I've been thinking about some of the 'handwringing' as it relates to potentially losing a few guys, and I happen to be in the camp that thinks it could be really good for the program.
If we get in the routine of sending two year starters to the league (getting drafted) then I think its a huge 'selling point' to recruits.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
It depends what you mean by "better." Getting first round talent through your program is a good recruiting tool. On the other hand, we've never really had trouble getting defensive talent into our program. LPD and DBU are things for a reason. But if he comes back, along with his brother, there is legit potential to be a NY6 team and borderline playoff squad. That, in my opinion, is better than getting another player in the NFL draft first round for the program's future.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
True we get talented college players; however LPD doesn't have a good record of putting players into the NFL. Its a point that (so I've heard) we get negatively recruited on. Putting first rounders in the NFL may (should?) have an effect on the Henrys & Hands coming up.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
For long term success, I think getting into NY6 consistently helps recruiting/program perception more than a player going early and getting drafted in the first round. Both help tremendously, and I think he should go pro if he has a first round grade (let me tell you about a little place called Sacksonville, if you're reading this Tremaine...).
Not sure there is a right answer here, but players leaving early on a consistent basis is a good problem to have.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I'm with this line of thinking. Have the guys stay now to kickstart the whole process, so in a few years, we're in the position where it doesn't matter and we can use both the "perennial ACC/NY6 contenders" and "early high NFL draft picks" pitches.
I also don't want to risk a string of Bucky/Jerod situations, where they leave early, but don't get drafted highly if at all. That doesn't help VT or the player.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Tremaine should go to the NFL if his draft grade is 1st . As much as I love to see him stay i don't think his draft stock will get much higher. Of course having one of our athletes go in the 1st helps our recruiting as well .Next man up which would be Rivers , I would love to see what the kid can do he has lots of potential.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
i don't think his draft stock will get much higher
I disagree with this. He is attractive to the NFL right now but he hasn't reached the peak of his draft stock potential. I see him getting Jadeveon Clowney type of recognition next year as a Hokie.
As it has been wisely stated above, he has some experienced people to talk to about this decision. Whatever he chooses will be good great.
.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I'm gonna have to, um, disagree with you here. Jadeveon Clowney was the #1 recruit in the nation, started from day 1, and was a force from day 1.
Tremaine has been VERY good this year, but he's nowhere near the impact player that Clowney was. Additionally, you could argue that Clowney was the most insane physical specimen ever at the NFL combine.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Yea, ok, that is getting carried away... but I do think he is on a sharp slope of improvement and is yet to reach his potential. I think he can/will be an impact player for years to come. Am I just wearing O/M glasses?
After whoopin' Clemson in the ACCCG (and strong performance in the playoffs) he would be a household name going into next years draft.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Yea I got to disagree with the comparison. Clowney was a freak of nature but also a outside rusher which is the most desirable need outside of a qb in the NFL . Tremaine is not that . One hell of a player but at his position he has shown the production and tools needed to get drafted high .
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
What's the difference between a second-year guy getting drafted in the first round and a third-year guy getting drafted in the first round? From the program's perspective, that's the relevant question, right? It seems clear to me it would be better for the program to have his production on the field next year and a first-round pick in 2019 than to have a first-round pick in 2018. (If he would not be a first-round draft pick next year, it would be a completely different question. The value of his production vs. the value of his draft status would be an interesting debate. But if he comes back, the program still gets a first-round draft pick. We just have to wait a year.)
Clearly, from his perspective, if he has a reasonable expectation to be drafted in the first round, he should take the opportunity.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
This is the correct take, IMO. I think that obviously we would like for him to come back but if he has a first round grade... take it. However, him coming back next year is the much better option from the team's perspective.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Spot on - I'm not sure that recruits pay attention to when first draft picks leave school - I think they're just more interested in what round players are drafted (maybe I'm wrong... what the hell do I know about 17 year olds?). The ideal situation is Tremaine comes back next year, leads another stellar defense, perhaps wins the coastal (or maybe even the ACC) and is then drafted first round.
