AMES, Iowa – Iowa State received a major boost on its offensive line with the addition of Rhode Island transfer Tyler Catalina, Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell announced today.
Catalina, who will graduate from Rhode Island in May, signed his financial aid agreement and will enroll in graduate school at Iowa State in the summer. Catalina will have one season of eligibility as a graduate transfer in 2016.
“First and foremost Tyler is a guy that is proven,” Campbell said. “To do what he’s done in his career at Rhode Island is exceptional. He understands what it’s like to play consistent at an elite level. He brings the understanding of what it takes to play at a high level into our program, and that is critical for us as we continue to move forward. I am proud and honored to have him join us.”
A native of Worcester, Mass., Catalina started at least 10 games in each of the last three seasons at Rhode Island, amassing a total of 33 career starts at both right tackle and left tackle.
The 6-6, 298-pounder was a two-time all-conference selection for the Rams, earning second-team All-CAA honors as a junior and third-team accolades as a sophomore. He was a preseason FCS All-America pick in 2015.
Catalina, who was voted a team captain by his teammates in 2015, prepped at Wachusett Regional High School, helping his team win a pair of state titles. He was an all-state selection by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
