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Transfer Portal's Best Available: Receivers

South Florida Bulls wide receiver Xavier Weaver (10) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Photo |  Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
South Florida Bulls wide receiver Xavier Weaver (10) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Photo | Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

The first transfer window has closed, but there are still plenty of talented wide receivers available in the portal, including two who led their former teams in touchdown receptions last year.

Today, Rivals.com looks at the best pass catchers still on the board.

BEST AVAILABLE: QB | RB | WR | OL

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Xavier Weaver, South Florida 

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Weaver is the most productive receiver remaining in the transfer portal. The Orlando, Fla., native was South Florida’s leading receiver the past two years, pulling in a combined 94 catches for 1,433 yards and eight touchdowns over that span.

Weaver recorded four or more receptions in all nine of his games last season. He eclipsed the century mark three times with big games against BYU (five receptions, 113 yards), Cincinnati (seven receptions 112 yards, two touchdowns) and Temple (six receptions, 119 yards two touchdowns). Despite his success, Weaver did struggle at times to secure the ball, suffering seven drops, according to Pro Football Focus.

Listed at 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, Weaver spent most of his time on the perimeter but does have the ability to move inside to slot if needed at his next program. He has appeared in 38 games over the last four years and is entering his final season of eligibility.

*****

Caleb Ducking, Mississippi State 

Caleb Ducking is a late addition to the portal, entering his name last week. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound wideout led Mississippi State with receiving touchdowns as part of 46 catches for 477 yards last season.

He previously considered entering the NFL Draft before electing to take advantage of an extra year of eligibility for his sixth season in college. The Rolling Fork, Miss., native spent his first two seasons in junior college before redshirting at Mississippi State in 2020. In 2021, he recorded nine receptions for 83 yards over seven games.

*****

Gary Bryant Jr., Southern California  

Gary Bryant Jr. came to USC as the highest-rated member of its 2020 class. After serving as a backup in his first year with the Trojans, he broke out in 2021, tying for the team lead with seven touchdown receptions while ranking third with 44 catches for 579 yards.

After not featuring much through USC’s first three games last year, he elected to shut things down in order to take a redshirt. He will have three years of eligibility at his next school.

Bryant, 5-foot-11, 180 pounds, is best suited for the slot. He’s also a capable option on special teams, averaging 26 yards on 16 kick returns in 2021 after averaging 26 yards on eight returns the in 2020.

*****

Tyler Harrell, Alabama  

Tyler Harrell was supposed to bring a vertical threat to Alabama’s offense after transferring from Louisville last offseason. However, a lingering foot injury prevented him from making his debut until Week 8, causing him to fall behind in the Crimson Tide’s receiving corps. In total, he tallied just two catches for 18 yards over six appearances.

Despite his down year, Harrell still brings plenty to the table. The 6-foot, 194-pound speedster has sub-4.3 speed and put it on display at Louisville in 2021 when he led the Cardinals’ receivers with 29 yards per reception while piling up 523 yards and a team-high six touchdowns through the air.

Perhaps a healthy offseason and a change of scenery could see Harrell tap into his potential in what will be his final season at the college level.

*****

Agiye Hall, Texas

Agiye Hall's tumultuous road is set to take another turn.

The former Rivals100 recruit signed with Alabama in 2021 and appeared poised to make an instant impact after starting in the Crimson Tide’s spring game that year. However, he recorded just four receptions for 72 yards over seven games and eventually decided to transfer to Texas after growing frustrated with his role.

Hall’s time with the Longhorns didn’t pan out, either. He was suspended on Aug. 12 for conduct detrimental to the program and ended up playing in just 16 snaps over three games. He’ll have three seasons of eligibility at his next school.

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