Former Tennessee State RB Devon Starling Transfers To Northern Arizona

Former Tennessee State running back Devon Starling has announced his transfer to Northern Arizona. Starling announced his transfer on December 15 after three seasons with the Tigers. He began his career in 2019 at the University of Memphis, but did not see action as a true freshman.

We're adding an All-American to the backfield ⤵️

Welcome to the Lumberjacks, @DevonStarling3!#RaiseTheFlag | #CHOP pic.twitter.com/qFrh0oWdZv

— NAU Football (@NAU_Football) January 17, 2023

Starling made an immediate impact for the Tigers in the spring season. He became the third Tennessee State player to be named the OVC Freshman of the Year. He was also named a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award after rushing 647 yards and three touchdowns in only seven games.

Starling followed up his stellar redshirt freshman season with 1,112 total yards and three touchdowns. He was named a HERO Sports FCS Sophomore All-American and was a First Team OVC All-Conference selection.

Over three seasons at Tennessee State; Starling totaled 1,987 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, 4.7 yards per carry, 543 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown. His best performance came this season against Eastern Washington this season as he led the Tigers with 207 rushing yards and one touchdown as Tennessee State lost a close game to the Eagles in Week 1. He will have two years of eligibility left for the Lumberjacks.

This was an important addition for the Lumberjacks after Big Sky All-Conference running back Kevin Daniels announced his transfer this offseason. Starling will join Draycen Hall, who led the team in rushing (546 Rushing Yards) last season, as the top running backs for Northern Arizona entering the 2023 season.

The Lumberjacks finished the 2022 season with a 3-8 record, but lost to three ranked opponents (Weber State, North Dakota, & Montana State) by a combined eight points. Northern Arizona finished Early Signing Day with the 10th-ranked FCS recruiting class according to On3 Sports.

Northern Arizona opens the 2023 season on the road on September 2 against Arizona.

About The Author

Zach McKinnell

Zach McKinnell is the owner of The Bluebloods; one of the top sources for FCS Football coverage. He is also a columnist for HERO Sports. Zach is also currently writing for Vols Wire, which is part of the USA TODAY Sports network. He is a graduate of Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama.

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