Leaving Utah is 'best thing for my future,' Lucky Radley says


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SALT LAKE CITY — Senior running back Lucky Radley decided to leave the Utah football program last week, moving to San Diego State as a graduate transfer.

Radley, who rushed for 284 yards and two touchdowns last season, said he saw Utah shifting to a pass-first offense and wanted to be a part of a team that was more run heavy.

“I just did my homework on (Dave Christensen) and he likes to pass the ball a lot,” Radley said. “I’m going into my senior year and I would rather be in an offense that likes to run it.”

After looking at a few options, Radley said he settled on San Diego State because it had a spot on the roster — junior Adam Muema declared for the draft earlier this year — and was a run-first offense.

“I looked everywhere actually,” he said. “But it’s close to home and they lost a running back, Adam Muema, early and it just felt like a good fit. They’re a really good team, they’re close to home and they run the ball 8 percent of the time, which is very attractive to me.”

San Diego State rushed for 2,166 yards last season, which was almost half the team’s offense. However, the team was ranked ninth in the Mountain West Conference in rushing offense. The Aztecs will likely benefit from an explosive back like Radley joining the roster.


I just did my homework on (Dave Christensen) and he likes to pass the ball a lot. I'm going into my senior year and I would rather be in an offense that likes to run it.

–Lucky Radley


Last season, Radley was part of a three back system, splitting time with Bubba Poole and Kelvin York. Radley emerged as a top back heading into the 2014 season, even with up-and-coming backs Devontae Booker and Troy McCormick fairing well in spring camp. Radley was held out from spring camp earlier this year.

Booker and McCormick had a good showing in spring practices, but Radley said his decision was not based on the depth at the running back position.

“No, I love competition. That wasn’t the issue at all. I didn’t have any doubts that I wasn’t going to play up there,” he said. “We had a running back rotation and I would prefer an offense that runs the ball.

“I know what I can do and I could just gauge it,” Radley added. “I felt comfortable. I felt like I could compete and play with all the guys that are there. It was hard not practicing, but it was all good.”

Radley said Utah has a talented group of backs that will be competitive in the Pac-12, but said Poole and Booker will likely bring the most versatility to the Utes. However, people should not overlook McCormick as a viable option, Radley added.

“When I was there, everybody brought something different and everybody was going to play,” he said.

Despite his decision to leave, Radley said he will miss the Utah fan base, which treated him like family.

“The Utah fans have been like family; they welcomed me outside of football. But on the field they’ve been amazing,” he said. “They’ve been the best. They’re one of the reasons I was doing what I was doing. I loved playing for them. There is not a better fan base than Utah. I felt loved and I loved them. I just appreciate everything. It was hard to go but it was the best thing for my future.”

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