Transfer portals have revolutionized college athletics. The guidelines are looser than the piracy regulations, Pirates of the Caribbean, Players are generally given two unrestricted free agency opportunities each year. No one knows what the turf is like except for chronically underperforming athletes. everytime Other places are more environmentally friendly — I’m happy with where I am now. Still, unless otherwise, that's the world we all have to live in, even for the defending national champions in Ann Arbor.
The Michigan Wolverines enjoyed a spring unlike any other this century. Amid equal parts celebration and preparation, Team 145 reflected on what happened months ago and looked forward eagerly, ready to defend what they had worked so hard to stand for.
Unfortunately, there is no place for everyone in the future. Whether it's due to the addition of a new student, an unexpected promotion, a change in structure, a hashtag BAG SZN, a new coach, or a variety of other off-field reasons, football teams always experience turnover in the spring . However, not all turnovers are bad, and welcome additions could be the missing ingredient for future success (i.e. Josh Wallace).
Let's take a look back at the moves that impacted Michigan State from the second spring transfer portal window.
Wolverines enter the transfer portal
Wide receivers are Carmelo English and Christian Dixon. Linebackers Semaj Bridgeman, Jeremiah Beasley, Hayden Moore. Cornerback DJ Waller.Interior All offensive lineman Amir Herring
The team's biggest loss is depth at the position, but the group's biggest individual loss is cornerback DJ Waller. After an impressive spring game, Waller appeared to be on track to start alongside All-American Will Johnson in one of the most dynamic secondaries with the best defenses in college football. . After his nationally televised blockbuster performance, Waller is now packing up his big blue bag and moving south to Kentucky. The loss of Waller will be felt, especially if he suffers an injury (*hitting a tree, etc.*), but there are several Wolverines who could take a starting role with little expectation of him dropping out.
In terms of depth, the Wolverines had two wide receivers in an already thin room, two linebackers who seemed to be the future of the position, and an interior who was apparently a star in waiting. We lost one lineman. Although the impact of these losses will not be felt immediately, they will put us in a tough spot in terms of coaching recruitment, development and transfers to mitigate the impact in the future. Speaking of transfer.
Portal player provided by Michigan State
Kent State DT CJ West, Youngstown State WR CJ Charleston
Two players serve completely different needs. CJ West is a reinforcement that further strengthens the force. The depth of Team 144's defensive line was one of the biggest reasons why the Wolverines won the national championship. With bona fide stars like Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant in the midfield, keeping them fresh is paramount to long-term success, and the West hopes these stars don't fade in the fourth quarter. It may be helpful to do so.
CJ Charleston is a player who could help fill the hole, although we're talking about an elite wide receiver name. With the departure of Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson from the NFL and the aforementioned transfers (and Darius Clemons from the first window), Michigan simply needs talented, proven personnel in the room.
Portal players interested in Michigan State
Stephen F. Austin DL Brandon Lane, Ole Miss CB Amorion Walker
Similar to CJ West, Brandon Lane will be a piece of depth to keep the stars fresh. Amorion Walker — hello, old friend — could be heading back to Michigan after a short sabbatical at Ole Miss University. An interesting question is, if Walker returns to Michigan, will he return as a corner or wide receiver? Remember, Walker is a wide receiver who joined the Wolverines out of high school, and returning to his old school could also mean returning to his original position.
Transferring commits
Arkansas State University K Dominic Zvada
For the second year in a row, the University of Michigan added a kicker through the transfer portal. Dominic Zvada made 85 percent of his kicks during his time at Arkansas State, but he's still looking to get back into shape in Ann Arbor. As a freshman in 2022, Zvada was one of the most accurate kickers in the country, completing 97 percent of his kicks (17-of-18), with his only miss coming from 51 yards out. Zvada's transfer adds depth, his experience and pedigree to a Michigan kicking room that lacked all three.
