After losing Cameron Calhoun, redshirt freshman CJ Blocker and running-back-turned-cornerback John Randle Jr, to the transfer portal, plus the graduation of Zemaiah Vaughn, the Utes knew they had some work to do in the transfer portal to shore up the defensive backs room.
Last week, Utah added Garden City junior college transfer Jeremiah Caldwell , who finished the 2024 season with 32 tackles, a sack and six interceptions, including a pick-six, and on Monday, the Utes added another cornerback to the room.
Texas A&M cornerback Donovan Saunders announced his commitment to Utah on social media on Monday afternoon.
The 6-foot-3, 195-pound cornerback started his college career at Cal Poly and earned All-Big Sky second-team honors in 2023 after totaling 17 tackles, three interceptions and 11 pass breakups. Following his successful sophomore season, Saunders transferred to Texas A&M, but couldn't crack the rotation, playing 33 snaps over two games with the Aggies and totaling a tackle.
Saunders will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
The addition of Saunders is the seventh commitment for Utah this offseason, joining New Mexico quarterback Devon Dampier, Mississippi State wide receiver Creed Whittemore, Garden City cornerback Caldwell, Missouri punter Orion Phillips and Oregon linebacker Jaxson Jones.
New Mexico quarterback Devon Dampier warms up before an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. | Butch Dill, Associated Press
