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01/30/23 - QB Tayven Jackson, rSo/2027, Indiana + More +

Indiana quarterback Tayven Jackson smiled on camera when someone asked him during a Zoom call about handling the fast pace of Indiana's no-huddle offense. Transferring in from Tennessee, the program currently defining the tempo genre, Jackson is well-acquainted with playing football at a breakneck pace. The Volunteers' combination of speed and explosiveness made them perhaps the best all-around offense in college football last season, the practice of which Jackson now brings to Bloomington. "I don't think it's going to be faster than that," he said, "but I know (IU offensive coordinator Walt) Bell is an offensive genius. He's going to do everything he can to put our quarterbacks in the right positions to make plays."

Still, it's not what's on the field that Jackson draws from most, as he transfers what he learned in Knoxville with him to Bloomington. 'This was home.'Why QB Tayven Jackson is transferring to IU football During his one season at Tennessee, Jackson worked under Josh Heupel and Alex Golesh. More importantly, he worked alongside quarterbacks Hendon Hooker and Joe Milton. Players, Jackson said, with NFL skills and NFL talent, but also NFL minds. - Indianapolis Star News

QB Tayven Jackson, rSo/2027 Draft Class
Pro Scouting Grade: 0* (00)
Recruiting Grade: 4* (21)

+ Indiana Roster/Recruiting/Scouting
Indiana Player News & Notes

News Source: Indianapolis Star News, Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here

01/30/23 - SS DArco Perkins-McAllister, Sr/2025, Transfer + More +

TCU transfer safety D'Arco Perkins-McAllister opted for New Mexico to be with former teammate Marvin Covington. Perkins-McAlister and is one of 18 players the Lobos gained through the portal. Perkins-McAllister spent the last two seasons with the Horned Frogs, recording seven tackles and a pass breakup during his collegiate career. He played in 20 games during the last two years for TCU. Perkins-McAllister played high school football at Stratford Comprehensive (Tennessee) High School, where he was rated as a four-star prospect in the 2021 cycle. New Mexico announced 13 additional transfers on Wednesday afternoon to bring their total haul up to 18 after the 45-day fall transfer portal window closed on Jan. 18. All transfers have enrolled at UNM for the spring semester and will be eligible to participate in spring practice. - Albuquerque Journal

SS DArco Perkins-McAllister, Sr/2025 Draft Class
Pro Scouting Grade: 0* (00)
Recruiting Grade: 4* (221)

+ Transfer Roster/Recruiting/Scouting
Transfer Player News & Notes

News Source: Albuquerque Journal, Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here

01/30/23 - QB John Paddock, rSr/2024, Illinois + More +

Turns out one transfer quarterback wasn't enough for Illinois coach Bret Bielema. The Illini secured a commitment from former Ball State starter John Paddock on Monday, per a report from the Athletic's Max Olson, and he will join Ole Miss transfer Luke Altmyer in Champaign for the 2023 season. Paddock has Illinois football ties. His great grandfather, Robert Wright, played football and ran track at Illinois and was the Illini track and field coach from 1965-74. His grandfather, John Wright Sr., and uncle John Wright II also played football at Illinois. The elder John Wright was selected in the second round of the 1968 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons.

Paddock's season in Champaign will be his sixth in college football. The 6-foot, 196-pound Paddock played in one game in 2018 and one in 2019 for the Cardinals and then did not see any action in 2020. Paddock was again Ball State's backup in 2021 and appeared in two games. Paddock started all 12 games this past season. The Bloomfield Hills, Mich., native completed 286 of 480 passes (59.6 percent) for 2,719 yards, 18 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Ball State finished the season 5-7 after losing its final three games. - News Gazette Tribune

QB John Paddock, rSr/2024 Draft Class
Pro Scouting Grade: 2* (00)
Recruiting Grade: 3* (197)

+ Illinois Roster/Recruiting/Scouting
Illinois Player News & Notes

News Source: News Gazette Tribune, Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here

01/30/23 - ILB Eriq Gilyard, rSr/2024, Connecticut + More +

When UConn lost at Michigan 59-0 last season, it was noted that the Wolverines dressed 140 players, and it seemed like they used all of them in that game. One of those lost in the sea of maze and blue at The Big House was tight end Louis Hansen, a four-star prospect from Massachusetts who couldn't rise on coach Jim Harbaugh's depth chart. He got in for seven offensive plays against the Huskies, the only game action for him in 2022.

