I didn't, but maybe I missed that. Damn, I thought at least we had one returning starter besides Isaac. Guess not.
Did we expect Stone to declare for the NFL?
- Thread starter Darryl Steight
- Start date
Cases like this where he is not an obvious NFL selection make me think there was an NIL dispute, coaches told him where he may fit next year and he didn't like that or the coaches just straight up told him he needs to be on the move again.
He saw all that talent Hozler is bringing in and got scared.
Stone, you forgot "respect my decision"
Sounds like he wasn’t going to have a seat when the music quit or it could be a case where he is tired of Football and throwing his name in the hat to see if some team may take a flyer on him….
If he wasn't going to start for a pretty bad team, I think the right answer would be a transfer, not going to the NFL. I think he actually thinks he might have a shot at making a team.
Could be a Benequiz Brown situation. Knows he's not likely to make it but wants to take his shot and get on with his life. Would think NIL would help with that but if he can't command good NIL money, I could see him wanting to take his shot and get started in his professional career a year earlier.
As far as announcing for the draft, maybe it will help him get some *** a few times between now and the draft. When I was in school I was talking to a girl about plans after graduation, and her college athlete boyfriend was apparently telling her he was going to get drafted (he was not) and so she was waiting to see where he got drafted to figure out her plans. Not sure if he was delusional or just stringing her along with promises of big money, but it's not a terrible strategy.
I'm convinced they are all AI text generated at this point.
Example prompt-
Announcement from college football player they are declaring for the NFL draft. Thank friends, family, coaches, and teammates. Include inspirational quotes. Finish with "respect my decision"
The resulting AI text -
Today, I stand at a pivotal moment in my life as I announce my decision to declare for the NFL Draft. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my friends, family, coaches, and teammates who have supported me through every step of this journey. Your encouragement has been my foundation, and every sacrifice made has been worth it. As I step into this new chapter, I am reminded of the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” I embrace this chance to chase my dreams with unwavering determination. Thank you all for being a part of my story, and I ask you to respect my decision.
Maybe somebody told him that leading the SEC in tackles would attract a few NFL suitors ? Anybody think that could be it ? But no, I didn't expect him to leave.
"I'd like to thank the Mississippi State coaches, especially Coach Croom and Coach Lee Dunn...."
He can follow the examples of all our guys who left early. See you on the Birmingham Stallions roster next year, bud.
I remember hearing that he was 20 when he graduated high school. Not sure if that’s true, but maybe his age would be more of a detriment to his professional chances if he were to stay another year.
If this is an NIL dispute, we need to stand firm. He didn’t earn more NIL with his performance last year.
It sounds like someone told him he would make an nfl roster. I’d say that is not happening based on what I’ve seen.
Got 3X the chances with our pitiful d line and pitiful offense this year. Best of luck to him though. Following his dream and who knows what might happen
Tackles is not as important stat as tackles for loss or forced fumbles. Linebackers (especially mikes) should have a lot of tackles.
Particularly linebackers on bad teams. Not really a surprise that only 1 of the top 16 tacklers in the SEC last season played for one of the playoff teams.
I certainly agree that somebody had to make the tackles. The DL wasn't getting it done. Same situation with Smith. Never good when your second and third tier of defense are your leading tacklers
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