The transfer portal provides new opportunities. And sometimes, those new opportunities unleash a player to new heights.
Such was the case with inside linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., who transferred from Miami (OH) to crosstown rival Cincinnati for his senior season to play alongside his brother Deshawn. In a perfect environment, Ivan instantly became one of the most dominant defenders in the entire sport. He claimed AAC Defensive Player of the Year honors and was named a consensus All-American — the first in Cincinnati history — after terrorizing backfields and ball carriers from September through December.
That dominance was recognized by the Minnesota Vikings, which signed Pace to a free agent deal Saturday moments following the conclusion of the NFL Draft.