Though the wide receiver room could definitely look worse for Auburn football, it could also definitely use some beefing up heading into the 2022 season. After a series of NCAA transfer portal entries combined with expired eligibility, the Tigers are left looking a little thin at the WR position.
Two of Auburn football’s most productive receivers made the decision to part ways with the team in Elijah Canion (Purdue) and Kobe Hudson (Central Florida), in addition to Caylin Newton (William and Mary).
Meanwhile, senior Shedrick Jackson decided to return to the Plains for his extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19, and although Ja’Varrius Johnson reportedly entered his name into the transfer portal on February 2, it seems he will remain on the roster heading into the 2022 season.
In addition to Jackson and Johnson, the Tigers will also return Ze’Vian Capers, Malcolm Johnson, J.J. Evans, and Tarvarish Dawson while welcoming 2022 signees Jay Fair, Omari Kelly, and Camden Brown.
However, with limited experience among the returning receivers, it’s likely that head coach Bryan Harsin and his staff hit the transfer portal to add some talent to the position group. The Tigers have got to become more explosive at the receiver position as they were plagued by dropped catches and missed opportunities during Bryan Harsin’s first season on the Plains.
With plenty of newcomers and lower classmen on the roster, Fly War Eagle presents three seasoned playmakers from the transfer portal that Auburn football should consider adding to their ranks ahead of the 2022 season.
Transfer WR Option #1: Dimitri Stanley
Originally a 4-star prospect out of high school, Dimitri Stanley was the top-ranked recruit out of Colorado in 2018. He joined the Colorado Buffaloes in 2018 and saw game action in three matchups that year, recording six catches for 43 yards.
As a redshirt freshman in 2019, he played in all 12 games and earned eight starts. Stanley logged 29 catches for 312 yards and two touchdowns and played a role on special teams with eight punt returns for 47 yards. He led the team in receiving yards during the 2020 season with 20 receptions for 335 yards and one touchdown and recorded 15 catches for 130 yards and one touchdown this past season while being limited due to injury.
According to Buff Stampede, Stanley’s speed was a key part of his game, and he showed off in that aspect as a member of CU’s track and field team last spring:
"Stanley also showed off his speed by participating with CU’s track and field team last spring. He was part of the Buffs 4×1 relay team that ran the sixth-fastest time in school history with a time of 40.11-seconds at the Air Force Twilight Open."
Stanley elected to enter the NCAA transfer portal on January 18, becoming the twenty-first player from Colorado to leave the program since September 2021. With plenty of speed and experience, Dimitri Stanley has the potential to be a great addition to Auburn football’s wide receiver room.
Transfer WR Option #2: Carlos Sandy
A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, former 3-star prospect Carlos Sandy spent four years at Illinois before electing to enter the NCAA transfer portal in late January. As a freshman in 2018, Sandy played in 10 games for Illini at the wide receiver position and on special teams as a kick and punt returner.
While Sandy only logged one catch for three yards as a true freshman, he was a huge contributor on special teams returning 13 kicks for 232 yards and seven punts for 12 yards. In 2019, the wide receiver missed the regular season due to injury but drew in four receptions for 22 yards in the Redbox Bowl.
As a junior in 2020, Sandy played in five games for the Illini and had one catch for 29 yards and a touchdown. Last season, the WR earned four starts and played all 12 games, finishing up with four receptions for 16 yards in 2021.
Although Sandy’s numbers alone may not look extremely impressive, it’s important to note that Illinois ranked last in the Big Ten in passing yards in 2021, and ranked 14th in passing efficiency. Under the right coaching staff and the right program, Sandy has the potential to make a real impact on his next team, which could be Auburn football.
Transfer WR Option #3: Chase Cota
A former 4-star prospect out of Oregon, Chase Cota arrived at UCLA in the class of 2018. A four-year starter for the Bruins, Cota was counted as one of the most reliable pass-catchers in blue and gold and played in every single game during his time at UCLA.
As a true freshman in 2018, Cota recorded 18 receptions for 286 yards and one touchdown. He started in one game that season and was credited with two tackles on special teams. The wide receiver logged 25 receptions for 350 yards and three touchdowns in 2019. He earned three starts and caught multiple passes for over 20 yards on the season.
The Bruins played only seven games in 2020 due to COVID-19, and Cota started in five of them. He recorded 11 catches for 79 yards and two touchdowns with a season-high five catches in a single game.
This past season, Cota was credited for 18 catches for 286 yards and one touchdown, his longest catch being for 45 yards. According to All Bruins, Cota ranked second or third on the team in receptions all four years.
With his impressive resume, Chase Cota would be an incredible asset to Auburn football’s wide receiver room in 2022.