2024 SMSU Mustangs: Year 3 of Underwood

[SW_Mustang]

I believe grad transfers now fall under the "portal" umbrella - many guys "entering the portal" would have been considered grad transfers pre-2020. If an athlete completes their commitment to their school but still has eligibility, they should be able to pursue enrollment elsewhere without penalty (IMO). I've seen many athletes put that to good use.

I think things get confusing too because academic standing is not lining up with eligibility. Hypothetically, an academic freshman in 2020 could redshirt 2021, play 2022 and 2023, and then grad transfer with a degree while still showing up on the roster as a sophomore (or junior?). I've seen a lot of that too.

The portal may be unregulated but it's also not "risk-free." There's a large contingent of entrants who don't land on another roster. There will always be people that test the waters and don't find a new home, but I think once those risks are better understood, the portal should cool off a bit.

Personally, I'm torn. I'm not anti-portal, but it's also been a detriment to my own team the last several years. My hope is that it evens out.

[MrMustang]

Random stat....
Of the 10 seniors on the 2024 roster, only two of them did not transfer into the program: Thomas Mergen and Nathan Stearns

covid was very tough on SMSU football retention. and the President threw Sauter under the bus over it too. Not saying Cory would have kept his job, but few no what a mess that all was

[MrMustang]

I believe we are going to be pretty good. I really think the defense has some real playmakers and will make some big time plays every game.

[SW_Mustang]

I'm out of the loop - how is the QB situation shaping up?

[MrMustang]

I'm out of the loop - how is the QB situation shaping up?

Oak looks good.

Krogman looks good

The incoming freshman Drew Kluender from Woodbury Central in Iowa looks very good and promising.

Still thin. I think there may be another qb or two there to add depth but can't remember names

[Stanger86]

It sounds like we got a transfer QB from Northwestern (IA). Originally from Cornhusker Territory, played HS ball at Waverly in Lincoln. No college stats.

[SW_Mustang]

Oak looks good.

Krogman looks good

The incoming freshman Drew Kluender from Woodbury Central in Iowa looks very good and promising.

Still thin. I think there may be another qb or two there to add depth but can't remember names

That's right - I did catch a video of Oak practicing earlier this summer. It's not a large sample size but he did look good.

RB was another position I'm curious about.

[MrMustang]

That's right - I did catch a video of Oak practicing earlier this summer. It's not a large sample size but he did look good.

RB was another position I'm curious about.

several young running backs who redshirted or were redshirt freshmanin the mix to play. there is also a transfer or two. i think it is wide open who will play RB

[SW_Mustang]

several young running backs who redshirted or were redshirt freshmanin the mix to play. there is also a transfer or two. i think it is wide open who will play RB

Kinda thought as much... RB seems to be a position we recruit well in regardless of who is in charge, so I'm just hoping that trend continues.

[MrMustang]

we have depth coming back on the oline. If we can run the ball we might be pretty good

[SW_Mustang]

I see a new tailgating group popped up recently and they've already partnered with the Nickel for a drink giveaway at the home opener.

Really like seeing the school, fans, and local businesses coming together on the tailgating end over the last couple of seasons.

Not sure if I'll be able to make it over much this season to support the efforts, but I really like seeing some initiative being taken.

[Stanger86]

Really good read here from our old pal Andy Rennecke: https://www.stcloudlive.com/sports/c...state-football

Underwood is particularly excited about the offensive line, which returns left tackle Tyler Nebelung . He's also high on the Mustangs' receiving corps, which he ranks as the strongest position group he's had since taking over at Southwest.
"We're healthy and most of our offensive line is back. We red-shirted a lot of guys last year and now they're ready to play for us," Underwood said. "We have more depth than we've had the first two years. The depth at wide receiver is big. We have a lot of talent and the guys don't drop off in terms of skill."

[Stanger86]

My early prediction:
The Mustangs will be 3-2 going into Homecoming Week against the Wildcats on Oct. 12.

[SW_Mustang]

I have us at 5-6 this year. No Mankato helps.

[MrMustang]

Guys report Tuesday -- practice Wednesday