Remember me? Highly ranked defenders set to re-emerge
Transfers are becoming more prevalent on a yearly basis in college football, and the changing of schools can include players who were thought to be the nation’s best during their time in high school. Will a change of scenery lead to some former stars living up to their rankings? We take a look at seven former highly-ranked linebackers and defensive backs who are set to re-emerge at new programs this fall.
MORE REMEMBER ME: Defensive linemen set to re-emerge this fall | Wide receivers
As a recruit: Harvey committed to Texas A&M following his senior season and stuck with the Aggies despite official visits to both Oklahoma and Texas.
In college: Harvey wasted no time making an impact in College Station, appearing in nine games as a true freshman in 2014. The following season he appeared in 13 games, recording 29 tackles and four pass breakups. But his career truly took off in 2016, when he started 12 games at cornerback, making 66 tackles while breaking up 10 passes and intercepting another. Harvey missed all of 2017 while recovering from a knee injury and elected to transfer for his final year of eligibility, landing at South Carolina.
What to expect: Harvey looks to be in line to start at safety for the Gamecocks this fall.
As a recruit: Lewis had a pretty dramatic recruitment, initially committing to Virginia Tech, then committing to Florida and finally landing at Florida State after long flirtations with Kentucky and Miami as well.
In college: Lewis played mostly on special teams with 'Noles as a freshman in 2015 and saw his role increase as a sophomore in 2016, starting five games and finishing the season with 21 tackles and an interception. He elected to leave Florida State to transfer back home to Maryland following that season and sat out 2017 due to transfer rules. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
What to expect: Lewis is expected to be a starter for the Terps this season.
As a recruit: Smith’s recruitment saw plenty of twists and turns but he committed to LSU and stuck with the Tigers despite a late push from Florida and others.
In college: Smith played sparingly for the Tigers as a true freshman, recording four tackles on the year. His time in Baton Rouge didn’t last long as he elected to transfer to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College for his sophomore season. After a successful season, he earned several scholarship offers once again and committed and signed with Alabama. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
What to expect: Smith is likely to step into a starting role for the Tide this season.
As a recruit: Freeman was a highly sought-after recruit, especially among the teams in Texas, and he committed to the Longhorns a few weeks before Signing Day over TCU and Texas A&M.
In college: After redshirting and moving to linebacker, Freeman worked his way onto the field as a reserve, before breaking out as a sophomore in 2016. That season, he played in 12 games and had 45 tackles, with two sacks and two interceptions. But nagging injuries derailed his career from there as he played in just five games in 2017 and slipped down the depth chart this offseason while hurt before announcing his intentions to transfer. He landed at FIU, where he will use his final year of eligibility.
What to expect: If Freeman can remain healthy he should have a chance to be a starter for the Panthers this season.
As a recruit: Watkins committed to Notre Dame during the fall of his senior year following an official visit. He chose the Irish over Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arizona State and several others.
In college: Watkins had his moments with Irish, playing in 35 career games, including a breakout year in 2017 when he started nine games and had 29 tackles, eight pass deflections and one interception. After looking like he would be taking a reserve role in 2018, he announced his intentions to transfer for his senior year and landed back home in Texas at Houston.
What to expect: Watkins is expected to be a major part of the Cougars' secondary this season.
As a recruit: Williamson committed to Louisiana-Monroe at the start of his senior year but he eventually backed off that pledge after his recruitment exploded later in the season. After gathering 20-plus offers, he committed to Florida over Michigan and North Carolina just prior to Signing Day.
In college: Williamson struggled to see the field while behind several other talented Gators defensive backs. He did break through as a reserve in 2016, recording five tackles on the year. After that season, he elected to transfer to Minnesota where he sat out the 2017 season due to transfer rules. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
What to expect: Williamson appears poised to be the Gophers' starting nickle back this season.
As a recruit: Dixon initially made a commitment to Georgia, pledging to the Dawgs on Christmas Day in 2016. He later opened his recruitment and ended up choosing Ole Miss over Louisville at the Under Armour All-American Game.
In college: Dixon saw limited action during his freshman year with the Rebels, totaling five tackles on the season. He, along with several other Ole Miss players, elected to transfer following the 2017 season. Dixon landed at Nebraska, where he will be eligible to play this season and has three seasons of eligibility remaining.
What to expect: Dixon is currently battling for a starting spot at linebacker but even if he doesn’t win the job he figures to be a rotation player for the Huskers this fall.
