DB Antonio Carter (Rhode Island to Notre Dame)
The skinny: Carter quickly became one of the more sought-after spring transfers after entering in April. After piling up the offers, his process came to an end after he took an official visit to South Bend. The Irish eventually beat out schools like LSU, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Florida, Iowa, Wisconsin and Washington for his services. Carter, who has two seasons of eligibility remaining, should play a big part of this fall’s secondary due to his versality. Able to play corner, safety and nickel, expect the Irish to find ways to get him increased playing time as the season progresses.
DE Nyles Gaddy (Jackson State to Missouri)
The skinny: After beginning his collegiate career as a walk-on at Tennessee, Gaddy transferred to Jackson State for two seasons before landing back in the SEC in Columbia. Having lost most of their production at the edge from the 2022 season, Missouri made it a point to bring in some reinforcements through the portal, which Gaddy will be expected to help with. At Jackson State he totaled 74 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks and six pass break-ups during his two seasons.
LB Paul Moala (Idaho to Georgia Tech)
The skinny: After being slowed by injuries during his time at Notre Dame, Moala’s decision to rejuvenate his career at a new school was a success as he finished his one season at Idaho with 61 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, two sacks and four interceptions. At Georgia Tech, he is one of several linebackers that have been brought in to help replace their top two players at the position from last year. Summer camp will obviously go a long way in dictating his playing time this fall, but if he can stay healthy and build on last season, he could become a vital part of the team’s defensive unit.
DB Tyler Nelome (Southeast Missouri State to Kansas State)
The skinny: Considered one of the top natural athletes in the FCS, Nelome and his 6-foot-3, 195-pound frame will add an immediate jolt to the Kansas State secondary which lost several important players to graduation and/or the NFL. Having recently seen success from other FCS defensive back transfers, such as Drake Cheatum and Reggie Stubblefield, the Wildcats hope that Nelome can also make the transition smoothly and successfully.
OL Clayton Frady (Gardner-Webb to Virginia Tech)
The skinny: Knowing that they had to improve their offensive line before the 2023 season, Virginia Tech’s addition of Frady gives the Hokies plenty of versatility. A first-team All-Conference performer in 2022 at tackle, he will likely be given his first opportunity at that position, however, he has the ability to slide inside if he is more needed there. Either way, look for him to be in the regular rotation this fall.
