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2021 transfer thread


Machinator

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38 minutes ago, canadianhorn21 said:

LSU Qb transfer TJ Finley seems to be very pro texas in his recent twitter follows. Do we use a tranfer spot on him just in case Casey leaves? Looks very Swoopesish

https://247sports.com/Player/TJ-Finley-46040985/

I hope not. He suuuuucks. He seems to have a problem throwing a forward pass. 

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9 hours ago, closetojumping said:

It’s fine being posted. The posts weren’t deleted because of the need to hide info. I assume they were deleted because of the charade unfolding within them. 

So is C’Mon Man truly Chip Brown or was there some kind of death threat or unback-uppable foot race challenge. 

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5 hours ago, Spider2YBanana said:

I hope not. He suuuuucks. He seems to have a problem throwing a forward pass. 


Does he want to go someone else and play Football? or Rugby?

Because depending on the answer, that whole "forward pass" thing might not come into play.

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6 hours ago, canadianhorn21 said:

LSU Qb transfer TJ Finley seems to be very pro texas in his recent twitter follows. Do we use a tranfer spot on him just in case Casey leaves? Looks very Swoopesish

https://247sports.com/Player/TJ-Finley-46040985/

Odd, it's like half of our team and staff, plus Sark's wife. The interest seems pretty unrequited though.

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3 hours ago, ClubWhatever said:

So is C’Mon Man truly Chip Brown or was there some kind of death threat or unback-uppable foot race challenge. 

I’m still waiting for the letter to fuckface since we established you can’t move spring ball into May

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4 hours ago, Napoleon said:


Does he want to go someone else and play Football? or Rugby?

Because depending on the answer, that whole "forward pass" thing might not come into play.

Let's hope he chooses not us. He's not even an adequate back-up. He's fucking terrible. Easily the worst qb I've ever seen, and that's not hyperbole. Dude literally looks like he's never read a defense in his life, and if you thought Sam was inaccurate, whooo boy, watch out  

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(Super K) Texas Still Portal Surfing?

Spoiler

Sark and company have already added a number of players out of the portal to Texas’ roster.

Most of the talk regarding the quarterbacks has been whether Casey or Hudson will get the start. But I am told that Texas is very much surfing the portal for a possibly quarterback transfer.

The possibility of this came up as perhaps a backup quarterback. But, it really sounds like Texas is looking for a guy who can come in and compete.

Sark doesn’t seem content with the idea of accepting that given the roster, this year will have a rebuilding element. They are trying to get as much competition going as possible.

I respect their sense of urgency.

 

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9 minutes ago, Machinator said:

(Super K) Texas Still Portal Surfing?

  Hide contents

Sark and company have already added a number of players out of the portal to Texas’ roster.

Most of the talk regarding the quarterbacks has been whether Casey or Hudson will get the start. But I am told that Texas is very much surfing the portal for a possibly quarterback transfer.

The possibility of this came up as perhaps a backup quarterback. But, it really sounds like Texas is looking for a guy who can come in and compete.

Sark doesn’t seem content with the idea of accepting that given the roster, this year will have a rebuilding element. They are trying to get as much competition going as possible.

I respect their sense of urgency.

 

First time we've had a true competitor at HC since...? Maybe Akers. Definitely DKR. 

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2 hours ago, Machinator said:

(Super K) Texas Still Portal Surfing?

  Hide contents

Sark and company have already added a number of players out of the portal to Texas’ roster.

Most of the talk regarding the quarterbacks has been whether Casey or Hudson will get the start. But I am told that Texas is very much surfing the portal for a possibly quarterback transfer.

The possibility of this came up as perhaps a backup quarterback. But, it really sounds like Texas is looking for a guy who can come in and compete.

Sark doesn’t seem content with the idea of accepting that given the roster, this year will have a rebuilding element. They are trying to get as much competition going as possible.

I respect their sense of urgency.

