Updated

Utah redshirt junior Griff McNabb, who ranked second in the Pac-12 in punt return average last season, will transfer to Southern Utah.

In dropping from the FBS to FCS level, McNabb will be eligible for each of the next two seasons.

McNabb averaged 7.5 yards on 12 returns and set up the game-tying touchdown in the Sun Bowl with a 31-yard punt return against Georgia Tech. He is a 5-foot-7, 160-pound wide receiver out of Pocatello, Idaho.

"I really enjoyed my time at Utah and made a lot of good friends. I feel that with my size and the level of competition that Utah is playing now, I'd have a better chance to pursue my goals and dreams at SUU," McNabb told the Deseret News.

Southern Utah kicks off its season on Aug. 30 at Utah State. The Thunderbirds, who feature senior quarterback Brad Sorensen, are joining the Big Sky Conference.