Rice grad transfer running back Emmanuel Esukpa visiting BYU; Florida State RB transfer in the mix?

With running backs Squally Canada, Spencer Hadley and Riley Burt all gone next season, many have wondered who BYU will bring in to help fill in the void.

One name appears to be Rice graduate transfer Emmanuel Esukpa. Esukpa posted a video to his Instagram story of him in Provo.

Esukpa’s connection to BYU is through running backs coach AJ Steward. Steward was the running backs coach at Rice from 2014-2017 and helped recruit Esukpa there.

Eskupa doesn’t have eye-popping rushing numbers, but he’s a guy that would come in and be an immediate contributor. He ran for for 461 and yards 3 touchdown this past season, including two 100-plus yard performances in Rice’s first three games. Those 461 rushing yards would have led BYU this season. Injuries slowed him down the second half of the season and limited his snaps.

Playing behind a better o-line at BYU would no doubt help his production. His highlights show that he has the burst and vision to be real player at running back.

This play last season versus a solid Houston team is one example of his burst and vision.

With the chance for immediate playing time and his connection to AJ Steward, BYU should be considered the front runner to land Esukpa.

Amir Rasul, Florida State

Rasul is a running back from Florida State who recently entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal. He hasn’t visited Provo yet but coaches have been in contact with him. AJ Steward and BYU’s official recruiting account both follow him on twitter, and 247 Sports writer Chirs Hummer told ESPN 960 that BYU is a school to keep an eye on for Rasul.

Rasul has rushed for 244 yards and 1 touchdown in his 3 seasons at FSU. If he’s not a graduate transfer, he still has his redshirt year available to sit out in 2019 and play his senior season in 2020.

Although he hasn’t played a ton during his college career, he was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school. He was a 4-star recruit and considered one of the top 10 running backs in the 2016 recruiting class. Known for his sprinter speed, Rasul would bring a dynamic element to BYU’s backfield. As a 10th grader, he ran a 10.44 in the 100 meters.

We’ll keep you updated on developments with Esukpa, Rasul and other transfers BYU pursues.