 

Looking through the current portal options and the only one to stick out so far is Jaden Casey of Cal

https://247sports.com/Player/Jaden-Casey-46047677/

Followed by Sark, Banks, and Becton (who came from Cal), though those may be holdovers from recruiting him in the past. He was a high 3* in 2020, so plenty of eligibility remains. 

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18 minutes ago, Ricky's one-hitter said:

Looking through the current portal options and the only one to stick out so far is Jaden Casey of Cal

https://247sports.com/Player/Jaden-Casey-46047677/

Followed by Sark, Banks, and Becton (who came from Cal), though those may be holdovers from recruiting him in the past. He was a high 3* in 2020, so plenty of eligibility remains. 

That dude looks like a prick and his name is all fucked up. Wait a minute, I think I got it wrong. That dude looks all fucked up and has a prick name. Ehh, why not both?

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I think you take a Hurts or Fields type transfer, obviously. But not someone who couldn't play at Cal.

Unless you're really worried about Thompson bailing in August, and are just thinking strictly depth and not having to potentially play Wright or Lourd. 

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7 hours ago, Ricky's one-hitter said:

Looking through the current portal options and the only one to stick out so far is Jaden Casey of Cal

https://247sports.com/Player/Jaden-Casey-46047677/

Followed by Sark, Banks, and Becton (who came from Cal), though those may be holdovers from recruiting him in the past. He was a high 3* in 2020, so plenty of eligibility remains. 


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The Athletic has ranked the Top 50 Portal transfers by expected impact in the 2021 season:

Spoiler

College Football Transfer Portal Top 50: Eric Gray, McKenzie Milton and the most impactful movers of 2021

By Max Olson and Bruce Feldman May 4, 2021 74 

More than 2,100 FBS players have entered the NCAA transfer portal since last August, all of them looking for more opportunity, a new home, a fresh start. The number of scholarship players who’ve entered the portal will exceed 1,400 this week. Who among them looks most destined for success in 2021?

Welcome to The Athletic’s transfer portal top 50, a ranking of the college football transfers poised to make the greatest impact on the upcoming season.

We’ve consulted with coaches and staffers across the country in the process of building the list of the best transfers in the current portal cycle. More than 150 players were seriously considered for this project, and that number keeps increasing each day. The resulting top 50 is sorted based on their past production, projected role and feedback from their past or present coaches.

Only a few of these coveted players remain uncommitted entering May, but that will soon change. We’ll continue to update this throughout the offseason as more impact players enter the portal and find new destinations. Between the official arrival of the one-time transfer exception and the end of the spring semester, we’re going to see many more high-profile transfers occur over these next two months leading up to the July 1 entry deadline.

1. RB Eric Gray, Tennessee → Oklahoma

Gray looks like Oklahoma’s next great offensive weapon after all the buzz he generated this spring.

The No. 3 ranked all-purpose back in the 2019 class was good as a freshman (666 total yards, five touchdowns) before breaking out as Tennessee’s leading rusher in 2020, accounting for 1,061 total yards and six touchdowns on 192 touches. He’s a threat in the passing game, with 30 receptions last fall, and has experience returning punts. And now Gray gets to play in the Sooners’ attack, making a likely preseason top-five team even more dangerous.

“This offense has been great,” he said after OU’s spring game. “That’s kinda why I ultimately chose to come here. Getting to learn this offense this spring has been an unbelievable opportunity.”

Kennedy Brooks is back after opting out in 2020 and has produced two 1,000-yard seasons, but Oklahoma’s attrition at running back with Rhamondre Stevenson going pro, T.J. Pledger transferring to Utah and Seth McGowan entering the portal opens up plenty of room for Gray to make a big impact.

His coaches praise how he trains and prepares like a pro, which has made his scheme transition very easy. The 5-foot-10, 206-pound rusher possesses great short-area quickness and elusiveness, has good hands and runs crisp routes, and he’s physical enough to gain tough yards and help in pass protection. Of the three Tennessee transfers who teamed up to play for Oklahoma, he was the most impressive this spring and is the most game-ready right now.

“That kid scares the shit out of me,” one college assistant said. “He’s a hell of a player.”

