Column: Oregon State hits the transfer jackpot

Recruiting is referred to as the lifeblood of college football. If a coaching staff isn't able to recruit talented prospects who fit their program, then the team will lack success. Plain and simple.

When I write about recruiting, you likely think of high school recruiting first. That is obviously a huge part of it. Junior college recruiting is also important as schools want instant impact, ready-made guys.

Transfers make up a small percentage of recruiting classes, although it's becoming much more frequent in today's age. Graduate transfers started happening more often in recent years as young men were allowed to transfer and not have to sit out a year if they had their degree.

But let's look at Oregon State's recent success in the transfer market. They aren't landing grad transfers either -- just talented players who want a fresh start and pick Oregon State over other Power Five programs.

You have to give the Beavers' staff a ton of credit for getting on these guys early. Brandon Kipper transferred to Oregon State several months ago, and he was one of the most highly coveted offensive line transfers on the west coast during the offseason. Oregon State got on him early, showed him that he could play right away, and it paid dividends.