These Shoes Fit: USC D.J. Shoemate Transferring To UConn

This has got to be a good feeling for Coach Edsall when a recruit calls as a transfer from the University of Southern California.

A junior fullback DJ Shoemate who was an All-American out of high school, has decided to move east and join the UConn Huskies for the upcoming 2010-2011 football season.  This will definitely make the backfield situation even more interesting.

Currently, Jordan Todman occupies the starting job and Robbie Frey is widely considered as his backup.  Now with Shoemate in the equation you have to think he is going to get some carries once he learns the offense.

"I have much love for the USC," he said. "The school is great, the fans are phenomenal and I'll be a Trojan for life. This was a business decision. When the sanctions came, the opportunity came to go. Playing running back is what my passion is and at UConn I will have an opportunity to play right away and hopefully contribute to an up-and-coming program."

He didn't like the way USC was utilizing him as a wide receiver and fullback early on in his career as a Trojan.  Now with the sanctions looming large over the University, upperclassmen are free to transfer and the penalty of sitting out one year is waived.

He was a four-star recruit out of high school and his natural position is running back.  That is where he hopes to contribute at the University of Connecticut.  Coach Edsall doesn't let any players off-easy and Shoemate is no different.

He is part of a team and will have to earn every down he plays on the field.  You saw what happened to Andre Dixon in the past.  Even highly heralded wideout Dwayne Difton saw limited action this past season.

This could end up being a tremendous addition for UConn.  Although Todman is the starting and Wylie and Frey are considered to be behind him, Shoemate hopes to make an impact with this talented squad.

Who knows maybe he will be willing to make the move to help a weak secondary.  The options are endless with a kid who has these skills, size, and athleticism.

There's a strong chance UConn is ranked to begin the season and they have the potential to win the Big East this season.

Shoemate could be a difference-maker wherever he ends up playing on the field.