🌊Transfer Portal Spotlight🌊: 
Jaylin Lucas

Patrick Harkness • July 12, 2026

RB


Jaylin Lucas- FSU

@jaylinlucas1

 


Hall is rebuilding the attack around tempo, a passing game, pro-style elements (heavy tight end usage), more speed, and big-play explosiveness.


He created the “Super Back” position specifically for versatile, mismatch-creating weapons like Lucas and Maurice Turner: “Mo and Jaylin will be our ‘X’ factor,” Hall said. “They’ll line up in the backfield, in the slot, everywhere. (Think Percy Harvin Role)



They’re Darren Sproles, Reggie Bush, Christian McCaffrey-type players. Hall calls it the Super Back position.”



Hall explicitly plans to deploy Lucas the same way Reggie Bush was used at USC, motion, screens, receiving, and explosive runs. 



In spring ball, Lucas has already flashed: “You’ll see him everywhere. Screen, passing game, he caught a hitch on the first day.” His twitch and speed were immediately noticeable, aligning perfectly with Hall’s vision for an entertaining, big-play offense. Lucas’s career production backs it up: 719 rushing yards & 4 TDs, 456 receiving yards & 2 TDs, plus elite special teams (1,420 kickoff return yards & 3 TDs, plus punt returns). He instantly upgrades both the backfield and return game after Tulane lost specialists.


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Tulane Green Wave card of Jake Randle in white uniform running on a teal-blue background
By Patrick Harkness July 12, 2026
RB 
Jake Randle @JakeRandle22 
Jake Randle is a versatile running back from the Class of 2026, known for his speed and agility. Standing at 5-10 and weighing 190 pounds, he has a compact, athletic build suited for the position with potential to add more muscle in college. 
Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, Randle attended Isidore Newman School, a program with a strong football tradition. He comes from a family of football players, which has influenced his development on the field. 
In addition to football, Randle is a multi-sport athlete with experience in track and field, where he recorded an 11.48-second 100-meter dash and a 23.36-second 200-meter dash as a sophomore. 
During his senior year in 2025, Randle transitioned to quarterback for his team, showcasing his adaptability and team-first mentality. 
Scouting Report: 
Speed and Athleticism: Clocked a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, a 37-inch vertical, and a 10-foot-1-inch broad jump at Tulane’s camp. His top-end speed reaches 21.53 mph, making him fastest on his team. Track background enhances his burst and long-speed. 
Versatility and Hands: Excelled as a receiver out of the backfield with reliable hands and lateral quickness. His successful switch to quarterback in 2025 demonstrates adaptability and football IQ. 
Vision and Elusiveness: Shows good patience and cut-back ability, averaging over 9 yards per carry in his junior year. Effective in open space and as a third-down back. 
Work Ethic and Leadership: Never missed a weight room session, served as team captain, and thrived under pressure in big games and position changes. 
Upside: Multi-sport profile and family football background suggest high developmental potential. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
Three football players in helmets on a field, one in red jersey gesturing toward another.
By Patrick Harkness July 11, 2026
QB 
Trace Johnson 
Trace Johnson is a pro-style pocket passer quarterback from the Class of 2026. Standing at 6-1 and weighing 190 pounds, he possesses a solid build for the position with room to add more mass at the college level. 
Originally from Gainesville, Florida, Johnson played his sophomore and junior seasons at Buchholz High School before transferring to Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, ahead of his senior year in 2025. 
The move allowed him to compete in one of California’s top high school programs, where he helped lead the team to an Open Division State Championship. Johnson comes from strong football lineage as the son of Doug Johnson, a former University of Florida quarterback (1996-1999) who went on to a seven-year NFL career with teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars, amassing over 2,600 passing yards professionally. 
In addition to football, Johnson is a multi-sport athlete who also competes in baseball, showcasing his overall athleticism. Johnson committed to Tulane University on June 20, 2025, following an official visit, and signed his National Letter of Intent on December 3, 2025. He enrolled early at Tulane on January 12, 2026, positioning him to compete for playing time as a true freshman. 
Prior to his commitment, he held offers from programs including West Virginia, Wake Forest, Central Michigan, and Virginia, among others. 
Scouting Report: 
Arm Talent and Velocity: Johnson boasts a “cannon for an arm,” enabling him to make tight-window throws and deliver deep balls with precision and ease. His ability to thread the needle in coverage stands out as a pro-level trait. 
Touch and Deep Ball Accuracy: Exhibits excellent touch on longer throws, allowing receivers to track and adjust effectively. He gets the ball out on time, minimizing sacks and maximizing yards after catch. 
Progression Reading and Decision-Making: Patiently works through his reads without delaying his release, showing maturity beyond his years. His decision-making improved markedly over time, with interceptions dropping from 13 in 2023 to 5 in 2025. 
Clutch Performance and Improvement: Thrives in big games and playoffs, elevating his play when it matters most. He consistently got better as seasons progressed, adapting to new systems post-transfer. 
Poise and Leadership: Maintains composure under pressure, drawing from his pedigree to lead teams to championships and deep playoff runs. His work ethic and football IQ make him a natural field general. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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