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Utah Football The LAsT dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2

2009 Outlook dECADEUtah 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPION FootballS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE lAST dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE Personnel Picture

Starters Returning (11) 2008 Squad Members (4) All-America Candidates Offense (4) Jake Bentrude, LB; Tage Clifford, TE; Nick Liefting, DB; LT Zane Beadles (6-4, 305, Sr.) Viliamu Nau, OL. Zane Beadles, OT LG Caleb Schlauderaff (6-4, 300, Jr.) Stevenson Sylvester, LB C Zane Taylor* (6-2, 300, Jr.) Returning Missionaries (2) TE Chris Joppru (6-6, 267, Sr.) All-Conference *Has moved to RG Sean Fitzgerald, WR; J.J. Williams, LB. Candidates Defense (7) 2009 Recruiting Class (24) Offense LE Koa Misi (6-3, 263, Sr.) NT Derrick Shelby* (6-3, 250, So.) and Matt Asiata, RB James Aiono, DE; Conroy Black, DB; Beau Burton, RB; Kenape Eliapo (6-0, 300, Sr.) Zane Beadles, OT Terrance Cain, QB; Eric Dago, DE; LT Filiaga, LB; Colby RLB Stevenson Sylvester (6-2, 230, Sr.) David Reed, WR Goodwin, TE; Latu Heimuli, DT; Vyncent Jones, OL; Maxwell MLB Mike Wright (6-2, 235, Sr.) Caleb Schlauderaff, OL Lacy, DB; Ray Magee, WR; Nick Marsh, K/P; Kapua Sai, Zane Taylor, OL SLB Nai Fotu* (6-0, 240, Jr.) 2009 O UTL OO K OL; Jamal Smith, WR; Shaky Smithson, WR; Victor Spikes, FS Robert Johnson (6-2, 200, Sr.) DB; Jarrad Stewart, DB; Percy Taumoelau, OL; Jeremiah Defense SS Joe Dale (5-11, 200, Sr.) Tofaeono, DT; Siosaia Tuipulotu, DT; Chris Washington, DB; Joe Dale, DB *Has moved to DE Jason Whittingham, LB; Jordan Wynn, QB; Kamaron Yancy, Kenape Eliapo, DT DB. Robert Johnson, DB Kickers/Punters (0) Koa Misi, DE Stevenson Sylvester, LB Starters Lost (13) Mike Wright, LB Lettermen Returning (51) Offense (7) Special Teams Offense (24) RG Robert Conley (6-1, 310) David Reed, RET Neli A’asa, OL; Matt Asiata, RB; Zane Beadles, OL; Tony RT Dustin Hensel (6-7, 307) Bergstrom, OL; Jereme Brooks, WR; Daniel Bukarau, OL; QB Brian Johnson (6-1, 200, 268-394, 2,972 yds, 27 TD) All-Conference Brad Clifford, TE; Louis Finner, OL; Junior Fonua, RB; RB Darrell Mack (6-0, 220, 123 rush, 541 yds, 3 TD) Returning Ben Hendy, TE; Chris Joppru, TE; Aiona Key, WR; Corbin WR Freddie Brown (6-4, 215). 77 rec, 900 yds, 7 TD) Louks, QB; Trevor Moss RB; John Peel, WR; David Reed, WR Bradon Godfrey (6-3, 197, 56 rec, 556 yds, 4 TD) WR; Mychal Robinson, WR; Caleb Schlauderaff, OL; Ray WR Brent Casteel (5-10, 198, 43 rec, 564 yds, 4 TD) First Team Stowers, RB; Zane Taylor, OL; Walter Watts, OL; Elijah Zane Beadles, OL Wesson, WR; Eddie Wide, RB; Tyler Williams, OL. Defense (4) Second Team Defense (26) T Greg Newman (6-4, 260, 50 tkls, 9.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks) RE Paul Kruger (6-5, 265, 61 tkls, 16.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks) Koa Misi, DL Greg Bird, DB; Brandon Burton, DB; Tysen Clements, DB; CB Brice McCain (5-9, 182, 35 tkls, 1 INT, 5 PBU) Stevenson Sylvester, LB Christian Cox, DL; Joe Dale, DB; Tatum Drecksel, DL; CB Sean Smith (6-3, 214, 46 tkls, 5 INT, 9 PBU) Kenape Eliapo, DT; Nai Fotu, DE; Kepa Gaison, LB; Robert Honorable Mention Johnson, DB; Justin Jones, DB; Jamel King (2007), LB; Zane Taylor, OL Chad Manis, LB*; Matt Martinez (2007), LB; Koa Misi, DE; Kickers/Punters (2) David Reed, KR Mo Neal, LB; Derrick Shelby, DE; Sealver Siliga, DT; R.J. P Louie Sakoda (5-9, 178, 42.1 avg, 24 inside 20) Mike Wright, LB Stanford, DB; Stevenson Sylvester, LB; Lei Talamaivao PK Louie Sakoda (5-9, 178, 22-24 FG, 55-57 PAT) (2007), DT; Justin Taplin-Ross, DB; Junior Tui’one, DT; Chaz All-Conference Walker, LB; J.J. Williams (2006), LB; Mike Wright, LB. Lettermen Lost (22) Lost *lettered as QB Freddie Brown, WR; Brent Casteel, WR; Terrell Cole, DB; First Team Kicker/Punter (1) Robert Conley, OL; Afa Garrigan, LB; Bradon Godfrey, WR; Robert Conley, OL Ben Vroman, K/P Dustin Hensel, OL; Bo Hikila, RB; Brian Johnson, QB; Paul Brian Johnson, QB Kruger, DE; Darrell Mack, RB; Brice McCain, DB; Clint Louie Sakoda, PK 2008 Redshirts (18) Mower, SN; Greg Newman, DL; RJ Rice, DB; Deshawn Paul Kruger, DL Richard, DB; Louie Sakoda, K/P; Colt Sampson, TE; Corey Brice McCain, DB Boo Andersen, LB; Bryce Bennion, DB; Nick Binks, DE; Seiuli, OL; Sean Smith, DB; Damilyn Tanner, DB; Aaron Sean Smith, DB Lamar Chapman, DB; DeVonte Christopher, WR; Grayson Tonga, DT. Louie Sakoda, P Dart, LB; Patrick Greene, LS; Dave Kruger, DT; Ryan Lacy, WR; Luke Matthews, WR; Kendrick Moeai, TE; Thor Second Team Salanoa, LB; Sean Sellwood P/K; Sausan Shakerin, RB; Freddie Brown, WR Tevita Stevens, OL; Reggie Topps, DB; Derek Tuimauga, OL; Zach Wade, WR. Honorable Mention Greg Newman, DL