2. DB Tyrique Stevenson, Georgia → Miami (Fla.)

Stevenson came to Georgia wishing to be their next great corner but had to become a versatile defender in multiple DB positions while starting four games over two seasons. He became unhappy with his role but was projected to become a full-time starter in 2021. Instead, Stevenson went into the portal soon after the 2020 season ended to return home and play cornerback at Miami.

He’s a unique talent for that spot, a big-bodied athlete at 6 feet and 214 pounds who still has the skill set, change of direction and speed (runs a 4.38 in the 40) to play outside. What impressed Miami’s coaching staff is his understanding of the game and the effusive confidence he has brought to their secondary. He’s having to compete hard to secure a starting job, but Stevenson has all the makings of a special player in the Hurricanes’ defense.

3. LB Henry To’o To’o, Tennessee → ?

Here’s the most coveted undecided transfer on the market right now. To’o To’o came to Tennessee with massive expectations as a top-50 recruit and played up to them, starting 22 of his first 23 games. He followed up earning freshman All-America honors in 2019 with a team-high 76 stops and 10 TFLs as a sophomore playing weakside linebacker. He checks all the boxes in terms of work ethic, leadership, football IQ, physical play and sideline-to-sideline playmaking ability.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound defender went into the portal after the Vols’ coaching change but has stayed quiet about his intentions. Ohio State is rumored to be a frontrunner, which makes given the Buckeyes’ need after their top four linebackers all moved on, with Washington, Alabama and others still battling to get the instant-impact addition on their campus.

4. DE Jermaine Johnson, Georgia → Florida State

Johnson quickly emerged as the Seminoles’ best player on defense this spring. The former No. 1 junior college recruit started four games in two seasons at Georgia, collecting 36 tackles and 6.5 sacks, and chose to play his bonus senior season in Tallahassee.

He’s an athletically gifted edge rusher who’s physical against the run, has been a leader so far for his new team and has earned a ton of praise from Mike Norvell and his assistants. They see sky-high potential and a lot of sacks coming from the 6-foot-5, 260-pound disruptor.

5. DT Siaki Ika, LSU → Baylor

At LSU, “Apu” Ika looked like he had an incredibly bright future as a true freshman rotation player on the defensive line of the 2019 national championship team. But the young nose tackle struggled with the Tigers’ switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3 front last year and went in the portal during the season.

He reunited with his former LSU coaches at Baylor and looked downright unblockable at times this spring. One source called him an “absolute freak show” at 6-foot-4 and 350 pounds who’s made everybody on their line better. Ika should quickly emerge as one of the Big 12’s best defensive linemen.

6. DB Tykee Smith, West Virginia → Georgia

Smith was so effective as West Virginia’s “Spear” nickel defender as a sophomore that his former coach Neal Brown argued he played as well as anybody in the country at his position. He was asked to do a lot — play the run, man and zone coverage, blitz and make plays on the ball — and put up 61 tackles, eight TFLs, five pass breakups and two interceptions to earn third-team AP All-America honors. Smith entered the portal in March and followed his position coach Jahmile Addae to Athens. As talented as Georgia’s secondary may be, Smith should be good enough to start at nickel on a defense that has College Football Playoff aspirations.

7. QB Jack Coan, Wisconsin → Notre Dame

Coan might not have been the most coveted QB transfer on this list, but he can be the most impactful if his steady play keeps Notre Dame in the playoff hunt in 2021. The 18-game starter at Wisconsin led the Badgers to a division title in 2019 with 3,278 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions but sat out last season after a preseason foot injury required surgery.

It’s interesting that Coan wasn’t named the clear-cut winner over Drew Pyne coming out of spring ball and that Brian Kelly wants the competition to continue into August. Still, it would be a surprise if the veteran didn’t hold down the job this fall with his leadership and maturity.

8. WR Wan’Dale Robinson, Nebraska → Kentucky

Robinson is going to be Kentucky’s best weapon on offense with his ability to stretch the field and get the ball in a variety of ways. He’s an explosive athlete who produced 1,725 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns in two seasons with the Huskers as a receiver, rusher and returner. Robinson opted to transfer back home in the hopes that new offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s system will better prepare him to play receiver in the NFL. His new coaches have been impressed by the football junkie’s smarts and dedication.

