Photo Credit: Tyler Tjomsland, Spokesman-Review
College football has changed drastically over the last few years with NIL, conference realignment, and of course, the transfer portal. “Portalling” has become all the rage thanks to the NCAA now allowing each player a one-time transfer without the punishment of having to sit out a year. That immediate eligibility has both helped players find new programs where their skill set and talent can better be utilized, and given prospect opportunities to shine more easily with faster routes onto the field.
The last three NFL Draft classes saw offensive players like Jameson Williams, Justin Fields, and Joe Burrow (Ohio State seems to be the transfer hotbed of America) parlay the transfer process into becoming top-12 selections thanks to their new programs giving them better opportunities to shine. Although the 2023 NFL Draft is still about 11 months away, the player movement of legitimate top-100 talent has been off the charts this winter and spring — especially on the offensive side of the football.
Non-draft eligible quarterbacks headline the portal (Caleb Williams, Quinn Ewers, Jaxson Dart) but the sheer NFL talent in the transfer class alone blows away last year’s crop. As college football programs gear up for the season to kickoff in just more than three months, there’s plenty of new faces in new places around the country and many of them are ready to pop off and put themselves on the map the way Williams, Fields, and Burrow did the last couple years.
Quarterback: Cameron Ward, Washington State (via Incarnate Word)
Years ago, quarterbacks who transferred were looked down upon but slowly it’s become more and more normalized for signal callers to move around the country looking for the right home. Hell, from 2017-2019 all three Heisman winners were quarterbacks at their second school (Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, Joe Burrow), and all three went on to become number one picks in the NFL Draft. Talent at the position has reached an all-time high, and it’s leading to more passers getting bumped out of programs where they don’t have a firm hold on the QB1 job.
Yet, with all the FBS talent moving around this offseason — including the guy touted as the number one pick in the 2022 NFL Draft this time last year (Spencer Rattler) — the most intriguing draft eligible quarterback to enroll at a new school is Cameron Ward.
After reportedly only having two offers out of high school Ward ended up at Incarnate Word where he spent the last two years throwing for 6,908 yards with 71 touchdowns and just 14 interceptions. His gaudy numbers were helped by head coach Eric Morris’ air raid offense, which showcased Ward’s arm talent frequently.
In Western Kentucky like fashion, Morris and Ward are now both headed north to Pullman, Washington to work under head coach Jake Dickert for the 2022 season. With Morris calling plays, Ward now has as good a chance as any passer not named Bryce Young or CJ Stroud to put himself on the map in this class. Making the leap from the Southland Conference to the Pac-12 isn’t an easy task, but Ward has the physical tools scouts fall in love with every autumn.
Armed with a cannon, Ward is an ultra-aggressive downfield thrower who always looks to hit the home run. That can be both good and bad as he doesn’t shy away from tight windows but has a tendency to pass up layups down low and underneath for highlight reel plays. Along with the arm talent, he can create out of structure and has the athleticism to extend plays and throw off-platform. To take the next step, he’ll need to improve his footwork and mechanics to help himself play on time more often and not rely so much on deep shots and freelancing.
Cannot wait to see Cameron Ward in the Pac-12 (with Eric Morris). Live arm and ultra aggressive downfield passer with the tools to be a legit QB prospect in the ‘23 NFL Draft. So much great QB talent from the transfer portal this year. pic.twitter.com/M9uGbPugMD
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) May 17, 2022
Flying under the radar: Casey Thompson, Nebraska (via Texas)
Running Back: Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama (via Georgia Tech)
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more exciting transfer this offseason than Jahmyr Gibbs leaving Atlanta for Tuscaloosa. Not only because when Nick Saban takes transfers he’s selective and it tends to pay off (Jameson Williams, Henry To’o To’o, Landon Dickerson), but because in Gibbs time with a lowly Georgia Tech program he was truly dynamic.
Despite the Yellow Jackets winning just six games the last two years, Gibbs managed to put up 1,974 yards from scrimmage in 19 games with 13 touchdowns while averaging 6.8 per touch (he also added 794 kick return yards and a score).
Putting that kind of talent behind an offensive line that doesn’t get him touched at or behind the line every snap is going to be a joy in itself to watch. Then when you factor in that defenses won’t key in on him the same way they did at GT because, oh I don’t know, he’s playing with the reigning Heisman winner… it makes for a delectable player and program match.
Since Saban spurned the Dolphins for the Crimson Tide in 2007, Alabama has had 12 running backs drafted (11 of them went top 100), which bodes well for Gibbs bid to be one of the first backs selected in April.
Gibbs is like a mini-Alvin Kamara — who funnily enough began his career at Alabama — with his blend of contact balance, open field elusiveness, and instant burst. Inserting him into Bill O’Brien’s offense should immediately add juice to the backfield that wasn’t always there last year. Gibbs’ big play ability should earn him the top job with Brian Robinson Jr. off to the NFL and even if he’s not a bellcow due to his size, what he adds as a pass catcher will help him instantly translate into a threat to SEC defenses.