50 2009 media guide dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE lAST dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARUtahS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOW L FootballwINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE How The Utes Were Built

Scholarship Players Walk-On Players

2004 2007 Sausan Shakerin 2004 2008 Brad Clifford (W/O, RM) Matt Asiata (JC) Sealver Siliga Daniel Bukurau (RM) Bryce Bennion (RM) John Peel Jereme Brooks Tevita Stevens (W/O, RM) Patrick Greene Ray Stowers Brandon Burton Reggie Topps 2006 Sean Sellwood Louis Finner Derek Tuimauga Tysen Clements (RM) Zach Wade (RM)

2005 Nai Fotu Junior Tui’one (JC, RM) 2009 O UTL OO K Zane Beadles Robert Johnson (JC) 2007 2009 Tony Bergstrom (RM) Jamel King 2009 Jake Bentrude Tyson Buck Greg Bird (RM) Corbin Louks James Aiono (JC) Tage Clifford (RM) Isi Filimoeatu (RM) Grayson Dart (RM) Chad Manis (JC) Conroy Black (JC) Christian Cox (TR, RM) Mike Laloni (RM) Kenape Eliapo Koa Misi (JC) Beau Burton Tatum Drecksel (TR, RM) Chase Nakamura Kepa Gaison (W/O) Mo Neal Terrance Cain (JC) Junior Fonua (TR) Joe Phillips Chris Joppru Derrick Shelby Eric Dago Ben Hendy (TR) Benjamin Soliven Ben Vroman (W/O) Lei Talamaivao LT Filiaga Nick Liefting (RM) Lolo Tenifa (RM) J.J. Williams (W/O, RM) Justin Taplin-Ross Colby Goodwin Trevor Moss (JC, RM) Tory Tima (RM) Tyler Williams Chaz Walker (W/O) Latu Heimuli Mychal Robinson Kawika Vincent (RM) Eddie Wide Vyncent Jones 2006 Maxwell Lacy (JC) Neli A’asa 2008 Ray Magee (JC) Legend Nick Binks (RM) Boo Andersen Nick Marsh Joe Dale Sam Brenner Kapua Sai TR=Transfer W/O=Walk-on awarded Sean Fitzgerald (RM) Lamar Chapman (JC) Jamal Smith JC=Junior College Transfer scholarship Justin Jones DeVonte Christopher Shaky Smithson (JC) RM=Returned Missionary Matt Martinez (W/O) Zach Davila Victor Spikes Caleb Schlauderaff Aiona Key (JC) Jarrad Stewart R.J. Stanford Dave Kruger Percy Taumoelau Stevenson Sylvester Ryan Lacy Jeremiah Tofaeono Zane Taylor Luke Matthews Siosaia Tuipulotu Walter Watts Kendrick Moeai Chris Washington Elijah Wesson (W/O) Viliamu Nau (JC) Jason Whittingham Mike Wright (TR, W/O, RM) David Reed (JC) Jordan Wynn Thor Salanoa Kamaron Yancy (JC)

2009 Recruiting Class

Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Yr. Exp. Hometown/Last School Pronunciation James Aiono DE 6-3 280 Jr. JC West Valley City, Utah/Snow College Eye-oh-no Conroy Black DB 6-0 176 Jr. JC Miramar, Fla./Fullerton CC Beau Burton RB 5-9 195 Fr. HS Scottsdale, Ariz./Saguaro HS Terrance Cain QB 5-11 185 Jr. JC Houston, Texas/Blinn CC Eric Dago DE 6-2 211 Fr. HS Houston, Texas/Westside HS Day-go LT Filiaga LB 6-0 235 Fr. HS Provo, Utah/Bingham HS Filly-ahn-ga Colby Goodwin TE 6-5 220 Fr. HS Houston, Texas/CY-Fair HS Latu Heimuli DT 6-3 300 Fr. HS Salt Lake City/Highland HS La-too Hey-moo-lee Vyncent Jones OL 6-3 291 Fr. HS Sandy, Utah/Jordan HS Maxwell Lacy DB 6-2 193 So. JC Pasadena, Calif./Compton College Ray Magee WR 6-4 226 Jr. JC San Diego, Calif./Fullerton CC Ma-ghee Nick Marsh P/K 5-11 190 Fr. HS Petaluma, Calif./Petaluma HS Kapua Sai OL 6-5 319 Fr. HS Kahalu’u, Hawaii/St. Louis HS Ka-poo-a Sigh Jamal Smith WR 6-2 181 Fr. HS Oxnard, Calif./Oxnard HS Shaky Smithson WR 5-11 210 Jr. JC Baltimore, Md./East Los Angeles CC Victor Spikes DB 6-0 200 Fr. HS Beaumont, Texas/Beaumont Central HS Jarrad Stewart DB 5-9 189 Fr. HS Houston, Texas/Pearland HS Percy Taumoelau OL 6-4 313 Fr. HS Glendale, Utah/Cottonwood HS Tao-moy-lau Jeremiah Tofaeono DT 6-3 311 Fr. HS Las Vegas, Nev./Cheyenne HS To-fy-o-no Siosaia “LT” Tuipulotu DT 6-1 280 Fr. HS Euless, Texas/Trinity HS See-o-sigh-a Too-ee-poo-lo-too Chris Washington DB 6-0 190 Fr. HS Layton, Utah/Northridge HS Jason Whittingham LB 6-2 214 Fr. HS Provo, Utah/Timpview HS Jordan Wynn QB 6-1 190 Fr. HS Oceanside, Calif./Oceanside HS Kamaron Yancy DB 5-9 187 Jr. JC Los Angeles, Calif./Pierce College

WWW.UTAHUTES.COM 51 dECADEUtah 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPION FootballS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE lAST dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE 2009 Alphabetical Roster

No. Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Yr. Exp. B-Date Age Hometown/Previous School 55 Neli A’asa OL 6-2 300 Jr. 2VL 2-16-88 21 Big Rapids, Mich./Big Rapids HS 99 James Aiono DE 6-3 280 Jr. JC 1-23-89 20 West Valley City, Utah/Snow College 45 Boo Andersen LB 6-1 230 Fr. RS 12-14-89 19 Sandy, Utah/Alta HS 4 Matt Asiata RB 5-11 230 Sr. 1VL 7-24-87 22 West Valley City, Utah/Snow College 68 Zane Beadles OL 6-4 305 Sr. 3VL 11-19-86 22 Sandy, Utah/Hillcrest HS Bryce Bennion DB 6-0 199 Fr. RS 10-24-86 22 South Jordan, Utah/Bingham HS Jake Bentrude LB 6-3 203 So. SQ 9-16-88 20 Draper, Utah/Juan Diego HS 70 Tony Bergstrom OL 6-6 300 So. 1VL 8-8-86 23 Salt Lake City/Skyline HS 97 Nick Binks DE 6-5 240 Fr. RS 9-11-87 21 Bountiful, Utah/Bountiful HS 35 Greg Bird DB 6-2 215 So. 1VL 6-17-86 23 Mesa, Ariz./Red Mountain HS 5 Conroy Black DB 6-0 176 Jr. JC 10-31-88 20 Miramar, Fla./Fullerton CC 74 Sam Brenner OL 6-3 300 Fr. HS 4-27-90 19 Oceanside, Calif./Oceanside HS 85 Jereme Brooks WR 5-7 170 Jr. 2VL 4-23-89 20 League City, Texas/Clear Creek HS Tyson Buck LB 6-2 205 Fr. HS 4-6-88 21 Highland, Utah/Lone Peak HS 73 Daniel Bukarau OL 6-1 271 Jr. 2VL 10-20-85 23 Kailua, Hawaii/Kailua HS 38 Beau Burton RB 5-9 195 Fr. HS 8-3-91 18 Scottsdale, Ariz./Saguaro HS 2009 O UTL OO K 27 Brandon Burton DB 6-0 184 So. 1VL 7-31-89 20 Houston, Texas/Clear Creek HS 7 Terrance Cain QB 5-11 185 Jr. JC 7-14-88 21 Houston, Texas/Blinn CC 21 Lamar Chapman DB 5-8 170 Jr. RS 4-16-87 22 Compton, Calif./El Camino JC 15 DeVonte Christopher WR 6-1 190 Fr. RS 4-17-90 19 Las Vegas, Nev./Canyon Springs HS 34 Tysen Clements DB 5-11 200 Jr. 2VL 11-10-84 24 Salt Lake City/Skyline HS 84 Brad Clifford TE 6-4 250 Jr. 2VL 3-7-86 23 Salt Lake City/Olympus HS 34 Tage Clifford TE 6-1 234 So. SQ 7-16-85 24 Roy, Utah/Snow College 94 Christian Cox DL 6-1 248 Jr. 1VL 12-11-85 23 Bountiful, Utah/Southern Utah 53 Eric Dago DE 6-2 211 Fr. HS 2-24-90 19 Houston, Texas/Westside HS 12 Joe Dale DB 5-11 200 Sr. 3VL 12-18-86 22 Irving, Texas/Nimitz HS Grayson Dart LB 6-1 200 Fr. RS 8-25-86 23 Layton, Utah/Northridge HS 69 Zach Davila OL 6-4 296 Fr. HS 11-30-89 19 Vail, Ariz./Cienega HS 47 Tatum Drecksel DL 6-2 255 Sr. 2VL 7-31-85 24 Salt Lake City/Southern Utah 92 Kenape Eliapo DT 6-0 300 Sr. 3VL 3-22-86 23 San Francisco, Calif./So. San Francisco HS Isi Filimoeatu LB 6-0 229 Jr. JC 7-5-85 24 West Valley City, Utah/Snow College 78 Louis Finner OL 6-3 300 So. 1VL 4-19-89 20 Plano, Texas/Plano East HS 87 Sean Fitzgerald WR 6-3 195 Fr. HS 4-28-88 21 Mission Viejo, Calif./Mission Viejo HS 48 Junior Fonua RB 5-8 230 Sr. 1VL 2-19-87 22 Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Texas Southern 42 Nai Fotu DE 6-0 240 Jr. 2VL 8-20-88 21 Laie, Hawaii/Kahuku HS 59 Kepa Gaison LB 5-10 220 Sr. 2VL 3-20-87 22 Kaneohe, Hawaii/The Kamehameha School 89 Colby Goodwin TE 6-5 220 Fr. HS 1-16-91 18 Houston, Texas/CY-Fair HS 62 Patrick Greene SN 6-2 210 Fr. RS 2-20-90 19 Monrovia, Calif./Monrovia HS 95 Latu Heimuli DT 6-3 300 Fr. HS 5-27-91 18 Salt Lake City/Highland HS 83 Ben Hendy TE 6-2 232 Sr. 1VL 9-9-86 22 Sandy, Utah/Temple 17 Robert Johnson DB 6-2 200 Sr. 2VL 2-13-87 22 Los Angeles, Calif./L.A. Southwest College 24 Justin Jones DB 5-9 180 Sr. 3VL 6-6-88 21 Marshall, Texas/Marshall HS 64 Vyncent Jones OL 6-3 291 Fr. HS 9-18-90 18 Sandy, Utah/Jordan HS 80 Chris Joppru TE 6-6 267 Sr. 1VL 2-6-87 22 Minnetonka, Minn./Minnetonka HS 9 Aiona Key WR 6-4 195 Sr. 1VL 11-20-86 22 Citrus Heights, Calif./Mt. SAC 51 Jamel King LB 6-2 229 So. 1VL 3-31-89 20 Murrieta, Calif./Vista Murrieta HS 44 Dave Kruger DT 6-5 272 Fr. RS 5-17-90 19 Orem, Utah/Timpanogos HS 2 Maxwell Lacy DB 6-2 193 So. JC 7-20-89 20 Pasadena, Calif./Compton College 26 Ryan Lacy WR 5-10 184 Fr. RS 9-5-90 18 Antelope, Calif./Oakmont HS Mike Laloni DL 6-2 250 Jr. JC 6-27-83 26 West Valley City, Utah/Snow College 29 Nick Liefting DB 6-1 185 So. SQ 5-9-85 24 West Valley City, Utah/Hunter HS 19 Corbin Louks QB 6-0 200 Jr. 2VL 4-10-89 20 Danville, Calif./San Ramon Valley HS 86 Ray Magee WR 6-4 226 Jr. JC 4-12-88 21 San Diego, Calif./Fullerton CC 18 Chad Manis LB 6-5 230 Jr. 1VL 2-13-88 21 Lakewood, Calif./Cerritos College 39 Nick Marsh P/K 5-11 190 Fr. HS 9-5-91 17 Petaluma, Calif./Petaluma HS 52 Matt Martinez LB 6-0 226 So. 1VL 1-21-88 21 Murray, Utah/Cottonwood HS 11 Luke Matthews WR 6-1 205 Fr. RS 11-10-89 19 Phoenix, Ariz./Desert Vista HS 41 Koa Misi DE 6-3 263 Sr. 2VL 1-17-87 22 Santa Rosa, Calif./Santa Rosa JC 81 Kendrick Moeai TE 6-5 235 Fr. RS 3-28-90 19 West Jordan, Utah/Copper Hills HS 46 Trevor Moss RB 5-11 196 Sr. 2VL 10-13-83 25 Sandy, Utah/Northwest CC Chase Nakamura WR 6-3 174 Fr. HS 3-7-90 19 Wailuku, Hawaii/HP Baldwin HS 75 Viliamu Nau OL 6-6 300 Sr. SQ 4-24-87 22 Pomona, Calif./Mt. San Antonio College 50 Mo Neal LB 6-2 221 So. 1VL 1-2-88 21 Oakland, Calif./San Leandro HS 82 John Peel WR 6-1 185 Sr. 1VL 5-9-86 23 Scottsdale, Ariz./Chaparral HS