**Obligatory** He should get paid ASAP if the NFL advisory committee things he's a first rounder.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Agree with your point, but there's also the chance he comes back and gets injured, and drops to a later round. While it would be great to have him back another year, if he gets a first round grade, he should go
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Long term, establishing a few years of high draft picks at linebacker/DL will have an ENORMOUS impact on our recruiting, but I'm not sure if it's just a one-off or occasional situation that it will have as large of an effect on our recruiting. So, I think it's better for VT if we can get him to stay another year for the good of the team and defense, BUT I also think, personally, if you are a 1st round player, you should go pro instead of risking injury for another year playing for no money.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I say it's better for the program if he actually gets taken in the 1st round. As we learned last year, projections are crap, and even though almost everyone has Tremaine going very early, if he falls to the 3rd round then I would almost think it would have been better for the program as a whole (not necessarily Tremaine himself) if he came back for his senior season.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I think getting guys selected early in the draft AND SUCCESSFULLY PLAYING in the league is huge. If Tremaine can do that after this season, I think it's an overall plus for the program.
That being said, I think in order to get to where we want to be we need to establish enough talented depth that guys don't leave early because they are spending 1-2 years in the program before they are starting due to the talent in front of them. I guess what I'm getting at is any talented player should be thinking about leaving after ~2 successful seasons starting. Ideally that 2 years starting is as a Jr/Sr instead of a Fr/So.
I think that kind of depth is easier talked about than acquired, but I also think we're seeing solid improvement in recruiting that could get us there in the future. As an example, I don't think a receiver of Isaiah Ford's Freshman ability will be starting as a Freshman out of the 19/20 classes. Our WR recruiting is good enough over the past few seasons that even with 4* talent, that player gets a year or so in the program before he's "the guy" in the receiver room.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Tremaine's personal interests aside, I think for this program to have the type of season it needs next year, he, his brother, and any other guys considering leaving early should stay. I agree that a lack of recent high draft picks is a liability from a recruiting standpoint, but the three guys leaving early last year and going extremely late and undrafted was not a good look at all. I couldn't help but think how much different the Clemson and Miami games might have been with those three still here.
Tremaine would likely have the highest draft grade of anyone considering leaving early, but I think it's best if everyone stays one more year for the program and long-term NFL development.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I think winning is a more impactful recruiting tool than draft success, especially if it isn't consistent success. I think it would benefit the program more to have him stay and thus help us field a more complete defense.
However, what is best for the program isn't necessarily what is best for Tremaine.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
A guy stays in the program for 3 solid years and then gets drafted early is pretty good and this is not the norm at most programs so I wouldn't take it as something we should "worry" about. I think when it happens its good for the program. We need to continue to recruit and develop guys coming in, I do see a lot of linebackers on the roster but how many are ready? what's the potential? lets hope that they start to progress.
A different position but at WR, we lost a lot but we also see a lot of new talent coming in and contributing. This is a good sign.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I think keeping this defense as intact as possible and getting a year of improvement (and another wave of "Fuente's guys" pushing out Beamer's) out of the offense would go a lot further for the perception of the program than Tremaine being a late first rounder right now.
Putting together a third year in a row of success without regressing with Fuente would be a huge deal.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
There is no doubt in my mind that Tremaine coming back is best for VT. However, it may or may not be what is best for Tremaine. Tremaine makes us a better more exciting team to watch; product on the field to me is most important to fans and recruits than one player going pro early is. If you want to make this purely about recruiting, sure you can use Tremaine as an example, but these high school players aren't turning on their TV to hear about "X" VT player turning pro, they are watching good teams play each other and who is in the playoffs. Great players come out of mediocre schools all the time and in some cases it helps recruiting to an extent, but a good coach and a high team ranking leads to more conversation about your team and how good they are. That's what sticks in the mind of a recruit more. Boston College seems to only create 1st round picks every couple of years and it really hasn't lead them anywhere. I will always hope for the kids to stay, break records and enjoy VT football, but it's for them to decide whats best for themselves. Good luck Tremaine.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Your BC point might be the best one. I think most people would agree that Keuchly is arguably the best LB in the NFL but it doesn't help their recruiting.
Probably better for the program for him to come back and continue to help us win lots of games (and maybe he gets more national attention for himself next year as well).
