Utah State’s backfield depth is taking a hit.
On Thursday, sophomore running back Elelyon Noa confirmed earlier reports from Rivals and 247 Sports that he has entered the NCAA transfer portal.
Thank you Aggie nation #AG2G🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/N7MiVJNCcR
— Elelyon Noa 🇦🇸 (@ElelyonNoa) January 27, 2022
Noa was the Aggies’ second-leading rusher during the 2021 season, behind only Oregon State transfer Calvin Tyler Jr.
The 5-foot-8, 200-pound Noa rushed for 597 yards and four touchdowns during his sophomore year in 2021. He started three games and averaged 4.3 yards per carry, while adding 11 receptions for 85 yards.
Noa’s most productive stretch came midseason, when he rushed for 97 yards against Colorado State, then followed that up with a 111-yard, one-touchdown effort against Hawaii.
He ran for touchdowns in three straight games, beginning with the Hawaii game and extending through wins over New Mexico State and San Jose State.
Losing Noa — a La Mesa, California, native who signed with the Aggies in their 2020 class — would force Utah State to find someone to fill his productivity.
Tyler, a junior, led the Utah State rushing attack with 884 yards and seven touchdowns during the Aggies’ 11-3 season, while sophomore John Gentry added 235 yards.