52 2009 media guide dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE lAST dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARUtahS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOW L FootballwINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE 2009 Alphabetical Roster

No. Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Yr. Exp. B-Date Age Hometown/Previous School Joe Phillips K 5-11 187 Jr. JC 1-29-86 23 Salt Lake City/Snow College 16 David Reed WR 6-0 190 Sr. 1VL 3-22-87 22 New Britain, Conn./Pasadena City College 29 Mychal Robinson WR 5-8 191 So. 1VL 12-9-88 20 Salt Lake City/Juan Diego HS 56 Kapua Sai OL 6-5 319 Fr. HS 12-21-90 18 Kahalu’u, Hawaii/St. Louis HS 93 Thor Salanoa LB 6-2 210 Fr. RS 2-7-89 20 Honolulu, Hawaii/Radford HS 72 Caleb Schlauderaff OL 6-4 300 Jr. 2VL 11-7-87 21 Shelton, Wash./Shelton HS 95 Sean Sellwood P/K 6-3 200 Fr. RS 7-11-90 19 Salt Lake City/Judge Memorial HS 22 Sausan Shakerin RB 6-2 225 Fr. RS 7-31-89 20 Sandy, Utah/Alta HS 2009 O UTL OO K 90 Derrick Shelby DE 6-3 250 So. 1VL 2-7-89 20 Houston, Texas/Hightower HS 98 Sealver Siliga DT 6-3 300 So. 1VL 2-15-90 19 West Jordan, Utah/Copper Hills HS 88 Jamal Smith WR 6-2 181 Fr. HS 3-29-91 18 Oxnard, Calif./Oxnard HS 1 Shaky Smithson WR 5-11 210 Jr. JC 8-23-87 22 Baltimore, Md./East Los Angeles CC Benjamin Soliven DB 5-8 180 So. TR 8-3-86 23 Waipahu, Hawaii/BYU-Hawaii 31 Victor Spikes DB 6-0 200 Fr. HS 5-31-90 19 Beaumont, Texas/ Beaumont Central HS 25 R.J. Stanford DB 5-11 184 Sr. 3VL 5-6-88 21 Chino, Calif./Chino HS 54 Tevita Stevens OL 6-1 295 Fr. RS 7-4-87 22 Hemet, Calif./Hemet HS 14 Jarrad Stewart DB 5-9 189 Fr. HS 12-7-90 18 Houston, Texas/Pearland HS 2 Ray Stowers RB 6-0 222 Sr. 3VL 2-2-85 23 Honolulu, Hawaii/Iolani HS 10 Stevenson Sylvester LB 6-2 230 Sr. 3VL 7-18-88 21 Las Vegas, Nev./Valley HS 43 Lei Talamaivao DT 6-2 280 So. 1VL 9-20-88 20 Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga HS 33 Justin Taplin-Ross DB 6-3 212 Jr. 2VL 3-26-89 20 Murrieta, Calif./Vista Murrieta HS 79 Percy Taumoelau OL 6-4 313 Fr. HS 10-30-90 18 Glendale, Utah/Cottonwood HS 77 Zane Taylor OL 6-2 300 Jr. 2VL 4-23-88 21 Moab, Utah/Grand County HS Lolo Tenifa DB 5-11 195 Fr. TR 12-18-86 22 Sandy, Utah/Brigham Young Tory Tima RB 5-10 200 Jr. JC 12-15-83 25 Magna, Utah/Mt. San Antonio 91 Jeremiah Tofaeono DT 6-3 311 Fr. HS 3-5-91 18 Las Vegas, Nev./Cheyenne HS 28 Reggie Topps DB 5-11 180 Fr. RS 12-19-88 20 Prunedale, Calif./N. Monterey County HS 67 Derek Tuimauga OL 6-4 310 Fr. RS 9-30-90 18 South Jordan, Utah/Bingham HS 96 Junior Tui’one DE 6-4 274 Jr. 1VL 12-5-85 23 Hawthorne, Calif./El Camino JC 58 Siosaia Tuipulotu DT 6-1 280 Fr. HS 8-3-90 19 Euless, Texas/Trinity HS 60 Kawika Vincent OL 6-4 290 Jr. TR 11-30-86 22 Kailua, Hawaii/Dixie State College 30 Ben Vroman K/P 6-0 203 Sr. 3VL 4-22-87 22 Salt Lake City/Skyline HS 31 Zach Wade WR 6-3 196 So. RS 10-7-86 22 Salt Lake City/Dixie College 32 Chaz Walker LB 5-11 215 So. 1VL 9-30-88 20 Farmington, Utah/Davis HS 37 Chris Washington DB 6-0 190 Fr. HS 11-11-91 17 Layton, Utah/Northridge HS 71 Walter Watts OL 6-2 295 Jr. 2VL 10-11-88 20 Los Banos, Calif./Los Banos HS 8 Elijah Wesson WR 5-11 185 Sr. 3VL 6-2-87 22 Compton, Calif./Dominguez HS 36 Eddie Wide RB 5-10 195 Jr. 2VL 11-19-88 20 Las Vegas, Nev./Cimarron Memorial HS 13 J.J. Williams LB 6-0 225 So. 1VL 2-26-86 23 Aurora, Colo./Grandview HS 57 Tyler Williams OL 6-1 290 Sr. 3VL 2-28-87 22 Mililani, Hawaii/Kamehameha HS 20 Mike Wright LB 6-2 235 Sr. 3VL 6-6-86 23 Bountiful, Utah/Southern Utah 3 Jordan Wynn QB 6-1 190 Fr. HS 7-5-90 19 Oceanside, Calif./Oceanside HS 6 Kamaron Yancy DB 5-9 187 Jr. JC 9-7-84 24 Los Angeles, Calif./Pierce College

