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Utah RB Tavion Thomas makes huge announcement about future

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•01/06/22•

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PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Tavion Thomas #9 of the Utah Utes celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second quarter in the Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2022 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Utah had a top-15 rushing offense this season. Thursday, the Utes got a huge piece of that success back.

Running back Tavion Thomas announced Thursday he’s returning to the program next year. He could’ve declared for the draft, and even said he wanted to see what his draft stock was after the Rose Bowl.

“This last year has been nothing short of a blessing,” Thomas wrote in a statement via the Utah Football Twitter. “After talking with my family, I have decided to return for the 2022 season.

“I have unfinished business here in Utah. It’s important to me that I get my degree, and show kids where I’m from that it doesn’t matter what your circumstances are. You can do anything you put your mind to.”

Thomas had a monster 2021 season. He had 1,108 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns — a program record — to help lead the Utes to a 10-4 record.

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Former Florida linebacker will transfer to Utah

Florida linebacker Mohamoud Diabate will transfer to Utah for his senior season, according to On3’s Nick de la Torre. Florida and Utah will play in Week One of the 2022 season in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Mohamoud Diabate appeared in all 12 games during the regular season for Florida, making 10 starts at middle linebacker. He finished second on the team with 89 tackles and added four quarterback hurries and 2.5 tackles for a loss. The Auburn, Alabama native then entered the transfer portal on Dec. 10, continuing to consider Florida an option under new head coach Billy Napier.

On the Stadium and Gale podcast, the new Utah linebacker said he looked to make a business decision. He came to Florida as an edge rusher but spent much of his career playing middle linebacker. Last year, when Ventrell Miller went down with a season-ending injury, he moved inside permanently. Diabate said that he views his strengths as a pass rusher off the edge and wanted the opportunity to play in that role in 2022.

He joins former Florida teammates Jacob Copeland, Khris Bogle and Gerald Mincy as players who chose to leave the program, while Lloyd Summerall and Dante Zanders chose to return to Gainesville.