Taking a glance at college football’s portal for potential program boosters and bargains

The college football transfer portal may be a way for a program to get rich quickly, spinning a possible worst to first scenario. Careful shoppers can spot a bargain.

However, the portal’s garage sale includes players who have a wart or two, seeking greener pastures due to lack of playing time or a coaching change. Sometimes a very good player slips through the cracks though.

People have been known to find a Picasso at garage sales, but those are extremely rare. You can find help or depth though.

Quarterbacks and offensive linemen are always in great demand, along with playable cornerbacks since those positions can make an immediate impact.

Here are some players currently in the transfer portal who experienced at least some success at their previous stops but now could benefit another program. Naturally, the quarterbacks are in high demand.

Adrian Martinez (6-2, 220) is a a three-time team captain for the Nebraska Cornhuskers with loads of experience (played in 45 contests, starting 38). He totaled 7,541 yards passing with 45 touchdowns and 30 interceptions. He has visited Kansas State already and he will make a stop at Cal, where he was once committed prior to Nebraska.

Spencer Rattler (6-1, 200) went from pre-ordained Heisman winner to starting over. The 21-year old out of Pinnacle High in Arizona threw for 11,083 career yards with 116 touchdowns, running for 1,040 yards and 14 touchdowns. He started 24 games at Oklahoma from 2019-’21. He is considering a half-dozen schools. South Carolina, where former OU assistant Shane Beamer now runs the program, could be a fit. Tennessee offers an opportunity as does Miami. Arizona head coach Jedd Fisch has an established relationship with Rattler. Will Kentucky’s current starter Will Levis leave for the NFL or return? Many feel that UCLA could make a big push for Rattler, too.

Michael Penix (6-3, 218) was a star in the Big Ten in 2020 at Indiana. This season wasn’t so good for him but the 21-year old has two years of eligibility remaining. He leaves the Hoosiers after throwing for 4,197 yards, 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.. The lefty has potential, seen when he led the Hoosiers in wins over Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State before tearing his ACL against Maryland in 2020. Also in ’20, Penix had 491 yards through the air, 5 touchdowns in a 42-35 loss to Ohio State. Two different ACL tears in his college career are a concern but his ceiling may mean he will draw plenty of suitors.

Quinn Ewers (6-3, 206), a 5-star recruit in 2021 who reclassified in order to be eligible this past season at Ohio State, left a crowded QB room in Columbus. The Southlake, Texas product played just two snaps (against Michigan State) this year. He’s a pro style passer with an easy delivery but also a good runner. Ewers is also not afraid to take risks. The Texas Longhorns may be his destiny, although his high school coach Riley Dodge is expected to join the Texas Tech staff. Texas A&M could round out the competition. He has already met with Texas and TCU.

Taisun Phommachanh (6-3, 225), one a 4-star prospect in 2019 at Clemson, bided his time behind Trevor Lawrence and D.J. Uiagalelei during his three seasons at Clemson. He has a quick release and some experience in 12 contests, completing 22 of 48 passes for 204 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions. He played in the Tigers’ 27-17 loss to Pittsburgh this season.

A running back many will still covet is Zach Evans (5-11, 212), a one time 5-star recruit in the 2020 class after running for 5,000 yards and 76 touchdowsn in high school. In the past two seasons with TCU, he has compiled 1,063 yards on a 7.2 yards per tote average with nine scores. Since head coach Gary Patterson was ousted, Evans has been thinking about a new start. Before he decided on TCU, he considered Alabama, LSU, Georgia, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Texas A&M. Evans has already visited Ole Miss. If he gets his swagger back, he will be a solid addition to someone’s running attack.

As for the linemen, former Virginia center Victor Olumatimi is a rock in the middle at 6-3 and 310 pounds. The 2021 Rimington finalist and second-nd team All-ACC selection made 35 starts for the Cavaliers. Olumatimi has two years of eligibility remaining. He’s a superb pass blocker who makes all calls at the line and rarely allows pressure. He’s going to give someone an immediate upgrade.

Bobby Haskins (6-7, 295), another Virginia lineman, graded highly as a run blocker, at tackle but is also a solid pass protector. He was selected ACC lineman of the week against Duke. Haskins is rarely out of position and allows pressure begrudgingly. He displays good feet, a nasty attitude and lots of energy.

At 6-6 and 330, Hunter Anthony is a mauler who was a redshirt freshman starter at Oklahoma State. The big, physical drive blocker grew up a big Chicago Bears fan and plays like a Monster of the Midway.

Here are a few intriguing names on the defensive side of the ball:

Jordan Banks (6-1, 245), a linebacker out of Arizona State, was a 4-star talent in the 2020 class but recorded just three tackles in two seasons. In his defense, he was moved from defensive end for a spell. In the proper scheme, perhaps he can be an asset.

Eli Ricks (6-2, 195), the former 5-star in the 2020 class, currently has Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia and USC on his list. The ex-LSU starter has reached out to Alabama’s Bryce Young while Ohio State was runner-up to LSU on signing day. The Buckeyes have been in hot pursuit. Ricks will decide within the next week to 10 days and enroll in January.

Kristopher Moll (6-2, 225) out of UAB is a former first team All-Conference USA performer who will be utilizing his sixth season option. He could be a key pickup in the right defense. Moll led the Blazers in tackles in both 2019 and ’20, ending up with 232 tackles, 27 for loss, with 12 sacks and an interception. He has the leadership qualities all coaches love. Moll can run and diagnoses plays quickly.