Transfer Portal Unearths Gems

The transfer portal window has officially been open for three days now. Rumors swirl about who is going where and what they’re getting. And for the second season in a row, a lesser known school in Hammond, LA is producing some of the best entrants in the portal.

Last season, Southeastern Louisiana University had several players hit the portal as many other schools did. The team finished 9–4 for the second season in a row. Of all of the entrants, four players were pursued and eventually signed with FBS teams. Three of those four went on to play over 300 snaps at their new schools.

Zy Alexander (LSU), Jack Henderson (Minnesota), and Gage Larvadain (Miami-OH) made the jump to FBS and were counted on to play meaningful snaps. This season the Lions have another player entering the portal who could have even more success than these three, TE Bauer Sharp.

Sharp played baseball and QB for Dothan High School in Alabama. He received offers from South Alabama and Northwestern State, as well as Southeastern Louisiana. The Lions saw something in Sharp and converted him to TE.

In his second season at the position, Sharp proved himself a unique offensive weapon. At 6'5 245 pounds, he was used as a Wildcat QB and carried the ball 25 times for 133 yards and 5 TDs. He also caught 28 passes for 279 yards and 3 TDs.

These numbers may not scream dynamic, but when watching his tape, Sharp moves with a level of fluidity that most TEs do not possess on any level. In games against Mississippi State and South Alabama this season, he was able to get in the open field and show his speed. Looking like he belonged against tougher competition than the Southland Conference.

Sharp’s natural athleticism and being relatively new to the position scream high ceiling. There will be natural growing pains as he figures it out. But he is already showing the ability to create and will get more comfortable with more reps. It’s early in his development, and he still has to prove himself at the highest level of college football, but he could become a player you see on Sundays.

Sharp announced on November 22 his intentions to transfer but didn’t officially enter until December 4 when the portal window opened. He has yet to post any offers on social media as has become the custom. But, I would be shocked if the SEC programs from his home state, or where he is currently playing, have not reached out to express interest.

Along with Sharp, I would be shocked if his teammate DB Ian Conerly-Goodly didn’t test the portal waters himself. Conerly-Goodly was First Team All-Southland Conference and was one of the most highly rated DBs according to PFF (88.6 DEF grade). If he enters, I believe P5 programs will be lining up for his services.

This small school has a knack for finding talent and developing it. With the new landscape in college football, it will be interesting to see if a university like this becomes a feeder for the bigger programs. For now, Sharp’s landing spot will be fun to monitor.