With the portal officially opening at midnight on December 4th, an incredible amount of talent is available. Big names will begin to announce their new schools, and some may just shock the nation. Here are ten defensive transfer beasts who I cannot wait to see where they land, and the impact they will have on their new home.
Deshawn Pace, Cincinnati
The leading defensive transfer according to TPR’s fantasy point system, Pace racked up 486.40 FPTS from his spot at safety throughout his time in Cincy. A senior grad transfer, Pace will have an immediate impact on whichever team he lands with. During three seasons as a starter for the Bearcats, Deshawn uncorked 237 tackles, eight pass defenses, and six interceptions.
Despite being unranked coming out of high school, Dolac has proven to be a top linebacker in the MAC. Although Dolac sustained an injury last season that shortened his year to just four games, the senior racked up a whopping 148 tackles in 2022 and will be a top target in the portal.
Chris Paul Jr., Arkansas
Another unranked high school recruit, Paul Jr. has proven he belongs in a tough SEC that is known for heavy hitting. The 6-1 sophomore LB enters the portal with 137 tackles and six sacks under his belt after two seasons of significant snaps with the Razorbacks.
Bangally Kamara, Pitt
Kamara has been a force for the Panthers the last two seasons, racking up 101 tackles, three sacks and an interception in that span. Now the explosive linebacker hits the portal, hoping to continue to boost his stock.
Terry Jones, Old Dominion
Coming in at No.4 in total fantasy points for defenders, Jones has been unstoppable in three years with the Monarchs with 382 FPTS. In a stretch against JMU and Coastal Carolina, the junior safety notched eight and 13 tackles respectively, contributing to his 104 on the season.
The top recruit in the 2022 class is hitting the portal. With the departure of Jimbo Fisher and the culture questions at A&M, stars are on their way out. Nolen is the biggest, and every top team in the nation will do everything they can to get the former top recruit.
Jaishawn Barham, Maryland
A Maryland native, Barham has been solid for the Terps, tallying 96 tackles, seven sacks and a pick, good for 201.40 FPTS. Expect Barham to show out for the squad that gets the 6-4 linebacker.
Bryon Addison, Oregon
A former four-star recruit, Addison never got a chance to shine in Eugene. However, the 6-5 defensive back has the size and speed to be elite and will look to prove it with his new team in 2024.
Kyle Kennard, Georgia Tech
In four seasons with the Yellow Jackets, Kennard has racked up 111 tackles and 12.5 sacks. The 6-5 defensive end is explosive off the edge and is just starting to reach his full potential.
Taurus Jones, James Madison
Through just two seasons at JMU, Jones racked up 119 tackles. Following the unbelievable first FBS season for the Dukes in which they went 11-1, head coach Curt Cignetti announced he was leaving for Indiana. Be sure to keep a watch on Jones and other former players of Cignetti potentially joining him with the Hoosiers.
