Anyone else worried about Hagans as our WR coach?

[Anon1684634162]

A guy like this is a must get. And it appears we’re not getting Colbie from The U, who’s from Scranton btw. So many other big time WR’s from the portal are gone. Can’t even lock up Fleming yet, and he’s probably gunna flake on us again. No one real special signed as a WR yesterday. Honestly, I don’t think Marques Hagans is right for the big time job here. I’m sure Franklin can’t be happy with his results so far on the field and off. WR play was awful this year. With even a decent group, not a great group, we could’ve been in the playoffs. I know those were not his recruits, but he hasn’t shown he can recruit here or even develop. WR’s are the biggest weakness (quite possibly maybe the only weakness) on the team and nothing has been done to improve that for the ‘24 season.

Say what you will about Stubblefield. Maybe not a great recruiter but a pretty darn good developer of talent. From day 1 he came and fixed our on field WR issues that were glaring since Josh Gattis left. This was why EVERYONE was shocked when he was let go after the Rose Bowl win.

I don’t know. Marques seems like a great guy but this is big business. WE CAN’T GO INTO NEXT SEASON WITH THIS SAME GROUP (even more so if KLS leaves) and expect to out score the top teams in the new B1G. It will be a big disappointment if he doesn’t bring in a couple big time players. Get er done Marques but I’m not holding my breath.

Thought's?

 

[BW Lion]

A guy like this is a must get. And it appears we’re not getting Colbie from The U, who’s from Scranton btw. So many other big time WR’s from the portal are gone. Can’t even lock up Fleming yet, and he’s probably gunna flake on us again. No one real special signed as a WR yesterday. Honestly, I don’t think Marques Hagans is right for the big time job here. I’m sure Franklin can’t be happy with his results so far on the field and off. WR play was awful this year. With even a decent group, not a great group, we could’ve been in the playoffs. I know those were not his recruits, but he hasn’t shown he can recruit here or even develop. WR’s are the biggest weakness (quite possibly maybe the only weakness) on the team and nothing has been done to improve that for the ‘24 season.

Say what you will about Stubblefield. Maybe not a great recruiter but a pretty darn good developer of talent. From day 1 he came and fixed our on field WR issues that were glaring since Josh Gattis left. This was why EVERYONE was shocked when he was let go after the Rose Bowl win.

I don’t know. Marques seems like a great guy but this is big business. WE CAN’T GO INTO NEXT SEASON WITH THIS SAME GROUP (even more so if KLS leaves) and expect to out score the top teams in the new B1G. It will be a big disappointment if he doesn’t bring in a couple big time players. Get er done Marques but I’m not holding my breath.

Thought's?

Who hired Hagans?

 

[PSUSignore]

Hagans hasn't even been at PSU for a full year, step back from the ledge.

 

[Roaring Buck]

His wife can’t be that hot if he’s having troubling winning over portalers

 

[Bison13]

I will never understand why certain people think that every top player in the country will choose Penn State over all of the other schools. Location, NIL, etc, nah those don’t matter, every top kids should come to psu

 

[marshall23]

PSU just added 25 to the 2024 roster. How many scholarships do they have to give?

 

[Nittany1865Farmer]

In reality, the NIL and the portal has changed the whole dynamic of recruiting. Years ago, when you signed, you stuck it out at a school unless you were a bust and spent your years riding the bench. Now because Top Recruit X signed with this school, doesn't mean X will stay at that school even for a year. Hurt feelings, wanting to be the star, all translate up to a kid disillusioned by the recruiting hype, to start looking around very quickly. You might not get the top talent the year they come out of high school, but you might get someone with hidden talent from the portal who can be just as good.

 

[BobPSU92]

I will never understand why certain people think that every top player in the country will choose Penn State over all of the other schools. Location, NIL, etc, nah those don’t matter, every top kids should come to psu

I will never understand why any top player in the country would choose Penn State.

 

[PSUFTG2]

PSU just added 25 to the 2024 roster. How many scholarships do they have to give?

Hell, they have about 12 to get rid of, just to get down to the 85.
Probably will be a couple more who haven't yet made the move, who will try their luck in the NFL draft. But that still leaves a small bus full of guys that need to be processed out - before any more can come in.

