The Utah Utes football program has bolstered its defensive backfield by securing the commitment of 6-foot-3, 190-pound cornerback Blake Cotton from the NCAA transfer portal. Cotton, who spent the past three seasons at UC Davis, announced his decision to join Utah on December 18, 2024.
During his tenure at UC Davis, Cotton showcased his defensive prowess, recording 49 tackles and nine pass deflections over three seasons. His standout performance came in the 2024 season, where he achieved a career-high 24 tackles and two pass deflections.
Cotton’s commitment is a significant addition to Utah’s defensive lineup, especially considering the departures of cornerbacks Cameron Calhoun, who entered the transfer portal, and Zemaiah Vaughn, who exhausted his eligibility. This opens up opportunities for Cotton to compete for a starting position in the upcoming season.
This commitment is part of a broader effort by Utah to strengthen its roster through the transfer portal. Cotton becomes the ninth transfer commit for the Utes, joining a diverse group of players, including quarterback Devon Dampier, running back Mike Washington, wide receivers Joseph Williams and Creed Whittemore, defensive back Jeremiah Caldwell, punter Orion Phillips, defensive end Jaxson Jones, and cornerback Donovan Saunders.
The Utes’ proactive approach in the transfer portal reflects their commitment to enhancing the team’s competitiveness and depth across various positions. Cotton’s addition, in particular, addresses the need for experienced defensive backs and adds valuable size and agility to the secondary.
As the Utes prepare for the upcoming season, the integration of these transfer portal additions, including Cotton, is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s performance and aspirations.
For more insights into Utah’s recent transfer portal activities, you might find the following video informative:
