Utah’s football program is adding another graduate transfer to play on the offensive line.
It’s another sign that the coaching staff is uncomfortable with the team’s depth at that position group and is determined to maximize the 2019 roster.
Offensive guard Noah Osur-Myers, who missed Washington State’s 2018 season due to a shoulder injury, is transferring to Utah, 247Sports reported Monday.
The commitment from Osur-Myers comes two weeks after Marshall lineman Alex Locklear announced he was joining the Utes. Utah also is expecting an immediate contribution from junior college transfer Bamidele Olaseni, who last week posed with his Garden City (Kan.) Community College diploma as evidence of completing his academic requirements for transferring.
During spring practice, when former Utah players such as running back Armand Shyne (now at Texas Tech) were entering the NCAA transfer portal, Ute coach Kyle Whittingham spoke of “a different world” in college athletics. He said his staffers were continually checking the portal for potential acquisitions, with roster additions and subtractions becoming standard practice.
The 6-foot-4, 310-pound Osur-Myers is from Walnut Creek, Calif. He appeared in 10 games for Washington State in 2017, mostly on special teams, while filling in at center and both guard positions. The Cougars will visit Utah on Sept. 28.
Utah has added Locklear, Osur-Myers and former UCLA kicker Andrew Strauch as grad transfers who will make the two-deep roster and compete for starting jobs. Utah came out of spring practice with at least three linemen appearing to have secured first-team spots: Darrin Paulo, Orlando Umana and Nick Ford. Paul Toala and Braeden Daniels, among others, will be in the mix in August.