As the season ended, Hansen entered the transfer portal and UConn coaches were on him, pursuing him aggressively even as they were preparing for the Myrtle Beach Bowl. The day after Christmas, they got their tight end, and Hansen is one of seven transfers headed to play for Jim Mora in 2023. Quarterback Joe Fagnano from Maine, linebacker Eriq Gilyard from Kansas, defensive lineman Ray Eldridge from Richmond, and defensive backs Zakhari Spears from Washington, Mumu Bin-Wahad from West Virginia and Noah Plack-Tallerico from Delaware are all on their way as part of what the program is billing as its "reload." - Hartford Courant

ILB Eriq Gilyard, rSr/2024 Draft Class
Pro Scouting Grade: 0* (00)
Recruiting Grade: 3* (51)

+ Connecticut Roster/Recruiting/Scouting
Connecticut Player News & Notes

News Source: Hartford Courant, Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here

01/30/23 - WR Craig Williams, rSr/2024, Louisiana Tech + More +

Former Baylor running back Craig "Sqwirl" Williams announced that he's transferring to Louisiana Tech after recently entering the transfer portal. Williams arrived at Baylor in 2018 and redshirted that season before injuries derailed him much of the next three seasons. However, he delivered a strong season as a fifth-year junior in 2022 as he rushed for 557 yards and four touchdowns. He enjoyed his best game against Oklahoma in Norman as he rushed for 192 yards and two touchdowns to lead Baylor to a 38-35 win. - Waco Tribune Herald

WR Craig Williams, rSr/2024 Draft Class
Pro Scouting Grade: 0* (00)
Recruiting Grade: 4* (25)

+ Louisiana Tech Roster/Recruiting/Scouting
Louisiana Tech Player News & Notes

News Source: Waco Tribune Herald, Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here

01/30/23 - CB Travis Hunter, Jr/2026, Colorado + More +

Because of its stringent admissions and transfer rules, Colorado historically had trouble getting in on that game. Enter new head coach Deion "Prime" Sanders. In the span of a month, changes happened quickly thanks to a new initiative that makes credit review for transfer students a more seamless process. CU has received commitments from around 20 players off the transfer portal and is ranked first by 247 Sports on its transfer football team rankings.

That includes one of the top transfers, cornerback Travis Hunter, who followed Sanders from Jackson State. "This is a game-changer," university Chancellor Philip DiStefano said in an interview with The Associated Press. "They (transfers) want to know immediately if (their credits) are acceptable, and if they're eligible to play. They don't want to wait two weeks, three weeks, or five weeks." For years, a key disadvantage in luring transfer students to Colorado was that it didn't have a streamlined way to accept credits from varying classes from different schools. Under the new rules in this pilot program, transfers will be able to more easily move credits from their previous schools that don't have a matching major at CU and this gives Sanders on a more level playing field. - AP College Football

CB Travis Hunter, Jr/2026 Draft Class
Pro Scouting Grade: 5* (00)
Recruiting Grade: 5* (01)

+ Colorado Roster/Recruiting/Scouting
Colorado Player News & Notes

News Source: AP College Football, Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here

01/30/23 - QB Holton Ahlers, rSr/2023, East Carolina + More +

East Carolina quarterback Holton Ahlers was named MVP of the annual all-star game after completing 9-of-12 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown for the American team. "It feels great. I just wanted to come out here and show what I can do, show that I can hang, show that I deserve a spot in this league," Ahlers told NFL Network's Bridget Condon after the game. "Offensive line blocked great when I was in, the receivers caught the ball really well and we just moved the ball. "I missed a few throws. I didn't have a perfect game. I did feel like I played really well. Showcased my skills all week. Not just this game, but when the scouts were out here, I felt like I performed really well all week. I was just ready to come out here and show the world what I can do."

The game capped off a week-long event for the participating 2023 NFL Draft prospects, including practices in front of 300-plus NFL scouts and NFLPA U sessions on the business of football. The American team was led by former NFL head coach Jeff Fisher, who earned the victory over Eddie George, coach of the National team. George, currently the Tennessee State head coach, played for Fisher during his career with the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans. - NFL Network

QB Holton Ahlers, rSr/2023 Draft Class
Pro Scouting Grade: 3* (19)
Recruiting Grade: 3* (51)

+ East Carolina Roster/Recruiting/Scouting
East Carolina Player News & Notes

News Source: NFL Network, Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here

01/28/23 - WR Joseph Ngata, Sr/2023, Clemson + More +

Notes from NFLPA practice in Pasadena are split on wide receiver Joseph Ngata (Clemson). He is currently rated No. 261 overall, a seventh round/priority free agent, by NFL Draft Scout. He was previously rated as high as the third round but fell when injuries prevented him from living up to expectations. NFL.com highlighted Ngata among six of the most intriguing prospects from NFLPA Collegiate Bowl practices, reporting "Ngata was a five-star recruit out of high school. There were high expectations for him at Clemson, but he struggled to reach them during an injury-plagued career."

