Coach Prime Gains One Former Receiver, Loses Another in Transfer Portal
Recently, two former standout wide receivers from Jackson State University decided to transfer to Power 5 football programs. Shane Hooks and Willie Gaines, both known for their big play abilities, quickly found new teams to join through the spring transfer portal. Gaines will reunite with his former coach, Coach Prime, at the University of Colorado. Meanwhile, Hooks will stay in Mississippi to play for head coach Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels.
It's unlikely that Willie "Big Play" Gaines will be playing in the upcoming sold-out Colorado Spring Game in Boulder, but he may be present on the sidelines. At Jackson State, the speedy 5-foot-9 player had a great connection with Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. They successfully worked together for 27 receptions for 446 receiving yards last year, averaging 16.52 yards per catch. Gaines' impressive ability to make big plays allowed him to score five touchdowns at JSU, and he's a valuable dual-threat option for the Buffaloes. In the previous season, he returned 21 punts for 169 yards, averaging 8.1 yards per return.
Shane "Hollywood" Hooks, a graduate transfer student, will now play as a wide receiver for the University of Mississippi. With the Rebels' star receiver Jonathan Mingo entering the 2023 NFL Draft, Ole Miss needed another option. Hooks, who stands at 6-4 and weighs 205 pounds, is known for his playmaking ability and could turn the tide of a game. The Orlando, Florida native finished his time at Jackson State with 66 receptions, 775 receiving yards, and ten touchdowns. While Hooks considered reuniting with Coach Sanders, he ultimately decided to stay in Mississippi and closer to home.
Over the offseason, Jackson State's new head coach T.C. Taylor has been successful in recruiting. However, some uncertainties surround the team's quarterback, linebacker, and running back positions. The departure of former standout players QB Sanders to Colorado, Aubrey Miller Jr. to the NFL Draft, and Sy'veon Wilkerson to the NCAA Transfer Portal will be challenging for the rookie head coach. Despite this, he remains optimistic that the Tigers will remain competitive.
