Transfer Portal Takes Bite Out Of Utah State Football Defense Following Spring Practice
Apr 21, 2024, 1:19 PM | Updated: 3:57 pm
Utah State football heads into 2025 with heads held high under Bronco Mendenhall. (Photo courtesy of Utah State Athletics)
(Photo courtesy of Utah State Athletics)
LOGAN, Utah – Formal spring practices are over for Utah State football as several players have shifted their focus to the NCAA Transfer Portal, seeking other opportunities in college football.
The Aggies wrapped up their spring workout slate with a light practice on Saturday, April 20, on the Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium turf.
RELATED: Utah State QB Cooper Legas Enters NCAA Transfer Portal
Great first spring in Logan. Aug 31st 🔜 pic.twitter.com/2DQJ0JbiMg
— JP 🥷🏿 (@jadon_pearson39) April 21, 2024
Paul Fitzgerald | Defensive End
The redshirt-freshman led Utah State with eight sacks, tallying three more QB stops than his closest teammate. Fitzgerald totaled three sacks in USU’s bowl game loss to Georgia State.
The Idaho Falls, Idaho native finished the year with 23 tackles and one forced fumble.
Blessed to be committed to the U of U! Go Utes! Thank you Lord! pic.twitter.com/dTevRn796y
— Paul Fitzgerald (@PaulFitzgeraldd) April 18, 2024
A redshirt sophomore-to-be, Fitzgerald announced his commitment to the University of Utah on Wednesday, April 17.
Sir Mells | Defensive End
The 6’4 defensive tackle played one season with USU after spending his freshman year with the Oregon Ducks. The Las Vegas, Nevada native was credited with 13 tackles (6 solo), one sack, and one forced fumble as an Aggie.
🖤✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/31QOKbqpkv
— Sir Mells (@SirMells40) April 16, 2024
“I would like to thank Coach A and everyone at Utah State for an unforgettable experience in Utah,” Mells said on social media. “Logan has really left me with some incredible memories, the atmosphere and the people! Nothing but my love!”
Austin Okerwa | Wide Receiver
The 6’1 wideout from Skyline HS did not record a stat ,in 2023. He will have three years of eligibility remaining at his next institution.
UTAH STATE WR
I will be entering the portal with 3 years of eligibility left.
Fall/Spring Film.
Dm for the rest of my film.#Thankyou pic.twitter.com/mXdNie69fE— Austin okerwa (@austinok3rwa) April 15, 2024
“First, I want to thank the whole coaching and strength staff for giving me the opportunity to play at Utah State,” the Salt Lake native said on social media. “I’m very thankful for all my teammates and the relationships I’ve built these past two years.”
Davon Booth | Running Back
The 5’10 running back from North Las Vegas, Nevada rushed for 805 yards and six touchdowns in his lone season with the Aggies. Booth carried the football 120 times for a 6.7 yards per carry average. He also caught 12 passes for 50 yards.
RELATED: Booth Scampers 22 Yards For Second Quarter Aggie Touchdown
Please respect my decision💙 pic.twitter.com/sX25kwDfgk
— Davon Booth (@Vonn_6k) April 18, 2024
“I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal,” Booth announced on social media. “I can’t express enough gratitude to Coach Anderson for his support and giving me a chance to play football at the collegiate level. Under his leadership, I’ve grown not just as an athlete, but as a man. To my teammates, the bonds we’ve formed have been nothing short of incredible. Coming in as strangers and leaving as brothers is a testament to the brother hood.”
Clifton Mosley Jr | Defensive Tackle
The Shreveport, Louisiana native played in three games during the 2023 campaign, finishing with four tackles and a sack. Mosley’s lone QB takedown came in the Aggies Famous Idaho Potato Bowl loss to Georgia State.
I love watching Gods work ❤️ Thank you Aggie nation. pic.twitter.com/xZGX7yIhsZ
— CLIFFDAUNO (@CliftonMosleyJr) April 18, 2024
“First off, I would like to give all the glory and thanks to God for the opportunity and great experience here at Utah State University,” Mosley announced via social media. “I cherish the times I had with my teammates as they became brothers. I’m also thankful for a coach who was there for me during the hardest times. I want to say thank you to everyone at Utah State. My playing time here was a time to remember.”
Al Ashford III | Cornerback
A 6’0 corner, Ashford was credited with four tackles while appearing in three games last season.
Every word of God proves true‼️@CWildSports @CCNextLevelFB @RodCoaching @CollegeFBPortal @247SportsPortal @SSN_Portal @TransferPortal_ pic.twitter.com/GQiujPTHWT
— AL ASHFORD III (@allashford1) April 19, 2024
“To Aggie nation, thank you all so much for your endless support this last season,” Ashford’s statement began. “Utah State will always hold a special place in my heart. The relationships built here will last a lifetime. To my teammates and coaches, the brotherhood we’ve built together means the world to me and I am forever grateful for the time we’ve spent together.”
RELATED: QB McCae Hillstead Enters NCAA Transfer Portal
John Ward | DE
The 6’4 defensive end spent two seasons in Logan, racking up 23 tackles while appearing in 14 games. In 2023, the Palmdale, California native finished with 13 tackles (5 solo, 8 assisted) in nine games.
Like That.@RivalsPortal @247SportsPortal pic.twitter.com/GK0WczIbnU
— JCA$EY (@John12ward) April 20, 2024
“I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity you’ve given me during my time here at Utah State,” the graduate-transfer said on social media. “You’re support, guidance, and belief i me have been invaluable… Thank you for everything Aggie Nation.”
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Brian Preece is a sports.ksl.com insider covering the Utah State Aggies, Locals in MLB, and Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees, Beehive baseball, and Aggie athletics coverage here.
