Remember me? Highly ranked DLs set to re-emerge this fall
MORE REMEMBER ME: Highly-ranked receivers set to re-emerge this fall
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 defensive linemen who are set to re-emerge at new programs this fall.
As a recruit: Fehoko chose Texas Tech over a national list of offers, mainly because of the chance to play alongside his brother V.J. at the same program where their older brother Sam also played in the mid-2000s.
In college: Fehoko started every game he played in his first two years at Texas Tech, racking up 38 total tackles and two sacks in 25 career games. But after his second year in Lubbock, Fehoko surprisingly announced his transfer, landing at LSU a few months later. After sitting out the 2017 season, he has two years of eligibility remaining with the Tigers.
What to expect: Fehoko is expected to start the season at defensive tackle for the Tigers where he will be expected to have a big impact this fall.
As a recruit: Lockhart gathered a number of major offers but committed to Texas A&M during the summer prior to his senior year over Texas, Alabama, Arizona State and others.
In college: Lockhart appeared in four games for the Aggies as a true freshman in 2015 before becoming a full member of the lineup and playing in 12 games in 2016. However, he recorded just 12 tackles in his two years as an Aggie and elected to transfer to Baylor prior to the 2017 season. He sat out that year due to transfer rules and will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Bears.
What to expect: Lockhart has spent the fall competing for playing time and is expected to be an important part along the Bears' defensive line. He has also taken snaps on offense at fullback in special packages.
As a recruit: The New York native committed to Notre Dame during the fall of his junior year, more than a year before Signing Day 2014.
In college: It took a while for Hayes career to get going with the Irish but he had a breakout year in 2017, recording 27 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, more than doubling his career totals in both categories. After announcing his intentions to transfer for his final year of eligibility in April, Hayes initially committed to Oklahoma, only to flip to Georgia a week later.
What to expect: Hayes will provide much-needed depth for the Dawgs on the defensive line and should be a rotation player this fall.
As a recruit: McDowell took a slow approach to the recruiting process, waiting until just before Christmas in 2013 to announce his commitment to Ole Miss.
In college: McDowell came into a loaded Rebels' defensive line unit and contributed as a reserve early but could never really find a full-time role in Oxford. Over three years he had 33 tackles and two sacks before transferring following the 2017 season. He elected to transfer home to Louisiana to play for the Ragin’ Cajuns and use his final year of eligibility.
What to expect: McDowell exited spring as the starter at defensive end and is expected to play a major role this season.
As a recruit: UCLA grabbed an early lead in the race for Taua and held off challengers like Washington State and Oklahoma to land his signature.
In college: Taua played sparingly in his time with the Bruins, bouncing between defensive line and fullback. Over three seasons he had 11 total tackles and two catches for 16 yards. He suffered a torn ACL late in the 2017 season and later announced his intentions to transfer to Nevada, where his older brother is an assistant coach and his younger brother signed in the class of 2018. He has one season of eligibility remaining.
What to expect: While he’s still recovering from the injury that knocked him out last season, Taua should have a chance to see the field quite a bit for the Wolf Pack this fall.
As a recruit: Griffin made an early commitment to Washington State before opening things up during the fall of his senior season. After that, he let his recruitment play all the way out until Signing Day, choosing Arizona over Cal, Mississippi State and Washington State.
In college: Griffin’s time in Tucson didn’t go as planned as he recorded just five tackles over three seasons before announcing his intentions to transfer. He landed at Central Michigan, where he will have one year of eligibility remaining.
What to expect: Griffin is expected to be a major contributor for the Chippewas this fall and could be named a starter when depth charts are released.
As a recruit: Reitmaier shocked many when he committed to Oregon over Tennessee, Vanderbilt and several others during the summer prior to his senior season. He elected to stick with the Ducks, even after then-coach Mark Helfich was fired in late 2016.
In college: Reitmaier didn’t last long in Eugene, going through spring practice with the Ducks before electing to transfer. He didn’t announce his intentions to transfer to Vanderbilt until October, but was granted a waiver for eligibility earlier this summer. He has four years of eligibility remaining.
What to expect: Reitmaier has turned heads during fall camp and appears to be in line for playing time this fall.
