Top transfer deals1.
LT Michael Smith Signed contract with Cowboys ($65,363,246, 5 yrs)
Eligibile one year: One of the all time great lineman in NCAA history is a huge add for the Cowboys. They basically mortgaged their futre with the dead cap they will eat on this deal though. For this season Smith could prove this gamble worthwhile.
2.
RT William Fernandez Signed contract with Gators ($57,781,503, 4 yrs) (from TEN)
Eligibile four years: Great signing by the Gators to be able to get an elite lineman with four years remaining of eligibility. Very underrated moce that could really bring stability to an improving offense.
3.
QB Wesley Terry Signed contract with LSU Tigers ($48,856,540, 3 yrs)
Eligibile one year: The talk of the offseason always centers around the QB position and Terry is another name to add to the pool. LSU is happy to take a player they've grown to loathe over the years. Anytime you can bring in a vet with Terry's pedigree it's a positive move. Look for LSU to be the favorite to win the SEC West.
4.
WLB Bryon Farina Signed contract with Cowboys ($48,379,687, 6 yrs) (from TEN)
Eligibile two years: Farina was a top recruit of the two-time National Champion Tennessee Volunteers and brings a great deal of veteran leadership and playmaking skills. Will be a solid two year addition but similar to Smith, will add a big chunk of dead cap to the Cowboy's future cap.
5.
DT Jonathan Cleaver Signed contract with Midshipmen ($41,469,727, 6 yrs) (from OSU)
Eligibile seven years: One of the most coveted transfers this offseason was DT Jon Cleaver. Cleaver has the tools to be a good penetrater and disrupter in the pass game but has a lot to grow against the run. Navy has been a landing spot lately for some good defensive line transfers and Cleaver enoyed his visit enough to sign.
6.
WR Keith Batchelor Signed contract with Arizona Wildcats ($29,417,995, 5 yrs) (from TEN)
Eligibile six years: Batchelor is a player overlooked during his time in Knoxville due to the vast array of weapons Tennessee had. He transfers to Arizona looking to find some playing time. Not a burner but is definitely a reliable receiver that will add to the Wildcat offense.
7.
WR Patrick Griffin Signed contract with Orange ($20,826,983, 4 yrs) (from USC)
Eligibile five years: Griffin is an intriguing option especially on a pass first offense. He's got incredible receiving skills and enough speed to contribute early on. It will be a big change of scenery going from one coast to the other but I think this signing will pay off.
8.
RG Carl Gregg Signed contract with Bruins ($20,256,635, 2 yrs) (from FSU)
Eligibile two years: After losing their best lineman to graduation the Bruins answered emphatically by signing a very good player in Gregg. Look for the team to find a spot for him at tackle and fill the void that they have. With two years left of eligibility the Bruins will have a couple offseasons to find the heir apparent.
9.
CB Kenneth Autrey Signed contract with Ducks ($13,374,690, 1 yrs) (from SYR)
Eligibile one year: A one year rental, Autrey has been one of the best defensive backs in the NCAA throughout his career. He may not be the same athlete he once was but he still has skills and saavy to contribute on an underachieving Duck defense. The cost may be high but with money burning a hole in their pocket Oregon can afford the deal.
10.
WR Michael Perez Signed contract with Cardinal ($11,846,243, 2 yrs) (from FSU)
Eligibile two years: Perez broke onto the scene as one of the elite wideouts in the country for a three year span before seeing his numbers drop significantly in the last three. Stanford needs playmakers and Perez will compliment Phillips beautifully. This should give the offense a little more juice and revitalize a struggling program.
11.
LDE Leon Balzer Signed contract with Gators ($10,509,030, 1 yrs) (from TEX)
Eligibile one year: On the surface Florida really helped their pass rush by adding Balzer on a one year deal. He has talent but has never really been a sack artist, only tabbing double digits in sacks one time in his career. Florida was desperate and with the additions of Fernandez and Balzer they've addressed some trench issues on both sides of the ball.
12.
DT Frank Connolly Signed contract with Cardinal ($6,159,272, 1 yrs)
Eligibile one year: Despite being a one year guy, Connolly was brought in to change the culture in the lockerroom. A veteran leadership that has had a lot of success in Oklahoma, he immediately pencils in as the starting DT. Stanford is working hard to change the attitude and misfortunes that have plagued the team in the last 6 years.
