Samson Okunlola: My focus is on getting better, not whether I start or not

[COCane4Life]

He’s only a RS sophomore this fall.

Exactly! Man can still have a great career and all of his goals are in front of him. No journey is the same. Hope he kills it this spring!

 

[ScubaCane]

If you're asking who on the 2001 OL would start over the current 24 OL, my answer would be all of them.

If you're asking who on the current 24 OL would start on the 01 OL, my answer would be none of them.

Give me Mauigoa over Joaquin

 

[DTP]

We might have gotten spoiled by Mauigoa. Freshman tackles don’t usually start. Sampson is entering year three though so he needs to make a push for a starting spot somewhere. They’re paying him starting money.

 

[ST26]

View attachment 319252
Give me Mauigoa over Joaquin

Mauigoa definitely clears Joaquin. God imagine an offensive line with Mauigoa and Mckinnie. Cooper and Rivers probably are better than Rasouli/Wilkins and Bibla. Was Rivers a better tackle than Joaquin?

​

 

[ST26]

We might have gotten spoiled by Mauigoa. Freshman tackles don’t usually start. Sampson is entering year three though so he needs to make a push for a starting spot somewhere. They’re paying him starting money.

Players like Mauigoa don't come around often. He is likely going to be a top 10 pick and going to not only have a long NFL career, but an extremely successful one. In 2024, I noticed late in the season Rivers would rotate between Guard and Tackle so Mccoy and Bell could both see the field. I wouldn't be surprised if they do this again with Samson and Mccoy. Maybe they'd have set plays with Mauigoa at Guard and Samson at Tackle?

 

[ben]

do we think he starts this season, and if so, at which position?

 

[STG]

Mauigoa definitely clears Joaquin. God imagine an offensive line with Mauigoa and Mckinnie. Cooper and Rivers probably are better than Rasouli/Wilkins and Bibla. Was Rivers a better tackle than Joaquin?

​

Definitely? Joaquin was a 2x 1st team All-American. Francis hasn't even been a 1st team All-ACC player yet.

While Francis' game translates better to the NFL, to this point in his career, Joaquin was a far superior OL in college.

 

[jed2410]

NIL has changed the expectations a bit I think. If you're going to be negotiating with teams like you're a player, then don't be surprised when folks start wondering WTF is up if you haven't produced in a couple of seasons.

I want guys to be able to take time and develop, but there's a reckoning coming that their NIL value out of high school has to reflect who they'll be as a freshman, not who they might be as a junior or senior. Maybe we're already there. The **** do I know

 

[Ziggy]

Glad he's healthy and frankly on the roster still. Would love to see him grab the starting guard spot or play swing tackle assuming he doesn't beat out Bell.

 

[Sandman211]

View attachment 319252
Give me Mauigoa over Joaquin

Joaquin said DOMINATE bro!!!!!!!!