However, if he leaves early and gets drafted in the 1st round AND we land a Dax to keep restocking the depth chart - you could argue that him leaving is better. Provided that his leaving contributed to landing Dax.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
I'd rather he stay, and it's probably better for the program if he does, but it's 50/50 on what would be better for him personally. On one hand, he already has a degree and is projected as the top OLB in this class. But he also doesn't look like he's quite ready to start in the NFL. Another year at Tech would likely help his development a bit, but brings injury risk and the possibility of a down season next year.
Whatever he chooses, I hope he fully understands it, that it's his choice alone, and that he does so without regret. As long as he's good with his decision, I am too.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
After going forth & back, I feel for truly long-term, go pro (if it's the first 3 rds). If it's the 2nd half of the 3rd round or latter, then come back (obviously). But we've seen with Clemson, Bamy, halFaSsU (& yes even da U) that this particular selling point grows, improves and assists in the sustainability of the program.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
If Tremaine rates as a first round guy, he needs to go get paid. If he doesn't, he needs to evaluate if another year is going to up his stock and the coaches need to have that conversation with him, help him focus on whatever he needs to improve on to up his grade.
Honestly, I think the coaches supporting whatever decision he makes is most important. We sell the family aspect of the program, coaches should be seen living that approach.
I have no reason to believe any of coaches WOULDN'T do this or haven't done it in the past, but the whole point of this program (besides making the NCAA billions, of course) is to prepare these men for life. Recruits' moms and dads need to know that's what our focus is on.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Unfortunately, it is not as much what round he gets drafted, or even what year, It is how he does in the NFL that really makes a difference. A Chancellor type career does a lot more for VT than playing next year or going in the first round, and that is not a done deal either way. I hope he does what is best for him, as he has earned that in my opinion, and I hope it leads to a great NFL career in which he wants to rep VT.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
He should probably stay. We have a returning DL that will get even better next year. Last year he had some learning curves but started to show what he can do. Next year I think would be a showcase year for him. When you look at the fact that rookies are locked into a first year contract, and that the rewards of being in the upper portion of the first round are so dramatic, he should think very seriously about trying to have a "showcase" of a year next year and hit that top part of the first round. As long as Bud sees a way to put him to work the way he did this year and perhaps allow him to showcase a pass rush capability (assuming he has it), he should be able to get draft folks really excited to draft him high.
Now with that said, how is our starting CB and depth going to fare? Could impact his numbers. He is young. We don't know if he will get too big for a LB position. Like his brother who put on alot of weight for the S position and struggled to maintain his positioning, he could eat / lift his way into playing on the DL and his prospects there might be totally different. Also his measurables might not be that great we just don't know. If his measurables aren't that great he might get passed next year by guys who have a body of work and measurables. If any of these risk factors are real, he should probably come out if he is likely to be drafted late first round or better. If they are not real, I think he should stay and try to become a high first round draft pick.
Its complicated. I hope he has some good representation. Lawyers, deal guys, I dunno. Really needs advice by someone like Mayock combined with some probabilistic financial analyses, etc. Although I feel Mayock has slacked off in some recent years, knowing who is in the pipeline for next year and whether drafting teams have a real first round need for his services this year.... thats real hardcore football stuff. Might not be Mayock, but they need to find that person and have some real discussions with him / her.
Putting a LB into the upper portion of the first round is a potential big selling point for Bud and Charlie. Hope this works out either way for TE and his family.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
The other thing to consider is Tremaine's age. I can't remember off the top of my head but I thought he started school when he was 17. Which puts him at 19/20 now. That might factor into things in regards to him being physically ready for the league.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Ehh...tough call. If he goes first round, great gotta do it. Not bad for tech from a recruiting standpoint. If he waits he'll get a ton of hype nationally and probably go first round plus we get a year of production from him. The latter is best for tech in my opinion. But it's better for Tremaine if he he goes forst round this year, clearly.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
For the program, its probably him coming back next year. He's so young and has so many attributes even if he gets injured I doubt it impacts his draft stock that much. And he'd come back to lead a team that has an outside chance at competing for New Years 6, which would be big for recruiting.
For him personally though, he should go. If you have a chance at being a first round pick you go, no second thoughts IMO.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Tremaine's draft position will not matter much, unless it's tied to NFL success, especially probowl level success. Chancellor, despite being drafted 5th round has had more of an impact on the program than David Wilson in the 1st. Same can be argued with Taylor in the 6th and Kendall Fuller in the 3rd. Perennial NFL success (which involves talent, luck in health) is probably more important than draft position.
