Best landing spots for transfer quarterback with 8,000 career yards include Indiana, Auburn, and Syracuse
Flashback to one year ago when Kaidon Salter first entered the transfer portal, and it seemed as though he could've made a big jump from Conference USA to a Power 4 starting gig. He had just won MVP of the league and totaled more than 3,900 yards and 44 touchdowns. However, Liberty and Salter had […]
Flashback to one year ago when Kaidon Salter first entered the transfer portal, and it seemed as though he could've made a big jump from Conference USA to a Power 4 starting gig. He had just won MVP of the league and totaled more than 3,900 yards and 44 touchdowns.
However, Liberty and Salter had a down campaign, leading to a flurry of quality players hitting the portal again. This time, the fourth-year junior seems set to leave and pursue greener pastures. And despite his numbers dropping, he should move up to the big boys.
Here are three great landing spots for Salter.
Auburn Tigers
If Kaidon Salter were to join Auburn, it wouldn't be unexpected. First, he's skilled enough to compete at Auburn, and second, he has a connection with Hugh Freeze, who previously coached at Liberty before moving to the SEC.
Freeze has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the quarterback's performance this season, and with Hank Brown likely set to enter the transfer portal, Salter could very well be his ideal replacement.
This scenario makes sense, given that Freeze was the one who recruited him during high school. Now that Salter has had the opportunity to mature as a college quarterback, he might be willing to take that leap once more.
With Freeze under pressure to secure wins urgently, he could be inclined to pursue the standout player he initially recruited at Liberty.
Syracuse Orange
Kyle McCord proved he belonged more at a lower level of competition at Syracuse than at Ohio State, and now, Fran Brown can look to pluck another experienced presence to guide his explosive offense.
Salter wins in an opposite manner than McCord, boasting mobility, more poise under pressure, and less reliance on the scheme. Those can be challenges, but they also offer more big plays.
Brown led the Orange to a successful 9-3 season, capped off with an unexpected victory over Miami. This performance might persuade Salter to consider this opportunity for his growth.
While it's not as prominent as Oregon or teams on the cusp of the College Football Playoff, there aren't many positions available nationwide that would represent a clear advancement for his NFL outlook.
The ACC seems to be the ideal fit for Salter. This conference showcases more talent than the C-USA but wouldn't be overwhelmingly challenging for him. Transitioning to the ACC could benefit Salter without risking such a massive change in competition.
Indiana Hoosiers
Curt Cignetti hit it big with Kurtis Rourke this year, and the former Ohio quarterback was in a similar position as Salter before coming to town. Rourke came off an injury-prone season with limited numbers but found a home in Cignetti's explosive offense.
Salter isn't the passer Rourke is, but he's much more dynamic while under pressure, as a rusher, and chasing big plays downfield. The Indiana offense would look different, but it will anyway as Rourke enters the NFL.
Backups Tayven Jackson and Tyler Cherry could be in the mix if a transfer isn't added. However, both Cignetti and Salter should be interested in rolling the dice in a limited QB transfer portal offering. This is the best possible outcome for both parties.
