Virginia RB Wayne Taulapapa enters transfer portal
Virginia running back Wayne Taulapapa is entering the transfer portal after a long and successful career with the Cavaliers.
He made that announcement on Thursday afternoon:
Dear UVA, I will be entering the transfer portal as a grad transfer. You’ll never understand how grateful I am. My home away from home. Thank you for all your Love & Aloha. It has been a beautiful 4 years and I can’t begin to explain how amazing the journey was. SS out. 🤙🏽🔶🔷 pic.twitter.com/6FX8pshsMt
— Wayne Taulapapa (@WayneTaulapapa) December 30, 2021
Taulapapa has led Virginia running backs in rushing yards for three consecutive seasons. He’s totaled 1,192 yards and 19 touchdowns over that span.
He also served as one of Virginia’s team captains this season. The Cavaliers were in the mix for an ACC Championship Game berth until late November.
While the Cavaliers have shifted toward a heavy-passing offense with quarterback Brennan Armstrong, Taulapapa remained a constant in the ground game. He averaged a career-best 5.2 yards per carry in 2021.
It’s currently unclear where he might go next but there’s likely to be numerous programs across the country who are interested in adding him through the portal. Taulapapa is originally from Honolulu, Hawaii.
With Keyaton Thompson also expected to move on, Virginia could be in play for adding a running back in the portal this offseason as well.