Arizona loses experienced cornerback to transfer portal, per report
Arizona cornerback Isaiah Rutherford has entered the transfer portal, according to a report.
That’s per On3’s Matt Zenitz, who notes that Rutherford was a frequent starter for the Wildcats during his 2 years with the program. He played in 14 games and made 9 starts over the past couple years.
Arizona cornerback Isaiah Rutherford has entered the transfer portal, @on3sports has learned.
Rutherford, a former top-175 recruit who transferred to Arizona from Notre Dame, started in nine of 14 games he played in for the Wildcats the last two years.https://t.co/TYM6jFvThp
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) May 31, 2023
Seven of those starts came during the 2021 campaign, but he did not play as big of a role in 2022. Rutherford started two contests and appeared in 5 during his second year with the Wildcats. He was credited with 7 total tackles and 2 pass breakups on the year.
Rutherford began his college career at Notre Dame before transferring to Arizona ahead of the 2021 season.
He was originally a member of the 2019 recruiting class. Rutherford was the No. 231 overall player and the No. 23 cornerback in the country for that cycle, per 247Sports.
Rutherford is originally from Carmichael, California. He has 2 years of eligibility remaining.
What this means for Arizona
Rutherford was likely to face tough competition for a starting role at Arizona in 2023. Tacario Davis and Treydan Stukes are both expected back this season and had breakout campaigns in 2022.
Arizona has been aggressive in adding players via the transfer portal this offseason. The Wildcats have picked up 8 transfer commitments already, although their class does not yet include any cornerbacks.