Arizona State defensive lineman BJ Green II celebrates a stoppage against Southern Utah during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The roster overhaul isn't as big as it was a year ago, but head coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes will once again be looking for multiple transfers to play a big role in their return. . This year's Big 12 Conference.
Sanders has said many times this offseason that he wanted to bring in an experienced starter through the transfer portal, and he certainly did that. It remains to be seen where exactly these transfers fit in and how much of an impact they will have, but here's a look at the 10 transfers that could have the most impact during the 2024 season. Let's.
DL BJ Green (Arizona State University), 6-foot-1, 270 pounds, senior: One of the better defensive linemen in the Pac-12, he was named second-team All-Pac-12 last season with 39 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. He also had 11 quarterback hurries. CU needs impact on defense, and Green is arguably the best player of the offseason.
DB Preston Hodge (Liberty), 6-0, 195, Sr.: Given the amount of talent and experience returning to the Buffs' secondary, it's unclear where Hodge will fit in, but he's likely to find his way on the field. He recorded 48 tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions and 10 passes defensed in 2023, helping Liberty go 13-0 in the regular season.
OL Justin Meyers (UTEP), 6-4, 320, Sr.: It's been well documented how much Sanders wanted to revamp the offensive line. Five experienced FBS starters and top prep rookie Jordan Seaton all join the team, but Meyers may be the best transfer of them all. He started all 24 games for the Miners at left guard over the past two seasons and earned All-Conference USA honors. He has allowed just two sacks over the past two seasons.
CB DJ McKinney (Oklahoma State), 6-0, 174, So.: Like Hodge, it's hard to predict where he'll fit, especially with Travis Hunter and Cormani McClain back at corner. But like Hodge, it may be difficult to keep him off the field. Although he was not a starter at OSU, he played 596 snaps in 2023, led the Cowboys' corners in tackles (38) and had five pass breakups.
TE Shamon Metayer (Cincinnati), 6-5, 245, Jr.: CU never had a true tight end last year, but Metayer fit that mold. He caught 23 passes for 258 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati in 2023 and looks to make an impact as a receiver and blocker.
DL Chidozie Nwankwo (Houston), 5-11, 295, Sr.: Another key piece of the defensive puzzle, Nwankwo played four seasons in Houston, starting 32 games and recording 95 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and five sacks. In 2023, Nwankwo played in 10 games and recorded 25 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack.
Edge Samuel Okunlola (Pittsburgh), 6-4, 245, So.: With Jordan Dominik graduating, the Buffs needed pass rush help, and Okunlola provided it. Okunlola appeared in 11 games for the Panthers last season, recording 18 tackles, six tackles for loss and five sacks. He forced a fumble and had a fumble recovery.
WR Will Shepard (Vanderbilt), 6-3, 205, Sr.: Shepard led Vandy in receptions, yards and touchdowns the past two years. He had 47 catches for 684 yards and eight scores last season. In four seasons with the Commodores, Shepard caught 152 passes for 2,067 yards and 21 touchdowns. He'll be a favorite target of quarterback Shedur Sanders when he gets here in the summer.
LB Keene Wade (Kentucky), 6-4, 245, Jr.: CU needs someone to step up at linebacker, and Wade is a candidate to become a starter for the first time in college. Last year, he played in all 12 regular season games, recording 35 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, three quarterback grabs and one blocked kick. He also made an impact as a true freshman reserve with the Wildcats in 2022.
WR Rajontay Wester (Florida Atlantic), 5-11, 167, Sr.: He has the potential to be one of the most exciting players on the field this year. He set FAU single-season records for catches (108) and receiving yards (1,168) last season, and ranked second nationally in receptions. He caught 252 passes for 2,703 yards and 21 TDs in four years with the Owls. In addition, this year he was named to the FWAA All-American First Team as a punt returner and was also selected as the AAC Player of the Year.
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