- FCS FOOTBALL -

Campbell football plucks transfers from across the country

The Camels have added nine players from FBS programs as well as FCS, D2 and JUCO transfers

Published

June 11, 2024

Da'Quan Johnson (left) and Paul Hutson III are two of the Camels recent transfer signees. Graphics courtesy of Campbell University athletics.

Campbell football continues to be active in the transfer portal, picking up recent commitments from far and wide as the 2024 season draws closer.

The Camels, under new coach Braxton Harris, have announced a number of new signees in recent weeks, from as far away as England (by way of Hawaii), California and Texas, as well as from nearby ACC programs. One player even transferred back to Buies Creek after a year away.

Campbell (5-6 overall, 4-4 conference last season) is looking to move up the CAA standings in its second year in the ultra-competitive league. To that end, Harris has added nine players thus far from FBS programs and collected six more transfers from other FCS programs, in addition to a recent Division II and JUCO commit.

FBS transfers include offensive linemen from Georgia Tech, Temple and Hawaii. A former Boston College kicker joins the fold, as well as defensive players from UNC, Duke and Colorado State, and a running back from James Madison.

The FCS commit list includes a quarterback, running back, tight end and offensive lineman, as well as a defensive lineman and linebacker.

The Camels’ revamped roster, which includes a few exits after spring ball, will open the season with a stiff challenge. Campbell visits Conference USA champion Liberty (13-1 in 2023) on Aug. 31. Road trips to Western Carolina and Rhode Island follow before the home opener Sept. 21 against Stony Brook.

Here’s a look at the transfer class Campbell has built thus far:

FBS transfers

Jalen Brooks (LB) | North Carolina

The redshirt senior played middle linebacker at Cardinal Gibbons High in Raleigh before joining the Tar Heels as a walk-on. He played in all 13 games a year ago on special teams and recorded a tackle and fumble recovery in a late-season win over Campbell in Chapel Hill.

Da’Quan Johnson (S) | Duke

Flomaton, Ala., native played in 27 games with the Blue Devils, including three starts. He had 13 tackles against Miami in 2021 and had 73 total hits while at Duke, with one fumble recovery.

Freddie Pelling (OL) | Hawaii

The 6-9, 300-pounder was developed by NFL Academy in Bedfordshire, England. He most recently played at Hawaii in 2023 after suiting up for eight games at Garden City Community College in Kansas.

Jermaine Donaldson (OL) | Temple

The 6-4, 300-pounder from Voorhees, NJ, served as a depth player for the Owls in 2022 and 2023.

Brandon Guzman (CB) | Colorado State

From Pasadena, Calif., Guzman appeared in all 12 of the Rams’ games a year ago and started seven times in 2022 (finishing that season with 30 tackles, a sack and a pass breakup).

Connor Lytton (K) | Boston College

Played in five games on kickoff last season after handling much of the place-kicking chores for the Eagles in 2021 and 2022. From Christiansburg, Va., he went 9-of-17 on field goals in 2022 and was 24-for-24 on PATs.

Wing Green Jr. (OL) | Georgia Tech

The Camels must replace a pair of All-Conference O-lineman from a year ago. Green, like Donaldson from Temple, fits the mold of a road-grader at 6-7, 300 pounds. He’s been at Georgia Tech since 2020.

Quentin Thomas (WR) | Georgia State

The Stockbridge, Ga., native was a redshirt as a freshman in 2023. A three-star recruit coming out of high school, Thomas made the honor roll for both fall and spring semesters.

Sammy Malignaggi (RB) | James Madison

The Nashua, N.H. product played in 44 games over four years for the Dukes. He appeared in all phases – offense, defense and special teams. He rushed for 32 yards against Coastal Carolina in 2023 and 33 against Norfolk State in ’22.

Mike Chandler II, a transfer from Lamar, will add depth to the quarterback room this fall. Photo courtesy Lamar athletics.

FCS transfers

Mike Chandler II (QB) | Lamar

The Converse, Texas, native will add depth and experience to a young quarterback room. He started eight times for Lamar in 2022, throwing for 1,244 yards and eight TDs. He saw action in two games in ’23.

Mark Biggins (RB) | Cal Poly

After missing the 2022 season due to injury, the Bayview, Calif., product rushed for 270 yards and two touchdowns a year ago for Cal Poly.

Jonathan Melvin (LB) | Penn

A two-time co-captain for the Quakers, Melvin earned honorable mention all-Ivy League in 2022. That season he wracked up 50 tackles, three sacks and nine tackles-for-loss. The Hampton, Va., standout started three games a year ago.

Dawson Adams-Granier (TE) | Houston Christian

The 6-4, 242-pounder from Redondo Beach, Calif. follows his coach from Houston Christian to Buies Creek. He had four catches for 61 yards a year ago.

Paul Hutson III (DL) | Austin Peay

The Norfolk, Va.. native returns to Campbell after transferring away for the 2023 season. Hutson appeared in three games for the Governors after playing in 11 games for the Camels in ’22.

Jack O’Connor (OL) | Idaho State

Another California product, O’Connor played sparingly in three seasons at Idaho State. He saw action in one game last season.