15. QB Lucas Johnson, Georgia Tech to San Diego State
Almost an Aztec out of high school, Johnson ended up at Georgia Tech where he saw a little bit of starting and playing time, but he got hurt and wasn’t quite the right fit under the new coaching staff. He’s a good-sized, decent passer, but it’s his mobility that new SDSU head coach Brady Hoke wants as part of the mix. Johnson will have to compete for the job, but he’s a good veteran who could be the difference for another loaded Aztec team.
14. PK Jose Borregales, FIU to Miami
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it’s a kicker … whatever. Don’t be shocked, though, if Borregales turns into a huge deal for a Miami offense that sputtered and coughed in close game after close game.
Hurricane kickers weren’t awful – hitting 12-of-20 field goals with freshman Camden Price nailing 6-of-7 – but Borregales hammered 50-of-66 career attempts for FIU with eight last year from beyond 40. In the win over Miami, he was 3-for-3 including two field goals from 50.
13. OG Terrance Davis, Maryland to Wake Forest
The Demon Deacon offensive line was terrific last season for the nation’s 15th-most productive offense, but three starters are gone. The 6-3, 317-pound Davis was one of the best blockers on the Maryland line, but he was banged up last year with a knee injury. Now he should be an anchor on a reworked Wake Forest offensive front.
12. DE Xavier Kelly, Clemson to Arkansas
New head coach Sam Pittman and defensive coordinator Barry Odom need more options for the Hog defensive front. Three starters are gone off the line including the two top defensive tackles, and now there’s a home for a former Clemson superstar recruit. Versatile, the 6-4, 305-pound Kelly can play anywhere up front, but expect him to start right away on the inside.
11. QB Chase Brice, Clemson to Duke
It’s a bit much to suggest that Brice saved Clemson’s 2018 national championship season, but it would’ve been interesting had he not been able to rise up in place of an injured Trevor Lawrence to save the day in a 27-23 win over Syracuse.
Can a Clemson transfer quarterback rise up and rock for someone else? Kelly Bryant was fine with Missouri last year before getting hurt, and Hunter Johnson struggled with Northwestern, but the 6-2, 230-pound Brice has the tools to be the right fit for David Cutcliffe’s Blue Devil offense. First, he has to beat out Chris Katrenick and Gunner Holmberg for the job.