Athlon's Steve Lassan has an excellent and comprehensive transfer list posted at AthlonSports.com. The quarterback spot is loaded with potential starters and we still await the eligibility of several big name players. From a fantasy owner's perspective, here are the top five (possibly six) impact transfers for 2012:
Garrett Gilbert, QB, SMU (from Texas) - Gilbert couldn't match the high expectations set at Texas. He'll now try his hand at SMU under coach June Jones. He has experience and is stepping into a situation where he could thrive. Sitting here in March, Gilbert has the most upside potential of the 2012 transfers. The one drawback is Gilbert will need to complete course work at Texas this spring in order to graduate and be eligible to play this fall for the Mustangs. This seems likely to happen, but Gilbert won't be able to practice with the team until June.
DeAnthony Arnett, WR, Michigan State (from Tennessee) - The Spartans will be breaking in a whole new group of receivers and if he's cleared to play this fall, Arnett's addition will be a big boost. Arnett saw valuable playing time last fall with the Vols, which is key. Arnett will apply for a hardship waiver to play right away due to an ailing family member and most believe he has a good shot at playing in 2012. Michigan State has yet to file the paperwork as to make sure they have all of their information in order.
Dayne Crist, QB, Kansas (from Notre Dame) - I've always been a big Crist fan. He has the skills to be a very good passing quarterback. But he just didn't seem to gel with Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly and injuries took their toll. After graduating from Notre Dame, he'll be reunited with Charlie Weis, who recruited him out of high school. The Big 12 has been kind to fantasy owners in the past and if his knees can hold up, Crist could put up some numbers for the Jayhawks.
Josh Gordon, WR, Utah (from Baylor) - Before the 2011 season even started one of the big fantasy casualties was the Baylor wide out. The Utes need someone to spark their passing game and the 6-foot-4 Gordon could be the answer. With DeVonte Christopher on one side and Gordon on the other, the Utes now have some weapons to throw to and take some pressure off running back John White. Of course the Utes don't have RGIII throwing the football.
Mike Blakely, RB, Auburn (from Florida) - Blakely was on our 2011 freshman watch list when he signed with Florida out of high school. But he quickly transferred to Auburn after spring ball. With the departure of Michael Dyer, there is an opportunity for a Tiger back to emerge. Blakely is someone to watch this spring.
**Michael Dyer, RB, Arkansas State (from Auburn) - Like Arnett, there is speculation that Dyer will apply for a hardship waiver to play in 2012. However, there has been limited information made public to give us a warm and fuzzy feeling that he'll be able to play this fall. He'll most likely have to sit out a year and join quarterback Pete Thomas as the top transfers to watch in 2013. Stay tuned.
Complete Transfer List