By Tony Thomas
The late, great Hall of Fame broadcaster Keith Jackson described them as “the big uglies.” Fordham had the Seven Blocks of Granite. An equally important position on the field is the one that opens big holes to run through and act as very large bodyguards for that other important position on the field-the quarterback. Here we profile the recent portal commitments that includes four talented warriors in the trenches.
OT Julius Buelow
Ole Miss Rebels (from Washington)
6’8”, 313 lbs.
A former 4-star prospect, Julius Buelow played 32 games for the Huskies, and started the last nine games of the 2023 season. Buelow helped provide protection for the #1 quarterback in the FBS, Michael Penix, Jr., as a member of the Joe Moore Award winning unit as the top offensive line in college football. Washington was tied for 6th in the FBS in sacks allowed with 12 in 15 games.
OL Nate Kalepo
Ole Miss Rebels (from Washington)
6’6”, 327 lbs.
In 2023, Nate Kalepo started all 15 games for the Huskies on their run to the national title game. Kalepo played in 40 games during his time with Washington as another member of UDUB’s Joe Moore Award winning offensive line. Washington was tied for 6th in the FBS in sacks allowed with 12 in 15 games.
Lane Kiffin has perused the transfer portal with laser focus, plucking talented football players at all positions.
OT Jalen Travis
Iowa State Cyclones (from Princeton)
6’9”, 315 lbs.
In 2023, Jalen Travis played for a unit that helped the Princeton Tigers gain over 1000 yards rushing. In 2022, Travis was named 2nd Team All-Ivy League as he helped lead the way for the Tigers being ranked #1 in passing offense and #2 in scoring offense in the conference.
Travis will be a welcome addition to a Cyclones team that desperately needs depth along the offensive line as they look to improve their running game.
OL Jacob Rizy
Florida State Seminoles (Harvard Crimson)
6’5”, 305 lbs.
A 1st Team All-Ivy League selection in 2023, Jacob Rizy helped pave the way for RB Shane McLaughlin to become the #2 rusher in the league, for Harvard to lead the Ivy League in rushing with 194 yards per game, and score 24 rushing touchdowns. Rizy will have two years of college ball left to play.
WR Chris Marshall
Boise State Broncos (from Texas A&M)
6’3”, 205 lbs.
Chris Marshall was a 5-star member of that #1 recruiting class of all-time in 2022. You know the one, that talented recruiting class that former head coach Jimbo Fisher failed to develop into champions. Marshall played two seasons with two different teams (A&M and Ole Miss) that culminated in suspensions and finally dismissal.
Marshall decided that the JUCO route was the way to go and landed at Kilgore (TX) Junior College in 2023, and it paid off in productivity. Last season, Marshall played in six games and caught 21 passes for 499 yards and five touchdowns.
Now, Marshall heads to the great State of Idaho and Boise State. Marshall, if he can continue his JUCO success, will provide a talented target for fellow transfer QB Malachi Nelson.
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