DJ Graham transfer portal: Top 5 landing spots for Utah State CB if he leaves the program
Utah State defensive back D.J. Graham has indicated his desire to enter the transfer portal. Graham entered the portal a season ago, moving from Oklahoma to Utah State. After a solid season with the Aggies, Graham will be moving on again. He recorded 42 tackles, four pass breakups and three forced fumbles.
In his days at Oklahoma, Graham played in 28 games over three seasons. He will have a fifth year of eligibility because he played in the 2020 COVID season, giving him an automatic extra year. Graham had 73 tackles and broke up seven passes with Oklahoma, including a pair of interceptions. Here are five potential landing spots for the talented young DB.
DJ Graham transfer portal: 5 landing spots for Utah State DB
#5, Houston
Graham hails from Texas and a chance to get back home could be attractive. Meanwhile, 4-8 Houston could use almost all the help it could get. The Cougars had multiple senior defensive backs and given their rough season, may suffer some portal casualties of their own.
Houston was one of the earliest schools to recruit Graham. Further, the Cougars might let him take a shot at receiver. Graham was prepared to switch to wide receiver at Oklahoma before an injury caused him to miss the 2023 season. That's a wrinkle to watch. A chance to get closer to home and play in a power conference could be big for Graham.
#4, Indiana
One of the other early schools to recruit Graham could offer him a chance to get back into the world of College Football Playoff berth hunting. Yes, the Hoosiers have come upon more prosperous times since they recruited Graham. But Indiana's recruiting efforts are still limited and a veteran defensive back could be attractive.
After a season of massive playing time at a smaller school, Graham might want to return to college football's big-time environment. A chance to come to the Big Ten and play for a playoff team could be big. Indiana could work out.
#3, Louisiana Tech
On the other hand, Tech is much closer to home and would offer another likely shot at immediate playing time. The 5-7 Bulldogs had just three defensive backs who intercepted passes a year ago and one of those was a senior.
Tech recruited Graham out of high school, and again, could even be open to the possibility of a move to receiver. Whether Graham wants to hone his craft at defensive back or switch over, he could nab immediate playing time much closer to home at Tech.
#2, Colorado
Coach Prime? Well, it's been a long minute since Colorado recruited Graham out of high school. But given the constant coming and going around the Colorado program, Graham could take a flier on improving his defensive back technique from a football legend.
The Buffs figure to lose several defensive backs either to graduation or moving on to the NFL. Colorado could make a solid landing spot for Graham in his final college stop.
#1, Oklahoma State
Another school that recruited Graham out of high school and could use help is Oklahoma State. The Cowboys had big expectations this year but stumbled to a 3-9 season while allowing 35.6 points per game. Oklahoma State finished 15th in the 16-team Big 12 in pass defense efficiency. Corner Korie Black, who led the team in interceptions, was a senior last year.
Graham would get closer to home, return to major conference football, and play for a team that could certainly use immediate secondary help. Sounds like a reasonable possibility for Graham's final collegiate stop.
What do you think of Graham's potential college choices? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!