I could be misremembering this, but it sure seemed Rhule wasn't all that concerned about losing Dowdell & missing out on the Omaha kid that went to Miami because they had big expectations for Parker. Then he wasn't unavailable for much of spring & never got on track. I know there's attrition at every school, but man it sure seems like NU has more than their fair share of 4 star failures.
To Barthel, sunrises he’s still here. Year 3 and who is RB2…. Heard early on needed RB2…. Then as mentioned Dana “discovered” EJ and that’s why he played. He’s a wink link. And in year 3 we shouldn’t continue to hear we’re young.Barthel is going to ride the success of EJ without ever actually doing a damn thing. There is mediocre talent & terrible development in that group. Remember when Ives was going to be a thing? Or that until Dana they didn't even realize EJ was good? Pepperidge Farms remembers.
Gosh I miss Ron Brown in that role.
Regarding Dowdell and Brown. Dowdell was shopping around as was EJ. Rhule offered NIL to keep EJ. Dowdell wanted (allegedly) more money to stay. Rhule said can’t pay RB2 more than RB1 and that was problem with NIL. We were locked in bidding war with Miami for Charmar Brown. Omaha kid and NDSU RB. Rhule said he set a limit and wasn’t going above it. These interactions were part of his $30-40 million NIL statement. To keep guys (Dowdell/EJ) and pay guys. I’m guessing his new contract addressed the financial concerns.
I do feel confident Rhule is addressing a lot of the issues.