Coach Prime Gains One Former Receiver, Loses Another in Transfer Portal

Recently, two former standout wide receivers from Jackson State University decided to transfer to Power 5 football programs.

Kyle T. Mosley | Apr 21, 2023

Coach Prime Gains One Former Receiver, Loses Another in Transfer Portal /

Recently, two former standout wide receivers from Jackson State University decided to transfer to Power 5 football programs. Shane Hooks and Willie Gaines, both known for their big play abilities, quickly found new teams to join through the spring transfer portal. Gaines will reunite with his former coach, Coach Prime, at the University of Colorado. Meanwhile, Hooks will stay in Mississippi to play for head coach Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels.

It's unlikely that Willie "Big Play" Gaines will be playing in the upcoming sold-out Colorado Spring Game in Boulder, but he may be present on the sidelines. At Jackson State, the speedy 5-foot-9 player had a great connection with Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders. They successfully worked together for 27 receptions for 446 receiving yards last year, averaging 16.52 yards per catch. Gaines' impressive ability to make big plays allowed him to score five touchdowns at JSU, and he's a valuable dual-threat option for the Buffaloes. In the previous season, he returned 21 punts for 169 yards, averaging 8.1 yards per return.

Shane "Hollywood" Hooks, a graduate transfer student, will now play as a wide receiver for the University of Mississippi. With the Rebels' star receiver Jonathan Mingo entering the 2023 NFL Draft, Ole Miss needed another option. Hooks, who stands at 6-4 and weighs 205 pounds, is known for his playmaking ability and could turn the tide of a game. The Orlando, Florida native finished his time at Jackson State with 66 receptions, 775 receiving yards, and ten touchdowns. While Hooks considered reuniting with Coach Sanders, he ultimately decided to stay in Mississippi and closer to home.

Over the offseason, Jackson State's new head coach T.C. Taylor has been successful in recruiting. However, some uncertainties surround the team's quarterback, linebacker, and running back positions. The departure of former standout players QB Sanders to Colorado, Aubrey Miller Jr. to the NFL Draft, and Sy'veon Wilkerson to the NCAA Transfer Portal will be challenging for the rookie head coach. Despite this, he remains optimistic that the Tigers will remain competitive.

Jackson State's RB Sy'veon Wilkerson Enters Transfer Portal

Published Apr 21, 2023

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: