USC Picks Up Pair Of Solid Freshmen
Through transfers, USC is picking up a pair of very skilled players in Bru McCoy and Chris Steele. For McCoy, he is a five-star wide receiver that originally signed with the Trojans during the early signing period. However, he then transferred to Texas in January but has ultimately made his way back to USC. McCoy is originally out of Santa Ana, California and was the ninth-ranked player in the country during the 2019 recruiting cycle. After transferring to Texas, he went through spring practices but ultimately decided that it was best to transfer back to the Trojans.
For Steele, he was a four-star recruit and the number 42 overall player in 2019 when he signed with the Florida Gators. His transfer came under a murkier situation as he had asked to be moved from his roommate, who was later accused of sexual battery on two women in the residence. Steele plays defensive back, and even though he had announced a commitment to Oregon, he ultimately chose USC.
In other USC news, quarterback Matt Fink has decided not to transfer to Illinois and will instead remain with the Trojans. Fink has served as the backup to JT Daniels and, in 2018, only had 7 completions in 9 attempts for 46 yards and a touchdown compared to Daniels’ 216 for 363 for 2,672 yards and 14 touchdowns. Given his lack of usage, a transfer was understandable, and it appeared he would be heading to Lovie Smith and the Fighting Illini; however, Fink has changed his mind and will help give USC a deep quarterback room filled with some decent talent.
Maryland Also Reaps Benefits Of Transfer Portal
The Maryland Terrapins, under first-year coach Mike Locksley, also picked up a nice piece on the defensive end as Shaq Smith has transferred as a graduate transfer, meaning he will be eligible to play immediately. The linebacker comes from Clemson and played in all 15 games for the national champions. In his season last year, he had 17 tackles and one sack playing in a reserve role. The former four-star prospect from Baltimore will try to help Maryland replace the loss of All-Big Ten linebacker Tre Watson, who graduated last season. Along with linebacker Isaiah Davis, the linebacker position will remain a position of strength for Maryland.
Big 12 Commissioner Weighs In On Transfer Eligibility
Every year there is constant debate on whether individuals who transfer should be able to play right away or whether they should have to sit out a year. Sometimes there are injustices to the player from the program or the school, sometimes individuals don’t want to play for coaches that didn’t recruit them, and sometimes it is that the players simply changed their mind. A lot of people argue that if coaches can switch schools at the drop of a hat, why shouldn’t players be able to? While there are certainly arguments on both sides of the aisle, one person who has certainly had his opinion heard is Big 12 Commissioner, Bob Bowlsby. At a college commissioners panel, Bowlsby indicated that if it were up to him, he would make all collegiate players sit out a season if they transferred.
NCAA has adopted a new system that allows for players seeking to transfer to put their name in a transfer database or “portal.” Once their name has been entered, other schools can basically recruit and contact the athlete. While the player doesn’t have to transfer, the school is allowed to revoke any financial aid once they enter the portal. While undergraduates in some sports have to sit out a year, the NCAA is continually becoming more and more lenient when it comes to giving out immediate eligibility for those requesting it. If one thing is for certain, it is a process that isn’t perfect, and a little tweaking could still be used.
Cal Football Program Gets Big Donation
Sometimes it pays to have players go onto big NFL careers if you are a college…literally. In the case of Cal, that donation came via Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the tune of a seven-figure donation. The plans for the donation are to help renovate the locker rooms and to also create a scholarship in the name of Aaron Rodgers. While major programs like Cal can generate millions of dollars, one thing is for sure, every little bit helps, especially from a possible future Hall-of-Famer.
Gore Jr. Picks His College
Following an outstanding career with the Miami Hurricanes (including a national championship in 2001), Frank Gore has been a mainstay in the NFL and will be entering his 15th year in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. Passing the legacy on, his son Frank Gore Jr. just announced his college of choice to continue his football career. The running back out of Killian High School in Miami will be heading to FAU to continue his football career. While he is not nearly as hyped as his father was, Gore Jr. still had teams like Kentucky, Southern Miss, and others after him. Instead, he will be playing for the FAU Owls and head coach Lane Kiffin.
UTEP Quarterback Suspended
UTEP quarterback Kai Locksley has been suspended by the program after being arrested over the weekend for DWI, marijuana possession, and making a threat. Apparently, Locksley, the son of Maryland coach Mike Locksley, said he had a gun while in a dispute with others. Another UTEP player, Tiano Tialavea, was also arrested. In 2018, Locksley went 83 for 169 for 937 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. He also had 111 attempts on the ground for 340 yards and 6 additional touchdowns. Sadly for Locksley, football will be the last thing on his mind until his charges are resolved.
