Jon Sumrall would smart to take a good look at this player if he hits the transfer portal

Most of you probably aren't watching the Myrtle Beach Bowl and that's understandable. But sometimes these games are good for finding talent that might enter the transfer portal and could possibly be an option for your favorite program.

Enter Western Michigan running back Jalen Buckley, who has eight carries for 174 yards in one half against Kennesaw State. Buckley's first carry of the game went 65 yards for a touchdown. This is coming off of a 193-yard performance in the MAC Championship game last week against Miami (Ohio).

The Florida running back room is a major question mark. Jon Sumrall has stated that retaining Jadan Baugh is a major priority for the Gators, but the sophomore running back is expected to be courted by several teams if he enters the transfer portal as rumored. 

It Baugh leaves, the Gators could be without their top four running backs from last season. Quarterback DJ Lagway and freshman running back KD Daniels have already announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal. Ja'Kobi Jackson was a redshirt senior this year.

Buckley looks like a potential high-end depth piece

Moving up a level in college football is hard, but Buckley's productivity certainly speaks to his potential to  contribute at the Power 4 level. He enrolled at Western Michigan in 2022 and, after a redshirt season, he rushed for 1,003 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023, earning AFCA Freshman All-American honors.

Buckley missed a couple of games in 2024, but still rushed for 683 yards and nine touchdowns. This past year, Buckley played in all 12 regular-season games for the Broncos and had 829 yards and eight touchdowns. He is also a capable receiver with 45 catches for 348 yards and a touchdown over three seasons.

There's no indication what Buckley will do next. He might decide to stay at Western Michigan, jump into the portal or maybe decide he wants to explore his options in the NFL and work his way into being a draft pick. But if Buckley does decide to enter the portal, he is a three-year starter with good size (listed at 5-11, 210 pounds) and a history of strong production. 

He would be a nice addition to a running back room that will need a few experienced bodies that can come in and contribute immediately.