Transfers outside of quarterback could have big impact on season

MADISON, WIS. » Chris James has waited long enough to take a handoff at Wisconsin.

The running back sat out a year after leaving Pittsburgh to move to Madison, looking for a better backfield opportunity.

That moment has finally arrived. James is part of this year’s crop of Division I transfers who could make immediate impacts with their new teams.

“It’s been such a long time the eager James said.

The Badgers have had recent success with transfers, a run that started when quarterback Russell Wilson arrived from North Carolina State to lead the Badgers to the Rose Bowl in 2011.

“Biggest thing is, are they a fit? It goes back to Russell,” said Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst, who was the team’s offensive coordinator in 2011. “We spent a lot of time ... with Russell getting to know him. Is this a good fit?” coming,”

James certainly hopes so. The 5-foot-10, 219-pound junior ran for 437 yards and four scores on 87 carries as a freshman at Pitt in 2014. His workload decreased the following season, after Chryst left for Wisconsin.

Now James could be in line for the starting job at Camp Randall Stadium with the top two rushers from last season. James is competing with sophomore holdover Bradrick Shaw.

A look at other transfers — outside of quarterbacks — with the potential to make big impacts in FBS: