By GPC Staff
MAHNATTAN, Kan. (247Sports.com) – After rumors began buzzing late last week, Monday brought confirmation in the form of Kobe Savage officially entering his name into the transfer portal.
Named one of seven team captains ahead of the 2023 season, the senior safety had operated as arguably the defense’s most spirited and vocal leaders since returning from a season-ending injury in late 2022. Savage now takes control of his final season of eligibility as he looks for a new home outside Manhattan.
A native of Paris, Tex. before spending two seasons at Tyler Junior College, Savage participated in all 12 games this season and was credited with 57 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and tied the team lead with three interceptions. Over a career spanning 22 games, the 5-foot-11, 207 pounder departs the Wildcats having amassed 124 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, six interceptions, 3 pass breakups, and a pair of forced fumbles.
Rated as a three-star by 247Sports composite scale in the 2022 class, K-State supporters nearly missed out on the fan favorite. After a meeting with defensive lead and position coach Joe Klanderman for several hours in early December 2021, the Wildcat staff left the Lone Star State without extending an offer to Savage, leading to the junior college playmaker pledging a swift commitment to North Texas to lock in a spot at the next level. However, K-State was able to lure the defensive back up for a visit just before Early Signing Day, wooing over the defender in what became one of the Wildcats best additions of the cycle.
Improving upon his PFF grades from a year ago, particularly in coverage, Savage did seem to lack some of the sizzle seen during his inaugural campaign in purple and white. How much of that was a reflection of his ACL tear versus having to lead a new room of safeties and occupy multiple roles within the back line is anyone’s guess. Nevertheless, Savage should be a hot commodity for those looking for veteran leadership, passionate play, and/or experience at the highest level. GPC has also been told that playing a more traditional strong safety role will be a priority for Savage.
The 14th transfer exit from the Vanier Complex already during the winter window, Savage makes the fifth K-State player with starting experience to enter the portal and leaves Uso Seumalo and Justice James as the only remaining roster members from the JUCO additions signed in 2022.
Possible replacements for the Wildcat coaches to rotate in place of Savage for the upcoming Pop-Tarts Bowl include Colby McCalister, Max Marsh and a trio of true freshmen in Jack Fabris, Kam Sallis and Wesley Fair.
The upcoming offseason features two transfer windows for players and programs to conduct transfer recruitments:
- Winter Window: 45 days beginning on December 4, 2023
- Spring Window: 45 days beginning on April 16, 2024
Last year alone, over 2,700 players entered their name into the transfer portal including 15 one-time Wildcats. Since 2019, K-State has seen a total of 62 transfers exit Manhattan and brought in 28 to join the roster, most notably all-conference standouts like Briley Moore, Russ Yeast and Julius Brents.
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The NCAA introduced the transfer portal on Oct. 15, 2018, providing athletes a path to explore their options. Players do not need to ask permission from their coaching staff in order to transfer but merely request that compliance enter their name. A process that typically takes 24-48 hours before a player officially appears in the national database, schools are then free to contact a player without restriction.
While a player entering the transfer portal indicates an intent to explore other options, it does not necessarily mean they will. Each entry is free to withdraw his name at any time. However, schools are under no obligation to keep said player on scholarship once they enter the portal.
All players who enter the transfer portal for the first time will be immediately eligible at their new school so long as they meet a NCAA-mandated entry deadline.
