LSU DB Enters Transfer Portal, Again (looks for real this time)
Kelvin Joseph, DB at LSU, who it looks like is headed to 2nd string in the 2 deep CB rotation this season, and who, apparently, entered the transfer portal two months ago, but then decided to withdraw from it (if he really was in it in the first place), has apparently, entered the transfer portal for sure this time. The story was reported on AL.com ( https://www.al.com/sec/2019/07/lsu-defensive-back-re-enters-ncaa-transfer-portal.html ).
And 247 has picked up the story ( https://247sports.com/college/lsu/Article/Kelvin-Joseph-LSU-NCAA-transfer-portal-133683819/ ). So it seems to be for real this time.
There is no reason why given yet. But "Top Billin" has a 'source' that says he may be unhappy that he won't be starting this season, or something like, he wasn't given a real shot at starting this season. ( https://youtu.be/dJVkauzPcis?t=79 ).
So the question has to be asked, should/is Michigan interested in him?
He was the #7 Safety in 247's proprietary ranking in 2018, and the #42 overall recruit in the class.
I like his video. ( https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4380223/59dce67ef326f50d40153d3b ) He covers a lot of ground at Safety. He comes up aggressively on run plays, and is makes great contact on tackles, very physical. He has some good looking ability in all he does, Safety, a little bit of Corner, WR, and some punt returning. He's listed at 6'2", and depending on which site you believe, 210 or 217 lbs.
If it's true he is disappointed at not being at 1st string, then I guess you'd have to ask does he have an attitude issue? But who knows the circumstances leading up to his situation today.
It is very competitive for CBs at LSU. Being at 2nd string in your second year is a pretty good accomplishment there. He did get a fairly good amount of playing time as a true freshman, 11 games at either/both DB and special teams. The way he tackles I can see why he was on special teams.
Should Michigan be interested in him? LSU wanted to put him in at CB at this point. But to me, watching his video, Safety is his strength, and he may have ended up there some day at LSU. Michigan is doing pretty well at Safety. So maybe they aren't even considering him.
Does anyone know if Don Brown and Mike Zordich are interested in him?
I doubt he will be headed to Michigan. He's probably headed somewhere where he can start his season. May be Rutgers?
I don't know if he feels the need to start that badly.
He may very well not end up here, of course, but you would think that if one had the choice between starting at Rutgers and puking in a bucket, well, it's a nice bucket and it would be a shame not to use it for something....
I’m sure there are exceptions, but I don’t see anyone who went to LSU coming to Michigan. We just don’t offer the same incentives that they are looking for.
Like the good ol Les Miles Team Vote After the Starting Runningback Mercilessly Pounds a Random Person
Wouldn't he have to sit this year anyway? After the latest commitment run, and what's speculated next (Paige) the last thing we need is another safety.
Yeah, if he’s not immediately eligible then I’m not sure he’s worth pursuing. That being said, if Tate Martell can get a waiver, so can this guy.
*Tathan
I don't think he can even make a non-laughable argument for a waiver. He's from Baton Rouge, Orgeron wants him to stay and he's had a hard time deciding whether he wants to stay or go.
But did anyone call him a bad name? That's the real question.
I doubt UM will pursue him. Culture fit, credit transfer, 2020 roster management - a lot of big question marks.
As just a player, his size and playing style could certainly fit at Viper as well as safety. His athleticism would also boost the current roster at safety.
As others have said, doubt it would be a good fit, but talent-wise, I'd take him in a heartbeat.
We’re going to have at least 3 spots open in the backfield next year, maybe 4 if Ambry absolutely blows up, not likely but possible, so hell yes we should be going after him.
No Michigan offer as a recruit, doesn't mean much I guess. Looks like most of his offers were from the south.
“If it’s true he’s disappointed at not being 1st string, then I guess you’d have to ask does he have an attitude issue?”
Wouldn’t almost everyone in the transfer portal have a potential “attitude issue” then? Presumably most people are there because they were disappointed at not being first string. Oliver Martin and Brandon Peters would have potential “attitude issues”, but I assume we’re OK with their reasons for transferring.
Are you really saying the situations are the same between a guy who's the 4th string QB after 3 years and falling down the depth chart after getting passed by two guys who are younger, and a true sophomore who's in the 2-deep as a DB?
Yes, you have to ask about attitude issues in younger players that are transferring due to lack of playing time. That being said, there are also many other valid reasons for transferring, and we have no idea which one applies to this kid.
That’s not an attitude issue could just be competitive/competitor issue. If the kid feels he’s outplaying the players above him on the depth chart in practice and is not being rewarded for it, then it may be time to move on
As the saying goes: if at first you don’t succeed, quit.
This may be splitting the baby a bit, but I've seen a few replies saying that Michigan wouldn't pursue. Maybe the LC Michigan wouldn't, but to think that JH would't go after an available high talent kid who on surface level appears his greatest sin is being indecisive about his future playing prospects at his current school.
The issues are simply does he even have any interest in Michigan and could he make it work. We've seen some transfers fall down because of credit transfers, etc. Not saying this is the case here, I don't know anything about his academics. But that is definitely can it work scenario. More importantly does he have interest? Usually with these transfer situations for Michigan, we end up on a list. Sometimes there's even rumblings before they show up or simultaneously as they are officially transferring (now in the portal).
But the idea that Michigan wouldn't be interested in talented guy who is looking to transfer at a position of potential need, is kinda silly.
He has zero credibility. All hype.
He is going to Michigan like I am going to be the next James Bond! :)
"I expect you to die, Craptain Crunch," Count Chocula said as he released the lever to the shark tank.
“Joseph did not play in LSU’s Fiesta Bowl game win over UCF in January after being suspended by Orgeron for a violation of teams rules.”
Anybody who manages to get himself suspended from LSU by Ed Orgeron was probably guilty of something a bit more serious than grabbing an extra steak at the training table.
The fact that he didn’t even get a Michigan offer is telling to begin with, and getting suspended by Coach O on top of that is a solid sign that he’s not destined for Jim Harbaugh and Michigan.
Almost never is the case when someone wasn't given a "fair chance" to start.... those are almost always players who couldn't cut it and made it excuses.
If u transfer after a year or two because you aren't starting yet, it should be a automatic 1 year sit. Or transfer to divison 2. Kids are such babies anymore
I don't really want a guy who expects to be handed a job like he seems to.
Doubtful since he's not a grad transfer. Getting undergrad credits to transfer to Michigan is hard even when you're dealing with some of the better schools, and LSU is not in that category.
What is Top Billin'?!