Pronunciation Guide

A’asa, Neli ...... Ah-ah-sa, Nelly Heimuli, Latu ...... Hey-moo-lee, La-too Shakerin, Sausan . . . . . Shack-er-in, Sue-sawn Aiono ...... Eye-oh-no Joppru ...... Jah-proo Siliga, Sealver ...... See-linga, Silver Asiata ...... Ah-see-ah-ta (Key), Aiona ...... I-own-a Stowers ...... rhymes with towers (Brooks), Jereme ...... Jeremy (King) Jamel ...... Ja-mell Talamaivao, Lei ...... Tala-my-vow, Lay Bukurau ...... Boo-koo-rau Laloni ...... La-lone-ee Taumoelau . .Tao-moy-lau (rhymes with ow-moy-ow) (Christopher), DeVonte ...... Da-von-tay Liefting ...... Leaf-ting Tenifa ...... Ten-ee-fa (Clifford), Tage ...... rhymes with age Louks ...... Lowks Tima ...... Tee-ma Davila ...... Dav-ee-la Magee ...... Ma-ghee Tofaeono ...... To-fy-o-no Dago ...... Day-go Manis ...... Man-iss Tuimauga . . . too-ee-maun (rhymes with down)-ga Eliapo, Kenape . . . . . Ee-lee-a-po, Ken-ah-pay Misi, Koa ...... Mee-see, Ko-a Tui’one ...... Too-ee-oh-nay Filimoeatu, Isi ...... Feely-moy-ah-too, E.C. Moeai ...... Mo-ee-ah-ee Tuipulotu, Siosaia . Too-ee-poo-lo-too, See-o-sigh-a (Finner), Louis ...... Lewis Nau, Viliamu ...... Now, Veely-ah-moo (Vincent) Kawika ...... Ka-veek-a Fonua ...... Fo-new-a Sai, Kupua ...... Sigh, Ka-poo-a (Wesson) Elijah ...... Ee-ly-ja Fotu, Nai ...... Fo-too, Ny Salanoa ...... Sal-a-no-a Gaison, Kepa ...... Guy-son, Keppa Schlauderaff, Caleb . . . . Schlah-der-off, Kay-leb

WWW.UTAHUTES.COM 53 dECADEUtah 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPION FootballS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE lAST dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE 2009 Numerical Roster

No. Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Yr. Exp. B-Date Age Hometown/Previous School 1 Shaky Smithson WR 5-11 210 Jr. JC 8-23-87 22 Baltimore, Md./East Los Angeles CC 2 Maxwell Lacy DB 6-2 193 So. JC 7-20-89 20 Pasadena, Calif./Compton College 2 Ray Stowers RB 6-0 222 Sr. 3VL 2-2-85 23 Honolulu, Hawaii/Iolani HS 3 Jordan Wynn QB 6-1 190 Fr. HS 7-5-90 19 Oceanside, Calif./Oceanside HS 4 Matt Asiata RB 5-11 230 Sr. 1VL 7-24-87 22 West Valley City, Utah/Snow College 5 Conroy Black DB 6-0 176 Jr. JC 10-31-88 20 Miramar, Fla./Fullerton CC 6 Kamaron Yancy DB 5-9 187 Jr. JC 9-7-84 24 Los Angeles, Calif./Pierce College 7 Terrance Cain QB 5-11 185 Jr. JC 7-14-88 21 Houston, Texas/Blinn CC 8 Elijah Wesson WR 5-11 185 Sr. 3VL 6-2-87 22 Compton, Calif./Dominguez HS 9 Aiona Key WR 6-4 195 Sr. 1VL 11-20-86 22 Citrus Heights, Calif./Mt. SAC 10 Stevenson Sylvester LB 6-2 230 Sr. 3VL 7-18-88 21 Las Vegas, Nev./Valley HS 11 Luke Matthews WR 6-1 205 Fr. RS 11-10-89 19 Phoenix, Ariz./Desert Vista HS 12 Joe Dale DB 5-11 200 Sr. 3VL 12-18-86 22 Irving, Texas/Nimitz HS 13 J.J. Williams LB 6-0 225 So. 1VL 2-26-86 23 Aurora, Colo./Grandview HS 14 Jarrad Stewart DB 5-9 189 Fr. HS 12-7-90 18 Houston, Texas/Pearland HS 15 DeVonte Christopher WR 6-1 190 Fr. RS 4-17-90 19 Las Vegas, Nev./Canyon Springs HS 2009 O UTL OO K 16 David Reed WR 6-0 190 Sr. 1VL 3-22-87 22 New Britain, Conn./Pasadena City College 17 Robert Johnson DB 6-2 200 Sr. 2VL 2-13-87 22 Los Angeles, Calif./L.A. Southwest College 18 Chad Manis LB 6-5 230 Jr. 1VL 2-13-88 21 Lakewood, Calif./Cerritos College 19 Corbin Louks QB 6-0 200 Jr. 2VL 4-10-89 20 Danville, Calif./San Ramon Valley HS 20 Mike Wright LB 6-2 235 Sr. 3VL 6-6-86 23 Bountiful, Utah/Southern Utah 21 Lamar Chapman DB 5-8 170 Jr. RS 4-16-87 22 Compton, Calif./El Camino JC 22 Sausan Shakerin RB 6-2 225 Fr. RS 7-31-89 20 Sandy, Utah/Alta HS 24 Justin Jones DB 5-9 180 Sr. 3VL 6-6-88 21 Marshall, Texas/Marshall HS 25 R.J. Stanford DB 5-11 184 Sr. 3VL 5-6-88 21 Chino, Calif./Chino HS 26 Ryan Lacy WR 5-10 184 Fr. RS 9-5-90 18 Antelope, Calif./Oakmont HS 27 Brandon Burton DB 6-0 184 So. 1VL 7-31-89 20 Houston, Texas/Clear Creek HS 28 Reggie Topps DB 5-11 180 Fr. RS 12-19-88 20 Prunedale, Calif./N. Monterey County HS 29 Nick Liefting DB 6-1 185 So. SQ 5-9-85 24 West Valley City, Utah/Hunter HS 29 Mychal Robinson WR 5-8 191 So. 1VL 12-9-88 20 Salt Lake City/Juan Diego HS 30 Ben Vroman K/P 6-0 203 Sr. 3VL 4-22-87 22 Salt Lake City/Skyline HS 31 Victor Spikes DB 6-0 200 Fr. HS 5-31-90 19 Beaumont, Texas/ Beaumont Central HS 31 Zach Wade WR 6-3 196 So. RS 10-7-86 22 Salt Lake City/Dixie College 32 Chaz Walker LB 5-11 215 So. 1VL 9-30-88 20 Farmington, Utah/Davis HS 33 Justin Taplin-Ross DB 6-3 212 Jr. 2VL 3-26-89 20 Murrieta, Calif./Vista Murrieta HS 34 Tysen Clements DB 5-11 200 Jr. 2VL 11-10-84 24 Salt Lake City/Skyline HS 34 Tage Clifford TE 6-1 234 So. SQ 7-16-85 24 Roy, Utah/Snow College 35 Greg Bird DB 6-2 215 So. 1VL 6-17-86 23 Mesa, Ariz./Red Mountain HS 36 Eddie Wide RB 5-10 195 Jr. 2VL 11-19-88 20 Las Vegas, Nev./Cimarron Memorial HS 37 Chris Washington DB 6-0 190 Fr. HS 11-11-91 17 Layton, Utah/Northridge HS 38 Beau Burton RB 5-9 195 Fr. HS 8-3-91 18 Scottsdale, Ariz./Saguaro HS 39 Nick Marsh P/K 5-11 190 Fr. HS 9-5-91 17 Petaluma, Calif./Petaluma HS 41 Koa Misi DE 6-3 263 Sr. 2VL 1-17-87 22 Santa Rosa, Calif./Santa Rosa JC 42 Nai Fotu DE 6-0 240 Jr. 2VL 8-20-88 21 Laie, Hawaii/Kahuku HS 43 Lei Talamaivao DT 6-2 280 So. 1VL 9-20-88 20 Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga HS 44 Dave Kruger DT 6-5 272 Fr. RS 5-17-90 19 Orem, Utah/Timpanogos HS 45 Boo Andersen LB 6-1 230 Fr. RS 12-14-89 19 Sandy, Utah/Alta HS 46 Trevor Moss RB 5-11 196 Sr. 2VL 10-13-83 25 Sandy, Utah/Northwest CC 47 Tatum Drecksel DL 6-2 255 Sr. 2VL 7-31-85 24 Salt Lake City/Southern Utah 48 Junior Fonua RB 5-8 230 Sr. 1VL 2-19-87 22 Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Texas Southern 50 Mo Neal LB 6-2 221 So. 1VL 1-2-88 21 Oakland, Calif./San Leandro HS 51 Jamel King LB 6-2 229 So. 1VL 3-31-89 20 Murrieta, Calif./Vista Murrieta HS 52 Matt Martinez LB 6-0 226 So. 1VL 1-21-88 21 Murray, Utah/Cottonwood HS 53 Eric Dago DE 6-2 211 Fr. HS 2-24-90 19 Houston, Texas/Westside HS 54 Tevita Stevens OL 6-1 295 Fr. RS 7-4-87 22 Hemet, Calif./Hemet HS 55 Neli A’asa OL 6-2 300 Jr. 2VL 2-16-88 21 Big Rapids, Mich./Big Rapids HS 56 Kapua Sai OL 6-5 319 Fr. HS 12-21-90 18 Kahalu’u, Hawaii/St. Louis HS 57 Tyler Williams OL 6-1 290 Sr. 3VL 2-28-87 22 Mililani, Hawaii/Kamehameha HS 58 Siosaia Tuipulotu DT 6-1 280 Fr. HS 8-3-90 19 Euless, Texas/Trinity HS 59 Kepa Gaison LB 5-10 220 Sr. 2VL 3-20-87 22 Kaneohe, Hawaii/The Kamehameha School 60 Kawika Vincent OL 6-4 290 Jr. TR 11-30-86 22 Kailua, Hawaii/Dixie State College 62 Patrick Greene SN 6-2 210 Fr. RS 2-20-90 19 Monrovia, Calif./Monrovia HS 64 Vyncent Jones OL 6-3 291 Fr. HS 9-18-90 18 Sandy, Utah/Jordan HS 67 Derek Tuimauga OL 6-4 310 Fr. RS 9-30-90 18 South Jordan, Utah/Bingham HS

54 2009 media guide dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE lAST dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARUtahS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOW L FootballwINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE 2009 Numerical Roster

