In need of running back depth, Colorado State is adding a young talent from a Big Ten program.
Purdue running back Dalyn Dawkins is transferring to Colorado State in search of more playing time. The Coloradoan confirmed the transfer news Thursday morning.
Purdue returns the top two rushers from last fall with Akeem Hunt and Brandon Cottom each back for a senior season. Hunt led Purdue with 464 rushing yards and Cottom was second on the team with 154 rushing yards. Each scored one touchdown for the struggling Boilermakers. Dawkins was the only other player to get at least 30 rushing attempts for Purdue last season. Following the transfer of Dawkins, Purdue still has seven running backs on the roster heading into the fall.
Colorado State’s depth in the backfield is a bit different. The Rams lost Kapri Bibbs early to the NFL Draft after leading the team with 1,741 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns in 2013. Colorado State also lost Donnell Alexander to a transfer as a result of a falling out with the coaching staff. Alexander was second on the team in rushing with 428 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Dawkins will have to sit out the 2014 season due to NCAA transfer rules, but he will have three years of eligibility remaining after playing a limited role as a true freshman for the Boilermakers in 2013. Dawkins is the nephew of former NFL defensive star Brian Dawkins.