9. WR Charleston Rambo, Oklahoma → Miami (Fla.)

Rambo looked like one of the Big 12’s best young wideouts in 2019, turning 43 catches into 743 yards and five touchdowns as the Sooners’ No. 2 wideout behind CeeDee Lamb. Then he fell back into a lesser role in 2020, finishing third on the team in targets and only producing 312 yards and three scores on 25 catches. Rambo needed a reset and a new challenge and appears to be embracing it at Miami.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound speedster can stretch the field and has worked to get stronger this offseason. Coaches say he got better and better over their three spring scrimmages. D’Eriq King helped recruit Rambo to Miami and should make him his No. 1 target this fall when he’s back in action.

(Jason Getz / USA Today)

10. QB McKenzie Milton, UCF → Florida State

You can look at Milton as a risky take for Florida State, but he’s still one of the most accomplished quarterbacks and players in this portal cycle as a two-time AAC Offensive Player of the Year who finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting in 2018. Milton has worked unbelievably hard to come back from the gruesome leg injury that forced him to miss two full seasons and easily could’ve been a career-ender.

The concerns about his durability will persist, as will questions about whether he’s physically capable of playing at the elite level he once did. But Milton looks good this spring and is going to push hard this summer to try to close the gap with Jordan Travis, who started six games last fall and has a real advantage with his knowledge of the offense.

11. DB Derion Kendrick, Clemson → ?

The former five-star recruit was dismissed from Clemson at the end of February and arrested two weeks later. Kendrick is facing a misdemeanor charge of unlawful carrying of a handgun and was also cited for marijuana possession. He had some big-time programs interested up until his arrest, and he likely will again if he’s able to get his case reduced or dropped. Kendrick struggled at times with disciplinary and accountability issues at Clemson but became a two-year starter and a first-team All-ACC selection in 2020. Somebody will take a risk on him if they can.

12. RB Ty Chandler, Tennessee → North Carolina

No one player can replace what Javonte Williams and Michael Carter did for North Carolina’s offense in 2020, but the Tar Heels are glad they added one of the most experienced backs on the transfer market in Chandler. He produced 3,291 all-purpose yards (fifth in school history) and 17 touchdowns in four seasons with the Vols and looks like a great fit for Phil Longo’s offense as an explosive runner on inside zone and wide zone with good hands out of the backfield.

13. TE Arik Gilbert, LSU → ?

Gilbert was the highest-rated tight end prospect in modern recruiting history and the No. 5 overall recruit in the 2020 cycle. He was considered a generational talent at his position when he arrived at LSU. After catching 35 passes for 368 yards and two scores as a true freshman, he opted to leave LSU and put his name in the portal. Now it’s very unclear what Gilbert plans to do in 2021, and that makes him tough to rank in this top 50. He committed to Florida in late January before backing out on those plans and has talked with Ed Orgeron about a potential return.

14. DB Kenderick Duncan Jr., Georgia Southern → Louisville

Duncan was a playmaker in practices this spring who quickly won over his Louisville coaches and teammates and flashed the potential to be an All-ACC performer. The grad transfer brings experience with 22 career starts and is a big, physical defender and a great tackler at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds. His coaches have been amazed by his football IQ, understanding of concepts and how quickly he’s picked up their defense.

15. DE Deandre Johnson, Tennessee → Miami (Fla.)

Taking over for Miami’s NFL-bound defensive ends is a tall task. Johnson is already looking like a legit replacement, and he brought pressure while running with the No. 1 defense in the Hurricanes’ spring game. He got off to a slow start in the spring and needs to be more physical against the run, but Johnson came in with 41 games of playing experience and proved once he got reacclimated that he has real pass rush skills and will be a dynamic force off the edge.