No. Name Pos. Hgt. Wgt. Yr. Exp. B-Date Age Hometown/Previous School 68 Zane Beadles OL 6-4 305 Sr. 3VL 11-19-86 22 Sandy, Utah/Hillcrest HS 69 Zach Davila OL 6-4 296 Fr. HS 11-30-89 19 Vail, Ariz./Cienega HS 70 Tony Bergstrom OL 6-6 300 So. 1VL 8-8-86 23 Salt Lake City/Skyline HS 71 Walter Watts OL 6-2 295 Jr. 2VL 10-11-88 20 Los Banos, Calif./Los Banos HS 72 Caleb Schlauderaff OL 6-4 300 Jr. 2VL 11-7-87 21 Shelton, Wash./Shelton HS 73 Daniel Bukarau OL 6-1 271 Jr. 2VL 10-20-85 23 Kailua, Hawaii/Kailua HS 74 Sam Brenner OL 6-3 300 Fr. HS 4-27-90 19 Oceanside, Calif./Oceanside HS 75 Viliamu Nau OL 6-6 300 Sr. SQ 4-24-87 22 Pomona, Calif./Mt. San Antonio College 2009 O UTL OO K 77 Zane Taylor OL 6-2 300 Jr. 2VL 4-23-88 21 Moab, Utah/Grand County HS 78 Louis Finner OL 6-3 300 So. 1VL 4-19-89 20 Plano, Texas/Plano East HS 79 Percy Taumoelau OL 6-4 313 Fr. HS 10-30-90 18 Glendale, Utah/Cottonwood HS 80 Chris Joppru TE 6-6 267 Sr. 1VL 2-6-87 22 Minnetonka, Minn./Minnetonka HS 81 Kendrick Moeai TE 6-5 235 Fr. RS 3-28-90 19 West Jordan, Utah/Copper Hills HS 82 John Peel WR 6-1 185 Sr. 1VL 5-9-86 23 Scottsdale, Ariz./Chaparral HS 83 Ben Hendy TE 6-2 232 Sr. 1VL 9-9-86 22 Sandy, Utah/Temple 84 Brad Clifford TE 6-4 250 Jr. 2VL 3-7-86 23 Salt Lake City/Olympus HS 85 Jereme Brooks WR 5-7 170 Jr. 2VL 4-23-89 20 League City, Texas/Clear Creek HS 86 Ray Magee WR 6-4 226 Jr. JC 4-12-88 21 San Diego, Calif./Fullerton CC 87 Sean Fitzgerald WR 6-3 195 Fr. HS 4-28-88 21 Mission Viejo, Calif./Mission Viejo HS 88 Jamal Smith WR 6-2 181 Fr. HS 3-29-91 18 Oxnard, Calif./Oxnard HS 89 Colby Goodwin TE 6-5 220 Fr. HS 1-16-91 18 Houston, Texas/CY-Fair HS 90 Derrick Shelby DE 6-3 250 So. 1VL 2-7-89 20 Houston, Texas/Hightower HS 91 Jeremiah Tofaeono DT 6-3 311 Fr. HS 3-5-91 18 Las Vegas, Nev./Cheyenne HS 92 Kenape Eliapo DT 6-0 300 Sr. 3VL 3-22-86 23 San Francisco, Calif./So. San Francisco HS 93 Thor Salanoa LB 6-2 210 Fr. RS 2-7-89 20 Honolulu, Hawaii/Radford HS 94 Christian Cox DL 6-1 248 Jr. 1VL 12-11-85 23 Bountiful, Utah/Southern Utah 95 Latu Heimuli DT 6-3 300 Fr. HS 5-27-91 18 Salt Lake City/Highland HS 95 Sean Sellwood P/K 6-3 200 Fr. RS 7-11-90 19 Salt Lake City/Judge Memorial HS 96 Junior Tui’one DE 6-4 274 Jr. 1VL 12-5-85 23 Hawthorne, Calif./El Camino JC 97 Nick Binks DE 6-5 240 Fr. RS 9-11-87 21 Bountiful, Utah/Bountiful HS 98 Sealver Siliga DT 6-3 300 So. 1VL 2-15-90 19 West Jordan, Utah/Copper Hills HS 99 James Aiono DE 6-3 280 Jr. JC 1-23-89 20 West Valley City, Utah/Snow College Joe Phillips K 5-11 187 Jr. JC 1-29-86 23 Salt Lake City/Snow College Benjamin Soliven DB 5-8 180 So. TR 8-3-86 23 Waipahu, Hawaii/BYU-Hawaii Lolo Tenifa DB 5-11 195 Fr. TR 12-18-86 22 Sandy, Utah/Brigham Young Tory Tima RB 5-10 200 Jr. JC 12-15-83 25 Magna, Utah/Mt. San Antonio Bryce Bennion DB 6-0 199 Fr. RS 10-24-86 22 South Jordan, Utah/Bingham HS Jake Bentrude LB 6-3 203 So. SQ 9-16-88 20 Draper, Utah/Juan Diego HS Tyson Buck LB 6-2 205 Fr. HS 4-6-88 21 Highland, Utah/Lone Peak HS Grayson Dart LB 6-1 200 Fr. RS 8-25-86 23 Layton, Utah/Northridge HS Isi Filimoeatu LB 6-0 229 Jr. JC 7-5-85 24 West Valley City, Utah/Snow College Mike Laloni DL 6-2 250 Jr. JC 6-27-83 26 West Valley City, Utah/Snow College Chase Nakamura WR 6-3 174 Fr. HS 3-7-90 19 Wailuku, Hawaii/HP Baldwin HS

Pronunciation Guide

WWW.UTAHUTES.COM 55 dECADEUtah 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPION FootballS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE lAST dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE Utes By State / Class

By State

Arizona (5) R.J. Stanford Thor Salanoa Joe Dale Ben Hendy Greg Bird Tevita Stevens Benjamin Soliven Louis Finner Vyncent Jones Beau Burton Lei Talamaivao Ray Stowers Colby Goodwin Dave Kruger Zach Davila Justin Taplin-Ross Kawika Vincent Justin Jones Mike Laloni Luke Matthews Reggie Topps Tyler Williams Derrick Shelby Nick Liefting John Peel Junior Tui’one Victor Spikes Matt Martinez Walter Watts Maryland (1) Jarrad Stewart Kendrick Moeai California (29) Elijah Wesson Shaky Smithson Siosaia Tuipulotu Trevor Moss Sam Brenner Jordan Wynn Joe Phillips Lamar Chapman Kameron Yancy Michigan (1) Utah (40) Mychal Robinson Kenape Eliapo Neli A’asa James Aiono Sean Sellwood Sean Fitzgerald Colorado (1) Boo Andersen Sausan Shakerin Junior Fonua J.J. Williams Minnesota (1) Matt Asiata Sealver Siliga Percy Taumoelau Patrick Greene Chris Joppru Zane Beadles Zane Taylor 2009 O UTL OO K Robert Johnson Connecticut (1) Bryce Bennion Lolo Tenifa Aiona Key David Reed Nevada (4) Jake Bentrude Jamel King Tony Bergstrom Tory Tima DeVonte Christopher Maxwell Lacy Nick Binks Derek Tuimauga Florida (1) Stevenson Sylvester Ryan Lacy Tyson Buck Ben Vroman Conroy Black Jeremiah Tofaeono Corbin Louks Tysen Clements Zach Wade Eddie Wide Chaz Walker Ray Magee Hawaii (10) Brad Clifford Chad Manis Tage Clifford Chris Washington Daniel Bukarau Nick Marsh Texas (12) Christian Cox Mike Wright Nai Fotu Koa Misi Jereme Brooks Grayson Dart Kepa Gaison Viliamu Nau Brandon Burton Tatum Drecksel Washington (1) Chase Nakamura Mo Neal Terrance Cain Isi Filimoeatu Caleb Schlauderaff Kapua Sai Jamal Smith Eric Dago Latu Heimuli