 

[marshall23]

I will never understand why any top player in the country would choose Penn State.

Penn State is the center of the college football universe. All other teams exist only to provide our beloved Lions with competition on Saturdays.

 

[BobPSU92]

Penn State is the center of the college football universe. All other teams exist only to provide our beloved Lions with competition on Saturdays.

“Come to Penn State. We’re here.”

 

[EdwardoCarrachio]

I'm not worried, he's had all of 1 season. But then again, this WR room does need something. Last year's performance isn't going to cut it going forward. It may not require radical change, but the room has to take a significant step forward this next year.

 

[Anon1684634162]

I will never understand why certain people think that every top player in the country will choose Penn State over all of the other schools. Location, NIL, etc, nah those don’t matter, every top kids should come to psu

How bout 1 or 2?

 

[Bwifan]

Hell, they have about 12 to get rid of, just to get down to the 85.
Probably will be a couple more who haven't yet made the move, who will try their luck in the NFL draft. But that still leaves a small bus full of guys that need to be processed out - before any more can come in.

And they should start with the WR room. Severe lack of development or total misjudging talent on 4* talent. Either way that room needs a big shake up. Some need to be told to seek their fortunes elsewhere and a hard look needs to done at the coach. Last year cannot be repeated. What many thought should be a strength was a true weakness on this team.

 

[Kroixklk]

PSU will not be a big destination for the transfer portal guys. If you haven't paid attention the way they handle their NIL money is more of a baseline. Each guy gets around the same amount. From there they can get individual deals. Those deals are very specific to the player.
Therefore, a recruit who is looking for a good NIL deal and playing time will find that without a big money deal lined up, PSU can only offer a certain amount.
While this is not advantageous to star transfer guys, it has worked well with roster stability. Look at PSUs roster. There is a reason it has depth and few transfers.
This isn't the only model but it is a good model. For all I know PSU might have directed NIL donors not to offer big checks to transfer students but to give to the general fund so that the money is more equally distributed. Not sure exactly. But your frustration should be with the donors, Franklin, or the NIL, not the coach because they can only do so much.

 

[WVilleLion23]

I know this is hard for some of you to believe, but sleepy Happy Valley in the middle of nowhere is not attractive to many of these “Star” players. We’ve always known it takes a special player to come to Penn State. NIL is going to make it even more difficult to get great players here, and with the portal, keeping them.

 

[LB99]

How bout 1 or 2?

Maybe you should pony up a lot of NIL money if you feel that strongly about it?

 

[psuro]

Thought's?

The Kardashians will be looking to you for ideas on how to create unnecessary drama.

That's my thought.

 

[LionJim]

PSU will not be a big destination for the transfer portal guys. If you haven't paid attention the way they handle their NIL money is more of a baseline. Each guy gets around the same amount. From there they can get individual deals. Those deals are very specific to the player.
Therefore, a recruit who is looking for a good NIL deal and playing time will find that without a big money deal lined up, PSU can only offer a certain amount.
While this is not advantageous to star transfer guys, it has worked well with roster stability. Look at PSUs roster. There is a reason it has depth and few transfers.
This isn't the only model but it is a good model. For all I know PSU might have directed NIL donors not to offer big checks to transfer students but to give to the general fund so that the money is more equally distributed. Not sure exactly. But your frustration should be with the donors, Franklin, or the NIL, not the coach because they can only do so much.

Intriguing take, thanks.

 

[Blair10]

I know this is hard for some of you to believe, but sleepy Happy Valley in the middle of nowhere is not attractive to many of these “Star” players. We’ve always known it takes a special player to come to Penn State. NIL is going to make it even more difficult to get great players here, and with the portal, keeping them.

Not true. In fact, it is an old and tired excuse used for decades by Penn State recruiting opponents. Penn State Football has recruited and signed tons of high profile HS players for many decades spanning the Paterno era.

Other ”middle of nowhere” places have prominent college athletic programs. Examples: Norman Oklahoma, Eugene Oregon, College Station Texas, Athens Georgia, Clemson South Carolina, South Bend Indiana, Tuscaloosa Alabama, and Lawrence Kansas. None of these locations would be confused with LA or New York City. Yet, they continue to have thriving athletic programs.

