SALT LAKE CITY- With the deadline for immediate eligibility on May 1st drawing nearer, more names are pouring into the NCAA transfer portal. Earlier in the day safety Kamo’i Latu entered the portal. A few hours later offensive lineman Marist Talavou joined Latu and just a few minutes after that freshman Carson Tabaracci announced his intention to transfer.

Latu’s entrance into the portal brings Utah’s number up to four joining Azarcon, Renfro, and Wissler. Players have up to May 1st to enter the portal in order to be immediately eligible to play elsewhere in 2022. #Utes

— Michelle Bodkin (@BodkinKSLsports) April 28, 2022

Latu’s Stats

Last year Latu made quite an impression on Ute nation with his ruthless hits in the backfield. Latu played a hard-hitting style as a safety and seemed to fit in quite well with the Utah defense.

In 2020, during the Utes’ shortened season, Latu accounted for four total tackles. In 2021 he played a much bigger role with 19 total tackles. 11 of those tackles were solo, eight were assists, and he also added three passes defended to his resume.

Lowdown On Talavou

Talavou joined the Utes in 2019 and redshirted. He did not play in 2020 and 2021. Talavou was a three-star prospect out of St. John Bosco High School earning All-CIF Southern Section Division 1st team.

#Utes now up to five with offensive lineman Marist Talavou adding his name to the NCAA transfer portal. https://t.co/Dhv64lQieM

— Michelle Bodkin (@BodkinKSLsports) April 28, 2022

Tabaracci’s Short Stay

Tabaracci was not with Utah for long having joined early for spring ball this past year. Even though Tabaracci was not with the Utes for long, he did earn a lot of praise from the coaches during spring ball, but was in a very deep and competitive linebacker room.

Moving On

Talavou, Tabaracci and Latu join fellow Utes Stone Azarcon, Ben Renfro, and Braedon Wissler.

Latu and Tabaracci are probably the biggest names to hit the portal so far for Utah. While maybe a tad surprising to see both players go, seeing guys leave for the portal in general is not. After the Red and White Game last Saturday, head coach Kyle Whittingham predicted they would see some faces leave and it would be good for both the kids and the program.

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