Posted
12/31/21

 





Brandon Joseph Enters the Transfer Portal

Joining a group of former Wildcats who had announced their exit from NU soon after the team's last game, All-American defensive back Brandon Joseph posted his decision to leave the program Thursday night on Twitter. Joseph's departure is understandable: had he left college after his 2020 season, he likely would have been a high draft pick; instead, after suffering through defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil's debut season, Joseph's NFL stock has likely plummeted, and he will need to rebuild his pro prospects with a more competent defensive squad.

While it is understandable, Joseph's flight from NU is gutting, nonetheless. He leaves without a degree from the school, which damages the program's stats for excellence in graduation, and his absence will make any attempt at rebuilding in 2022 much more challenging for the team.

Before Joseph made his departure public, Coach Fitzgerald had been asked about the 2021 season and the player departures up to that point. Fitzgerald mentioned that, to him, the 2021 season felt like the 1994 season; in other words, a bumpy road with a very young team before a great season. Unfortunately, 2021 to me has more of a 1974 vibe than one from 1994: the program seems to be on a precipice, teetering toward free fall. Joseph's departure might have personal and private motives of which we simply are not aware. However, it feels like a strong indication that the NU program, particularly on the defensive side of the line, has some very deep problems right now. Fitzgerald is the captain of this ship, and we trust in the captain. However, the ship seems to be heading directly toward a very rocky place, and Fitz doesn't have long to take some dramatic steps to course correct. That's not his usual style, but he needs to make it so.