16. DE Keion White, Old Dominion → Georgia Tech

White began his career as a tight end but quickly emerged as one of Conference USA’s best young players after he made the switch to defensive end. White put together a monster 2019 season with 62 tackles and 19 tackles for loss (three sacks) as a sophomore. His coaches believe his best football is still ahead of him. White will arrive this summer and give Georgia Tech an established pass rusher with excellent length and size.

17. LB Mike Jones Jr., Clemson → LSU

In his first year as a starter, Jones had an unenviable task of having to take over for an All-American in Isaiah Simmons as Clemson’s nickel linebacker. The redshirt sophomore put up 30 tackles and four TFLs and grabbed two interceptions in 10 games, but he moved on because he wants to play inside linebacker. Orgeron called him their No. 1 target among transfer linebackers and will give the 6-foot, 220-pounder every opportunity to earn a starting job when he arrives in the summer.

18. WR Jameson Williams, Ohio State → Alabama

Williams is leaving Ohio State’s ridiculously loaded receiver room to join an Alabama receiving corps that’s plenty talented but fairly unproven beyond John Metchie III. The 6-foot-2, 189-pound junior brings great speed, agility and toughness but was stuck behind two likely first-rounders and caught just nine passes last season for 154 yards and two scores. Coincidentally, one of his finer plays as a Buckeye was making a great tackle on punt coverage in the national title game, taking down DeVonta Smith. Now he’ll try to replace Smith.

19. QB Charlie Brewer, Baylor → Utah

Brewer could’ve become a five-year starter at Baylor but preferred a change of scenery for his final college season. He left as the Bears’ all-time leader in completions, throwing for 9,700 yards and 65 touchdowns and rushing for more than 1,000 yards and 22 scores. Brewer helped lead Baylor to the Big 12 title game and the Sugar Bowl in 2019, but the Bears’ offensive issues last fall made for a frustrating senior season. The veteran passer’s decision making and command of the Utes’ offense impressed this spring, and he went 15-for-15 in his spring game debut. He’ll still have to compete with Cam Rising but is in good shape to win this starting job.

20. QB Tyler Shough, Oregon → Texas Tech

The circumstances here are a little unusual in the sense that Shough started all seven games for the Ducks in 2020, helped them win a Pac-12 title and play in the Fiesta Bowl, then put his name in the portal six weeks later. Shough did lead the Pac-12 in passer efficiency as a first-time starter but ended up getting benched for Boston College transfer Anthony Brown in the bowl game. So Oregon’s loss is Texas Tech’s gain. He believed in his abilities enough to make a change and should be able to put up big numbers in new OC Sonny Cumbie’s offense. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound grad transfer arrived in time for the Red Raiders’ third spring practice and caught up quickly with how intensely he’s studied film and prepared.

21. OL Obinna Eze, Memphis → TCU

A 6-foot-8, 315-pound left tackle with 25 career starts at the position? Yeah, an addition like that is going to help any team. Eze, the biggest lineman on the Horned Frogs’ roster, looked good in his spring game debut as the No. 1 left tackle against Khari Coleman, one of the Big 12’s best young pass rushers. He’s a big-time get for this O-line and for quarterback Max Duggan, solving a serious need.

22. DT Antonio Shelton, Penn State → Florida

Shelton, a sixth-year senior, played in 40 games at Penn State and started all nine games at defensive tackle in 2020. He decided to spend his final season in the SEC and didn’t need much time to emerge as the Gators’ projected starter at nose tackle this spring. The 6-foot-3, 318-pound lineman has brought strength (he bench-pressed 490 pounds this offseason) and leadership up front.

23. DT Daquan Newkirk, Auburn → Florida

Like Shelton, Newkirk showed up and took on a starting role right away on the Gators’ defensive line this spring. He played in 30 games at Auburn, starting all 10 games last season, and is looking to make the most of his super senior season.

