Players that Stanford should pursue in the transfer portal

The Cardinal could use depth across the board

The transfer portal opened on April 15 and is set to close on April 30, which means that programs are having to evaluate their rosters as quickly as possible during spring camp in order to figure out their glaring needs.

Well, that is the case for 98% of Power 5 programs across the country, but the same cannot be said for a program like Stanford. The Cardinal have to jump through hoops thanks to their rigorous academic requirements, but as we have learned in the few months that Troy Taylor has been on the job it is possible.

Since Taylor has taken over for David Shaw, who took in just one transfer in Oklahoma safety Patrick Fields who actually got into Stanford and approached the staff about playing, the new Cardinal coach has landed four transfers. Three of them have hailed from an Ivy League program, while the other came from FIU. It's obviously not an easy process, but Taylor and his staff have shown a willingness to modernize with college football and have expressed a willingness to utilize the portal.

In a video released by 247Sports it was stated that 70% of the players in the portal haven't started a college game yet, but when a team like Stanford who returns the least amount of production in the Power 5 has a chance to add depth they need to try.

Here are seven players that I think Stanford should pursue, and obviously since academics plays such a major role I only assess guys that coming out of high school held offers from Ivy League programs, Stanford, or programs that also rank highly in academics. 

Spencer Lytle, LB, Wisconsin

The defense could use another experienced presence in the front seven, and who better than someone that new defensive coordinator Bobby April III himself recruited to Wisconsin. The California native was recruited by April III to go to Wisconsin, and is also a California native, which means he could reunite in two different aspects at Stanford. He's played in just 10 games in his time at Wisconsin, but the former four-star would have a prime opportunity to utilize his college experience and familiarity with the system at Stanford. 

Isaac Ukwu, EDGE, James Madison

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This would be a big swing and get for Stanford, as the James Madison defensive lineman has become one of the most sought after players in the portal. Isaac Ukwu  started all 25 games at James Madison over the last two seasons and was named first-team All-Sun Belt Conference in 2022. He accumulated 40 tackles (22 solo) to go with 10.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, three pass breakups and six quarterback hurries in 2022. Since putting his name in the portal he has been offered by Auburn, California, Kansas, Colorado and South Florida. Another pass rusher could help bolster what was a mediocre defensive front. 

A.J. Henning, WR, Michigan

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 A two birds with one stone situation as the former top-105 recruit can not only be used as a running back or receiver, but has also had great success as a return man. Michigan transfer A.J. Henning is a two-time All-Big Ten selection as a return man, and appeared in 33 career games. On offense he accumulated 25 career receptions for 198 yards to go along with 15 carries for 186 yards and two touchdowns. He was offered by the previous Stanford staff, but Troy Taylor would certainly find a fascinating way to utilize Henning who could do a little bit of everything. Stanford's receivers are unproven which would allow him to take snaps there, but being that the run game outside of E.J. Smith isn't as reliable as one would like he could also be used there.Not to mention, Stanford had issues in the return game last season.  Henning would provide a lightning in a bottle type player that Taylor's offense would accentuate. 

Storm Duck, CB, North Carolina/Penn State

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Storm Duck is one of the most experienced and productive players in the transfer portal, but is looking for a place where he can instantly contribute after having the starting role at Penn State secured by someone else. The fifth-year transferred from UNC to Penn State a little over 100 days ago, and is now searching for a new place to call home. During his four years at UNC he posted 103 total tackles, nine pass deflections, and five interceptions. Academically it may be a tough fit being that he spent just one semester at Penn State, but if he is eligible he would be a great addition for a secondary room that lost all of their starters. 

Malcolm Greene, S, Clemson

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Clemson safety transfer and former four-star Malcolm Greene has played in over 20 games in four years over Clemson, and similar to Duck could come in and provide experience for an inexperienced secondary. He has accumulated 36 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two picks in his three seasons at Clemson. He was also offered by the previous staff coming out of high school where he was ranked as the No. 282 player in the country. 

Jaden Alexis, WR, Texas

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Texas' wide receiver room is full to the brim which means talented wideouts like Jaden Alexis didn't really have a chance to carve out a role for himself. However, the Florida native is as fast as they come and comes from quite the pedigree, with his father Rich Alexis being an NFL running back. His dad played his college ball at Washington which gives them some west coast ties, but having an opportunity to get a great education at Stanford while being one of the better pass catchers on the team is a tough proposition to turn down. Taylor's offense finds a way for pass catchers to be in open space, and if Alexis is in open space not a single person will be able to catch up to him. 

Hayden Wolff, QB, Old Dominion

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The position in particular that Troy Taylor said he was open to targeting in the portal was quarterback. Ari Patu and Ashton Daniels are currently battling it out, and four-star Myles Jackson is also set to enter the picture for fall camp. While a case can be made for everyone of those three quarterbacks, Old Dominion transfer Hayden Wolff has tangible experience at the college level. He helped lead the Monarchs to a bowl game two seasons ago, and while the team had a poor record last year he still threw for 18 touchdowns to six interceptions, and nearly 3,000 yards. If Taylor isn't confident in the other three, Wolff can be a perfect bridge to the next Cardinal quarterback which many fans hope is 2024 four-star Elijah Brown.