3-Point Stance: Second Chances for Top Recruits, Best Portal QB Fits, Key Retentions

National Columnist Mike Farrell is here with the 3-Point Stance looking at a few former superstar recruits now getting second chances, the five best portal QB fits so far, and five teams holding onto stars in this time of transferring or opting into the NFL Draft.

Second Chances for Former Top Tier Recruits

— Ahhh remember these big names? It’s time for a re-do at a smaller program with a bigger hope for success.

1. LB Justin Flowe, Arizona 

— the former 5 star hitting machine was banged up for two seasons at Oregon and now tries to live up to the hype in Tucson.

2. OT Logan Brown, Kansas

A rare 5 star OL for Wisconsin he was a massive disappointment for a team that churns out NFL linemen. Can Kansas tap his potential?

3. DB Al Blades, Jr., Duke

The former high four-star with the famous name in Miami circles will try to put it together at Duke.

4. CB Fred Davis, UCF

On and off field issues hindered him at Clemson but his talent could be a great fit for the Knights.

5. WR JoJo Earle, TCU

Okay, TCU isn’t a step down as a playoff team but you know what I mean. He’s an elite slot if he can get it together.

Best Portal Quarterback Fits

— The best QB fits in the portal so far? Some might surprise you.

1. Shadeur Sanders, Colorado

Okay, it's not official official, but c'mon, we all know it's coming. And this isn't just about a son following his father either - it's about the younger Sanders being an ideal athlete in Sean Lewis' offensive system. There are going to be some very high-scoring games in Boulder this year. I’m still not sold on his pro potential which means he’ll be at Colorado for two seasons and will be crucial for Deion’s transition.

2. Kyron Drones, Virginia Tech

I love this match of player and play-caller. Hokies OC Tyler Bowen is knocking it out of the park recruiting and that includes what he's doing in the transfer portal. Drones has big upside as a passer and should have an immediate strong connection with fellow transfer Ali Jennings.

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3. Jeff Sims, Nebraska

Sims works well with new Huskers OC Marcus Satterfield in an offensive system that should take better advantage of his running ability. He's a solid athlete who should have a chance to shine in Lincoln.

4. Cade McNamara, Iowa

Iowa is in need of a quarterback who's not going to turn the ball over, and McNamara is just that. So yes, we all know about the issues plaguing the Hawkeyes' offense over the last couple of seasons, but McNamara - and likely his Michigan roommate Erick All - will be helping revive things.

5. Collin Schlee, UCLA

This may have been higher on the list before the news about Dante Moore flipping, but I'm still going to list it because the former Kent State signal caller has all of the tools to be successful in Chip Kelly's system. He's a guy with a quick release and the ability to make plays with his feet as well.

Key Retentions

— And finally as schools lose player after player to the portal and NFL, these five players have their teams thankful.

1. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin

There were rumors of Allen heading to the portal even before the Badgers decided not to hire Jim Leonhard as the permanent head coach, but once the Luke Fickell announcement was made most people thought he was as good as gone given his public comments. But give credit to Fickell and the new staff who clearly made retaining the star sophomore a top priority.

2. Bo Nix, Oregon

The former Auburn star looked like he had a legitimate shot at the Heisman for a minute in 2022, and getting him back for the Ducks is a big boost for Dan Lanning. Between his production and the fact that OC Kenny Dillingham had left for Arizona State, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that he would be headed to the draft.

3. Kayshon Boutte, LSU

This may have been the biggest shock as the one-time projected first rounder Boutte decided to come back to Baton Rouge after an up-and-down 2022. His return, coupled with the addition of transfer Aaron Anderson from Alabama will give the Tigers a really strong 1-2 punch at WR in 2023.

4. Austin Reed, Western Kentucky

The nation's second-leading passer opted to stay a Hilltopper for another season in lieu of hitting the portal in search of a Power Five gig, which was almost sure to come. WKU coach Ty Helton is ecstatic that he's getting the productive signal caller back for one more year.

5. Olu Fashanu, Penn State

Fashanu was a borderline top 15 pick as NFL scouts love him. He's still very raw as a football player, but his athleticism is off the charts. He could be the No. 1 OL in the country next season, but it's still a surprise when a kid decides to come back with his stock that high.