So, to answer your question. If the D stays together (Settle and Terrell too), it will be elite. The Offense should be better with experience. NY6 appearance in 2018/2019 will be a bigger impact than a single player drafted in the first round in 2018. If I'm Tremaine, I guess I'd leave, but I don't know. I think a shot at NY6 may be worth the stay.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Agree with everyone NY6 Appearance > First Round, but First Round > 10-3 Season, its a fine line.
For him though, a small percentage of NFL players make great money, if hes rated 1st round he should go, and Im sure the coaches are saying the same thing. Just looking at Cap Hit (I dont know how that relates to guaranteed payments) but only 400 players make over 4 mill. Average NFL career is something like 2/2.5 years? So what, 20% of NFL players roughly make life changing money. Without diving too deep, probably around 40% + annualized over 40 years make a little over the US Avg Annual Household Income....
I dont know how guaranteed money works in the NFL, but just looking at signing bonuses 1st round is life changing money, anything under $4m it makes more sense to stay.
Yes $4m invested wisely = life changing, but $4m one time payment for someone without a college degree is the equivalent of 40 years at around $100k a year, good money for sure, but not lavish. Sure they could go back to college and be ahead but, the culture doesnt seem to fit that mold, 78% of NFL players are bankrupt or in financial stress 2 years after retirement.
If you looked at last year:
Sam Rogers probably made the most? Given practice squad makes $7200 a week min, I dont know how many weeks NFL considers payable, but hes probably around $200k this year roughly. Good salary no doubt, but if someone were to tell me Id only make a little over $200k over the next 5 years, Im staying in school.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
If he is evaluated to be a first round draft pick he needs to declare for the draft. I am sure Fuente/Foster would say the same to him. If he stays, I will be ecstatic...If he declares and is drafted high, I will be ecstatic as it shows another Hokie doing great in his line of work and shows the program can develop top tier linebackers. This is really a win-win situation.
Log in or register to post comments about the Virginia Tech Hokies
Comments
I've been thinking about some of the 'handwringing' as it relates to potentially losing a few guys, and I happen to be in the camp that thinks it could be really good for the program.
If we get in the routine of sending two year starters to the league (getting drafted) then I think its a huge 'selling point' to recruits.
It depends what you mean by "better." Getting first round talent through your program is a good recruiting tool. On the other hand, we've never really had trouble getting defensive talent into our program. LPD and DBU are things for a reason. But if he comes back, along with his brother, there is legit potential to be a NY6 team and borderline playoff squad. That, in my opinion, is better than getting another player in the NFL draft first round for the program's future.
True we get talented college players; however LPD doesn't have a good record of putting players into the NFL. Its a point that (so I've heard) we get negatively recruited on. Putting first rounders in the NFL may (should?) have an effect on the Henrys & Hands coming up.
For long term success, I think getting into NY6 consistently helps recruiting/program perception more than a player going early and getting drafted in the first round. Both help tremendously, and I think he should go pro if he has a first round grade (let me tell you about a little place called Sacksonville, if you're reading this Tremaine...).
Not sure there is a right answer here, but players leaving early on a consistent basis is a good problem to have.
I'm with this line of thinking. Have the guys stay now to kickstart the whole process, so in a few years, we're in the position where it doesn't matter and we can use both the "perennial ACC/NY6 contenders" and "early high NFL draft picks" pitches.
I also don't want to risk a string of Bucky/Jerod situations, where they leave early, but don't get drafted highly if at all. That doesn't help VT or the player.
Tremaine should go to the NFL if his draft grade is 1st . As much as I love to see him stay i don't think his draft stock will get much higher. Of course having one of our athletes go in the 1st helps our recruiting as well .Next man up which would be Rivers , I would love to see what the kid can do he has lots of potential.
I disagree with this. He is attractive to the NFL right now but he hasn't reached the peak of his draft stock potential. I see him getting Jadeveon Clowney type of recognition next year as a Hokie.
As it has been wisely stated above, he has some experienced people to talk to about this decision. Whatever he chooses will be
goodgreat..
I'm gonna have to, um, disagree with you here. Jadeveon Clowney was the #1 recruit in the nation, started from day 1, and was a force from day 1.
