Fullback D.J. Shoemate will transfer to Connecticut, the fourth USC upperclassmen to do
so since NCAA sanctions were levied against the program.
ESPN first reported the story.
Shoemate, a 6-foot 220-pound junior, was a dynamic all-around weapon at Anaheim
(Calif.) Servite. Scout.com ranked him as the No. 8 wide receiver in the Class of 2008
after rushing for 1,291 yards and 24 touchdowns as a high school senior with another 570
receiving yards and four touchdowns.
However, Shoemate was stuck behind Stanley Havili, an All-America candidate entering
his senior season. Even when Havili missed two games last season with a sprained
shoulder, Shoemate did not touch the ball.
The Huskies reportedly offered Shoemate the chance to play running back. UConn must
replace departed senior Andre Dixon, its second leading rusher who ran for 1,093 yards
and 14 touchdowns last season.
Shoemate will be eligible to play immediately, as the NCAA ruling in the Reggie Bush case allows juniors and seniors to transfer without having to sit out one season.
D.J. Shoemate will get a chance to play tailback at Connecticut.
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