With the football transfer portal window opening in a little more than two months, FBS coaches are already scouting FCS players to see who they might be interested in. Here are five FCS defensive players who would draw plenty of attention in December if they decided to enter:
LB Micah Davey, McNeese State, Jr.
Davey, a preseason All-American, has not disappointed this season with 39 tackles, two tackles for loss and two sacks in three games (missed last two games with an injury). Expectations have been very high for Davey coming off his 2023 All-American season when he finished with 153 tackles, which led the nation, seven tackles for loss, two sacks and one forced fumble in 10 games. With no offers coming out of high school, Davey walked on at McNeese State. After his amazing 2023 season he decided to stick with the Cowboys, but will the junior do it again? With his production and size (6-foot-2, 235-pounds), the Louisiana native, whose father Rohan Davey was a quarterback at LSU, would be a hot commodity.
S Caleb Curtain, Elon, RS Jr.
After redshirting in 2021 and totaling 12 tackles in 2022, Curtain blew up on the FCS national radar with an All-American performance last season. Finishing with 80 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions and 10 pass breakups, his performance helped him earn preseason All-American honors this season. And he has not disappointed this season with 25 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception and four pass breakups in four games. Curtain entered the portal after the 2023 season but then withdrew his name. Will another big season make a change of address more likely?
LB Ben Bogle, Southern Illinois, RS Soph.
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Bogle has had a steady rise at Southern Illinois. After redshirting in 2022 and then playing in 13 games, with one start, last season, Bogle has taken his game to an entirely new level early this season. He did showcase his potential last season with 32 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks, but already has 35 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in four games this season. At 6-foot-2 and 225-pounds, the Florida native will have all eyes on him this fall to see if he can continue this level of play.
CB Jalen Jones, William & Mary, RS Jr.
6-foot-0, 190-pound productive cornerbacks are bound to get FBS interest. And Jones showcased that productivity in 2022 when he was a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, annually given to the nation’s top freshman. That season he finished with 24 tackles, one tackle for loss, four interceptions and five pass breakups. He followed that up with a statistically down-season with 17 tackles and five pass breakups last season, but the Virginia native has returned in 2024 eager to prove himself with 18 tackles and a very impressive nine pass breakups in only four games.
LB A.J. Pena, Rhode Island, Jr.
Coming off his best season in 2023 with 59 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, two forced fumbles and four pass breakups, Pena has once again been dominant in 2024. Already with 25 tackles, six tackles for loss and five sacks, he has helped the Rams to a quick 3-1 start. In their one loss, at Minnesota, he showcased his talents against P4 competition with seven tackles, one tackle for loss and sack. The New Jersey native has the athleticism and size (6-foot-2, 240-pounds) to make his mark at the FBS level.