Tremaine has been VERY good this year, but he's nowhere near the impact player that Clowney was. Additionally, you could argue that Clowney was the most insane physical specimen ever at the NFL combine.
Yea, ok, that is getting carried away... but I do think he is on a sharp slope of improvement and is yet to reach his potential. I think he can/will be an impact player for years to come. Am I just wearing O/M glasses?
After whoopin' Clemson in the ACCCG (and strong performance in the playoffs) he would be a household name going into next years draft.
Yea I got to disagree with the comparison. Clowney was a freak of nature but also a outside rusher which is the most desirable need outside of a qb in the NFL . Tremaine is not that . One hell of a player but at his position he has shown the production and tools needed to get drafted high .
What's the difference between a second-year guy getting drafted in the first round and a third-year guy getting drafted in the first round? From the program's perspective, that's the relevant question, right? It seems clear to me it would be better for the program to have his production on the field next year and a first-round pick in 2019 than to have a first-round pick in 2018. (If he would not be a first-round draft pick next year, it would be a completely different question. The value of his production vs. the value of his draft status would be an interesting debate. But if he comes back, the program still gets a first-round draft pick. We just have to wait a year.)
Clearly, from his perspective, if he has a reasonable expectation to be drafted in the first round, he should take the opportunity.
This is the correct take, IMO. I think that obviously we would like for him to come back but if he has a first round grade... take it. However, him coming back next year is the much better option from the team's perspective.
Spot on - I'm not sure that recruits pay attention to when first draft picks leave school - I think they're just more interested in what round players are drafted (maybe I'm wrong... what the hell do I know about 17 year olds?). The ideal situation is Tremaine comes back next year, leads another stellar defense, perhaps wins the coastal (or maybe even the ACC) and is then drafted first round.
**Obligatory** He should get paid ASAP if the NFL advisory committee things he's a first rounder.
Agree with your point, but there's also the chance he comes back and gets injured, and drops to a later round. While it would be great to have him back another year, if he gets a first round grade, he should go
Long term, establishing a few years of high draft picks at linebacker/DL will have an ENORMOUS impact on our recruiting, but I'm not sure if it's just a one-off or occasional situation that it will have as large of an effect on our recruiting. So, I think it's better for VT if we can get him to stay another year for the good of the team and defense, BUT I also think, personally, if you are a 1st round player, you should go pro instead of risking injury for another year playing for no money.
I say it's better for the program if he actually gets taken in the 1st round. As we learned last year, projections are crap, and even though almost everyone has Tremaine going very early, if he falls to the 3rd round then I would almost think it would have been better for the program as a whole (not necessarily Tremaine himself) if he came back for his senior season.
I think getting guys selected early in the draft AND SUCCESSFULLY PLAYING in the league is huge. If Tremaine can do that after this season, I think it's an overall plus for the program.
That being said, I think in order to get to where we want to be we need to establish enough talented depth that guys don't leave early because they are spending 1-2 years in the program before they are starting due to the talent in front of them. I guess what I'm getting at is any talented player should be thinking about leaving after ~2 successful seasons starting. Ideally that 2 years starting is as a Jr/Sr instead of a Fr/So.
I think that kind of depth is easier talked about than acquired, but I also think we're seeing solid improvement in recruiting that could get us there in the future. As an example, I don't think a receiver of Isaiah Ford's Freshman ability will be starting as a Freshman out of the 19/20 classes. Our WR recruiting is good enough over the past few seasons that even with 4* talent, that player gets a year or so in the program before he's "the guy" in the receiver room.
Tremaine's personal interests aside, I think for this program to have the type of season it needs next year, he, his brother, and any other guys considering leaving early should stay. I agree that a lack of recent high draft picks is a liability from a recruiting standpoint, but the three guys leaving early last year and going extremely late and undrafted was not a good look at all. I couldn't help but think how much different the Clemson and Miami games might have been with those three still here.
Tremaine would likely have the highest draft grade of anyone considering leaving early, but I think it's best if everyone stays one more year for the program and long-term NFL development.
I think winning is a more impactful recruiting tool than draft success, especially if it isn't consistent success. I think it would benefit the program more to have him stay and thus help us field a more complete defense.
