All-conference Defender Makes Surprising College Football Transfer Portal Decision

The elemental reality of nan NCAA transportation portal is that location are much disposable bodies than unfastened roster spots astir nan country. Thousands of players are testing nan choppy portal waters, but not everyone will find a caller home.

The timepiece is ticking down pinch little than 72 hours remaining for assemblage shot athletes to officially look successful nan transportation portal. After a frantic 15 days, nan wintertime model will adjacent pursuing Friday, January 16. Players tin transportation to caller programs astatine immoderate clip arsenic agelong arsenic they are successful nan portal.

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After announcing his determination to participate nan portal connected New Year's Eve, 1 all-conference defender will beryllium sticking pinch his existent school.

All-Conference Defender Staying Put Despite Transfer Portal Chaos

In an era wherever it's much celebrated to time off than stay, Georgia Southern redshirt inferior protect lineman MJ Stroud is bucking nan trend. According to CBS Sports' Chris Hummer, Stroud will return to nan programme successful 2026 alternatively than transportation via nan portal.

Stroud explored his options, reportedly taking trips to Colorado, West Virginia, and Michigan State. In nan end, he realized location is wherever nan bosom is.

Last season, Stroud appeared successful each 13 games for nan Eagles, starting nan last 5 outings of nan campaign. He totaled a career-high 33 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries.

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Stroud led nan Sun Belt successful tackles for loss, earning first-team all-conference honors astatine nan conclusion of nan regular season. He recorded astatine slightest 1 TFL successful 8 games, including a season-best 5 tackles and 3.5 tackles for nonaccomplishment successful a 45-17 triumph against Maine connected September 20.

In 459 snaps, Stroud posted a 73.3 wide grade, per PFF. He produced 18 pressures but did miss 25% of his tackle attempts.

A three-star imaginable successful nan 2022 class, Stroud has played for Georgia Southern for each 4 of his seasons astatine nan assemblage level. The Eagles person made 4 consecutive vessel games during his tenure, and Stroud will person an opportunity to make 1 last effect connected nan programme adjacent fall.

Stroud has appeared successful 43 games and made 12 starts during his clip astatine Georgia Southern. He's totaled 75 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 5 walk deflections.

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