LOGAN, Utah – Calvin Tyler Jr. needed a fresh start following an injury-riddled four-year career at Oregon State, one in which resulted in just 14 games played.

So, he put his name in the NCAA transfer portal, and it didn't take the running back from Beaumont, Texas, to find a new home at Utah State.

The 5-foot-8, 210-pounder is slated to officially make his Aggie debut on Saturday, Sept. 4, when Utah State kicks off its 2021 campaign at Washington State, a foe Tyler knows all about going back to his days at Oregon State.

We caught up with Tyler to discuss his fresh start at Utah State, his expectations for the season and his back-up plan if his goals to play professionally don't pan out.
 
USU: How has your time been at Utah State so far?

Tyler: I have been here for five months and it has been great. I love the atmosphere and environment, as far as the coaching staff, my teammates and just the people all around. There are a lot of friendly people in Utah, which is a blessing to be around. I like to surround myself with great people, like my teammates and coaching staff.

USU: What was it about Utah State that made you want to come to Logan?

Tyler: For sure, the coaching staff. Coach (Chuckie) Keeton and I already had a great relationship from him being the person to pick me up on my official visit to Oregon State. He was a grad assistant at the time, so we already had a great relationship and he connected with my family. Once I got in the transfer portal, it was a no-brainer once coach Keeton hit me up about coming to Utah State.

USU: Why did you decide to leave Oregon State?

Tyler: I had a great coaching staff and great teammates, but the biggest thing for me was I needed a new environment and a new space. I went from playing my true freshman year to tearing my ACL the next year, and then being behind a great running back in Jermar Jefferson, I just needed a fresh start. It is a blessing that I am here now.

USU: What expectations do you have not only for yourself this season, but for the team?

Tyler: Play with great effort, win games and making sure that we don't leave any doubt – finishing every play and finishing every drive from start to finish. For myself, get through the year healthy and help my team in whatever way that is, whether it's running the ball, catching the ball, blocking on kick return or fielding punts. It doesn't matter what it is, I just want to help my team win.

USU: How old were you when you made it a goal to play in college?

Tyler: I was good in football since little league, but I didn't start taking it seriously until ninth grade. Once I got into ninth grade and I was playing on varsity, people started telling me how good I was. Right then I was like, 'This is going to be my dream; this is what I am passionate about.'

USU: Having played against Washington State when you were at Oregon State, what will it be like for you to face the Cougars again in the season opener?

Tyler: It's going to bring back memories, because the last time I played there we were trying to become bowl eligible and we lost. They beat us with two seconds left. We couldn't convert on a fourth down and they got the ball back and went down and scored. I just remember them making fun of us, pretending to throw a bowling ball. It will be a good environment for our guys, because I don't think a lot of them have played in these big games with a hostile environment. Washington State fans talk a lot. As soon as we walk out of the tunnel, they get to chatting and talking to us, so it will be a great thing.

USU: Outside of football, what do you enjoy doing?

Tyler: I enjoy being with my son and my family. I have an 11-month-old (Calvin Dewayne Tyler III) and I love being with him when he is with me. I like watching PBR, because I love bull riding. If football doesn't work out, my goal is to be a professional bull rider.

USU: How much bull riding have you done?

Tyler: I only rode a sheep when I was a little boy, but I am good friends with Cooper Davis. He was the 2016 PBR national champion. I am good friends with him and we always talk about it, so I'll get on some practice bulls and I'll get better at it.

USU: Your teammate, Ajani Carter, is also into the cowboy scene.

Tyler: AJ is a cowboy, too. We always say we are going to go one day, but I know coach would kill us.

USU: Who is your hero?

Tyler: God is my hero. But, if you want to say physical, someone here with me, it would be my pops, for sure.

USU: What is something unique about you that nobody knows?

Tyler: I feel like I can sing a little bit, and I'm also a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. It was founded on Jan. 5, 1911, and it is a brotherhood.

For Aggie football ticket information, fans can contact the USU Athletics Ticket Office over the phone by calling 1-888-USTATE-1 or 435-797-0305 during regular hours of operation. Fans can also buy their tickets in person at the USU Ticket Office inside the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum or online by clicking on the "Buy Tickets" tab at www.UtahStateAggies.com.

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