This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

"Bookmode" is taking his talents to the NFL.

Running back Devontae became the first former Ute picked in the 2016 NFL draft, selected by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round with the 136th overall pick.

The Sacramento native put himself in the conversation for one of the most talented backs to ever play for the Utes, rushing for 2,773 yards, the third-best mark in program history, in only two seasons. The 23-year-old set Utah's career mark in rushing yards per game (120.6 ypg) with 21 touchdowns in 23 games.

He was known as Utah's workhorse back, grinding down opponents with a punishing physical style and lots of carries. He also did plenty of work in the receiving game with 80 catches for 624 yards in his career. He had 14 games of 100 yards or more, with his career-high 229 yards coming in a double-overtime win at Oregon State in which he had the winning touchdown.

Booker is the first Utah running back picked in the draft since Quinton Ganther in 2006.

He was twice named to all-Pac-12 teams, making the first team in 2014 when he ran for 1,512 yards and 10 touchdowns to fall just short of Utah's single-season rushing record.

His Utah career came to an abrupt end last season when he tore his meniscus 10 games into the year. The injury required two surgeries that left him unable to participate in most NFL Combine and Utah Pro Day activities. He held his own Pro Day earlier this month at his hometown high school when he was able to do field drills, but he did not run the 40-yard dash.

Projected by several outlets to be selected on the second day in rounds 2 or 3, Booker waited until Saturday to be drafted. Only four running backs were selected on the first two days of the draft among 98 picks.

Booker came to Utah on a circuitous route, but never failed to put up eye-popping stats wherever he went.

He was a star at Grant High in California, running for 2,884 yards and 45 touchdowns as a senior. He signed with Washington State out of high school, but academic issues prevented him from going to Pullman.

He ended up attending American River College, where he posted more gaudy numbers (1,472 yards, 15 touchdowns in 2012). He sat out the 2013 season for academic reasons.

Twitter: @kylegoon