower level competition.  Darian is only a freshman and he is from San Luis Obispo, CA (SCO Ducks! = Southern California Oregon Ducks, despite what anyone else tells you).

 

Unless DT and Novosad are absolutely killing it in practice, I would be surprised if Oregon didn't look for a transfer QB.  Even if they are, it wouldn't hurt to have some depth in the QB room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[EzDucksIt]

Bo's first year at Oregon, made some questionable decisions, in the beginning.  By the end of the first year he looked more comfortable within the system.  His strength was being able to read the defense and allowing time for the WR's to get into their routes.  Year two for Bo was comfort level and knowing who he could count on, familiarity and his understanding that he did not have to carry the team on his shoulders alone.

 

DG looks a lot like Bo in his first year with some struggling.  The Ducks Defense, this year, has been able to Help when the Offense is not exactly clicking.  Very Happy with Special Teams, Tosh Lupoi and the Defensive coaches for taking the pressure off the Offense.  OL has been good but not like the previous years.  Team depth on both sides of the ball has been very good.  More Clock management than trying to Score alot and Less Risk taking than previously.  

 

Now, Oregon must put OUT the Husky Curse, I believe it has been 3 in a Row for Washington.  Need to Muzzle the Mutts and Win the B1G Conference Championship.  Hope that key players and depth do not elect to enter the Draft early to help us realize a National Championship.  Or that we have Capable Back ups that fill those big shoes.  Coaching and execution by the Team has been a strong point this year.  Ducks vs Them video's is a great insight to What is going on with the Team and Coaching Staff, LOVE IT!  Culture Works.  Go Ducks.

[Solar]

On 11/22/2024 at 10:18 AM, DrJacksPlaidPants said:

I would rather get two skilled and experienced OT's from the portal than get a highly experienced transfer QB. Oregon is going to need a good OL next season for any QB to be successful.

Why choose, when you can do both?

 

Dante Moore will never be named starting QB in a healthy QB room. His just not a baller, which is all you really need at QB in this system someone that knows how to play the game and how to win.

 

DL WILL be picking up a QB in the portal when the season is over. They could be from any level, but they will be less risky than anyone on our roster, and one or both of DM and AN will portal out.

 

Luke Moga is the only person on our roster that hasn't yet played enough to show serious flaws. There is still a chance he could be special if he has consistency with what he's shown to date.

[DrJacksPlaidPants]

On 11/23/2024 at 4:50 PM, Solar said:

Why choose, when you can do both?

 

Dante Moore will never be named starting QB in a healthy QB room. His just not a baller, which is all you really need at QB in this system someone that knows how to play the game and how to win.

 

DL WILL be picking up a QB in the portal when the season is over. They could be from any level, but they will be less risky than anyone on our roster, and one or both of DM and AN will portal out.

 

Luke Moga is the only person on our roster that hasn't yet played enough to show serious flaws. There is still a chance he could be special if he has consistency with what he's shown to date.

You obviously have the insider knowledge of the Duck locker room that I do not possess. So, if you say we need to get a QB out of the portal then I guess we do. I haven’t been able to gauge Novosad or Moore’s ability to play through their garbage time kneel downs.

[OregonDucks]

On 11/23/2024 at 4:50 PM, Solar said:

Dante Moore will never be named starting QB in a healthy QB room. His just not a baller, which is all you really need at QB in this system someone that knows how to play the game and how to win.

I wouldn’t write off Dante Moore, just yet. He was thrown into the fire as a freshman for a really bad team.  
 

Dante throws a really nice, accurate ball. Hopefully he’s used this season to learn the offense and how to play the position at this level. 

Edited November 23 by OregonDucks

[Solar]

On 11/23/2024 at 2:12 PM, OregonDucks said:

I wouldn’t write off Dante Moore, just yet. He was thrown into the fire as a freshman for a really bad team.  
 

Dante throws a really nice, accurate ball. Hopefully he’s used this season to learn the offense and how to play the position at this level. 

Dante Moore is the best passer in the roster, but he just doesn't have it. It's really tough to put my finger other than to say he is a spitten image of Ty Thompson in talent and personality.

 

A lack of serious intensity and competitive aggression, that you'd find in any Thanksgiving backyard football game across America. He either doesn't have the focus or doesn't hate losing enough to consistently operate at a high level.

 

I hope I'm wrong, but that's how looks to this point.

[Charles Fischer]

I need to add to my earlier thoughts about Moore, as they are simply my gut feelings based on the limited viewing I've had of him.  Now, people change and improve, and I certainly cheer for that.  Only the coaches see the practices and know, and we'll have our answer when the portal opens.  If they go after a QB, then we'll know...

 

 

[AnotherOD]

I took tend to agree Dante was thrown into an almost impossible spot by Chip (where about half UCLA fans thought Chip had one foot out the door and the other half thought he was intentionally trying to get fired).

 

He did appear to have a lot of ups and downs during that season; but, I was encouraged to read a detailed breakdown of his season by Hythloday over at ATQ where he felt Dante showed all the skills that made him a "five star".

 

The short version (from the article):

 

"For the purposes of contextualizing Moore’s play in 2023, it’ll suffice to understand just two things about the surrounding offense Kelly put him in: first, the offensive line play was atrocious, as per usual Kelly did no recruiting or development and attempted to just plug in multiple poorly performing transfers with typical results.

 

Second, the playbooks Kelly has been designing for the previous five years (and earlier, in the NFL and at Oregon) while schematically fascinating and coherent in the run game, are in my opinion adequately described as “one (maybe two) read and then run” without the full set of progressions and options familiar to any post-Coryell passing system. That makes Kelly’s passing offense great for a phenomenal scrambler like Thompson-Robinson to bail him out, but terrible for a preternatural pocket passer like Moore – it was to be an interesting challenge for Kelly to re-invent himself and write a playbook that fit Moore’s skillset, and after studying the tape I don’t think he met it.

 

That made watching this film like jumping between the hot tub and the ice bath. There is an incredible amount of potential here, shown off with plays of astonishing talent, immediately followed by the inevitable catastrophes when a rookie is put in a half-baked offensive design with a fraction of the necessary supporting pieces."

 

For those wanting the deep dive:

 

 

Quacking the Roster: QB Transfer Dante Moore

WWW.ADDICTEDTOQUACK.COM

---

Film review of Moore’s 2023 season at UCLA

 

[OregonDucks]

On 11/23/2024 at 6:23 PM, AnotherOD said:

That made watching this film like jumping between the hot tub and the ice bath. There is an incredible amount of potential here, shown off with plays of astonishing talent, immediately followed by the inevitable catastrophes when a rookie is put in a half-baked offensive design with a fraction of the necessary supporting pieces."

Sounds like most true freshman or rookie QBs.