Wyoming RB Xazavian Valladay Transfers to Arizona State

The Sun Devils, who are losing two top rushers out of the backfield moving into 2022, got some relief on Tuesday evening.

On Tuesday evening, the Arizona State Sun Devils gained their fourth commitment through the transfer portal, as Wyoming running back Xazavian Valladay announced via his social media his decision to commit to Arizona State.

Sun Devil Nation, we lit let’s go!🔥😈 #forksup🔱 pic.twitter.com/wKztF1rtUQ

— Xazavian Valladay (@Xfactor4_) January 12, 2022

Valladay averaged over five yards per carry in 2021, leading Wyoming in rushing with 1,070 yards on 209 attempts and scoring six times. Valladay also reeled in 23 passes for 233 yards.

The Sun Devils, who are losing running backs Rachaad White (NFL Draft) and DeaMonte Trayanum (transfer portal) will welcome the talents of Valladay to a backfield that will already possess Daniyel Ngata and incoming four-star recruit Tevin White for 2022. 

Valladay, standing at 6-foot and weighing nearly 200 pounds, arrives to Arizona State with only three years accrued toward his playing status, redshirting his freshman season at Wyoming in 2017 and 2020 not counting toward his status due to COVID. 

Valladay had over 600 carries during his time at Wyoming, hitting over 1,000 yards in two of the four seasons played. He arrives as a senior, and can play immediately. 

Valladay joins tight end Messiah Swinson, linebacker Rodney Groce and safety Derrick Smith as incoming transfers for the Sun Devils next season. 

Arizona State, molding its offensive identity around establishing the run, look to keep their prominent rushing prowess churning next season despite losses in the running back stable and offensive line. 

With quarterback Jayden Daniels returning and ASU's top receivers such as Ricky Pearsall and LV Bunkley-Shelton doing the same, it will be interesting to see how different the rushing attack looks with new blood ready to take over.