That's partially true. Ngata, who was measured at 6-3 1/4, 220 pounds last week, was a four-star recruit we saw at Folsom High (California) who was beset by injuries at Clemson. His best season was 2022 with 526 yards in 14 starts, including a career-best eight catches in his final game. In Tuesday's practice, Ngata wowed scouts with a diving catch over the middle and on Wednesday showed off his athleticism on some downfield passes. However, although we estimate he can run 40 yards in the mid 4.4 second area, scouts at the workouts told us that he struggled to get separation and was battling for the ball against smaller defensive backs. It will be interesting to see the results of his vertical jump, agility drills and quickness at the combine. - Frank Cooney, NFL Draft Scout

WR Joseph Ngata, Sr/2023 Draft Class
Pro Scouting Grade: 3* (50)
Recruiting Grade: 4* (08)

+ Clemson Roster/Recruiting/Scouting
Clemson Player News & Notes

News Source: Frank Cooney, NFL Draft Scout, Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here

01/28/23 - C Jovaughn Gwyn, rSr/2023, South Carolina + More +

At the end of the college season NFL teams were saying good things about South Carolina guard Jovaughn Gwyn. When he was weighed and measured at the NFPA workouts, his height (6-1 7/8) and wingspan (76 5/8) were disappointing. But on the field he was impressive in practice using strong hands and great technique to be consistent as a pass protector. NFL Draft Scout has him rated No. 206 overall (sixth round area), but Gwyn may have improved his stock last week. - Frank Cooney, NFL Draft Scout

C Jovaughn Gwyn, rSr/2023 Draft Class
Pro Scouting Grade: 4* (12)
Recruiting Grade: 4* (63)

+ South Carolina Roster/Recruiting/Scouting
South Carolina Player News & Notes

News Source: Frank Cooney, NFL Draft Scout, Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here

01/28/23 - QB Goose Crowder, rJr/2026, Troy + More +

Heading into spring practices in a couple of months – Troy has officially added three early enrollee freshmen and 21 transfers. Those transfers include scholarship and walk-on additions from FBS, FCS, Division II and junior college (JUCO) schools. The three freshmen are defensive lineman Ty'Quarius Perry, linebacker Keyshawn Campbell and quarterback JD Sherrod. With all of the fresh faces out of the transfer portal, Sumrall was quick to emphasize that recruiting high school and JUCO is where everything begins with the Troy program.

The new transfers include running back Asa Martin (Memphis), quarterback Will "Goose” Crowder (West Virginia), cornerback Damaje Yancey (So. Utah), receiver Chris Lewis (Kentucky), safety Reggie Bracy (Iowa), safety Dasheen Jackson (Hutchison CC), linebacker TJ Thompson (East Central CC), tight end Ethan Conner (East Mississippi CC), defensive end Zach Edwards (Louisville), running back Jordon Ingram (Auburn), linebacker Steven Cattledge (EMCC), receiver/punter Landon Parker (Wofford), bandit Raymond Cutts (Garden City CC), offensive lineman Boaz Stanley (Georgia Military), offensive lineman Tavon Matthews (East Tennessee St.), offensive lineman Blake Austin (East Tennessee St.), offensive lineman Braylun Smith (Birmingham Southern), offensive lineman Eli Russ (Oklahoma State), offensive lineman Markendrick Beall (Tyler JC) and tight end Brody Dalton (UAB). - Troy Messenger

QB Goose Crowder, rJr/2026 Draft Class
Pro Scouting Grade: 3* (00)
Recruiting Grade: 3* (48)

+ Troy Roster/Recruiting/Scouting
Troy Player News & Notes

News Source: Troy Messenger, Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here

01/28/23 - RB Jalen Mitchell, rSr/2025, Transfer + More +

The UConn football team added to its list of new players via the transfer portal, getting running back Jalen Mitchell from Louisville. It's an important get for the Huskies, who lost their No. 1 back of a year ago, Nathan Carter, to Michigan State through the portal. Carter, and several other running backs were lost to injuries last season, underscoring the need for depth at the position. Mitchell was Louisville's top running back in 2021, gaining 722 yards for five touchdowns, catching 12 passes for another 121 yards. But he sustained a leg injury early in 2022 and never got back in the mix, carrying only 10 times for 48 yards. During three years as a Cardinal, Mitchell, 5 feet 10 and 214 pounds, had a knack for gaining yardage after contact, and averaged 5.14 yards over 217 carries From Rockledge, Fla., Mitchell was rated a three-star running back out of high school. At UConn, he will have two years eligibility and join Victor Rosa, from Bristol Central, who will be a sophomore, Devontae Houston and Brian Brewton, among others, in competition for carries. - Hartford Courant

RB Jalen Mitchell, rSr/2025 Draft Class
Pro Scouting Grade: 0* (00)
Recruiting Grade: 3* (108)

+ Transfer Roster/Recruiting/Scouting
Transfer Player News & Notes

News Source: Hartford Courant, Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here

