!!!!! USC to pursue Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson in the portal????

[18IsTheMan]

Per Brad Crawford at 247, we are a frontrunner according to "sources".

Transfer portal: Teams to watch for Arkansas QB transfer KJ Jefferson

The Arkansas quarterback is expect to enter the portal this week.

247sports.com

Hopefully this is just wild speculation. I'm ready to just move forward with Sellers.

 

[Prestonyte]

Why? Sellers is a much better version of a big mobile QB.

 

[Viennacock]

Per Brad Crawford at 247, we are a frontrunner according to "sources".

Transfer portal: Teams to watch for Arkansas QB transfer KJ Jefferson

The Arkansas quarterback is expect to enter the portal this week.

247sports.com

Hopefully this is just wild speculation. I'm ready to just move forward with Sellers.

I'm ok with it ONLY if Sellers is good with it. No way we want to risk losing him. He sat patiently all year, it's his turn. Personally, I don't like bringing in transfer QB's unless 100% necessary. Rattler was necessary. KJ is not in my opinion.

 

[18IsTheMan]

I'm ok with it ONLY if Sellers is good with it. No way we want to risk losing him. He sat patiently all year, it's his turn. Personally, I don't like bringing in transfer QB's unless 100% necessary. Rattler was necessary. KJ is not in my opinion.

Exactly. I guess the thinking is we don't have anyone to really push Sellers. Jefferson accomplishes that (in theory). But to bring in a transfer, to me, is an insult to Sellers. Shane is so sensitive to team chemistry, I'd be surprised if we are really pursuing this. Hopefully not true.

 

[Gamecock Lincoln]

Not buying this

 

[18IsTheMan]

All over the internet that he's entering the portal. He supposedly just posted to his Instagram that he hasn't made his mind up yet.

 

[Gradstudent]

I understand why a connection would be made by the writer and he would speculate this, but I would think the staff is all in on the development of Sellers at this point vs playing the portal every year and Jefferson would want to go somewhere with guaranteed playing time as well, vs go some where just because of a connection that has the possibility of sitting.

 

[18IsTheMan]

I understand why a connection would be made by the writer and he would speculate this, but I would think staff is all in on the development of Sellers at this point vs playing the portal every year and Jefferson would want to go somewhere with guaranteed playing time as well, vs go some where just because of a connection and the possibly to sit.

He does cite "sources" though, lol......

I get the speculation based on the connection, but Loggains was TE coach at Arkansas.

It otherwise doesn't make any sense. I don't think either Sellers or Jefferson want to be a backup next year, and I doubt Jefferson would transfer to a place where he has to compete for the starting job. Unless Sellers really isn't as far along in his development as the fans think based on his handful of garbage time snaps.

Maybe the coaches think he needs another year and maybe that's why we didn't see him more this year.

 

[Lurker123]

Doom and gloom outlook- is the staff not as sold on sellers as some fans?

Sunshine pumper outlook - one of the two is happy to sit on the bench?

 

[Prestonyte]

I understand the connection because of DLogg but, as stated above, Sellers is a our own home-grown better version of a big mobile QB and we don't want to force him into the portal with a stupid move like this. If Jefferson were that impressive, Arky would have had a much better offense than they did.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Doom and gloom outlook- is the staff not as sold on sellers as some fans?

Sunshine pumper outlook - one of the two is happy to sit on the bench?

If, and it's a big IF, there is merit to this, then I have to think the former is the obvious answer. Staff wouldn't be bringing in a QB like Jefferson if they thought Sellers was ready.

Also, next year's schedule is brutal, with a murderer's row of current SEC West teams. Jefferson has played each one of those teams every year for the last 3 seasons.

Maybe the staff hope to bring Jefferson in, since he's basically a more experienced version of Sellers, let Sellers learn from him for a year AND get Sellers more in the mix next year, so we go into the REALLY crucial 2025 season with an experienced Sellers. If you look at it that way, and if Sellers agrees with it, it's not totally nutty.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Also, if true that we intend to pursue him, that's a concrete answer to the question of whether Rattler is coming back or not.

 

[92Pony]

A benefit could be if KJ and Sellers are similar - big, dual-threat QBs - if one of them (whomever wins QB1) goes down, you hopefully can roll with the backup without missing a beat...?

If, if, IF there's substance to it, it does feel like a risky move though, locker room-wise.

 

[Prestonyte]

Forget Jefferson - there are some good OLinemen in the portal - those we definitely need.

 

[Big JC]

I'm ok with it ONLY if Sellers is good with it. No way we want to risk losing him. He sat patiently all year, it's his turn. Personally, I don't like bringing in transfer QB's unless 100% necessary. Rattler was necessary. KJ is not in my opinion.

Hell no!! No player is bigger than the program. If Sellers doesn't like competition, he can leave.

 

[CCUIrmo]

Well Sellers and KJ play similar style which also lead to possible injuries. If Sellers goes down, then are we ready to go with Bailey or Reno? Thye may be good but just asking. KJ might be a good alternative and they can get creative with both in at same time even.

