Utah wasted no time finding a replacement for likely NFL-bound Devin Lloyd, and that replacement was a standout defender at the University of Florida.
Mohamoud Diabate, a former Gator linebacker/defensive end, announced on Twitter Tuesday night that he will be transferring to the University of Utah.
Diabate was Florida’s leading tackler in 2021 and one of the premier defensive prospects in the transfer portal.
He led the Gators with 89 tackles this past season, recording 2.5 tackles for loss and four quarterback hurries. In his career in Gainesville, Diabate appeared in 37 games, starting 17, racking up 176 tackles, 14 tackles for loss six sacks, three forced fumbles, two pass breakups and an interception.
A junior in 2021, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Diabate is known for his freakish athleticism and played as an edge rusher early in his college career before shifting to linebacker.
A native of Auburn, Alabama, Diabate entered the transfer portal on Dec. 10.
Utah’s linebacker corps took a significant hit with both Lloyd and Nephi Sewell headed to the NFL draft, but Diabate’s arrival should help alleviate concerns that the Utes would take a step back at the position (Utah has a wealth of talent at linebacker, though much is unproven).
Utah travels to Gainesville to face Florida in its 2022 season opener on Sept. 3.