Topic: What's everyone's opinion on Ali's future

[herd1990]

(1). Apply for NFL Draft

(2). Transfer Portal

(3). Finish career with the Herd

I'd say #1 and he goes round 5.

[goherd24]

He'll definitely "with that being said" and enter the draft or transfer portal. If i was him, I'd hit the NIL money train and try to cash in. I am not sure if anyone drafts him. I honestly don't think he is an nfl back. He is missing speed and elusiveness, and He has gotten ran down by linebackers before on breakaway runs, but he is strong and a tough runner. I hope he has a long nfl career, just don't see it. I truly think Laborn had a better chance than Ali, and was a slightly better RB.

But he would be crazy to come back to this %^&* show.

[luvherd]

#1. Ends up free agent. Has a sihot at making a roster.

[MicDrass1]

NFL

[MicDrass1]

Or ends up in Big Ten or Notre Dame.

[Garbanjo]

I don't think he gets drafted

So, declare and hope for free agent deal or transfer to Ohio State

[bbcard1]

I could be wrong, but I would not be shocked if he ends up back in Huntington if a good NIL package can be put together for him. He and Huff seem to have an understanding that works for them. Unless you are a very rare back, you are better off in college than the draft.

[Herdalum83]

(1). Apply for NFL Draft

(2). Transfer Portal

(3). Finish career with the Herd

I'd say #1 and he goes round 5.

He's going to the NFL I believe. He walked on senior day, he's been invited to play in the Shrine game.. to me those are indicators that he plans to test the NFL waters.

[Herdiowa]

He will be on an NFL roster.  He is a well rounded back. Can catch out of the backfield, good lateral movement and quickness.  Always finishes his runs going forward.  Rushed for 1,000 yds behind this Oline with the other team literally lining up to stop you every week. 

[Always THE HERD]

He will test the NFL waters BUT he will return to the Herd (of course depending who the coordinator(s) & back coaches are).

[Johnnyherd]

I say he declares and doesn't play in the Bowl game.   If he comes back to Marshall somehow, we should celebrate him like Taveon Kinsey.

[herdinphilly]

Transfer portal

[BigJimslade]

Just go
Sick of the drama

[banker]

I was shocked he was here this year.

[herd2win]

Want him to stay but believe he will explore the NFL and if he doesn't think he will get drafted, he will transfer for some money.  I believe he let Huff already know he is gone.  If he is going in the portal that will probably be announced soon.

[muherd34]

I think it's either the NFL or MU.

[MicDrass1]

I think Turner is very good though

[thunderingon]

#1 if at all possible. He already has his degree, right?

[bbcard1]

#1 if at all possible. He already has his degree, right?

But he's got to look at former teammates Laborn, who was in the first round of cuts for the 49ers and  unable to catch on with a CFL team and Knox who was a second string back and the XFL before getting hurt and say," I know I'm better than they are, but am I THAT much better." If there's good NIL money on the line another year in college could be a better play than siginging up for a potentially nomidic existance where you could end up never playing or playing arena ball hoping for a long-shot break. Ali is a wonderful player, but as a fan it is hard to see the difference between Bradshaw (excellent NFL career), Parker / Chapman (cup of coffee NFL Career), Laborn/Knox (probalby no NFL career) and Ali. They are all visually a cut above someone like Remi Watson or Talifero, but it is hare for an average fan to analyze.

[svherd]

From posts on social media, his father says he won't transfer. Knowing that, he'll sign a free agent deal with a team initially make the practice squad. His injuries and durability being the question. A slight chance he may be drafted in the last round. jmo

[HerdEcon]

I don't see a future for Ali in the NFL.  If he hopes to play in the NFL then his best shot is to stay at MU where he is guaranteed to be the feature RB and complete his college eligibility.  If he is only looking at the money then he may be able to get enough money from an NIL deal over and above what he is getting at Marshall to take the gamble and transfer. 

[NewfieHerdFan]

But he's got to look at former teammates Laborn, who was in the first round of cuts for the 49ers and  unable to catch on with a CFL team and Knox who was a second string back and the XFL before getting hurt and say," I know I'm better than they are, but am I THAT much better." If there's good NIL money on the line another year in college could be a better play than siginging up for a potentially nomidic existance where you could end up never playing or playing arena ball hoping for a long-shot break. Ali is a wonderful player, but as a fan it is hard to see the difference between Bradshaw (excellent NFL career), Parker / Chapman (cup of coffee NFL Career), Laborn/Knox (probalby no NFL career) and Ali. They are all visually a cut above someone like Remi Watson or Talifero, but it is hare for an average fan to analyze.

Agree. I thought for sure Laborn would be in the NFL. Up until his release, all the scouting/camp reports were extremely favorable and fans seemed excited he was there. Laborn, IMO, seemed more durable than Ali and had some nice cutting ability.

[Herdalum83]

But he's got to look at former teammates Laborn, who was in the first round of cuts for the 49ers and  unable to catch on with a CFL team and Knox who was a second string back and the XFL before getting hurt and say," I know I'm better than they are, but am I THAT much better." If there's good NIL money on the line another year in college could be a better play than siginging up for a potentially nomidic existance where you could end up never playing or playing arena ball hoping for a long-shot break. Ali is a wonderful player, but as a fan it is hard to see the difference between Bradshaw (excellent NFL career), Parker / Chapman (cup of coffee NFL Career), Laborn/Knox (probalby no NFL career) and Ali. They are all visually a cut above someone like Remi Watson or Talifero, but it is hare for an average fan to analyze.

See to me, I think Ali is easily our best back since Bradshaw and I think is even more naturally gifted than Doug Chapman was. The big issue I think for Ali in terms of weighing his NFL future  besides his injuries is the devaluation of the running back position in the NFL.

The league has changed and RBs don't carry the same value to the league that they did even 5 years ago. Even pro bowl level players who have proven themselves in the NFL aren't getting treated as vital pieces of the roster outside of a handful of guys like McCaffrey.

[puma]

I don't think Ali gains anything with another year at a 6-6 type team with a poor OL. He's going to wind up permanently injured if he's put in the same situation next season. Might as well take his shot at the NFL.

After what happened to Rockhead, I wouldn't blame him in the least bit.

[MicDrass1]

Ali will run 4.4 @ 210lbs