LINCOLN, Neb. -- A veteran defensive back is leaving the Nebraska football program, moving the Huskers closer to the 85-man scholarship limit.

Noa Pola-Gates, who joined the program in 2019 under then-head coach Scott Frost, announced via social media Friday that he was entering the transfer portal.

Pola-Gates was a four star recruit coming out of high school in Arizona, playing in the Army All-American Game against fellow Husker recruit Wan'Dale Robinson. Pola-Gates chose the Huskers over several Pac-12 schools.

"In Lincoln, friendships turned into a brotherhood," Pola-Gates said.

He battled injuries throughout his Husker career, playing in 20 career games over four seasons. He made four total tackles, all on special teams.

"Although things didn't turn out the way that I planned, I will always be grateful for the experience," Pola-Gates said in a Friday morning tweet.

Pola-Gates was among a group of Husker football players who pushed for the 2020 season to be played in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I'll always remember the year," Pola-Gates said of the 2020 season.

Nebraska entered the spring well above maximum number of scholarship players. A total of eight players have now left the program since the spring game. Pola-Gates' departure comes on the same day of reports that 2022 starting quarterback Casey Thompson was also entering the transfer portal.

Pola-Gates acknowledged both head coach Matt Rhule and defensive coordinator Tony White.

"You are an amazing person," Pola-Gates said of White. "You make me want to be better."

Pola-Gates said with Rhule at the helm, "things will get turned around in no time. My brothers will get the development they deserve."