Tradition, historical success, university reputation, and coaches attract players regardless of location.

 

[leinbacker]

“Come to Penn State. We’re here.”

It’s not “we’re here”, it’s “WE ARE here”.

 

[LaJollaCreek]

No. Not really a worry to me at all in any way at all whatsoever.

 

[Blair10]

And they should start with the WR room. Severe lack of development or total misjudging talent on 4* talent. Either way that room needs a big shake up. Some need to be told to seek their fortunes elsewhere and a hard look needs to done at the coach. Last year cannot be repeated. What many thought should be a strength was a true weakness on this team.

The misjudging of the current WR talent is not the fault of coach Hagans since he was not on the Penn State staff when those players were recruited. Penn State needs better WR talent. Hagans will need a few recruiting cycles (similar to Trautwein) before passing judgement. No coach can take slow non athletic players and develop them into the next Jahan Dotson.

 

[psuro]

PSU will not be a big destination for the transfer portal guys. If you haven't paid attention the way they handle their NIL money is more of a baseline. Each guy gets around the same amount. From there they can get individual deals. Those deals are very specific to the player.
Therefore, a recruit who is looking for a good NIL deal and playing time will find that without a big money deal lined up, PSU can only offer a certain amount.
While this is not advantageous to star transfer guys, it has worked well with roster stability. Look at PSUs roster. There is a reason it has depth and few transfers.
This isn't the only model but it is a good model. For all I know PSU might have directed NIL donors not to offer big checks to transfer students but to give to the general fund so that the money is more equally distributed. Not sure exactly. But your frustration should be with the donors, Franklin, or the NIL, not the coach because they can only do so much.

With that kind of even keeled logical thought process, you are not gonna last long around here...

 

[LB99]

I’m not convinced the WR talent is as underwhelming as thought as supposed to the schemes and routes not putting them in the best position possible. Time will tell.

 

[WVilleLion23]

Not true. In fact, it is an old and tired excuse used for decades by Penn State recruiting opponents. Penn State Football has recruited and signed tons of high profile HS players for many decades spanning the Paterno era.

Other ”middle of nowhere” places have prominent college athletic programs. Examples: Norman Oklahoma, Eugene Oregon, College Station Texas, Athens Georgia, Clemson South Carolina, South Bend Indiana, Tuscaloosa Alabama, and Lawrence Kansas. None of these locations would be confused with LA or New York City. Yet, they continue to have thriving athletic programs.

Tradition, historical success, university reputation, and coaches attract players regardless of location.

lol. Continue to believe that. Things have and are sadly changing with greater speed. It is going to get tougher and tougher. And we will not be able to keep up with NIL (with anyone as HC).

Would gladly be wrong, but don’t think I am.

 

[WVilleLion23]

Not true. In fact, it is an old and tired excuse used for decades by Penn State recruiting opponents. Penn State Football has recruited and signed tons of high profile HS players for many decades spanning the Paterno era.

Other ”middle of nowhere” places have prominent college athletic programs. Examples: Norman Oklahoma, Eugene Oregon, College Station Texas, Athens Georgia, Clemson South Carolina, South Bend Indiana, Tuscaloosa Alabama, and Lawrence Kansas. None of these locations would be confused with LA or New York City. Yet, they continue to have thriving athletic programs.

Tradition, historical success, university reputation, and coaches attract players regardless of location.

And seriously, please use better examples. Nike money helps Oregon overcome location. Visit the athletic facilities there. Amazing. OU as OKC right there. UGA and Clemson have attraction of ATL. Scoff if you want, but it is true. I could pick almost all of them apart, but you get the point.

 

[Bwifan]

The misjudging of the current WR talent is not the fault of coach Hagans since he was not on the Penn State staff when those players were recruited. Penn State needs better WR talent. Hagans will need a few recruiting cycles (similar to Trautwein) before passing judgement. No coach can take slow non athletic players and develop them into the next Jahan Dotson.

Is it misjudging or is it lack of development? Or both? That is a room full of 4 * WRs. I would think even by sheer luck that a few of them would have risen to the top on talent alone. I am not necessarily saying get rid of Hagans as JF and the new OC would have to make that determination. But it's fair to say that position has a very bright spotlight on it right now especially with a new OC who may want "his" guy as WR coach.

