UCLA RB Transfer Milton Knox Looking At Utah

UCLA Sophomore RB Milton Knox announced he'd like to transfer from the Bruins' crowded backfield and is looking at Utah and Fresno State according to The Los Angeles Times and Daily News.

Knox is a former four star recruit who chose UCLA over Florida and Notre Dame.  After being buried on a depth chart full of talent at running back, Knox looks to play elsewhere where he will get more playing time.

Knox red-shirted in 2008, and played sparingly in 2009 where he rushed for 134 yards on 29 attempts.  He also had two receptions for 25 yards.

This could be a blessing for Utah.  Knox is very talented and has a bit of experience.  He can join the Utes now, sit out his mandatory year and play his junior and senior seasons at Utah.  

Following this season, Utah will be losing quite a bit of running back depth.  Matt Asiata and Eddie Wide are both in their final years at Utah.  The Utes will have a void there.  They return Shakerin who's future looks promising, but no other returners have experience including Beau Burton and a few incoming Freshman.

Knox would be competing with Sausan Shakerin for the starting job, who will also be a Junior in 2011.  They could make a great duo of power running in Shakerin and a more elusive running style in Knox, if Whittingham elects to use them that way.  

Transferring to Utah can pose an interesting situation for Knox.  If he picks Utah, and they are invited to the Pac-10 after the transfer, he can still play in the Pac-10 while avoiding intra-conference penalties which include loss of financial aid for a year.

Knox also has experience at UCLA running the "wildcat" which Utah loves to use with their backs like Matt Asiata.  Most of his playing time in 2009 was through the wildcat.

He hasn't made a decision yet, but Utah fans will be crossing their fingers he picks the Utes.