To take the next step from flashy and splashy back to true star, Gibbs must show more consistent vision and ability between the tackles, he often looks to bounce plays outside, as well as the willingness to pass protect. He’s proven in two seasons in the ACC that at minimum he can be a satellite back in the NFL, the question now is can he be a true RB1?
It’s terrifying that Jahmyr Gibbs is now at Alabama. His ability to hit top gear almost immediately paired with his contact balance and pass catching skills are going to make him a nightmare for SEC defenses. pic.twitter.com/LgizHbQVA3
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) May 17, 2022
Flying under the radar: Xazavian Valladay, Arizona State (via Wyoming)
Wide Receiver: Jermaine Burton (via Georgia)
If this were simply about picking the best 2023 NFL Draft prospect at each position who transferred this offseason then Jordan Addison would be a no-brainer. Addison caught 100 balls for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns on his way to the Biletnikoff last year at Pitt. He’s now joining forces with Lincoln Riley at USC and should thrive with Caleb Williams tossing him the rock. Addison is like DeVonta Smith 2.0 and will likely be a top 20 pick come April. It’s too easy to pick him, and frankly, it would be boring to pick him because he’s already a proven commodity.
Instead of Addison, the pick is Jermaine Burton for one simple reason… he was stuck with Stetson Bennett in an offense that didn’t allow his traits to translate into production. In two seasons with the Bulldogs, the former blue chip recruit put up 901 yards and eight touchdowns on 53 receptions. He was a big play threat that was bogged down by the fact his quarterback couldn’t get him the ball consistently downfield nor over the middle. Similarly, to Gibbs, Saban saw a need at a position and took on a premier talent in the portal to replace an NFL draft pick, and just like Jameson Williams last year Burton should explode as he moves from one blue blood program to another.
Stepping in as Alabama’s X-receiver alone should mean a bump to Burton’s production, but when you throw on the Georgia tape, you see plenty of times where he’s wide open by SEC standards where Bryce Young is far more comfortable putting the ball than Bennett. Burton’s ability to separate with a second gear when the ball is in the air proved he could win over the top against some of the most talented defenses in the country and taking over Williams’ role will lead to plenty of opportunities to do just that.
It’s no secret Young is going to give him every opportunity to take the top off of defenses. But what makes the addition even more scrumptious is the fact that Burton has his masters in route running with the potential to earn his PhD. Burton is smooth in and out of his breaks with the ability to stop on a dime and explode through his routes while understanding how to stem to win leverage.
Pairing his route running expertise with his willingness to go over the middle should allow him to be a go-to chain mover for Young on top of being a home run threat. If Burton can become a more consistent creator after the catch and develop a deeper release repertoire, he could become a first-round talent.
Last year Alabama replaced star WRs with a transfer from a blue chip program, this year they’re doing it again with Jermaine Burton. When given opportunities at UG, Burton showed off an ability to stretch the field and win with explosive route running. The stutter here is nasty. pic.twitter.com/8CsgDB4yp7
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) May 17, 2022
Flying under the radar: Matt Landers, Arkansas (via Toledo via Georgia)
Tight End: Jahleel Billinglsey, Texas (via Alabama)
The tight end class in the 2022 NFL Draft left a lot to be desired, especially coming a year after Kyle Pitts went top 10. Part of the reason the tight end class in this past draft didn’t have a selection until Trey McBride went No. 55 to the Cardinals is because it lacked an athletic marvel at a blue blood program. The guy who was supposed to fit that mold was Jahleel Billinglsey.
After a bit of a breakout in his sophomore season with Alabama (18 receptions for 287 yards and three touchdowns in seven games), his junior year was plagued with inconsistencies that landed him in the last place anyone wants to be… Nick Saban’s doghouse.
Now in Austin, he reunites with the play-caller from his sophomore year, Steve Sarkisian, and has a perfect opportunity to flash the speed and fluidity that had everyone excited last year — so long as Texas finds a consistent QB.
One of the reasons Billinglsey initially landed in Saban’s doghouse was his inability to create drive in the running game as an in-line tight end. It’s likely Sark will ask him to do less of that and move him around more to utilize his athleticism as a mismatch piece — lining him up as a jumbo slot, at H-back, and even as an X. (Texas currently lists Billingsley at 216 pounds, so let’s not rule out Sark viewing him more as a receiver than tight end.)
Mixing his size and speed in with his ability to snap his hips and accelerate through routes could create plenty of problems in the Big 12. To find the consistency he never did in Tuscaloosa though, he’s got to become a more focused route runner to create trust and chemistry with whoever is throwing him the football. Blocking will become less of an issue for him if he’s spending more time as a go-to playmaker and chess piece for Sark and less time as a true tight end.
