Staten Tweet

[Sbee]

https://twitter.com/Coach_Staten/status/676797237729579008


Mark Staten Retweeted MSU 12-1/11-0

Congrats @Jack_Conklin74 Been a joy to watch you grow. Looking forward to another year of helping you #reachhigher

 

[johnny2x2x]

Was just coming here to post this. I've heard several rumors that he was leaning towards coming back for his senior season. This appears to confirm that, although it falls just short of making it official.

The O line would be better next year than it is right now IMO. McGowan and Clemens are already getting multiple series every game.

Conklin, Allen, McGowan, Clemens, Kieler
That's a stronger unit than this year's. You have Machado and Beedle as guys in the rotation who have played significantly this season. And hopefully a healthy Finley in the mix as well. Hearing Gianacakos, Padla and Stallworth are all ready to get snaps too.

I thought McGowan did better at center this year than Brian Allen when they were filling in for Jack. He's a monster at 325 lbs and reportedly is the strongest guy on the team.

 

[Sbee]

I've heard a lot both ways on Conklin, earlier it was stronger that he was leaving, now I'm hearing more about him possibly staying. I don't know if the move makes sense, if you're a late 1st rounder I'd take the money, no need to keep playing football for free when you can get paid. The only reason to stay is if you just love college football and getting paid isn't the most important thing to you. Everyone has their own thought process for big decisions but it's rarely if ever smart to come back from a financial standpoint.

 

[johnny2x2x]

He was interviewed a couple months ago and gave a pretty clear indication:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT_dnl9U8YA

Says he would not abandon this program because this program gave him a shot when no one else would. It's comical that this kid was not just a walk on, he was a walk on with zero offers anywhere else.

I think he's coming back.

 

[Sbee]

He was interviewed a couple months ago and gave a pretty clear indication:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT_dnl9U8YA

Says he would not abandon this program because this program gave him a shot when no one else would. It's comical that this kid was not just a walk on, he was a walk on with zero offers anywhere else.

I think he's coming back.

maybe he is but I'd hardly consider jumping to the NFL after a big ten title and playoff berth when you're a likely 1st rounder to be "abandoning the program."

 

[johnny2x2x]

maybe he is but I'd hardly consider jumping to the NFL after a big ten title and playoff berth when you're a likely 1st rounder to be "abandoning the program."

No doubt, will be happy for him if he leaves, the kid has been unbelievable and is just as good at run blocking as he is at pass pro.

I think Bolles is a big recruit for us this year if Conklin does leave, he's a 5 star JUCO LT who could play right away. Not sure when Finley will be ready, doubt he's in Spring ball, but suspect he'll be a full go before Fall camp.

 

[everyoneneedsasmil]

Let's keep in mind that the playoff games could make a big difference. Both to his perspective and his stock. If we win it all and he plays well against strong competition, he could vault up into the top 10 of the draft. Similarly, if Alabama blows us out, maybe he decides coming back is pointless. Also, as mentioned, he has several million reasons to leave. I just don't want to make any assumptions about a player returning until the season is over.

 

[johnny2x2x]

I think the line will still be solid without him, but we'll need a LT to step up. Finley looked pretty good, but will his leg be healed in time.

And putting a LT into the first round of the draft is a pretty big deal for the program too.

 

[johnny2x2x]

Hearing more that Conklin is likely to return for his senior season.

Also hearing Corley and L Hill are likely to commit to MSU together. George Hill committing this Saturday.

 

[Spartan23MSU]

Its still down the road. Lavert doesnt have a visit planned to MSU until Jan 22nd. The waiting game continues.