24. DE Arnold Ebiketie, Temple → Penn State

The 6-foot-3, 244-pound end earned second-team All-AAC honors in 2020 after racking up 42 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, four sacks and three forced fumbles in six games. He can step in and fill a clear need for Penn State’s defense after Odafe Oweh and Shaka Toney moved on with his maturity, athleticism and pass rushing ability. The Nittany Lions were active in the portal this offseason, and Ebiketie looks like one of many additions who’ll play a meaningful role.

25. OL Doug Nester, Virginia Tech → West Virginia

The massive 6-foot-7, 320-pound lineman decided to come home to West Virginia after starting 17 games at right guard in two seasons with the Hokies. Nester cross-trained at both guard and tackle in the spring and proved to be a hard worker. His coaches think he can become an upper-tier lineman in the Big 12. The Mountaineers also have high hopes for cornerback Charles Woods, an FCS transfer from Illinois State.

26. DE Jordan Strachan, Georgia State → South Carolina

Strachan is already quite a success story as a former walk-on safety who moved to linebacker, earned a scholarship, overcame a torn ACL and ended up tying for the FBS lead in sacks with 10.5 last season. The fifth-year senior has bulked up about 25 pounds to 245 to play an edge role for South Carolina’s front and is eager to prove he can be an SEC-level pass rusher.

27. RB Kenneth Walker III, Wake Forest → Michigan State

Walker rushed for 1,158 yards in his first two seasons at Wake Forest and scored 13 touchdowns last season. He has really impressed Michigan State’s coaching staff thus far with his quickness, balance and effort, and he makes the Spartans’ run game much more dynamic.

28. QB Will Levis, Penn State → Kentucky

Levis could end up being one of the more surprising transfer QBs in this cycle. He was put in a run-heavy role as Penn State’s backup and transferred to prove he can be much more than that. He is a bigger passer at 6-foot-3 and 222 pounds with a strong arm, and he’s ready to show it off in Coen’s offense. Though Levis didn’t go through spring ball with the Wildcats and is learning his third offense in three years, Kentucky needs him to be the guy.

(Matthew OHaren / USA Today)

29. QB Ryan Hilinski, South Carolina → Northwestern

Northwestern went to the portal for a starting quarterback once again following the success of Peyton Ramsey, and Hilinksi has done a nice job so far of making the transition. After starting 11 games as a true freshman, Hilinski had to spend the 2020 season on the bench. He’s ready to lead and make an impact again.

30. DE Ryder Anderson, Ole Miss → Indiana

Anderson has made a strong enough impression on the Hoosiers that he was named one of the team’s most outstanding defensive players this spring. Tom Allen has praised his buy-in, maturity and how hard he practices. The super senior played in 37 games (14 starts) at Ole Miss and looks like he’ll help upgrade Indiana’s pass rush.

31. DB T.J. Carter, Memphis → TCU

TCU lost two elite playmakers at safety to the draft but found an experienced replacement for one of those spots in Carter, a four-year starter at cornerback for the Tigers. The former AAC Rookie of the Year had a great spring while making the transition to safety for his super senior season and will make the Frogs’ deep secondary better.

32. DB Jaiden Lars-Woodbey, Florida State → Boston College

Lars-Woodbey earned a lot of praise this spring for his ability and leadership. The safety brings a unique skill set with his mix of size (6-foot, 225 pounds), speed and ability to cover and defend the run.

33. DB Julius Brents, Iowa → Kansas State

Brents was one of the breakout stars of spring ball for Kansas State, and it’s not hard to see why. He’s a physical 6-foot-3, 205-pound cornerback who can run and brings much-needed experience. Brents will start right away in the Wildcats’ secondary.

34. RB Keaontay Ingram, Texas → USC

Ingram produced 1,095 total yards in 2019 and more than 2,300 yards over his three seasons at Texas. Injury issues and untimely fumbles made for a tough 2020 season, but he reemerged as a playmaker for the Trojans this spring.

35. RB Zach Charbonnet, Michigan → UCLA

After rushing for 726 yards and 11 touchdowns as a true freshman, Charbonnet touched the ball just 25 times last fall. The former top-50 recruit transferred closer to home and should fit nicely as a powerful back in Chip Kelly’s offense.

