Eastern Michigan DB Kempton Shine Transfers to Virginia

UVA's January surge in the transfer portal continues as the Cavaliers land their fourth transfer commit in as many days

Virginia's January surge in the transfer portal continues. The Cavaliers picked up their fourth transfer addition in as many days as Eastern Michigan defensive back Kempton Shine announced his commitment to Virginia on Monday afternoon. Shine comes to UVA with one year of eligibility remaining. 

I’m an EAGLE 4L NOW VIRGINA IS MY NEW HOME. Blessed!!!! pic.twitter.com/KhzBXon7VR

— Kempton Shine (@ShineKempton29) January 8, 2024

A 6'0", 184-pound cornerback from Chicago, Illinois, Shine comes to UVA with abundance of playing experience over the last five years at Eastern Michigan. Shine appeared in 45 games and totaled 176 tackles, 110 of them solo stops, 3.5 tackles for loss, 27 passes defended, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and an interception. 

In 2023, Shine posted 56 tackles, 31 solos, 2.5 tackles for loss, and nine passes defended in 13 games. At the end of the season, Athlon Sports named Shine to its All-MAC Second-Team Defense. 

With one year of eligibility remaining, Shine entered the transfer portal and took visits to Tulsa, James Madison, and then finally Virginia. Shine ultimately chose the Cavaliers, announcing his commitment on Monday afternoon. 

UVA has now added three defensive backs to its roster through the transfer portal this offseason, as Shine joins Kendren Smith (Penn) and Jermarian Jackson (Robert Morris). 

Kempton Shine is the 11th transfer to commit to Virginia this offseason:

• Notre Dame wide receiver Chris Tyree
• Akron linebacker Corey Thomas Jr.
• Harvard tight end Tyler Neville
• Penn defensive back Kendren Smith
• UCF offensive lineman Drake Metcalf
• North Carolina wide receiver Andre Greene Jr.
• Kent State wide receiver Trell Harris
• New Mexico State quarterback Gavin Frakes
• Robert Morris defensive back Jermarian Jackson
• Clemson tight end Sage Ennis
• Eastern Michigan defensive back Kempton Shine

Keep track of all of Virginia's activity in the college football transfer portal here: Virginia Football Transfer Portal Updates

---

Subscribe to the Cavaliers Now Newsletter to receive UVA sports news in your inbox first thing on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

See more Virginia football news and content: Virginia Football on Sports Illustrated

See more Virginia sports news and content: Virginia Cavaliers on Sports Illustrated

To stay up to date on all Virginia Cavaliers sports news, follow CavaliersNow on social media:

Facebook: @CavaliersNow
Twitter: @CavaliersNowFN