2023 WR Frederick Mitchell (Liberty)Mitchell is coming off a year in which he led the Flames to the FCS National Title and proved for the second straight year that he is ready for Division I competition. For the second straight year he caught 18 TD passes and provided huge play ability for Liberty. About as steady as they come, Mitchell is a good kid that comes into the NCAA with very little question marks. He still is improving on his route running but as Juco transfer he brings and experience and feel for the passing game that many true freshman just can't compare. Look for Mitchell to be a very sought after recruit when the draft begins.
CB John Curley (Youngstown St.)One of the most dynamic playmakers to put his name in the hat for a transfer is Youngstown State's John Curley. Curley has the potential to be a similar athlete to Alabama's David Orange if he can get his head on straight. One of the knocks on Curley was his mediocre speed at the college level. Working all offseason at IMG academy that myth has been debunked as he has consistently improved his 40 time. His acceleration is top level but outside of his physical traits Curley is a work in progress. He has been known as lockeroom cancer or distraction wherever he has played and that makes him one of the riskier prospects in 2023. If a team can get him to recognize his potential he may be one of the better cover guys in the NCAA. On the flip side, he may never become nothing more than a physical freak.
QB Uncle Rico (Montana St.)One of the more recognizable names to declare for a transfer is Montana State's Uncle Rico. Rico was persuaded by the school's decision to move their campus to Idaho. Rico has been piling up stats at an astronomical rate in Bozeman so it's not surprising that many scouts are excited about his addition to the recruitment pool. Coming from a spread offense Rico posesses a very strong and quick trigger. His accuracy has been up and down in his career but he has shown potential to be prolific. Why not a great athlete, he does have a good feel for the pocket and is intelligent in and out of rhythm. Very consistent and talented leader that will immediately offer a team a steady player to build around.
LB William Becker (Murray St.)Becker comes into the league as an experienced cover linebacker that is very proficient while matching up against backs and tightends in space. He has never boasted the impact speed that some coaches look for in their linebackers but he has shown that he is very well rounded. Last season he accumulated 30 hurries and 7 sacks to go with the 82 tackles. A scholar athlete that is known on campus for his philanthropy moreso than his gridiron savagery. Whoever lands Becker will have a great person as well as player for the next 11 years.
DE Eugene Alley (James Madison)Alley has been a consistenty piece for James Madison in the last three seasons. After compiling 7 sacks as a freshman he has amassed 12 in each of the last two. Alley has good speed and strength for the collegiate level but his overall feel for the game has scouts wishing for more. With off the chart potential Alley has never proven to be a hard worker and is often seen taking plays off. For him to land a starting role for a power school he will need to really concentrate on his motor and making sure his technique improves or he'll find himself a career backup.
RB Alexander Rice (Montana St.)Rice broke onto the seen for the Bobcats last season as a true freshman and won the starting job. He compiled a respectable 996 yards and 3 TD's but after hearing the news about the University's future he joined QB Rico with his exit papers. As a prospect Rice comes to the league with tree trunk thighs and an incredible strength that will prove invaluable in short yardage situations but he doesn't have the wiggle or lateral quickness to make guys miss in the open field. While he shows decent hands he seems quite uncomfortable when asked to run routes or pass block which may curtail his ability to be an every down back. He does have break away speed for his size that will open some scout's eyes. Pettis brings some freakish physicality but his learning curve is steep and will prove to be the deciding factor on whether or not he will be a big time player.
QB John Fox (Dartmouth)Not too often you see an Ivey League QB decide to transfer to a football powerhouse. While Fox isn't a surefire star, he has NFL talent that if harnessed right, can make him the top quarterback in the class. He doesn't come in with the same production of a Rico but his potential reminds me of last year's QB Robert Rexford. Fox is one of the most athletic QB's to come into the NCAA in years and if his accuracy continues to trend up he could be a very multi-dimensional threat. Coming from Dartmouth it's a given that his intelligence is off the charts so he'll need to cope with the overall lack of arm talent with his instincts and adaptability.
DT James Sunseri (Yale)Sunseri is a stout natural defensive tackle prospect. He isn't elite in any aspect but he brings a consistent effort and a motor that is inveiable. The problem that Sunseri has faced is his understanding of the game. At times he will break through the line and show great quickness only to completely blast by the rusher leaving a lane completely wide open. His feel for angles and shedding blockers leaves a lot to be desired. He does have potential and with the right leadership and tutelage he may be able to improve in his awareness. Sunseri may never become a top line starter but could bring valuable depth to an NCAA team.
FS Adalberto Byers (Idaho)Byers has decided to leave Idaho after a disappointing three year camaign that saw the Vandals fail to reach a bowl game. Byers has not graded out as a top tier defensive back by the metrics but he has shown valuable leadership and timely playmaking ability. Last season he eclipsed his career high in interceptions as he nabbed 4. Combined with his intelligence Byers has shown the feet and hips to cover if asked. He will need to really take to NCAA coaching if he is to find a starting role at the NCAA level. Lot's of work for Byers to make the kind of impact teams want out of a free safety.
TE Thomas Fanelli (Towson)Fanelli was an inspiring story coming out of high school but just never seemed to find his footing at Towson. After catching 559 yards and 4 TD's this last season he decided it was time to find a new home. Fanelli has the strength and skills to play anywhere on offense but his potential to be a great inline tightend makes him intriguing to teams. He's still immature and for some reason hasn't put it together in three years in an elite offense. It might be asking too much for him to finally realize his potential but i'm sure there are teams that are willing to give him a shot. A classic boom or bust type of prospect, Fanelli offers a rare versatility that makes him more valuable than his production would merit.