DeaMonte Trayanum announces transfer destination

DeaMonte Trayanum gave the football world a nice Christmas gift, announcing where he’ll be playing football next season. Ohio State received a nice present, as the former Arizona State running back announced he’ll be joining the Buckeyes next season — as a linebacker.

A former four-star recruit, Trayanum is expected to have four years of eligibility remaining. Now, he gets to continue his football journey at a brand new destination.

“Ever since I entered my name into the transfer portal, it was just about finding a place that I can really be comfortable and know that environment,” Trayanum said, via Lettermen Row. “I didn’t want to enter anything new or anywhere suspicious or whatnot — I just wanted to be comfortable wherever I was at.

“Once I set out my goals, what I wanted to do and how I wanted to fit somewhere, Ohio State checked all those boxes.”

More on DeaMonte Trayanum and his position switch

For Arizona State, Trayanum was expected to become a star in 2021. After showing what he could do during a shortened 2020 season, the former Sun Devils running back was expected to take a huge jump forward this past season. Alas, it didn’t work out that way for Trayanum.

As Trayanum watched his share of the carries dissipate, Arizona State running back Rachaad White received a lion-share of the work. With White looking like the real deal, Trayanum saw the writing on the wall. Instead of remaining in his shadow, he opted to spread his wings at a new school.

“Just knowing where I’m at now, I think two years ago I was a little bit anxious,” Trayanum said. “I just wasn’t ready to give the ball up. I wanted to stick to running back. But now when I really think about it, I feel like playing linebacker there or just playing defense there in general will really elevate me.

“I’ll be able to take it and run with it and be able to really achieve my dreams in the NFL and then be successful at the next level after that.”

In the aforementioned shortened season, Trayanum carried the ball 49 times for 250 yards and four touchdowns. Then, this past season, the former four-star recruit received just 78 carries over the entire season. In the end, he amassed 402 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

Time will tell if DeaMonte Trayanum can find his footing at a new school. At the least, he’ll be looking for the opportunity that slipped away from him at Arizona State.