Fresno State adds ‘speedy’ RB from University of Arizona through transfer portal
Fresno State received a big boost at the running backs position with the addition of a Rayshon Luke, who was rated by 247Sports as a four-star out of high school.
The Bulldogs even return another player who was in the transfer portal in Elijah Gilliam, according to Pete Nakos of On3 Sports.
Luke is the fifth player to come to Fresno State from the transfer portal under head coach Matt Entz. He joins linebacker Jadon Pearson, safety Simeon Harris, offensive tackle Kyson Van Vugt and offensive lineman Gino Quinones.
Listed at 5-foot-9, Luke previously played at University of Arizona and has a nickname “Speedy.” He also ran track and had a personal record of 10.55 at the CIF state track and field championships at Buchanan’s Veterans Memorial Stadium in May 2019.
Luke played the first two years as the Wildcats running back but didn’t play this past season and took a redshirt before entering the transfer portal.
“Just didn’t really find his niche at UofA,” 247Sports National Recruiting Editor Brandon Huffman said. “Had some injuries and backed up some good players like Jonah Coleman and Michael Wiley. Then this year never really found his footing with the new staff which ended up being a disastrous year for them.”
In 2023, Luke played in 13 games and rushed for 153 yards and one touchdown. He returned two kickoffs for 22 yards.
In 2022, he appeared in seven games and had 105 rushing yards.
The Fresno State running back room now includes Bryson Donelson, Johnathan Arceneaux, Devon Rivers, Brandon Ramirez and Ryan Warkentin.
The Bulldogs also bring back Gilliam after initially being in the transfer portal.
“Change of scenery will do him well,” Huffman said of Luke. “There is a reason both the LA schools wanted him out of the portal. Great prep career at Bosco.”
UCLA and USC offered, Huffman said. Cal, Boise State, San Diego State and Washington State showed interest.
Luke played at St. John Bosco and was named to the All-American Bowl roster.
“He’s a nice change of pace back, home run hitter type,” Huffman said. “May not be a 25-carry type back but a complementary back to Donelson.”
