OT DT Walter Nolen to Ole Miss

Submitted by 42-27 on December 24th, 2023 at 2:15 PM

Top rated player in the transfer portal.  Michigan had an outside chance at his original recruitment and a wishful-thinking chance at his portal recruitment.

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highlow

December 24th, 2023 at 3:31 PM ^

Imagine earning mid six figures a year from 18-22 and then being told "NCAA says you're out of eligibility, time to get a real job" and earning significantly less than that for the rest of your life.  Sucks. 

Also makes me wonder if someone will eventually sue the NCAA about eligibility limits.  Lotta cash on the line for guys like Michael Sam who tore it up in college but just aren't NFL dudes.  Taulia T seems to be moving in that direction (trying to get an extra year of eligibility because he "barely" burned his redshirt by playing like 20 snaps over 5 games as a frosh, I think).

Joined: 04/17/2020

MGoPoints: 1745

bronxblue

December 24th, 2023 at 8:50 PM ^

The thing's that crazy about Nolen was he looked like a can't-miss 5* DT and while he's been solid at A&M he's not necessarily taken that next step you expect from guys with his pedigree.  I always sort of assumed the NIL/transfer portal would mostly be full of guys who couldn't get on the field or are transferring to a bigger place for visibility, but Nolen has basically been a starter for 2 years now on an SEC team and is now moving to, arguably, a less prominent SEC team going into his third year, the one you assume would be his last.  But there's a real chance he'll just chug along at Ole Miss as a good-but-not-great player.

Joined: 11/22/2008

MGoPoints: 171968

Amazinblu

December 24th, 2023 at 3:32 PM ^

Does anyone know if a Lamborghini was part of his NIL deal?

I saw that a JuCo player who transferred to Ole Miss a few days ago pulled up to his signing ceremony in a Lamborghini.   It seems like it might be the “car of choice” for Ole Miss players.

Joined: 01/22/2010

MGoPoints: 42231

TickerTape

December 24th, 2023 at 3:48 PM ^

I don't know why anyone continues to mention money. We all know exactly how this works today. You can either be a part of it, or chose not to. Your call as a University.

I personally would prefer for all athletes that graduate from high school be able to go pro immediately, others can go to college to get a degree.

Joined: 07/20/2011

MGoPoints: 1130

Durham Blue

December 24th, 2023 at 4:23 PM ^

There are a lot worse destinations than Ole Miss.  Kiffin has that team on an upward trajectory.  It's hard to argue with the logic -- you get the bag and you will be playing for a competitive team.

Joined: 10/09/2008

MGoPoints: 30109

NewBlue7977

December 24th, 2023 at 5:59 PM ^

The starters on the DL next season are set, and Etta is probably going to be an EDGE guy, so unless Pierce and Brandt step up big time, then there is little depth there.

 

I think it is crucial for the Wolverines to land Domani Jackson.  The depth in the secondary looks good, but you need a bonafide talent to start opposite Will Johnson.  A defense cannot lack depth at one position group and not have a solid starter at another and expect to be in the top 10. 

Joined: 04/25/2018

MGoPoints: 3342

Qmatic

December 24th, 2023 at 7:25 PM ^

And to think…NIL was just supposed to allow these kids to go and make money signing autographs or doing an ad for Summit Place Kia…who could have saw this coming 

Joined: 01/09/2013

MGoPoints: 32950

Perkis-Size Me

December 24th, 2023 at 11:42 PM ^

Ole Miss was going to pay him. Michigan wasn’t. 

I don’t fault kids for going to take the money. It’s very likely what I would’ve done if I were in their shoes. I just remember naively believing once upon a time that NIL was going to level the playing field across the board. But in Michigan’s case, I feel like all it’s done is further separate them from the elites. 

By their own choices, of course. 

Joined: 11/30/2011

MGoPoints: 106047