With free agency becoming more prevalent across college football, we take a look at three transfer portal wide receivers that could see an increase in devy fantasy football value in 2020 and beyond. While this list is similar to my breakdown of quarterback transfers entering the transfer portal, one significant difference is the majority of these wide receivers have to sit out in 2020 before becoming eligible to play at their new schools.
While the growing trend of graduate quarterbacks entering the transfer portal with immediate eligibility has taken the CFB world by storm, there are still plenty of prospects willing to sit out a season for the opportunity to shine elsewhere. Whether it’s a move based on scheme, proximity to home, or the depth chart ahead of them, the majority of these transfers are the player’s last grasp at raising their value for the NFL Draft.
Without further ado, here are three 2020 transfer portal wide receivers looking to improve their devy stock with a move elsewhere. Be sure to check out my 2020 dynasty rookie rankings, 2021 dynasty rookie rankings, and devy rankings for further info on devy and dynasty prospects to watch moving forward.
Justin Shorter (Penn State to Florida)
After two nondescript seasons at Penn State, former five-star prospect Justin Shorter announced his intentions to transfer to the Florida Gators. Listed at 6’4″ and 235 pounds, Shorter has the rare combination of size and speed that usually allows wide receivers to excel at the collegiate level.
For whatever reason, it just didn’t work out for Shorter at Penn State, as evidenced by the wide receiver planning to sit out the 2020 football season after entering his name into the transfer portal. Shorter leaves the Nittany Lions’ football program after totaling 15 receptions, 157 receiving yards, and 0 career touchdowns over two seasons.
At Florida, Shorter will have the year off to grow and develop his game for his impending 2021 breakout season. With elite devy tight end prospect Kyle Pitts likely to enter his name into the 2021 NFL Draft mix, there will be plenty of targets to go around in Shorter’s first season of eligibility. With quarterback Kyle Trask running out of eligibility after next season, Shorter and rising sophomore quarterback Emory Jones could be the future of the Florida Gators’ passing attack.
Theo Howard (UCLA to Oklahoma)
Since announcing his decision to transfer from UCLA to Oklahoma for his senior season, the football gods have thrown another stumbling block in front of wide receiver Theo Howard. Just weeks after joining the Oklahoma football program, Howard has reportedly suffered a torn Achilles tendon in his foot, which leaves his 2020 season in serious doubt.
Even though Howard tweeted that he’ll be ready for the 2020 season, players are notoriously optimistic about injuries, so you have to take the player’s comments with a grain of salt. Achilles injuries requiring surgery typically have a 9-12 month recovery time, with the majority of athletes needing almost two years before gaining full-strength.
Assuming Howard miraculously recovers in time for the 2020 college football season, the transfer portal wide receiver will have every opportunity to flourish in Oklahoma’s high-powered offense. Listed at 6’0″ and 180 pounds, Howard projects as a dynamic slot receiver with the Sooners. If Howard doesn’t recover in time for 2020, the Oklahoma depth chart could feature only four healthy scholarship wide receivers with experience: Charleston Rambo, Theo Wease, Jadon Haselwood, and Trejan Bridges.
Tarik Black (Michigan to TBD)
After an unsuccessful college career at Michigan, wide receiver Tarik Black decided to enter his name into the 2020 transfer portal. After falling clearly behind Ronnie Bell, Nico Collins, and Donovan Peoples-Jones in the wide receiver pecking order in 2019, Black is looking to transfer to a football program in need of a WR1.
While Black’s next destination is currently unknown, a list of suitors has already emerged, including Miami (FL), Boston College, Texas, Virginia, and Arizona State. While some of those schools make better football sense, don’t count out head coach Jeff Hafley and the Boston College Eagles. One advantage Boston College holds over the others is its location to Black’s hometown of Hamden, Connecticut.
No matter where Black ends up playing, the wide receiver is talented enough to be 2020’s highest impact transfer portal wide receiver. With Black possessing the ideal size and speed to excel as an X-Receiver at the next level, the former Michigan wide receiver is just looking for the best opportunity to display it.
Others to watch
Devon Williams (USC to Oregon)
T.J. Chase (Clemson to FAU)
Tre’Shaun Harrison (Florida State to Oregon State)
Jordan Woodson is a writer for PFN covering fantasy football. Follow him on twitter @jordan_woodson.