Elon, N.C. – Elon University Head Coach Tony Trisciani has announced the addition of two transfers for the 2024 season. Khalil Baker, a 2022 All-American defensive back, will make the move to the Phoenix, while running back Rushawn Baker will transfer from Bucknell after rushing for more than 1,300 yards over three seasons with the Bison.
 
The announcement of the transfers caps a week in which the program announced the signings of 13 freshmen Wednesday for National Signing Day. On Thursday, All-American safety Caleb Curtain announced that he will remove his name from the transfer portal and return to Elon in 2024. As well, starting quarterback Matthew Downing announced that the NCAA granted his hardship waiver and will return to Elon as well.
 
After going 6-2 in CAA Football and falling just one game shy of a league title in 2023, Elon could return as many as 15 starters (eight on defense) and 58 letterwinners for 2024.
 
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KHALIL BAKER | DB | 6-0 | 190 | Winston-Salem, N.C. | East Forsyth | North Carolina Central
Prior To Elon: Played from 2019-23 at North Carolina Central … 2022 AFCA All-American, Associated Press First Team All-American … First player from NC Central to earn those distinctions at the FCS level … 2022 Aeneas Williams Award winner, given to the nation's best defensive back in HBCU Division I college football … 2022 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year … 2022 Cricket Celebration Bowl Defensive MVP after posting 10 tackles in an overtime victory over Jackson State … 111 career tackles, 3.5 for loss, and 14 passes defended … Five career interceptions, including a return for a touchdown in 2022 against New Hampshire … 37 career games played at NC Central.
 
High School: Two-time all-conference and all-county selection at East Forsyth High School … Two-time sportsmanship award recipient … Posted 61 tackles and three interceptions as a senior … Team captain on 2018 state championship team.
 
 
RUSHAWN BAKER | RB | 6-0 | 228 | Victory, N.Y. | Victory | Bucknell
Prior To Elon: Played in 30 games over three seasons at Bucknell … Ran for 1,359 yards and 15 touchdowns … Also has 26 career receptions for 176 yards and two more scores … Rushed for 478 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023 after posting 646 rushing yards and seven TDs in 2022 … Had 235 rushing yards as a freshman in 2021 … Has four career 100-yard rushing games, including a career-best 120 yards against Marist to close the 2022 season.
 
High School: 2021 Spring All-Greater Rochester Player of the Year … Named first team all-state, honorable mention all-state, first team All-Greater Rochester and first team all-league … Rushed for 1,173 yards and 19 touchdowns on 123 carries as a senior, leading Victor to a 6-1 record … Ran for 814 yards on 107 carries, leading the team in touchdowns, as a sophomore … Two-year team captain … Also lettered in track & field.