I think we only applied one EE from 2019 to 2018, so we are stuck at 26 for 2020 if we have to count Asa. He did enroll, so I’m counting him, but if there is a loophole here then we would have 27 initial counters for 2020. The thing is we only have 13 seniors and 80 on scholarship, so we would need to drop nine of our current underclassmen to stay below 85 scholarships. Tyrec Martin is an obvious candidate since he was recruited for another scheme. Brian Polendy and Derek Smith are the only ones who look even close to that situation. Jeff Thomas and Jon Garvin are the only ones who look like they might be NFL ready after this season, but one or both could still end up returning. There are too many unknowns for a prediction at this point, but if both leave along with the three who aren’t expected to be significant contributors, plus somebody gets kicked off the team at some point for off field issues, that leaves us needing to get scholarships back from three more underclassmen. We gave two to former walkons. My hope is that they were told they were given the scholarships for one year because we had extra, but they are not expected to get renewed if we don’t have extra in 2020. At that point we are down to 86 and there is still a chance that somebody will leave for the NFL way too early like Joe Yearby or a second guy could get dismissed for off field issues. That’s what can keep us under 85.