01/28/23 - TE Jake Orlando, rSr/2025, Buffalo + More +

Jake Orlando tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the spring of 2018, wiping out his final season of playing football at Williamsville North. The 6-6, 245-pound tight end didn't think he'd have another opportunity to play football. However, the University of Massachusetts reached out to Orlando in the spring of his senior year as he prepared play a post-graduate season of football at a prep school. Instead, he accepted a scholarship to UMass. Orlando plans to return to Western New York and join the University at Buffalo football program as a graduate transfer in June after he graduates from UMass. Orlando announced his commitment to the Buffalo Bulls earlier this week on social media. - Buffalo News

TE Jake Orlando, rSr/2025 Draft Class
Pro Scouting Grade: 2* (00)
Recruiting Grade: 0* (00)

+ Buffalo Roster/Recruiting/Scouting
Buffalo Player News & Notes

News Source: Buffalo News, Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here

01/28/23 - WR Javon Ivory, rSr/2025, South Alabama + More +

Loading up: South Alabama has welcomed four Division I transfers into the program: offensive linemen Jordan Davis (South Carolina) and Reed Buys (Mississippi State), wide receiver Javon Ivory (Memphis) and running back Kentrel Bullock (Ole Miss). Also new to the team this semester are a pair of December signees: quarterback Gio Lopez of James Clemens High School in Madison and cornerback Reggie Neely, a transfer from East Mississippi Community College.

In addition to the four Division I transfers, South Alabama signed a total of 12 high school and junior college players in December. Running back PJ Martin, an all-state selection in Louisiana, committed to the Jaguars earlier this month and will sign when the late period begins on Wednesday (Feb. 4). - Dallas Morning News

WR Javon Ivory, rSr/2025 Draft Class
Pro Scouting Grade: 2* (00)
Recruiting Grade: 3* (310)

+ South Alabama Roster/Recruiting/Scouting
South Alabama Player News & Notes

News Source: Dallas Morning News, Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here

01/28/23 - QB Joe Labas, rJr/2026, Central Michigan + More +

When it comes to quarterbacks, the transfer portal giveth and the transfer portal taketh away. The Iowa football team gained two quarterbacks from the portal and lost two quarterbacks to the portal. The turnover, along with Spencer Petras' shoulder injury, means Iowa's quarterback room will look significantly different in 2023. Gone: Alex Padilla and Carson May were Iowa's two departures via the transfer portal at quarterback. Padilla appeared in 13 games in an Iowa uniform since 2020 and completed 49 percent of his passes while throwing three touchdowns and four interceptions. May, a true freshman, did not see any game action in his lone season in Iowa City.

Who is back: Joe Labas is expected to return for his sophomore year after making his collegiate debut in the 2022 Music City Bowl. Labas went 14-for-24 with one touchdown and no interceptions despite practicing almost exclusively on the scout team until bowl prep began. Spencer Petras is staying with the Hawkeyes at least through the spring as he rehabs his shoulder. He tore his rotator cuff and labrum in his throwing shoulder in Iowa's Nov. 25 loss to Nebraska. - The Gazette

QB Joe Labas, rJr/2026 Draft Class
Pro Scouting Grade: 2* (00)
Recruiting Grade: 3* (60)

+ Central Michigan Roster/Recruiting/Scouting
Central Michigan Player News & Notes

News Source: The Gazette, Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here

01/28/23 - RB Asa Martin, rSr/2024, Troy + More +

Former Auburn running backs Asa Martin and Jordon Ingram have joined the football program at Troy, a school spokesman confirmed to AL.com. Both Martin and Ingram are enrolled in spring semester classes and will participate in spring practice for the Trojans, the 2022 Sun Belt Conference champions. Martin has one year of eligibility remaining, while Ingram has three. Martin - who spent the last four seasons at Memphis - signed with Auburn in the 2018 class after being name Mr. Football by the Alabama Sports Writers Association at Decatur's Austin High School the previous fall. A four-star prospect coming out of high school, he played in five games mostly on special teams as a true freshman. Then-Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn later admitted the Tigers planned to play Martin in only four games that season to preserve his redshirt year, but staffers apparently miscounted and played him in five. Martin transferred to Miami, but never played for the Hurricanes before transferring a second time to Memphis. After sitting out the 2019 season under NCAA transfer rules, Martin played three seasons as part of Memphis' running back rotation. He rushed for a career-best 435 yards and seven touchdowns and also caught 36 passes this past season for the Tigers, and entered the portal as a graduate transfer two weeks ago. - Birmingham News

RB Asa Martin, rSr/2024 Draft Class
Pro Scouting Grade: 3* (00)
Recruiting Grade: 4* (11)

+ Troy Roster/Recruiting/Scouting
Troy Player News & Notes

News Source: Birmingham News, Share/Comment/External News Feed: Here