UCF is getting a head start on transfer portal recruiting.
Thomarius "Pooda" Walker, a 6-foot-1, 310-pound defensive tackle at Kennesaw State, tells UCFSports.com he will be in Orlando next week for an official visit to coincide with the Knights' final home game against Utah.
The main portal doesn't open until Dec. 9, though exceptions are given to graduate transfers and players on teams undergoing a head coaching change. Both apply to Walker.
Kennesaw State recently fired Brian Bohannon, a controversial move considering Bohannon built the program from scratch (KSU debuted as a FCS program in 2015 and Bohannon led the Owls to four FCS playoff appearances). The Owls had been struggling during their first year in FBS.
UCF immediately offered Walker upon his portal entry. Other offers include Memphis, UNLV, UTSA, South Florida, UTEP, North Texas, Arkansas State, Liberty, Sam Houston and UAB. Many more schools are showing interest.
Walker took an official visit to Memphis this past weekend.
A native of Pensacola, Walker began his college career at Division II West Florida before transferring to Kennesaw State prior to the 2023 season. He played in four games in 2023 to maintain a redshirt, then became a full-time starter in 2024.
In nine games played this season, Walker recorded 27 total tackles and two tackles for loss with a high PFF grade of 72.7.
Walker will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Earlier this spring, Walker was honored by Bohannon and Kennesaw State with the Ladarius "LD" Clardy Memorial Impact Award, which goes to the KSU player that "embodies Clardy's love for the game," and "the level of excellence Clardy would want his teammates to live up to."
LD Clardy was tragically murdered in 2021 following his freshman year at Kennesaw State. Clardy, a quarterback, was also a native of Pensacola and a teammate of Walker at Pine Forest High School. Clardy was a celebrated player as Pine Forest's all-time passing leader and a two-time Pensacola News-Journal Offensive Player of the Year.
Transfer Portal DT set to visit UCF
UCF is getting a head start on transfer portal recruiting.
