Storm Duck finds new home, transfer portal saga comes to an end

The transfer portal creates a lot of additions and subtractions for college football rosters. Previously in college football, players had to sit out a year if they transferred to another program. Now, they are free to transfer with very few restrictions. This creates an almost free-agent-like quality to college football. Nowhere is this more evident than with former Penn State cornerback Storm Duck, who transferred to Louisville weeks after arriving on campus in Happy Valley. 

Penn State found a veteran defensive back in the portal, but the fit was shortlived

In December, James Franklin and staff added a big name to the Penn State roster in former three-star cornerback Storm Duck. Duck was the No. 21 player in South Carolina in the class of 2019, according to 247Sports. In 2022, Duck earned second-team All-ACC honors. When Penn State was looking in the portal for a defensive back, Duck seemed like the perfect candidate.

James Franklin and Chuck Losey praised Duck’s leadership and ability in the weight room in March. In the annual Blue-White Game earlier this month, we saw Duck on the field for the first time (and only time), where he had an up-and-down performance. Duck struggled initially but recovered and made some nice plays. However, less than a week later, it was announced that Duck re-entered the transfer portal after four months at Penn State.

Why did Storm Duck transfer?

We don’t know for sure why Storm Duck re-entered the transfer portal. However, it seems to me that Johnny Dixon, a former transfer portal addition himself who has primarily been a role player to date, is likely the frontrunner for the second cornerback position. Dixon had a strong spring game and, by all accounts, should be the one to line up across from Kalen King in Penn State’s season opener against West Virginia. 

Former Penn State cornerback Storm Duck finds new transfer portal home

Storm Duck’s re-recruitment did not last long. After five days back on the block, Duck decided to transfer to Louisville, where former Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm was recently named head coach. Duck is a big pickup for Brohm and the Cardinals. Veteran leadership and a high football IQ are crucial for a new head coach as he builds a roster. Duck certainly fulfills these traits as Brohm and his staff build out the new Louisville roster.

Former Penn State, North Carolina CB Storm Duck has committed to Louisville.

He was a second-team All-ACC selection in 2022.https://t.co/MCsKaYsca4 pic.twitter.com/63WZ6s4V40

— On3 (@On3sports) April 26, 2023

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