Transfer portal breakdown: 6 intriguing defensive players who already have chosen a new school

Most of the attention the past two weeks has been focused on players going into the transfer portal; well, some already have left. Here’s a look at six commitments by intriguing defensive players out of the portal.

We looked at offensive players Wednesday.

For a look at all the players in the portal, go to On3’s transfer portal wire, which is updated continuously as players go into – and leave – the portal. In addition, there are position rankings of those already in the portal.

UCF LB Antonio Grier

Transfer: USF to UCF
The buzz: Antonio Grier (6 feet 1, 223 pounds) was one of USF’s most talented defensive players, and his departure – especially for UCF – really hurts. He played in just three games this season because of a hand injury; he led the Bulls with 10 tackles in a three-point loss to Florida. Grier was a fulltime starter in both 2020 and ’21 and a part-time starter in 2019. He finished his USF career with 230 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, five forced fumbles and two sacks. UCF starting LB Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste entered the portal last week, so a starting spot is there for the taking for Grier. He seems likely to start in 2023 next to Jason Johnson, a transfer from Eastern Illinois who led the Knights in tackles. Grier has one season of eligibility remaining.

UCLA EDGE Jake Heimlicher

Transfer: Penn to UCLA
The buzz: Jake Heimlicher (6-4, 245) led the Ivy League with nine sacks this season to earn first-team all-conference acclaim. He also was a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, given to the best defensive player in the FCS ranks, and earned some All-America mention. Heimlicher, who is from the Denver area, finished his Penn career with 17.5 sacks, including 16.5 in the past two seasons, and 27.5 tackles for loss. He has one season of eligibility remaining. UCLA dipped heavily in the portal for defensive players last offseason and four of the Bruins’ top 10 tacklers this season were transfers. In addition, four of the top six in TFL were transfers.

Florida State DT Darrell Jackson

Transfer: Miami to Florida State
The buzz: Darrell Jackson (6-6, 300) started for the Hurricanes this season after transferring from Maryland after the 2021 season. Jackson (6-6, 300) had 27 tackles, three sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss this season after making 22 tackles as a true freshman with Maryland in 2021. His best football almost certainly is ahead of him. Jackson is from Havana, Fla., about 30 miles outside Tallahassee, played at a small high school and was extremely raw as a college freshman. As he becomes more technically proficient, he has the tools to become an all-league player.

Oregon LB Jestin Jacobs

Transfer: Iowa to Oregon
The buzz: Jestin Jacobs (6-4, 238) was an important defensive piece for Iowa in 2021 as an eight-game starter, finishing with 53 tackles. Big things were expected this season because of his mix of size and athleticism, but he was injured and played in just two games. Jacobs has a big upside for an Oregon defense that needs to get more physical, and he also has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

SMU CB Cale Sanders

Transfer: Fresno State to SMU
The buzz: Cale Sanders (5-11, 180) started for the Mountain West-champion Bulldogs this season after being a part-time starter as a true freshman last season. SMU’s pass defense struggled this season, and the Mustangs need corners. Sanders had 32 tackles and six pass breakups this season, and had 52 tackles, an interception and nine pass breakups in the past two seasons. He’s a Houston-area native who now will be much closer to home. Sanders has two years of eligibility left.

Maryland CB Ja’Quan Sheppard

Transfer: Cincinnati to Maryland
The buzz: Ja’Quan Sheppard (6-2, 200) took over for first-round pick Sauce Gardner as the Bearcats’ boundary corner and had a solid season in his first as a starter. He finished with 50 tackles and 10 pass breakups this fall after spending his first three seasons as a reserve safety. That versatility should help the Terps. Sheppard has one season of eligibility remaining.