 

[LaJollaCreek]

So the new bar for position coaches is less than one year.....seems pretty rational....oh wait no it doesn't. Hagans signed on in late January of 2023 and here we are in December of 2023 having the fickle fans say he's not the solution after 11 months. Brilliant stuff yet again!!!!!!

 

[Bwifan]

So the new bar for position coaches is less than one year.....seems pretty rational....oh wait no it doesn't. Hagans signed on in late January of 2023 and here we are in December of 2023 having the fickle fans say he's not the solution after 11 months. Brilliant stuff yet again!!!!!!

I am not saying get rid of him, but one has to admit there is a bright light pointed on that position currently. I am looking back since he has taken over would one say has the WR improved, regressed or stayed the same since he took over 1 year ago? Yes I think he should get a another season to prove himself but my 1 concern is I didn't see any improvement in the WRs this year. Next year will be a big year for him not only on the field performance but recruiting.

 

[EdwardoCarrachio]

So the new bar for position coaches is less than one year.....seems pretty rational....oh wait no it doesn't. Hagans signed on in late January of 2023 and here we are in December of 2023 having the fickle fans say he's not the solution after 11 months. Brilliant stuff yet again!!!!!!

I'd give them a half of football. If you haven't turned it all around within the first half of the first football game, then what good are you?

 

[LaJollaCreek]

I am not saying get rid of him, but one has to admit there is a bright light pointed on that position currently. I am looking back since he has taken over would one say has the WR improved, regressed or stayed the same since he took over 1 year ago? Yes I think he should get a another season to prove himself but my 1 concern is I didn't see any improvement in the WRs this year. Next year will be a big year for him not only on the field performance but recruiting.

Again, it's been 11 months and that WR room was in shambles going into this year. KLS was wildly inconsistent for 3 years, was a bit better, but still wasn't some game changer at WR. No doubt WR play needs to improve as well as the talent in the WR room, but I won't pretend he created this mess either. Hopefully a new OC can also find better ways to get these guys in space.

 

[BobPSU92]

I'd give them a half of football. If you haven't turned it all around within the first half of the first football game, then what good are you?

Isn’t it a lot harder to throw and catch half a football? And on which axis do you cut it? Details matter.

 

[EdwardoCarrachio]

Isn’t it a lot harder to throw and catch half a football? And on which axis do you cut it? Details matter.

I catch a half of football all the time and then I fall asleep. This happens a lot at Thanksgiving. It's really not difficult. I axis through my cable for that.

 

[Bvillebaron]

I'd give them a half of football. If you haven't turned it all around within the first half of the first football game, then what good are you?

You are far too generous. I think they should be fired after the first 3 and out.

 

[BW Lion]

Here is the list of PSU Wide Receivers, their recruiting star ratings and their primary (and secondary) recruiters.

Smith - Jr. (4*; G. Parker)
Meiga - Jr. (3*; G. Parker)
Cephas - RS Sr. (3*; Portal transfer)
Clifford - RS So. (3*; G. Parker)
Evans - So. (3*; T. Stubblefield)
Wallace - RS So. (T. Stubblefield)
Saunders - RS Fr. (4*, T. Smith; T. Stubblefield)
Johnson RS Fr. (3*, T. Stubblefield; T. Howle)
McClain - Jr (4; portal transfer)
Ivey - RS Fr (4*; T. Stubblefield)
Taylor - Fr. (4*; T. Stubblefield)

 

[jmorovich]

When I see someone PSU is going after possibly land at UGA, that doesn’t bother me. When I see someone PSU is going after land at Virginia, that does bother me.

 

[Anon1684634162]

And another one gone

 

[Bkmtnittany1]

I will never understand why any top player in the country would choose Penn State.

Babes at The Phyrst and Stella’s on tap. We should be cleaning up!

 

[Bison13]

When I see someone PSU is going after possibly land at UGA, that doesn’t bother me. When I see someone PSU is going after land at Virginia, that does bother me.

You mean a kid that grew up in Virginia who rooted for Virginia?