“What” a tradition!
On the university’s official roster, #17’s home town is listed as the same town “where” said university is located.
And he’s already won a prestigious BSC award.
And his Dad is the HC.
And his uncle started the tradition. I know it started on O with Paulson but that’s not the point—it’s the handing-it-down part that makes the tradition. Timmy was 1st and probably the best. “Why?” Because he was Mutha F’n awesome. The tradition doesn’t exist if Timmy doesn’t rock it, and basically everyone since.
So you’re focusing on history but not the actual “precedent” or whatever the hell it’s called. The new recipient is chosen by the last player to don the number. Mr. Simms gets to pick, not us. That’s the “how.”
But the last transition was announced at the spring scrimmage under quite the pomp and fanfare. That may help address the likely “when.” I think it was about to happen until the pandemic hit.
As for the “who”?—that issue is premature for #17. “Next season”, if you want to argue between #17, #14, and #58 (or another), we can cross that walking-bridge when we get there. I would like to see how “this season” goes first, although there seems to be a leader in the clubhouse.