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FCS All-American Linebacker John Pius Enters NCAA Transfer Portal

William & Mary linebacker John Pius officially entered the NCAA transfer portal on Monday. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound linebacker will have one year of eligibility remaining.

Over four seasons, Pius recorded 171 total tackles, 40.5 tackles for loss, 24.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries. He earned first-team All-Conference honors in back-to-back seasons and was named the CAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.

Pius had a breakout sophomore season with 72 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks. He finished second in voting for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is awarded to the National Defensive Player of the Year at the FCS level.

He signed with William & Mary out of Yorktown High School in the class of 2021. Pius was named the 6A Northern Regional Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-State honors as a senior.

Pius was selected to the 2024 Senior Bowl watchlist ahead of this season. He also was included on the 2023 Butkus Award watch list and was the only FCS player to be selected for the watch list.