96 Days Until Kansas Football: Recapping the 2022 Transfer Class
Yesterday's entry into the countdown focused on the high school and community college recruits that signed with the Jayhawks this offseason. But as the rules for transfers have changed the last couple of seasons, the importance of getting transfers who can make an immediate impact has grown.
Nowhere is that more apparent than with the Kansas Jayhawks, who have signed 11 transfers from other schools in the most recent signing class. And with limit on initial counters in a season being removed, I expect the transfer class to be more important these next two seasons.
Today we are taking a look at each player in the transfer class that Kansas signed so far this offseason. I'll include a brief look at each player individually and then wrap up with overall thoughts on the class.
Nolan Gorczyca, OL
A 6'6" 311lb redshirt freshman, Gorczyca appeared in 4 games in his only season at Buffalo. He was previously recruited to Buffalo by Leipold, so it's natural to assume that he brings something to the system that Leipold and staff feel they can use.
I will be interested to see how much playing time he will get, given the number of players returning and how crowded the room seems to be right now.
Deondre Doiron, OL
A 6'4" 284lb sophomore, Doiron started in 10 of 12 games for Buffalo last season before deciding to enter the transfer portal. Another player that was recruited by Leipold and staff, he ultimately decided to follow them after being pursued by the Jayhawks upon entering the transfer portal.
Again, it's difficult to know exactly how the competition will shake out on the offensive line, but Doiron has as good a shot as anyone else at this point.
Sevion Morrison, RB
A 6'0" 212lb redshirt sophomore, Morrison transferred from Nebraska after playing in seven games for the Cornhuskers in 2021. He tallied 30 rushes for 116 yards and three touchdowns.
It's difficult to know just how much run he is going to get this season, given that Kansas already has a crowded running back room before he arrived, and Ky Thomas also transferred in this season. However, Andy Kotelnicki has shown a propensity to find ways to get running backs included in the passing game too, so that may be an option.
Ky Thomas, RB
A 5'11", 205lb redshirt sophomore, Thomas comes back home to Kansas after a successful freshman campaign with the Minnesota Golden Gophers. He started in four of the nine games in which he appeared, leading the team in rushing attempts and yards (166 and 826, respectively) and sharing the lead for rushing touchdowns with 6.
He comes to a crowded running back room, and will likely be competing directly with Neal and Morrison for carries throughout the season.
Douglas Emilien, WR
A 6'1" 190lb redshirt sophomore, Emilien transfers to Kansas from Minnesota with four years of eligibility remaining. Coming out of high school, he had offers from almost two dozen schools, including fellow Big 12 members Iowa State and West Virginia.
It's difficult to know exactly how well Emilien will be able to fit in to the offense, but he fills what has become a more pressing need after multiple receivers transferred after the Spring Preview.
Lonnie Phelps, DE
A 6'3" 242lb redshirt junior who played in 29 career games in three seasons at Miami of Ohio. He accumulated 56 tackles (18 for a loss) and 14 sacks, with 30 tackles (13.5 for a loss) and 9.5 sacks coming last season.
He looks to be one of the main options for the Jayhawks as they try to replace the production of Kyron Johnson.
Eriq Gilyard, LB
A 5'11", 235lb redshirt senior, Gilyard comes to the Jayhawks from the Knights of Central Florida, where he played in 38 total games over the last four seasons. He only played in four games last season before entering the transfer portal, so he comes to the Jayhawks with two years of eligibility remaining.
His most prolific season was 2020, when he had 59 total tackles (8.5 for a loss) and three forced fumbles. He looks to add a physical presence to what ended as a thin linebacking corp last season.
Craig Young, LB
A 6'3" 230lb redshirt junior, Young transferred to the Jayhawks from the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he played in 26 games over 3 seasons, including all 12 regular season games in 2021.
There are high expectations for Young, who is listed as a linebacker on the roster but has the ability to play almost anywhere on the defense. I fully expect him to see a lot of time, but I'm not sure where.
Kalon Gervin, CB
A 5'11" 190lb redshirt junior who had 9 career starts for the Michigan State Spartans. He played in four games last season before entering the transfer portal. The prior year, he played 420 snaps, which was fifth most on the Spartan defense.
Gervin is expected to add some veteran leadership to a cornerback room that is returning nearly every player from last season. He enrolled in January and was available for spring practices.
Jarrett Paul, DB
A 6'1" 192lb defensive back who spent two seasons at Rutgers before playing for Eastern Michigan last season, Paul has played both the safety and cornerback positions in his time in college. He started 12 of 13 games last season, totaling 45 tackles, six pass break-ups and one forced fumble.
Given the need for additional help at the cornerback position that was highlighted by defensive coordinator Brian Borland during spring practices, I would be shocked if Paul didn't get an extended run this year.
Marvin Grant, S
A 6'2" 210lb redshirt junior with three years of eligibility remaining, Grant transferred to the Jayhawks after starting in all 13 games for the Purdue Boilermakers last season. He was second on the team with 52 tackles.
Grant is a highly regarded safety who had multiple offers out of high school and a lot of interest coming out of high school. I expect him to compete for a starting role next to Kenny Logan.
Final Thoughts
It's hard to be anything other than impressed with the transfer haul this season. The Jayhawks found multiple players at positions of need, and stockpiled a lot of extra depth at positions that have historically been problem spots.
