In this week’s edition, we look into the notable transfers that have occurred in the last week. Also, Matt Canada has left LSU and has been connected to a Big Ten school.
Coaching News
Matt Canada Is Heading North
Although it’s not final, Matt Canada and Maryland are closing in on a deal for Canada to become the next Offensive Coordinator. There is some debate about how good of a coordinator Canada actually is, but I firmly believe that he is one of the best coordinators in college football. Canada’s offensive schemes change depending on his personnel. He’s produced a 3,000-yard passer and 1,000-yard rusher in Chandler Harnish at Northern Illinois, and he produced an 1,800+ yard rusher in Montee Ball.
Maryland was one of college football’s greatest tragedies last season, as they opened up the year with a win over Texas before losing Kasim Hill and Tyrrell Pigrome with ACL tears. If these guys can stay healthy all season with Canada at the helm, Maryland will be a force to be reckoned with.
Player News
Dru Brown Leaves Hawaii
Dru Brown has made the decision to transfer out of Hawaii. As a graduate, Brown will be immediately eligible to play in 2018 for whoever he decides to play for. Brown threw for 5,273 yards and 37 touchdowns with 313 rushing yards and six touchdowns in his two-year career at Hawaii. Hawaii reached a bowl in 2017 for the first time since 2010 and will hurt without Brown.
Tucker Israel and Zerrick Cooper to Transfer
Clemson granted release to quarterbacks Zerrick Cooper and Tucker Israel. Cooper spent all last season as the backup to Kelly Bryant, and his lone notable game was in a loss to Syracuse. Israel played in garbage time for most of his career after breaking Tebow’s passing touchdown record in high school. Zerrick has paid a visit to Jacksonville State since announcing his transfer.
Clemson has an embarrassment of riches at quarterback with returning starter Kelly Bryant, 2017 4-star quarterback Hunter Johnson, 2018 5-star quarterback Trevor Lawrence and 3-star quarterback Chase Brice. They’ll all be competing for the starting job this spring.
Abdul Adams is Going Orange
After getting beat out by Rodney Anderson and Trey Sermon, Abdul Adams has decided to transfer to Syracuse. His speed and high ceiling will make him a day one starter when he is eligible in 2019. Adams rushed for 542 yards and a touchdown and averaged 9.2 yards per carry in 2017, but ball security is something he must work on while redshirting.
Travon McMillian Transfers to Colorado
Travon McMillian will graduate from Virginia Tech in the spring and play for Colorado in 2018. McMillian will be immediately eligible in 2018 and has the talent to take the top spot when he steps on campus. Colorado was in need of a new back after star running back Phillip Lindsay graduated, and McMillian definitely fits the bill. McMillian rushed for 2,158 yards and 16 touchdowns while adding 357 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns in three seasons.
Cordarrion Richardson to Texas A&M
Richardson made headlines in his recruiting process by de-committing from Clemson and signing with UCF. In a lackluster freshman season with the Knights, Richardson rushed for 161 yards and two touchdowns on 45 carries. Jimbo Fisher has made great use of talented backs in his tenure at Florida State, and Richardson has the talent to contribute for the Aggies in 2019. However, he needs to produce when he is given the opportunity.
Jason Driskel has Quit Football
After a remarkable season for FAU, Jason Driskell has left the Owls football program. Driskel was beat out early in the season by Daniel Parr, but he reclaimed his job and threw for 2,247 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Keller Chryst is Leaving Stanford
Keller Chryst was not the answer for the Stanford passing game in 2017, which resulted in him getting benched in favor of KJ Costello. Chryst threw for 937 yards in seven games in 2017, which leaves me to believe that he will need weapons to throw to if he is to be fantasy relevant. Costello will most likely remain the starter for Stanford to begin the season in 2017, but Bryce Love is the only real fantasy threat for Stanford next season.
Other Player News
Nick Basquine (Okla WR) is medically cleared to play in 2018.
Lindsey Scott (LSU QB) has transferred to Missouri..
Anthony Scott (ECU QB) is academically cleared to play.
George Rushing (Wisc WR) has transferred to Buffalo.
Hunter Rison (Mich St WR) has transferred to Kansas State.
Chris Warren III (Texas HB) has declared for the 2018 NFL Draft.