Former Cheney standout, Idaho linebacker Ty Graham transfers to Eastern Washington

Ty Graham will end his college football career in his hometown.

Graham, a Cheney High product and former starting outside linebacker at Idaho, has transferred to Eastern Washington.

“I made the decision to be closer with my family and to transfer to EWU,” Graham posted Friday on Twitter. “I can’t thank U of I enough for everything they have done for me. I will forever be grateful for the last 3 years spent as a Vandal.”

It is unclear if he’ll redshirt next year (NCAA transfer rules) or play immediately. To play in 2019, he would either have to be granted a hardship waiver.

Graham, the son of former EWU defensive coordinator John Graham, had 133 tackles at Idaho over the past three seasons, including 13 for a loss.

John Graham was hired as a linebackers coach at Idaho last March, but is no longer on the coaching staff.

Ty Graham is one of 28 players to recently leave Idaho’s program, according to the Lewiston Tribune. Idaho finished 4-7 in its return to the Big Sky Conference last season after 22 seasons at the Football Bowl Subdivision level.

Graham had a team-high 12 tackles last season in 38-14 loss at EWU. The Eagles went on to share the Big Sky title and advance to the Football Championship Subdivision national title game.

With the addition of Graham, the Eagles return four proven linebackers next season, including Chris Ojoh (105 tackles in 2018), Andrew Katzenberger (70 career tackles) and Jack Sendelbach (65 career tackles).

Graham was the Great Northern League MVP his senior year at Cheney.