In today’s Fact or Fiction — transfer portal edition — I look at three big recent topics from the transfer portal and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or if it’s FICTION.
1. DeaMonte Trayanum is the next Ray Davis at Kentucky.
Farrell’s take: FACT
I love Trayanum’s upside as a big and physical runner, and while he’s not as explosive or shifty as Davis, he can be an elite one-cut runner for Kentucky and amass over 1,000 yards next season. Davis was a huge transfer get for Kentucky as a feature back from Vanderbilt while Trayanum was overshadowed a bit at Ohio State, so they are different situations, but I think this is a perfect fit based on what Davis did at Kentucky.
Deamonte Trayanum (@Chipperrz_) scores from 20 yards out. ASU flexing its muscles in the ground game. pic.twitter.com/QGgRhRoaAG
— Gabe Swartz (@gabeswartz_) September 3, 2021
2. Riley Leonard is an upgrade over Sam Hartman for Notre Dame.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
I don’t see this as a big difference from Hartman. In fact, Leonard has a less impressive resume than Hartman. And while some NFL scouts see Riley with more upside, he hasn’t shown me enough consistency to be considered anything close to elite. I’m not hating on the kid, as he’s solid, but he threw for three touchdowns last season. I’m not seeing what the huge deal is here yet.
3. The Ohio State portal losses are worrisome.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
Speaking of Trayanum, there is a sense of panic amongst Ohio State fans losing players of his value, as well as QB Kyle McCord, WR Julian Fleming, and some defensive players. I wouldn’t worry too much. While there is value there, there are younger players on the roster ready to emerge, and talent isn’t the issue at Ohio State. Perhaps Ryan Day is trying to nudge some players to the portal as he re-makes his roster to have everyone buy in? You never know what’s going on behind closed doors, but these defections don’t worry me. The Ohio State roster will be one of the most talented in the country yet again.
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