36. WR Samori Toure, Montana → Nebraska

Toure earned FCS All-America honors in 2019 after putting up a school-record 1,495 receiving yards on 87 catches. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound slot receiver gives the Huskers’ offense a much-needed veteran pass catcher and should be their No. 1 wideout.

37. WR D.J. Matthews, Florida State → Indiana

The grad transfer is quickly proving to be a great addition to an Indiana receiving corps that must replace Whop Philyor. Matthews’ ability to make plays in space will help him be a difference-maker in the slot and potentially on special teams, as well.

38. TE Jelani Woods, Oklahoma State → Virginia

Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall has offered rave reviews of Woods this spring, calling him “probably the brightest spot that I’ve seen in our program.” He’s big, fast and physical at 6-foot-7 and 275 pounds and looks like the perfect replacement for Tony Poljan.

(Sarah Phipps / USA Today)

39. DB Jammie Robinson, South Carolina → Florida State

Robinson started all 10 games for the Gamecocks last fall and produced 136 stops, eight pass breakups and two picks over his first two college seasons. He should start right away for Florida State and represent a big upgrade at the nickel spot as a quick, tough tackler.

40. DE Keir Thomas, South Carolina → Florida State

Thomas is taking advantage of his bonus season of eligibility in Tallahassee after five years at South Carolina, where he started 32 games and accounted for 18.5 TFLs with 8.5 sacks. He missed the spring due to injury but gives Florida State’s D-line another veteran presence as a standup defensive end who can set the edge. The Seminoles’ starting lineup sure looks like it’ll be full of new transfers in 2021 to help the program get rolling in Year 2 under Mike Norvell.

41. OL Wanya Morris, Tennessee → Oklahoma

Morris was thrown into the starting lineup right away for the Vols, starting 17 games over his first two college seasons. The 6-foot-5, 313-pounder is competing to be the Sooners’ No. 1 left tackle and will have to beat out a returning two-year starter. There are concerns about his focus, but he’s a massive, athletic lineman who can take his game to another level under O-line coach Bill Bedenbaugh if he puts in the work.

42. DB Key Lawrence, Tennessee → Oklahoma

Lawrence only spent one season at Tennessee before moving on but demonstrated an ability to play several roles in the secondary. The top-rated player in Tennessee’s 2020 class practiced at safety this spring and should play nickel and special teams. With his length and speed, he’ll develop into a key piece for Oklahoma’s future on defense.

43. TE Grant Calcaterra, Oklahoma → SMU

Concussion issues forced Calcaterra to medically retire at Oklahoma, but he’s making a comeback this spring and will make an impact in SMU’s offensive attack as Kylen Granson’s replacement. Calcaterra earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2018 and averaged 15.5 yards per catch with the Sooners.

44. QB Bailey Zappe, Houston Baptist → Western Kentucky

College football’s leading passer in 2020 is going to try to replicate his monster numbers at Western Kentucky. In just four games last fall, the FCS transfer threw for 1,833 yards with 15 touchdowns and one interception. That’s nearly 460 yards per game. Three of their opponents were FBS teams, and his 567 yards against Texas Tech were nearly enough to pull off an upset. Zappe followed his OC Zach Kittley to play in Conference USA and put together a fantastic spring before struggling with turnovers in the Hilltoppers’ spring game. He’ll benefit from the arrival of speedy Oregon transfer Daewood Davis as well as his HBU receivers Jerreth Sterns, Josh Sterns and Ben Ratzlaff, all of whom joined him at Western Kentucky.

45. LB Palaie Gaoteote IV, USC → ?

The former five-star recruit has been productive when healthy and started 14 games for the Trojans. Too many injuries have prevented him from playing to his big-time potential. Trojans head coach Clay Helton has said the door is still open for his return, but Texas desperately needs help at linebacker and appears to be the leader.

46. DB Jaquan Amos, Villanova → Iowa State

The FCS grad transfer had lots of Power 5 offers and chose Iowa State, where he’ll have a shot to start at safety right away for a team with big expectations. He’s a versatile defender who has grabbed eight interceptions in 33 career games.

