The roster overhaul hasn’t been as huge because it was a yr in the past – but – however head coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes will as soon as once more be relying on a number of transfers to play key roles if they’re to make some noise of their return to the Massive 12 Convention this yr.
Sanders has mentioned a number of instances that he wished to exit and get skilled starters via the switch portal this offseason, and he’s actually achieved that. The place precisely these transfers slot in and the way a lot of an affect they’ll make stays to be seen, however right here’s a take a look at the ten transfers that may very well be probably the most impactful throughout the 2024 season.
DL BJ Inexperienced (Arizona State), 6-foot-1, 270 kilos, Sr.: One of many higher defensive linemen within the Pac-12, he was second-team All-Pac-12 final season after placing up 39 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 6 sacks. He additionally had 11 quarterback hurries. CU wants affect within the trenches on protection and Inexperienced is arguably one of the best pickup of the offseason.
DB Preston Hodge (Liberty), 6-0, 195, Sr.: Given the quantity of expertise and expertise returning to the Buffs’ secondary, it’s unclear the place Hodge matches in, however he’ll discover his means on the sphere. He had 48 tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions and 10 passes defended in 2023, serving to Liberty to a 13-0 common season.
OL Justin Mayers (UTEP), 6-4, 320, Sr.: It’s been effectively documented how a lot Sanders wished to revamp his offensive line. 5 skilled FBS starters – and high prep recruit Jordan Seaton – have all joined the herd, however Mayers could be one of the best switch of the bunch. He earned All-Convention USA honorable point out the previous two seasons, beginning all 24 video games for the Miners at left guard. He’s allowed simply two sacks previously two seasons.
CB D.J. McKinney (Oklahoma State), 6-0, 174, So.: Like Hodge, it’s robust to challenge the place he’ll slot in, particularly with Travis Hunter and Cormani McClain each again at nook. However, like Hodge, it could be robust to maintain him off the sphere. He wasn’t a starter at OSU however performed 596 snaps and led Cowboys’ corners in tackles (38) and had 5 cross breakups in 2023.
TE Chamon Metayer (Cincinnati), 6-5, 245, Jr.: CU by no means had a real tight finish final yr, however Metayer matches the mildew. He caught 23 passes for 258 yards and 5 touchdowns as a sophomore at Cincinnati in 2023 and can look to make an affect as a receiver and blocker.
DL Chidozie Nwankwo (Houston), 5-11, 295, Sr.: One other key piece to the puzzle on the defensive entrance, Nwankwo performed 4 seasons at Houston with 32 begins, posting 95 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 5 sacks in his profession. In 2023, Nwankwo performed 10 video games, posting 25 tackles, 5 tackles for loss and a sack.
Edge Samuel Okunlola (Pittsburgh), 6-4, 245, So.: With Jordan Domineck graduating, the Buffs want cross speeding assist and Okunlola supplies it. Final season, in 11 video games for the Panthers, Okunlola recorded 18 tackles, six tackles for loss and 5 sacks. He additionally pressured a fumble and had a fumble restoration.
WR Will Sheppard (Vanderbilt), 6-3, 205, Sr.: Sheppard led Vandy in receptions, yards and touchdowns the previous two years. He had 47 catches for 684 yards and eight scores this previous season. In 4 seasons with the Commodores, Sheppard caught 152 passes for two,067 yards and 21 touchdowns. As soon as he will get right here in the summertime, he figures to be a favourite goal of quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
LB Keaten Wade (Kentucky), 6-4, 245, Jr.: CU wants somebody to step up at linebacker and Wade is a candidate to do this as he hopes to change into a starter for the primary time in school. Final yr, he performed in all 12 common season video games, recording 35 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, three quarterback hurries and a blocked kick. He additionally made an affect as a real freshman reserve in 2022 with the Wildcats.
WR LaJohntay Wester (Florida Atlantic), 5-11, 167, Sr.: Has the potential to be one of the crucial thrilling gamers on the sphere this yr. He set FAU single-season information for catches (108) and receiving yards (1,168) this previous season, rating second nationally in receptions. He caught 252 passes for two,703 yards and 21 TDs in 4 years with the Owls. As well as, he was an FWAA first-team All-American as a punt returner this yr, in addition to being named the AAC particular groups participant of the yr.