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Utah Running Back Transferring After BYU Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan Aston | Last updated Nov 13, 2024 6:12 PM ET

The hits keep on coming for the University of Utah's football program as the Utes, now 1-5 in Big 12 play and 4-5 overall after Saturday's loss to the rival BYU Cougars, have last another key player.

Junior running back Jaylon Glover — once thought to be a potential difference-maker in Utah's backfield — announced Wednesday that he's opting out of the remainder of the 2024 season and will enter the transfer portal.

Glover, who played in three games this season and compiled just 60 yards on 12 carries, made the announcement via X.

“I want to say thank you to the University of Utah for welcoming me to my new home with open arms since my arrival. I’ve met and built so many lasting relationships with staff, teammates, and fans. With a heavy heart, my family and I have made a decision that we pray will benefit my future,” Glover wrote.

“With that being said, I will be foregoing the remainder of the season and redshirting to sustain my eligibility. I will be entering my name in the transfer portal on Dec. 8th, with two years of eligibility remaining."

Glover joined the Utes as a three-star recruit out of Lakeland, Florida in 2022. Despite receiving praise from coaches at times, he struggled to carve out a consistent role in a Utes offense that featured the likes of Micah Bernard, Ja'Quinden Jackson and Tavion Thomas at RB over the years.

In his three years in Salt Lake City, Glover ran for 982 yards on 227 carries with six rushing touchdowns.

Glover is the latest in a series of brutal losses for the Utes, who had been the preseason pick to win the Big 12.

Starting quarterback Cam Rising, backup QBs Brandon Rose and Sam Huard, starting tight end Brant Kuithe and starting cornerback Kenan Johnson are among the Utah players who have suffered season-ending injuries throughout 2024.

Meanwhile, other key players lost multiple games to injury and wideout Mycah Pittman has also left the program in recent weeks.

Utah lost to BYU by a 22-21 mark at Rice-Eccles over the weekend. Prior to the game, Glover made headlines by directing an expletive toward the Cougars during a post-practice media scrum.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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