In our third edition of Chain Reaction looking into the transfer portal we transition to the trenches. We will consider all OL for this, tackles and interior, and on the defensive side we will look at interior DL, traditional DE’s and Edge players.
Update:
Gabriel and Grayson Murphy have committed to UCLA, a school that was on the possibilities list I predicted.
OL:
Saia Mapakaitolo, Minnesota
Joey Ramos, Iowa St.
Chris Akporoghene, Tennessee
DL:
Gabriel and Grayson Murphy, North Texas
Ishmael Sopsher, USC
Marquis Robinson, Auburn
The Reaction:
https://www.on3.com/db/transfer-portal/top/football/2022/?position=dl
OL’s
Saia Mapakaitolo, Minnesota
Possibilities: Arizona, USC, BYU, Juco
Chain Reaction: The rumor is that Saia was definitely headed to Arizona but then something hit a snag and that didn’t work out. I still think the home state Wildcats are in the drivers seat if academics are in order. If they aren’t then Juco is the likely route. Both USC and BYU were in consideration for him out of high school and could use OL on the roster. BYU would be intriguing since they’ve already brought in the top OT who hit the portal in Kingsley Suamataia.
Joey Ramos, Iowa St.
Possibilities: Arizona St., Arkansas St., Bowling Green
Chain Reaction: Ramos is another Arizona native who could potentially land back home. Though for him it is the Sun Devils we have heard about. With all the turmoil, investigation, and coaching changes the lack of stability here it doesn’t appear as if ASU would be an appealing destination for any transfer though if Ramos has a relationship with OL coach Mike Cavanaugh maybe he could end up here. We know that both Arkansas St. and Bowling Green have offered scholarships to Ramos. Both need OL and are spots where he could be an immediate starter. Butch Jones has had previous success with OL on his teams as well.
Chris Akporoghene, Tennessee
Possibilities: USC, Houston, Jackson St.
Chain Reaction: Akporoghene has 3 years left to play and the former 3 star recruit with size will find respectable suitors who need a guard, possibly even right tackle. The former IMG product has offers from all possibilities listed. USC and Houston would both be logical choices. Lincoln Riley and the revamped Trojans should look totally different and Akporoghene does fit the profile of interior OL that RIley has used in the past. Houston is another intriguing option. Dana Holgorsen has the Coogs trending upwards and after a stellar 12-2 season it would be hard to discount UH as an option. Lastly, Jackson St. is one of the most exciting programs in all of college football right now. What Deion Sanders is doing in Jackson right now is something we haven’t seen in a FCS program. I wouldn’t count them out for any recruits at this point.
DL’s
Gabriel and Grayson Murphy, North Texas
Possibilities: West Virginia, UCLA, Penn St., USC
Chain Reaction: The Murphy Twins, Gabriel and Grayson, are both solid edge rushers who are sought after in the portal. The 6’2 and 215 pound duo are undersized to be true DE’s in an even front system but they are skilled at rushing the passer. The athleticism and skill shown by these two has been raved about in circles. We have 4 P5 programs who appear to be hot on the trail of tag team Murphy. West Virginia would appear to be a great fit roster wise though the defensive scheme they use may be less conducive for the Murphy’s. They’d be forced to play more upright and potentially do more than a traditional Edge. Penn St., UCLA, and USC all would offer the possibility of playing as a standard Edge player which could be appealing.
Ishmael Sopsher, USC
Possibilities: LSU, Oregon, Miami
Chain Reaction: Second offseason in a row in the portal. The Louisiana native spent a year at Alabama before a season with the Men of Troy. Not much news or hints at where Sopsher may end up. My guess is he waits until the summer to pick a destination, which could potentially open up even more possibilities. It is unclear why he has hit the portal twice in as many years, or of there are any red flags surrounding him. There are none that have been publicized anyways. The home state LSU Tigers under Brian Kelly make sense as Kelly has sent multiple big men on the DL to the NFL during his time in South Bend. Oregon are a school that recruited him out of high school, which is why Miami under Cristobal may also be in the running. The Ducks and Canes both feature new coaching staffs and could use a run stopping DT in the mix across the front 7.
Marquis Robinson, Auburn
Possibilities: Missouri
Chain Reaction: It sounds like the former 4 star recruit from the state of Florida is likely to end up with Eli Drinkwitz and Mizzou. He is on a visit to Columbia this weekend. The 6’3 300lb. DT could be a huge addition for the Tigers who need to rebuild the defensive front. Robinson would figure to be in the DL rotation immediately if he ends up here.