by Cole McIntire, Extra Point Sports Director, Junior at Western Kentucky University

(Bowling Green, KY) – After watching Western Kentucky against James Madison, The Extra Point is doing what most of the nation is also doing: looking into the portal.

With Dalvin Smith graduating and Easton Messer, Jaylen Hampton, Koy Moore, Denzil Alleyne, and Jarvis Hayes in the portal, the wide receiver room may need some attention. 

While Head Coach Tyson Helton may retain some of his key producers, he will look for experienced receivers to help support his air-raid style offense. 

But there’s a quick, young receiver from Liberty University that reached out to Extra Point Sports Director Cole McIntire.

Cesar Carrasco, a two-star freshman Liberty Flame who entered the transfer portal, believes WKU could be a premiere spot for him. The Elmer, New Jersey native runs a 4.38 40 yard dash. Carrasco is waiting to get a look from WKU.

“What stood out to me about WKU is the strong culture of the football program, “ Carrasco said. “The team has a clear identity, and the head coach reminds me of Kevin O’Connell from the Vikings—someone who’s passionate, innovative, and player-focused.”

It’s no secret the receiver room is a key piece of the Hilltopper offense under Tyson Helton. Leading the nation in passing yards in 2014, 2015, 2021, and 2022, WKU is transforming into one of the best offensive schools in the country.

“It’s inspiring to see guys like Taywan Taylor and Malachi Corley make it to the league from a smaller school,” said Carrasco. “As a football player, that’s always the ultimate goal, and seeing their success shows that it’s possible to achieve that at WKU.”

On the flip from Liberty to WKU, statistically, there is more opportunity for receivers. The Flames threw for nearly 176 yards a game (7th in CUSA), while the Hilltoppers tallied 262 passing yards (1st CUSA). 

“When we played against WKU this year, I noticed how disciplined and competitive the team was, and that left a lasting impression on me,” Carrasco said.

Coach Helton has two receivers posting inside the receiving top ten of Conference USA (Kisean Johnson and Easton Messer), tied for the most inside the CUSA top ten.

“I’d love to add to that culture and be part of a program where I wouldn’t have to leave to reach my end goal,” said the young receiver.

Carrasco has four years of eligibility remaining. 

Can the Hilltoppers steal a young Flame? Time will tell. 

Cesar Carrasco can be found on X (formerly Twitter) @ntfces.

Sports Director Cole McIntire can be contacted at coleman.mcintire187@topper.wku.edu

Editor’s note: This story will be updated as information changes in the transfer portal.