5 diamonds in the rough defenders that the NCAA's top programs should keep an eye on via the transfer portal
The transfer portal is set to open up on December 9th in the winter window, and several talented players are set to test the waters, and see which college football may have interest. Those include several small school players who could utilize the portal to transfer up, and test their talent on a bigger stage. […]
The transfer portal is set to open up on December 9th in the winter window, and several talented players are set to test the waters, and see which college football may have interest. Those include several small school players who could utilize the portal to transfer up, and test their talent on a bigger stage.
Here are some of those small school diamonds who could project favorably to a bigger program this offseason. They could become household names for your favorite team very soon, and showcase that you can find talent on the lower levels.
EDGE Ashaad Hall (South Carolina State)
Unless you pay close attention to FCS football, you probably wouldn’t know just how good Hall has been for South Carolina State this season. Originally from the state of Florida, he has been a breakout star for the Bulldogs. In ten games, Hall has recorded 13.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and three forced fumbles. This is a Power Five pass rusher at 6-4 and 235 pounds, with room to grow.
EDGE Clev Lubin (Coastal Carolina)
Similar to former Coastal Carolina, and now Michigan pass rusher Josaiah Stewart, Lubin is a lightly-built standup rusher who has nice explosiveness and surprising power for his size (listed at 6-3 and 245 pounds). Lubin has been on a tear over the last few weeks, pushing his season totals to 36 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and two forced fumbles. It wouldn’t be surprising if Lubin makes a similar jump that Stewart did a couple of years ago.
EDGE Trey White (San Diego State)
White is another undersized pass rusher who is having an incredible season in 2024. He currently leads San Diego State with 16.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. White has also recorded 44 total tackles, one forced fumble, and two pass breakups. The 6-2, 245-pound defender is a tenacious player who plays to the whistle. There’s a lot to love about White.
CB Raion Strader (Miami OH)
A hidden gem in the MAC, Strader brings a lot of talent to the table. He has a good combination of size (6-0, 182 pounds), length, and overall athleticism. During his two years on campus, Strader has recorded 97 total tackles, three interceptions, and 26 pass breakups. Strader could start for a bunch of Power Five teams right now, and could be in the near future.
CB Jalen Jones (William & Mary)
A dynamic wide receiver on the prep level, Jones has showcased those ball skills over the last couple of seasons. During his William & Mary career, he has recorded six interceptions and 38 pass breakups. Jones is a nice-sized cover man at 6-0 and 190 pounds, and isn’t afraid to mix things up in the run game as well.