 

[Deleted11512]

He does cite "sources" though, lol......

I get the speculation based on the connection, but Loggains was TE coach at Arkansas.

It otherwise doesn't make any sense. I don't think either Sellers or Jefferson want to be a backup next year, and I doubt Jefferson would transfer to a place where he has to compete for the starting job. Unless Sellers really isn't as far along in his development as the fans think based on his handful of snaps.

Crawford has great USC sources. I’m all for it. He’s a bigger more developed version of Sellers. Beamer wants to win now. Either Sellers is good enough to beat him out or he’s not. There were plenty of people on this board that were concerned about us going into next year with an inexperienced QB….problem solved, if this is true.

 

[Deleted11512]

Well Sellers and KJ play similar style which also lead to possible injuries. If Sellers goes down, then are we ready to go with Bailey or Reno? Thye may be good but just asking. KJ might be a good alternative and they can get creative with both in at same time even.

Exactly what I’m thinking.

 

[Atlanta_Cock]

All over the internet that he's entering the portal. He supposedly just posted to his Instagram that he hasn't made his mind up yet.

TOS says Tree may enter portal.

 

[Deleted11512]

I'm ok with it ONLY if Sellers is good with it. No way we want to risk losing him. He sat patiently all year, it's his turn. Personally, I don't like bringing in transfer QB's unless 100% necessary. Rattler was necessary. KJ is not in my opinion.

Nah, if Sellers doesn’t want to compete he can go. I would be highly upset with Beamer if he asked a freshman’s permission to add a player.

Blue chip QBs are always a necessity. And if you have a chance to add a proven one you take it.

 

[Deleted11512]

Exactly. I guess the thinking is we don't have anyone to really push Sellers. Jefferson accomplishes that (in theory). But to bring in a transfer, to me, is an insult to Sellers. Shane is so sensitive to team chemistry, I'd be surprised if we are really pursuing this. Hopefully not true.

That’s BS. I guess we shouldn’t have recruited Reno. We had Tanner Bailey in the fold then brought in Sellers. That’s how it goes. Beamers job is to win. Not make sure a players feelings don’t get hurt.

 

[Spinal Tap]

If, and it's a big IF, there is merit to this, then I have to think the former is the obvious answer. Staff wouldn't be bringing in a QB like Jefferson if they thought Sellers was ready.

Also, next year's schedule is brutal, with a murderer's row of current SEC West teams. Jefferson has played each one of those teams every year for the last 3 seasons.

Maybe the staff hope to bring Jefferson in, since he's basically a more experienced version of Sellers, let Sellers learn from him for a year AND get Sellers more in the mix next year, so we go into the REALLY crucial 2025 season with an experienced Sellers. If you look at it that way, and if Sellers agrees with it, it's not totally nutty.

I've been trying and failing to make sense of this. Your thoughts make the most sense to me.

I guess the staff is already reading the QB room (esp. Lanorris) on the plan.

 

[Viennacock]

Hell no!! No player is bigger than the program. If Sellers doesn't like competition, he can leave.

Wrong. Kj is a only potential patch. We need a longer term solution which is Sellers. Bring in the best rising freshman in the country and let him battle it out with Sellers, but no thanks to a transfer unless Sellers is on board.

Dude- you are living in the 80's. Time to move into 2023.

 

[Viennacock]

That’s BS. I guess we shouldn’t have recruited Reno. We had Tanner Bailey in the fold then brought in Sellers. That’s how it goes. Beamers job is to win. Not make sure a players feelings don’t get hurt.

Beamer's job is to look out for the long term health of the program and reading a room is part of that. Pissing off a bunch of players does not work with NIL.

If Beamer job is to win now, he's failing.

 

[Viennacock]

Nah, if Sellers doesn’t want to compete he can go. I would be highly upset with Beamer if he asked a freshman’s permission to add a player.

Blue chip QBs are always a necessity. And if you have a chance to add a proven one you take it.

Strongly disagree. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if Sellers would say, "bring him on". I don't think he would shy away from competition.

 

[18IsTheMan]

That’s BS. I guess we shouldn’t have recruited Reno. We had Tanner Bailey in the fold then brought in Sellers. That’s how it goes. Beamers job is to win. Not make sure a players feelings don’t get hurt.

Recruiting high schoolers and brining in transfers is very different.

Of course you always have to be recruiting new talent from high school because you need players to field teams in the future. Then let the players compete.

Bringing in a transfer like Jefferson, however, is telling Sellers straight up "we don't have faith in you". Is that the coach's prerogative? Sure. Should the player take it like a man and just compete? Sure. But that's not the world in which we live. If Sellers doesn't like where things are headed, he can enter the spring portal. Then we're screwed.

I'm fine with the move if it doesn't cost us Sellers. Jefferson is a one-year patch and it only makes sense if Sellers stays. It could work brilliantly if he stays. It would be disastrous, in my opinion, if he were to leave. The only way this move makes sense for Gamecock football beyond 2024 is if Seller stays.

