[Austroturf]

Austin Jones must be feeling pretty good about his decision to transfer: 121 yards on 21 carries and two TDs in yesterday's epic win vs. the Bruins.  Why endure the meat-grinder behind a dysfunctional O-line with dysfunctional coaching when you can unleash your potential at a winning program?  More players and recruits will have similar thoughts.  If this year's roster has looked threadbare, next year's will be down to the bone.

I wonder what Austin Jones will be doing in 10 years?

That's a good question.  But that same question is applicable to every player.  My point is this: Jones clearly thinks he has a future in football, maybe even an NFL future.  He determined that he could not achieve that goal as cannon fodder on a deficient offense, so he transferred.  Other good to excellent players have similar aspirations which may or may not pan out for them.  But if they believe in their future at the college and professional level, they will steer clear of Stanford.  And that will compromise our ability to attract and retain such talent, which in turn will vitiate the quality of our team, perpetuating a downward cycle.    

Back when our team was succeeding, excellent players could combine the 40-year decision with their professional aspirations.  That is becoming increasingly difficult, forcing players to make a call.  Jones made his, and it appears to be working out for him so far.  In ten years, we can revisit his decision.  But that decision certainly hurt our depth at RB this year, and he will not be the last to leave.

[Austroturf]

Austin Jones must be feeling pretty good about his decision to transfer: 121 yards on 21 carries and two TDs in yesterday's epic win vs. the Bruins.  Why endure the meat-grinder behind a dysfunctional O-line with dysfunctional coaching when you can unleash your potential at a winning program?  More players and recruits will have similar thoughts.  If this year's roster has looked threadbare, next year's will be down to the bone.

I wonder what Austin Jones will be doing in 10 years?

That's a good question.  But that same question is applicable to every player.  My point is this: Jones clearly thinks he has a future in football, maybe even an NFL future.  He determined that he could not achieve that goal as cannon fodder on a deficient offense, so he transferred.  Other good to excellent players have similar aspirations which may or may not pan out for them.  But if they believe in their future at the college and professional level, they will steer clear of Stanford.  And that will compromise our ability to attract and retain such talent, which in turn will vitiate the quality of our team, perpetuating a downward cycle.    

Back when our team was succeeding, excellent players could combine the 40-year decision with their professional aspirations.  That is becoming increasingly difficult, forcing players to make a call.  Jones made his, and it appears to be working out for him so far.  In ten years, we can revisit his decision.  But that decision certainly hurt our depth at RB this year, and he will not be the last to leave.