Billinglsey’s potential as a top tight end prospect is tied to his flashes of rare ball tracking ability, explosiveness, and ability to play all over formations — now he must find the consistency.
Although it never fully came together for him at Alabama, Jahleel Billingsley showed off his athleticism and big play ability numerous times (6 TDs and 15.5 AVG on 35 receptions over the last two years). Can’t wait to see how Sark deploys him at Texas. pic.twitter.com/3G2KckUUAm
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) May 19, 2022
Flying under the radar: Baylor Cupp, Texas Tech (via Texas A&M)
Offensive Tackle: Tyler Steen, Alabama (via Vanderbilt)
Given the sheer amount of star power Nick Saban has brought in through the portal this offseason, it’s not overly shocking the addition of Tyler Steen has taken a backseat on the hype train. With Evan Neal going seventh overall last month, the Crimson Tide had big shoes to fill on an already somewhat shaky offensive line. Rather than throw new blood into the fire they plucked Steen and his 33 career starts from within the conference.
Much like Burton and Gibbs, Saban is bringing in a plug-and-play player at a position of need from a program that wasn’t able to consistently showcase his talents as a prospect. Although Steen is far from the player Neal was, he’s going to steady that offensive line and step-in immediately as it’s starting left tackle.
It’s a perfect opportunity to show scouts his NFL traits while developing under new O-line coach Eric Wolford. (Wolford comes over from Kentucky and previously spent time with South Carolina and the 49ers.)
What Steen does best is utilize his athleticism in space. That transitions well into the run game where he consistently climbs to the second level to seal off linebackers or makes reach blocks across his face to wash out defensive linemen. That type of athleticism can be honed by the Alabama staff who will help him improve his leverage and hand placement to take him to the next level as a run blocker.
More importantly for his draft stock, he’ll need to improve as a pass protector and he’s with the right team to do just that. With Bryce Young back there, the Crimson Tide are going to throw the ball quite a bit which means more reps for Steen to clean up his feet to more consistently reach his landmarks. The foot speed is there, it’s just about developing a more consistent kick step and not over and under setting.
Another huge plus for him will be working with the Alabama strength and conditioning staff to help his play strength, and in turn strengthen his anchor. The traits are there for Steen to be viewed as a top-100 player, and now he’s certainly with the right program to help him reach that potential.
Flying under the radar: Mason Brooks, Ole Miss (via WKU)
Interior Offensive Line: O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida (via Louisiana)
One of the more polarizing aspects of the portal and the new transfer rules is the ability for players to follow coaches to new programs or, as message boards like to put it, for coaches to poach players from their previous programs.
Western Kentucky was the greatest example of this last year with Bailey Zappe, Jerreth and Josh Sterns, and Ben Ratzlaff all following offensive coordinator Zach Kittley from Houston Baptist to the Hilltoppers. Now Washington State is trying a similar approach (with Eric Morris and Cameron Ward) and getting the headlines for it, but Florida isn’t too far off either.
Hiring Billy Napier after he went 40-12 at Louisiana makes a lot of sense for the Gators, especially with his SEC ties. The transition should be made smoother by the fact that Napier brought running back Montrell Johnson (2021 Sun Belt Freshman of the Year) and offensive linemen Kamryn Waites and O’Cyrus Torrence with him. Torrence is the key addition for this Florida offense after starting for three years with the Ragin’ Cajuns and earning all-conference honors twice, he’s ready to make the leap in the SEC.
Looking at Torrence, he’s built like a Power-Five offensive lineman with his gargantuan size (6-5, 335 pounds). He carries his weight well and has enough quickness to reach the second level and take on defenders in space, but his raw power is what will get scouts excited. His knock back power off the line of scrimmage is impressive and once he gets a hold of a defender and starts driving, it’s game over. Torrence can instantly provide a boost to the Gators run game with his physicality, power, and nastiness.
With the ability to play either guard spot, Torrence will quickly become the Gators tone setter in the trenches. To complement his prowess in the run game, he needs to continue to develop in pass protection where his feet/base and bend can be sloppy. Playing with a more consistent base will allow him to stymie athletic interior defensive lineman from beating him laterally.
Maybe the most exciting part about Torrence heading to Gainesville is it will reunite him with Rob Sale. Sale was the offensive line coach at Louisiana from 2018 to 2020 and helped develop NFL players like Kevin Dotson and Max Mitchell. Sale spent last year as the New York Giants offensive line coach, helping Andrew Thomas make a massive leap in his second season as a pro. Now, Sale is the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach with the Gators, and he’ll surely get the most out of a talent like Torrence.
Flying under the radar: McKade Mettauer, Oklahoma (via Cal)