 

[Gradstudent]

Another viewpoint from the players perceptive which really makes the outcome of Jefferson to South Carolina unlikely in my opinion is, if your a highly sought after transfer QB, why would you come here, given the offensive line's 2023 struggles and performance? Jefferson played in the SEC, I'm sure people would point that out to him.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Another viewpoint from the players perceptive which really makes the outcome of Jefferson to South Carolina unlikely in my opinion is, if your a highly sought after transfer QB, why would you come here, given the offensive line's 2023 struggles and performance? Jefferson played in the SEC, I'm sure people would point that out to him.

It's a valid point. He will have a number of teams pursuing him, virtually all of which will have stronger OLs.

 

[RUMMENIGGE]

Since some on this forum suggests next season is to be woeful why not put start Sellers next season to get the growing pains, inexperience out the way so 2025 season can have a more positive outlook. 2025 you would have Sellers, Blake, Russell, Braswell that has played many SEC games and an offensive line that should have depth to turn to.

 

[VidaliaGamecock]

Per Brad Crawford at 247, we are a frontrunner according to "sources".

Transfer portal: Teams to watch for Arkansas QB transfer KJ Jefferson

The Arkansas quarterback is expect to enter the portal this week.

247sports.com

Hopefully this is just wild speculation. I'm ready to just move forward with Sellers.

Why? I'd rather get the kid from Coastal.

 

[accock]

That’s BS. I guess we shouldn’t have recruited Reno. We had Tanner Bailey in the fold then brought in Sellers. That’s how it goes. Beamers job is to win. Not make sure a players feelings don’t get hurt.

 

[Deleted11512]

Recruiting high schoolers and brining in transfers is very different.

Of course you always have to be recruiting new talent from high school because you need players to field teams in the future. Then let the players compete.

Bringing in a transfer like Jefferson, however, is telling Sellers straight up "we don't have faith in you". Is that the coach's prerogative? Sure. Should the player take it like a man and just compete? Sure. But that's not the world in which we live. If Sellers doesn't like where things are headed, he can enter the spring portal. Then we're screwed.

I'm fine with the move if it doesn't cost us Sellers. Jefferson is a one-year patch and it only makes sense if Sellers stays. It could work brilliantly if he stays. It would be disastrous, in my opinion, if he were to leave. The only way this move makes sense for Gamecock football beyond 2024 is if Seller stays.

Rattler is now officially gone. Can you see Bailey hanging around? I can’t. We would be one tweaked ankle from having to either start Doty or true freshman Reno. No thanks. You don’t pass on KJ if he’s interested unless you have a proven option. We don’t. We have potential, but that’s it. You’re telling Sellers we need depth and he’s going to compete for the starting job just like KJ. If he can’t handle that and wants to leave then we’ll hit the portal again.

 

[Deleted11512]

Forget Jefferson - there are some good OLinemen in the portal - those we definitely need.

What if it’s a KJ/Rocket combo??

 

[Deleted11512]

TOS says Tree may enter portal.

Not happening.

 

[18IsTheMan]

Rattler is now officially gone. Can you see Bailey hanging around? I can’t. We would be one tweaked ankle from having to either start Doty or true freshman Reno. No thanks. You don’t pass on KJ if he’s interested unless you have a proven option. We don’t. We have potential, but that’s it. You’re telling Sellers we need depth and he’s going to compete for the starting job just like KJ. If he can’t handle that and wants to leave then we’ll hit the portal again.

And if you bring in KJ and Sellers hits the spring portal, we are one tweaked ankle away from having to start Doty or true freshman Reno.

You obviously haven’t read my full thoughts on the matter, which is fine. This is merely one aspect to consider, and I’m sure Beamer is.

I’m supremely confident that after breaking his neck to flip Sellers, he won’t risk him transferring for a one-year bandaid with Jefferson. I know this for fact.

 

[Gamecock72]

And if you bring in KJ and Sellers hits the spring portal, we are one tweaked ankle away from having to start Doty or true freshman Reno.

And if you don't bring in KJ and Sellers stays, we are one tweaked ankle away from having to start Doty or true freshman Reno.

 

[18IsTheMan]

And if you don't bring in KJ and Sellers stays, we are one tweaked ankle away from having to start Doty or true freshman Reno.

@DaboSits2PeePee Already said that. Try to keep up.

 

[Prestonyte]

Nah, if Sellers doesn’t want to compete he can go. I would be highly upset with Beamer if he asked a freshman’s permission to add a player.

Blue chip QBs are always a necessity. And if you have a chance to add a proven one you take it.

Jefferson = blue chip QB?

 

[18IsTheMan]

Jefferson = blue chip QB?

He’s a pretty solid QB. A stud? Not at all. We would be banking on him coming in and mastering a new offense in a matter of months. Maybe he could, I dunno.

Sellers has a similar skill set and already has a year in the system.

 

[Gamecock72]

@DaboSits2PeePee Already said that. Try to keep up.

What post did you say that? I just went back to double-check to see if I had missed it but could not find it.