Last night, Houston’s starting quarterback and Heisman-hopeful D’Eriq King announced on Twitter that he has decided to enter the Transfer Portal, stating, “I think it’s best for me and my family.”
I’ve entered the portal I think it’s best for me and my family!
— King (@DeriqKing_) January 14, 2020
King has one year of eligibility remaining and there are already several teams lining up for his services next season. Oklahoma, who lost Senior Jalen Hurts, is certainly a favorite to land King. The Sooners have produced three Heisman quarterback finalists in the past three years. Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray both won the award and Hurts was the runner-up this season. This track record of success has to be appealing to the ultra-talented King.
Another potential option for King is the defending National Champion LSU Tigers. Senior Joe Burrow played in his final game in the National Championship and the Tigers are now searching for his replacement. Again, this situation would be an ideal landing spot for King, who would give the LSU a whole new look with his athleticism.
Although it’s likely a longshot, the West Virginia football program has also shown that they could be a tempting situation for a transfer quarterback. Will Grier, following his suspension at Florida for using a banned substance, transferred to West Virginia and went on to two incredibly successful seasons.
With Jarret Doege, Austin Kendall and Trey Lowe returning next season, King would clearly be the starter for his Senior season. Again, this is very unlikely, but imagine the horror for Dana Holgorsen if he were to lose his best player to his former team. For this reason alone (and really, because he would be an outstanding addition to the team), Neal Brown should be on the phone with King trying to convince him to come to Morgantown.