However, what is best for the program isn't necessarily what is best for Tremaine.
edit: meant to post as a reply to TXHOKIE
A guy stays in the program for 3 solid years and then gets drafted early is pretty good and this is not the norm at most programs so I wouldn't take it as something we should "worry" about. I think when it happens its good for the program. We need to continue to recruit and develop guys coming in, I do see a lot of linebackers on the roster but how many are ready? what's the potential? lets hope that they start to progress.
A different position but at WR, we lost a lot but we also see a lot of new talent coming in and contributing. This is a good sign.
I think keeping this defense as intact as possible and getting a year of improvement (and another wave of "Fuente's guys" pushing out Beamer's) out of the offense would go a lot further for the perception of the program than Tremaine being a late first rounder right now.
Putting together a third year in a row of success without regressing with Fuente would be a huge deal.
There is no doubt in my mind that Tremaine coming back is best for VT. However, it may or may not be what is best for Tremaine. Tremaine makes us a better more exciting team to watch; product on the field to me is most important to fans and recruits than one player going pro early is. If you want to make this purely about recruiting, sure you can use Tremaine as an example, but these high school players aren't turning on their TV to hear about "X" VT player turning pro, they are watching good teams play each other and who is in the playoffs. Great players come out of mediocre schools all the time and in some cases it helps recruiting to an extent, but a good coach and a high team ranking leads to more conversation about your team and how good they are. That's what sticks in the mind of a recruit more. Boston College seems to only create 1st round picks every couple of years and it really hasn't lead them anywhere. I will always hope for the kids to stay, break records and enjoy VT football, but it's for them to decide whats best for themselves. Good luck Tremaine.
Your BC point might be the best one. I think most people would agree that Keuchly is arguably the best LB in the NFL but it doesn't help their recruiting.
Probably better for the program for him to come back and continue to help us win lots of games (and maybe he gets more national attention for himself next year as well).
However, if he leaves early and gets drafted in the 1st round AND we land a Dax to keep restocking the depth chart - you could argue that him leaving is better. Provided that his leaving contributed to landing Dax.
This is a good "problem" to have.
I'd rather he stay, and it's probably better for the program if he does, but it's 50/50 on what would be better for him personally. On one hand, he already has a degree and is projected as the top OLB in this class. But he also doesn't look like he's quite ready to start in the NFL. Another year at Tech would likely help his development a bit, but brings injury risk and the possibility of a down season next year.
Whatever he chooses, I hope he fully understands it, that it's his choice alone, and that he does so without regret. As long as he's good with his decision, I am too.
After going forth & back, I feel for truly long-term, go pro (if it's the first 3 rds). If it's the 2nd half of the 3rd round or latter, then come back (obviously). But we've seen with Clemson, Bamy, halFaSsU (& yes even da U) that this particular selling point grows, improves and assists in the sustainability of the program.
If Tremaine rates as a first round guy, he needs to go get paid. If he doesn't, he needs to evaluate if another year is going to up his stock and the coaches need to have that conversation with him, help him focus on whatever he needs to improve on to up his grade.
Honestly, I think the coaches supporting whatever decision he makes is most important. We sell the family aspect of the program, coaches should be seen living that approach.
I have no reason to believe any of coaches WOULDN'T do this or haven't done it in the past, but the whole point of this program (besides making the NCAA billions, of course) is to prepare these men for life. Recruits' moms and dads need to know that's what our focus is on.
Maybe he has "unfinished business" like Blanding last year. 15.
Unfortunately, it is not as much what round he gets drafted, or even what year, It is how he does in the NFL that really makes a difference. A Chancellor type career does a lot more for VT than playing next year or going in the first round, and that is not a done deal either way. I hope he does what is best for him, as he has earned that in my opinion, and I hope it leads to a great NFL career in which he wants to rep VT.
He should probably stay. We have a returning DL that will get even better next year. Last year he had some learning curves but started to show what he can do. Next year I think would be a showcase year for him. When you look at the fact that rookies are locked into a first year contract, and that the rewards of being in the upper portion of the first round are so dramatic, he should think very seriously about trying to have a "showcase" of a year next year and hit that top part of the first round. As long as Bud sees a way to put him to work the way he did this year and perhaps allow him to showcase a pass rush capability (assuming he has it), he should be able to get draft folks really excited to draft him high.
