Belt-2-Belt Violence is Something Happening in 2024

The prevailing stereotype of the football Sun Belt Portal Plunger is that he is seeking fame and fortune on the Power Five stage. While there is a nugget of truth to this sweeping assumption, most athletes are seeking more than just a bag: playing time, respect, compatibility.

For some football athletes, this has meant leaving one Sun Belt team for another. Who are they? We have the answers to this, as well as answers to most questions regarding the function of the universe.

McCloud arrived to Harrisonburg last season from Arizona, and immediately made his mark, earning Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year and First Team honors after completing 281-of-412 pass attempts (68.2%) for 3,657 passing yards and 35 touchdowns. His arrival to Texas State immediately negates the loss of TJ Finley.

Originally a 4-star signee for Arkansas, Hornsby transferred to Texas State in 2023 where he found himself backing up emerging superstar TJ Finley. Hornsby departed San Marcos at season’s end and landed in Jonesboro, where he is being repositioned as a wide receiver and change-of-pace QB.

The 6’1″, 220 linebacker saw action in seven games in 2023, but Pinkney compiled most of his production in 2022, when he was fifth on the team with 50 total tackles on the year.

A 2023 College Football Network Preseason All-Sun Belt Third Team selection. Beasley saw action in 11 games last season, but only had 68 carries for 260 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The 5’10”, 210 pound bowling ball should find more touches with the Panthers’ run hungry offense.

What’s with Georgia State picking on the Chants? Maxey was rated a three-star recruit at safety for the Class of 2023 by 247Sports and Rivals, but he didn’t see any action in Conway last season.

What is with the Sun Belt picking Coastal? Crenshaw was a 2023 College Football Network Preseason All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention, and he totaled 37 punts for 1,536 yards, an average of 41.5 yards per punt last season.

Robertson played in 13 games last season, tallying 14 tackles, including half a stop for loss, along with a pass breakup and a forced fumble. He’s also a reliable special teamer.

Henrich, at 6’3, 300-pounds, was originally signed by South Carolina before joining the Panthers, where he didn’t find a niche. You can’t coach size, however, and you can count on Coach Rickey Rahne to find a spot for him.

Redshirting his junior year, Miller played in 11 games, making eight starts at left guard in 2023. His arrival to Monroe instantly upgrades the Warhawks’ offensive line.

Hall was a three star recruit, but didn’t see action from the Thundering Herd last season as a freshman.

The 330-lb Ramsey appeared in 11 games, making three starts at the end of the season at center. He was originally signed by Ole Miss, where he appeared in 10 games in 2022.

Wiles is the just the latest QB moving from Sun Belt team to Sun Belt team in 2024. Originally a Clemson walk-on before being placed on scholarship fin 2022, Wiles threw for 1,940 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Golden Eagles in 2023.

Originally committed to the Oregon State Beavers, Donald spent a season at Troy before departing for Boone.

Having transferred from Incarnate Word after the 2022 season, Harris was productive in Monroe, recording 33 tackles and a pick for the Warhawks.

Thompson redshirted the 2023 season after appearing in three games. Before joining the Red Wolves, he was a star at Incarnate Word where he finished third in FCS with 17 pass breakups.

Granger had 15 receptions for 213 yards and a TD for the Monarchs last season, and now the 6’1″ wideout will attempt to increase that production for Jimmy Mads.

This 6’4″ 330-lb beef battleship saw action in 11 games with 10 starts. A former 3-star recruit, Lucas is a grad transfer that will provide a wealth of trench experience for the Golden Eagles.

Burrows arrived to Texas State after some time at Tyler Junior College, but he didn’t see any playing time with the Bobcats. Perhaps the 6’1″, 200-pound linebacker can find some tackles with Bryant Vincent and the Warhawks.

Lockette is a nice grab for Texas State. The big OL was the fourth-highest rated guard in the Sun Belt in PFF pass blocking grades and started every game last season.

Georgia State picked up Williams after the 6’2″, 290-pound big man racked up 40 tackles, three sacks, and one fumble recovery at Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2022. However, it doesn’t appear he dented Shawn Elliot’s two deep last season, so now he joins Rickey Rahne’s beautifully weird crew at Old Dominion.

Feature Photo is Mine

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