TEMPE, Ariz. — Since the transfer portal opened just a few short weeks ago, it has been chaotic.
Coming off of a 3-9 season Kenny Dillingham and his staff knew they needed to have a big offseason to make a splash in their first season in the Big 12 in 2024. Coming into the transfer portal we knew that several players on both sides of the ball would transfer, just like any other school in America.
Whether it be for playing time, NIL money, being closer to family, or the itch to compete, it happens to everyone. First, let’s take a look at the players who left ASU to go elsewhere.
Editors Note: This story was published on Dec. 19, 2023. All information is accurate and updated as of Dec. 19.
Transfers Out
- BJ Green-> Washington
- Isaia Glass-> Oklahoma State
- Will Shaffer-> Utah State
- Ashley Williams-> Louisiana Lafayette
- Jalin Conyers-> Texas Tech
- Jordan Clark-> Notre Dame
- James Djonkam-> TBD
- Andre Johnson-> TBD
- Shawn Russ-> TBD
- Isaiah Johnson-> TBD
- Drew Pyne-> Notre Dame, no football just school (plans to transfer fr
- Javen Jacobs-> TBD
- Shawn Charles-> TBD
When you look at the majority of the players on the list, one thing sticks out. Most of the players on the list did not see much time on the field. The only players who saw significant time were Green, Glass, Shaffer, Conyers, and Clark. And Glass and Shaffer both announced their departure from the program before the season even ended.
Pyne did see time but not enough to consider it significant.
With the players who did see time, most transferred out to schools with a better chance to make the playoffs or a New Year Six bowl with the new format.
The only player that we can consider on the list of those who played that would leave to be closer to home is Conyers.
Conyers is from Gruver, Texas which is only a few hours north of Lubbock where he will continue his playing career.
As for the remaining players on the list, they did not see the field as much and are seeking playing time elsewhere.
You would have to believe that when meeting with some of the non-starters Dillingham would have met with them and been honest about the playing time outlook for next season.
Transfers in for ASU football
To counteract the players that left for greener grasses, Dillingham brought in some incredible talent to right the ship.
Let’s take a look at the players that Dillingham has brought in so far. Star rankings are according to the Rivals transfer portal ratings.
- Shancco Matautia-> 3-star offensive lineman from New Mexico
- Joey Su’a-> 3-star offensive lineman from Arkansas
- Kamari Wilson-> 4-star safety from Florida
- Raleek Brown-> 4-star running back from USC
- Sam Leavitt-> 3-star quarterback from Michigan State
- JP Deeter-> 3-star defensive lineman from Purdue
- Laterrance Welch-> 3-star cornerback from LSU
- Cameron Harpole-> 3-star tight end from San Diego State
- Javan Robinson -> 3-star defensive back from Washington State
- Markeston Douglas-> 3-star tight end from Florida State
- Justin Wodtly-> 2-star defensive end from Cincinnati
- Jordan Crook-> 3-star linebacker from Arkansas
One thing to keep in mind with the portal is, you may not get the player out of high school, but you never know when he may be available again via the portal.
That is exactly what Dillingham has done, he recruited several of these kids out of high school during his time at Florida State, Oregon, and now with ASU football. The relationships that Dillingham built with these kids out of high school made it so much easier for him to get the kids out of the portal. That’s why many have cited Dillingham as a significant reason for choosing Arizona State.
Like him or not, Kenny Dillingham and his staff have been tearing it up in the portal and it is still open for another three weeks.
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