They are both replaceable. Do I want to have to replace them, no. But if they think they are bigger than the team, then go. You can see what Billy’s looking to build here and it’s guys that buy into the working and being a good teammate.
Losing both ETN and Tre Wilson to the portal would be an unmitigated disaster for Napier, anyone that thinks otherwise is whistling past the graveyard as one former Gator put it. The optics themselves would be awful, but these are two of the most talented/exciting offensive players we've had in a long while. However, I suspect these rumors are just rivals stirring the pot and kicking us while we're down, we'll see.
I think the bigger problem is that both of them were obviously team guys, but if they leave, it will signal that this isn’t the team they want to build. And then getting the other ‘better’ guys will be a much harder job.
Oh don't get me wrong. If they don't want to be there, then I'm all for them going. I just think that ETN is a very good back capable of having a fairly lengthy NFL career if he avoids major injuries. I don't see Wilson making it for any extended play in the NFL. Of course I was wrong about K. Toney so there's hope for Wilson.
I wonder how many other teams are tampering with the NIL? Here's what I suspect is happening. This is pure fiction but possible so take it for what it's worth. Is it possible that other teams are calling players currently on other teams to "promise" them such and such money if that player portals over to their university, knowing that if they say "NO" that they still did damage to that school becasue it gave that player in question a reason to ask for more NIL money from their current school? IOW the cost of NIL will go up becasue of other schools tampering with players on other teams in a way that's a win win for them becasue if they don't land that player then the cost to have that player just went up. Even if they tamper just to plant seeds in the heads of these players for more money it should be illegal. But, unfortunately... on the other side of the coin, parents could be pimping out their children to other schools too. The NIL is a mess, but how do you regulate it without interfering with the business model of making a living on your Name Image and likeness in a free market?
That’s a lot of words, my dude. I think the market will take care of itself. It only took A&M and Miami one cycle to realize they overpaid.