Now with that said, how is our starting CB and depth going to fare? Could impact his numbers. He is young. We don't know if he will get too big for a LB position. Like his brother who put on alot of weight for the S position and struggled to maintain his positioning, he could eat / lift his way into playing on the DL and his prospects there might be totally different. Also his measurables might not be that great we just don't know. If his measurables aren't that great he might get passed next year by guys who have a body of work and measurables. If any of these risk factors are real, he should probably come out if he is likely to be drafted late first round or better. If they are not real, I think he should stay and try to become a high first round draft pick.
Its complicated. I hope he has some good representation. Lawyers, deal guys, I dunno. Really needs advice by someone like Mayock combined with some probabilistic financial analyses, etc. Although I feel Mayock has slacked off in some recent years, knowing who is in the pipeline for next year and whether drafting teams have a real first round need for his services this year.... thats real hardcore football stuff. Might not be Mayock, but they need to find that person and have some real discussions with him / her.
Putting a LB into the upper portion of the first round is a potential big selling point for Bud and Charlie. Hope this works out either way for TE and his family.
Forbes Article on Draftee Pay
TBH I had no idea it was this much money.
The other thing to consider is Tremaine's age. I can't remember off the top of my head but I thought he started school when he was 17. Which puts him at 19/20 now. That might factor into things in regards to him being physically ready for the league.
Ehh...tough call. If he goes first round, great gotta do it. Not bad for tech from a recruiting standpoint. If he waits he'll get a ton of hype nationally and probably go first round plus we get a year of production from him. The latter is best for tech in my opinion. But it's better for Tremaine if he he goes forst round this year, clearly.
For the program, its probably him coming back next year. He's so young and has so many attributes even if he gets injured I doubt it impacts his draft stock that much. And he'd come back to lead a team that has an outside chance at competing for New Years 6, which would be big for recruiting.
For him personally though, he should go. If you have a chance at being a first round pick you go, no second thoughts IMO.
Tremaine's draft position will not matter much, unless it's tied to NFL success, especially probowl level success. Chancellor, despite being drafted 5th round has had more of an impact on the program than David Wilson in the 1st. Same can be argued with Taylor in the 6th and Kendall Fuller in the 3rd. Perennial NFL success (which involves talent, luck in health) is probably more important than draft position.
So, to answer your question. If the D stays together (Settle and Terrell too), it will be elite. The Offense should be better with experience. NY6 appearance in 2018/2019 will be a bigger impact than a single player drafted in the first round in 2018. If I'm Tremaine, I guess I'd leave, but I don't know. I think a shot at NY6 may be worth the stay.
Agree with everyone NY6 Appearance > First Round, but First Round > 10-3 Season, its a fine line.
For him though, a small percentage of NFL players make great money, if hes rated 1st round he should go, and Im sure the coaches are saying the same thing. Just looking at Cap Hit (I dont know how that relates to guaranteed payments) but only 400 players make over 4 mill. Average NFL career is something like 2/2.5 years? So what, 20% of NFL players roughly make life changing money. Without diving too deep, probably around 40% + annualized over 40 years make a little over the US Avg Annual Household Income....
I dont know how guaranteed money works in the NFL, but just looking at signing bonuses 1st round is life changing money, anything under $4m it makes more sense to stay.
Yes $4m invested wisely = life changing, but $4m one time payment for someone without a college degree is the equivalent of 40 years at around $100k a year, good money for sure, but not lavish. Sure they could go back to college and be ahead but, the culture doesnt seem to fit that mold, 78% of NFL players are bankrupt or in financial stress 2 years after retirement.
If you looked at last year:
Sam Rogers probably made the most? Given practice squad makes $7200 a week min, I dont know how many weeks NFL considers payable, but hes probably around $200k this year roughly. Good salary no doubt, but if someone were to tell me Id only make a little over $200k over the next 5 years, Im staying in school.
If he is evaluated to be a first round draft pick he needs to declare for the draft. I am sure Fuente/Foster would say the same to him. If he stays, I will be ecstatic...If he declares and is drafted high, I will be ecstatic as it shows another Hokie doing great in his line of work and shows the program can develop top tier linebackers. This is really a win-win situation.