47. RB Demarkcus Bowman, Clemson → Florida

The No. 3 running back in the 2020 class was hyped as the next C.J. Spiller when he signed with Clemson, but he didn’t stick around long enough to make that come true. The five-star freshman entered the portal last October in the hopes of finding a better fit and quickly decided going home to play at Florida was the move. We’ll see if he can benefit from his fresh start and compete in the Gators’ crowded running back room, but a knee strain kept him sidelined for most of the spring.

48. WR Puka Nacua, Washington → BYU

After catching 16 passes for 319 yards and three scores in two seasons with the Huskies, Nucua joined his brother Samson Nacua in transferring back home to BYU this offseason. The former top-150 recruit will have a chance to make good on his potential and break out as BYU’s No. 1 wideout.

49. QB Alan Bowman, Texas Tech → Michigan

Bowman didn’t go through spring with the Wolverines, so he’ll have some catching up to do as he pushes Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy. He has thrown for 5,260 yards and 33 TDs in 19 career games and can be a very accurate passer when he’s able to stay healthy.

50. LB Justin Rice, Arkansas State → Utah State

Rice was one of the more unique transfer stories of the wild 2020 season. The linebacker left Fresno State in the middle of August as a grad transfer after being named preseason defensive player of the year in the Mountain West. He joined Arkansas State and was on the field two weeks later. Rice had another terrific season there with 76 tackles and a nation-leading 18.5 tackles for loss.

He then opted to follow coach Blake Anderson to Utah State for his super senior season and performed well this spring. Texas transfer Byron Vaughns also had an excellent spring and is a long, twitchy athlete with a high motor and three years to play. Between those two, the Aggies have added some serious talent at linebacker.

*Palaie Gaoteote is the only Texas related transfer - he comes in at #45 on the list.

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15 minutes ago, Hiphopopotamos said:

5. DT Siaki Ika, LSU → Baylor

At LSU, “Apu” Ika looked like he had an incredibly bright future as a true freshman rotation player on the defensive line of the 2019 national championship team. But the young nose tackle struggled with the Tigers’ switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3 front last year and went in the portal during the season.

He reunited with his former LSU coaches at Baylor and looked downright unblockable at times this spring. One source called him an “absolute freak show” at 6-foot-4 and 350 pounds who’s made everybody on their line better. Ika should quickly emerge as one of the Big 12’s best defensive linemen.

Come'on Majors. Don't cause no flashbacks.

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IT

Spoiler

DB Donovan Kaufman, Vanderbilt via Archbishop Rummel, NOLA (2021)

The 5-foot-9, 195-pound pocket rocket from the portal has eyes on two schools currently: Auburn and Texas. Both continue to set the pace.

“Obviously, both schools love football,” said Kaufman, about the Tigers and Longhorns. “I feel like I can succeed at both of those places. I also know guys on both staffs.”

Unlike his first recruitment out of high school, he won’t have much time to be re-recruited.

“I won’t be able to visit anywhere but I have taken virtual visits to both, Texas and Auburn,” said Kaufman.

Kaufman tells IT he’d like to decide in mid-May. That’s roughly a week away.

What does the one-time transfer need from his next program?

“I have to have a lot of support,” said Kaufman. “I can build my brand, and I have to be comfortable, there has to be a need for a safety there, and I just have to be happy.”

Kaufman played in two games last year, including five tackles vs Texas A&M. Besides defensive back, Kaufman can make an immediate impact at kick- and punt-returner, where he averaged 27 yards per return in 2020. Despite the short resume, he’s a difference maker.

We should see some movement here with early June enrollment over three weeks away.

LB Shadrach Banks, North Shore/Texas A&M (2021):

Banks took a student visit to UT this week and things went well. However, the clock is ticking on this recruitment and the offer isn’t open-ended. UT wants him for sure, and it probably happens, but it’s not guaranteed.

Pretty much anyone who has his ear is favorable towards Texas.

 

Edited by Machinator
  • Hook 'Em 2
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