The Georgia State Panthers are in a tough spot this spring. Former head coach Shawn Elliott left for the South Carolina Gamecocks late in the offseason, and Dell McGee was hired quickly afterward.
After a coaching staff overhaul, the Panthers are expected to lose some players this spring, including star edge rusher Javon Denis, who entered the transfer portal early in the spring window. Where are some of the top landing spots for Denis?
Landing Spots for Javon Denis
Denis has one year of eligibility remaining. He’s a bit on the small side, but has a high motor and excels at rushing the passer.
He could be a rotational piece at a Power Four school or perhaps an outside linebacker or pass-rushing specialist at another Group of Five program.
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
The Hilltoppers could use more edge rushers, and Denis’ defensive coordinator from last season just accepted an analyst position at Western Kentucky.
Denis would be an ideal candidate for Western Kentucky’s “Jack” position, a hybrid defensive end-linebacker role. There, he’d rush the passer a bunch and move all over the defense.
South Carolina Gamecocks
Not only did Denis’ former head coach go back to Columbia, but so did his recruiter and position coach, as Travian Robertson departed from Atlanta in 2022 after four years with Georgia State.
South Carolina likely wants one more edge rusher in the portal and has had success with former Panthers, namely edge rusher Jordan Strachan. The Gamecocks will be selective with who they offer, but if they pursue Denis, it’s a great landing spot.
Florida Gators
Florida lost a lot on the defensive line from last season but focused on the interior in the first portal window. The Gators also like to have a hybrid edge/linebacker role that Denis would fit well within.
The question here is the mutual interest. If Florida pursues another edge rusher, Denis would be a great fit.
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
Offensive coordinator Travis Trickett was Denis’ area recruiter out of high school, and the Chanticleers need an edge rusher. Coastal has had no issues with undersized edge rushers in the past, and Denis is plenty familiar with the Sun Belt.
KEEP READING: College Football Transfer Portal Tracker
As of now, this is my favorite landing spot for Denis, who I believe would benefit from staying and dominating at the Group of Five level.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Georgia Tech is extremely thin on the defensive line, at least on paper. Ironically, the Yellow Jackets are also replacing their defensive coordinator, who departed for the same position at Georgia State.
Tyler Santucci and Jess Simpson arrive from Duke, where they excelled with hybrid edge rushers. Denis is an immediate upgrade at the edge position and could be a productive piece at the Power Four level.
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