Five Transfers Who Are Shining in Spring Practice – Part 2

By Mark Pszonak

All new transfers hope to make a favorable first impression, but not all immediately turn heads during spring practice. And now with spring practices taking place across the country, here are five transfers who have already opened eyes at their new school:

RB Peny Boone – Louisville (Toledo)

The skinny: Having rushed for 1,843 yards and 18 touchdowns in two seasons with the Rockets, Boone immediately became a priority for the Cardinals after he entered the portal. His arrival, along with Donald Chaney Jr’s (Miami-Florida), were vital as replacements for Isaac Guerendo and Jawhar Jordan, who carried the load in 2023. And while Boone and Chaney have both impressed during camp, expect Boone and his 6-foot-1, 230-pound frame to become pivotal in the red zone this season for the Cardinals.

OL Febechi Nwaiwu – Oklahoma (North Texas)

The skinny: Having lost all five offensive line starters from last season, the Sooners knew that they had to hit the portal aggressively. One of these additions was Nwaiwu, who has already positioned himself as a leader on the unit, while showcasing his 6-foot-4, 325-pound athletic frame in both the passing and running game. By the end of the season it is likely that he will be considered one of the most important transfer additions by the Sooners during this cycle.

WR Fred Farrier II – Kentucky (UAB)

The skinny: Kentucky brings back two of the top wide receivers in the SEC (Barion Brown and Dane Key) and also added Ja’Mori Maclin (North Texas) via transfer, so Farrier’s arrival did not create much fanfare. However, there has been growing buzz coming out of spring practice recently with the way he has performed with the Wildcats. The Kentucky-native’s return home gives the Wildcats another weapon in what is shaping up as a potentially potent offensive unit.

LB Leon Lowery – Wisconsin (Syracuse)

The skinny: Lowery and John Pius (William & Mary) were both brought in through the portal to help replenish the Badgers’ linebacker group. Both have shined during the spring, but it has been Lowery’s playmaking ability that has drawn raves from camp. He has consistently gotten into the backfield to disrupt the running game, while also quickly proving himself as a reliable pass rusher. 

WR Jaden Bray – West Virginia (Oklahoma State)

The skinny: After a steady, yet unspectacular, three-year stay in Stillwater, Bray looks poised for a breakout season in 2024. Having totaled 48 receptions for 686 yards and four touchdowns with the Cowboys, Bray has impressed everyone since his arrival in Morgantown. The experience he has brought to West Virginia has already been seen in the locker room as he has quickly become a team leader on and off the field.