BREAKING: Josh Barajas Transferring to Illinois State

I guess we made it to the 85 man limit.

Best for both sides

This is why you don't count your four stars before they are hatched.

Good for both parties. He was lost on the depth chart.

That is a shame. I thought he was going to be a good one but he never put it together. Hopefully the change of scenery is all he needs.

This is why you need to recruit quality prospects at every position each year so that you have the best odds of productive play. Some 4/5 star guys don't pan out but the odds they do are much higher than for 3 star players and below. Having 50+ 4/5 stars on the roster at various stages of development is a good start. The fewer gaps you have in recruiting, the better your chances of consistent success as long as you are developing properly.

Guys flame out for various reasons (academics, injuries, effort, scheme change, etc). You never want to see guys leave before getting their ND degree but when the handwriting is on the wall from a playing time perspective it happens sometimes.

We definitely have some gaps in recruiting at certain spots but I am optimistic that the player development and coaching is back on track. We will find out in the fall. We recruit at easily a top 15 level and now we need to get production commensurate with that.

And this is why not to worry about scholarship counts in May. Funny how it always seems to get to 85. This was one I can honestly say I expected. Really liked this kid, just never worked out for him at ND. Wish him the best. Now, lets just hope for a drama-free summer (and several commits after Invasion!).

Saban would have had him gone last year. He could have ridden it out to a degree at ND if he had wanted. That's the difference between the two schools and success on the field. If they don't make it early, broom them and go get a grey shirt or JUCO who shows promise or get another recruit. Urban does the same. Two 4* who were mistakes have left OSU this year already.

Edwards44 said:

---

I seem to recall that Coach D and Mike LOVED Barajas. I had high hopes.

---

Everyone "loved" him at one point. He was a highly regarded recruit.

I thought this kid would fly all over the field someday. I thought Kizer would throw it on the money in crunch time even more in his second season, too. Potential unfulfilled is so weird sometimes. Go get 'em 30!!.

Crickets

Why is he transferring, especially downgrading football schools?

Who else did we lose this year?

Don't you think it is too early to say it never worked out for him? I am curious what the real reason for his departure? I am from IL and I can't imagine this level of downgrade. ND LBs the last few years have not been tackling well or shedding blocks well. Whether he gets playing time or not, good character people and players are always contributors on the football team. Relationships matter on sports teams and when you lose people to transfer or even for marijuana it is like severance of a limb (or almost).

You'd think his employment prospects would be better with a degree from ND rather than Illinois State.

nwdomer said:

---

You'd think his employment prospects would be better with a degree from ND rather than Illinois State.

---

Yeah, makes no sense to me. Either transfer to a solid football school (in the slim hopes of that being a better pathway to the NFL or perhaps chance of last glory of playing for a NC team) or a equal or better academic school.

Obviously his talent is not what was projected or OSU or PSU would have been interested. They recruited him and have openings in the junior class. Probably should have gone to Ball State out of HS.

The warning signs went off his first year when he was purported to have put on too much bad weight, Some guys just aren't ready for this level of football. Dropping down to I State might be a great chance for him to jump start his college football life. Best wishes Josh.

Great person, wish him the best...

Mike Frank said:

---

Edwards44 said:

---

I seem to recall that Coach D and Mike LOVED Barajas. I had high hopes.

---

I did like him, not as much as Driskell. Driskell had him the No. 1 player in the class if I remember correctly.

I did think he'd be a good player and worth a 4-star ranking, though.

I think he got off on the wrong foot at ND and just didn't recover.

Mike

---

That's what I remember as well that CoachD had him as the #1 player. I was pumped about his prospects after hearing that, but he was disappointing from day one when he came in apparently out of shape.

Came iin overweight and out of shape. Never recovered and possibly the staff was biased against him because of this.

Hope he has great experience at his new home.