Starting center, reserve running back hit transfer portal as Utah wraps up 2022 season

A pair of offensive players for Utah hit the transfer portal on Thursday, according to UteZone’s Steve Bartle.

Reserve running back Ricky Parks is in the portal, according to Bartle, after two years in the program without an appearance. Parks was a former 4-star prospect out of the 2021 class.

According to a source, Utah RB Ricky Parks has officially entered the transfer portal. @247SportsPortal

— Steve Bartle (@SBartle247) January 5, 2023

The big news of the day was that of starting center Paul Maile’s portal entry. Bartle was first to break that news as well, with Maile himself later confirming the departure in a tweet thanking the program.

So Grateful I had the opportunity to be able to play in my hometown here at the University of Utah! Nothing but love for all of my teammates, coaches, staff, and the fans here at Utah.🙏

— Paul Maile (@PaulMaile54) January 6, 2023

A 6-foot-2 junior from Salt Lake City, Maile started in 16 of his 17 appearances over the last two seasons. He just wrapped his fifth year with the program, meaning he’ll be a one-and-done player at his next stop.

When Maile was forced to miss time because of injury this season, Johnny Maea and Kolinu’u Faaiu filled in for him. They both figure to return in 2023 to battle for the starting job in the middle of the offensive line.