UTAH UTES

Washington Safety Brandon McKinney Transferring To Utah Football

May 20, 2021, 9:45 AM

Brandon McKinney - Washington Huskies...

Brandon McKinney #23 of the Washington Huskies runs off the field during the first game of the season against the Eastern Washington Eagles at Husky Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

(Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Washington safety Brandon McKinney has decided to join the Utah football program, bolstering the safety position.

Brandon McKinney joins the Utah football team after four seasons with Washington from 2017-20.

The Orange, California native announced his decision via Instagram on Wednesday evening.

Brandon McKinney IG Screenshot

(Photo courtesy of Brandon McKinney’s IG)

During the 2020 season, McKinney played in four games, recording four tackles. In 2019, he played in all 13 games, racking up seven tackles, a forced fumble and a pass breakup. As a sophomore in 2018, McKinney played in all 14 games while starting in the Rose Bowl. He had 17 tackles and one tackle for loss that season. During his freshman season, McKinney played in all 13 games, posting 12 tackles.

McKinney brings veteran experience to a young position group. Vonte Davis is another veteran as he is entering his super senior season. Nate Ritchie finished his freshman year in 2020 but is leaving for a two-year church mission. R.J. Hubert is another option at safety but he has been slowly recovering from a season-ending knee injury that he suffered in the 2019 Pac-12 Championship game.

This is a massive pickup for Kyle Whittingham’s defense.

Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASportsYou can download and listen to the podcast, here.

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Washington Safety Brandon McKinney Transferring To Utah Football