By Class

Seniors (24) Juniors (27) Sophomores (19) Freshmen (37) Tevita Stevens Matt Asiata Neli A’asa Jake Bentrude Boo Andersen Jarrad Stewart Zane Beadles James Aiono Tony Bergstrom Bryce Bennion Percy Taumoelau Joe Dale Conroy Black Greg Bird Nick Binks Lolo Tenifa Tatum Drecksel Jereme Brooks Brandon Burton Sam Brenner Jeremiah Tofaeono Kenape Eliapo Daniel Bukarau Tage Clifford Tyson Buck Reggie Topps Junior Fonua Terrance Cain Louis Finner Beau Burton Derek Tuimauga Kepa Gaison Lamar Chapman Jamel King DeVonte Christopher Siosaia Tuipulotu Ben Hendy Tysen Clements Maxwell Lacy Eric Dago Chris Washington Robert Johnson Brad Clifford Nick Liefting Grayson Dart Jordan Wynn Justin Jones Christian Cox Matt Martinez Zach Davila Chris Joppru Isi Filimoeatu Mo Neal Sean Fitzgerald Aiona Key Nai Fotu Mychal Robinson Colby Goodwin Koa Misi Mike Laloni Derrick Shelby Patrick Greene Trevor Moss Corbin Louks Sealver Siliga Latu Heimuli Viliamu Nau Ray Magee Benjamin Soliven Vyncent Jones John Peel Chad Manis Lei Talamaivao Dave Kruger David Reed Joe Phillips Zach Wade Ryan Lacy R.J. Stanford Caleb Schlauderaff Chaz Walker Nick Marsh Ray Stowers Shaky Smithson J.J. Williams Luke Matthews Stevenson Sylvester Justin Taplin-Ross Kendrick Moeai Ben Vroman Zane Taylor Chase Nakamura Elijah Wesson Tory Tima Kapua Sai Tyler Williams Junior Tui’one Thor Salanoa Mike Wright Kawika Vincent Sean Sellwood Walter Watts Sausan Shakerin Eddie Wide Jamal Smith Kamaron Yancy Victor Spikes

56 2009 media guide dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE lAST dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARUtahS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOW L FootballwINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE Projected Depth Chart

Offense Defense Special Teams

Left Tackle Left End Punter 68 Zane Beadles (6-4, 305, Sr., 3VL) 90 Derrick Shelby (6-3, 250, So., 1VL) or 95 Sean Sellwood (6-3, 200, Fr., RS) 75 Viliamu Nau (6-6, 300, Sr., SQ) 42 Nai Fotu (6-0, 240, Jr., 2VL) 39 Nick Marsh (5-11, 190, Fr., HS) 94 Christian Cox (6-1, 248, Jr., 1VL) Left Guard Place Kicker

72 Caleb Schlauderaff (6-4, 300, Jr., 2VL) Tackle 30 Ben Vroman (6-0, 203, Sr., 3VL) 2009 O UTL OO K 71 Walter Watts (6-2, 295, Jr., 2VL) 43 Lei Talamaivao (6-2, 280, So., 1VL) 39 Nick Marsh (5-11, 190, Fr., HS) 99 James Aiono (6-3, 280, Jr., JC) Center Kickoffs 57 Tyler Williams (6-1, 290, Sr., 3VL) Nose Tackle 30 Ben Vroman (6-0, 203, Sr., 3VL) 54 Tevita Stevens (6-1, 295, Fr., RS) 98 Sealver Siliga (6-3, 300, So., 1VL) 39 Nick Marsh (5-11, 190, Fr., HS) 92 Kenape Eliapo (6-0, 300, Sr., 3VL) Right Guard 95 Latu Heimuli (6-3, 300, Fr., HS) Long Snapper 77 Zane Taylor (6-2, 300, Jr., 2VL) 62 Patrick Greene (6-2, 210, Fr., RS) 67 Derek Tuimauga (6-4, 310, Fr., RS) Right End 18 Chad Manis (6-5, 230, Jr., 1VL) 41 Koa Misi (6-3, 263, Sr., 2VL) Right Tackle 96 Junior Tui’one (6-4, 274, Jr., 1VL) Short Snapper 70 Tony Bergstrom (6-6, 300, So., 1VL) 62 Patrick Greene (6-2, 210, Fr., RS) 74 Sam Brenner (6-3, 300, Fr., HS) or Rover Linebacker 83 Ben Hendy (6-2, 232, Sr., 1VL) or 55 Neli A’asa (6-2, 300, Jr., 2VL) 10 Stevenson Sylvester (6-2, 230, Sr., 3VL) 18 Chad Manis (6-5, 230, Jr., 1VL) 13 J.J. Williams (6-0, 225, So., 1VL) Quarterback 51 Jamel King (6-2, 229, So., 1VL) Holder 19 Corbin Louks (6-0, 200, Jr., 2VL) or 95 Sean Sellwood (6-3, 200, Fr., RS) 7 Terrance Cain (5-11, 185, Jr., JC) or Middle Linebacker 15 DeVonte Christopher (6-1, 190, Fr., RS) 3 Jordan Wynn (6-1, 190, Fr., HS) 20 Mike Wright (6-2, 235, Sr., 3VL) 50 Mo Neal (6-2, 221, So., 1VL) or Punt Returns Running Back 52 Matt Martinez (6-0, 226, So., 1VL) 11 Luke Matthews (6-1, 205, Fr., RS) 4 Matt Asiata (5-11, 230, Sr., 1VL) 33 Justin Taplin-Ross (6-3, 212, Jr., 2VL) 36 Eddie Wide (5-10, 195, Jr., 2VL) or Stud Linebacker 22 Sausan Shakerin (6-2, 225, Fr., RS) 59 Kepa Gaison (5-10, 220, Sr., 2VL) Kickoff Returns 32 Chaz Walker (5-11, 215, So., 1VL) or 16 David Reed (6-0, 190, Sr., 1VL) Wide Receiver 18 Chad Manis (6-5, 230, Jr., 1VL) 85 Jereme Brooks (5-7, 170, Jr., 2VL) or 16 David Reed (6-0, 190, Sr., 1VL) 8 Elijah Wesson (5-11, 185, Sr., 3VL) 1 Shaky Smithson (5-11, 210, Jr., JC) or Cornerback 26 Ryan Lacy (5-10, 184, Fr., RS) 25 R.J. Stanford (5-11, 184, Sr., 3VL) 6 Kamaron Yancy (5-9, 187, Jr., JC) Wide Receiver 85 Jereme Brooks (5-7, 170, Jr., 2VL) Cornerback Coaches’ Game Day 8 Elijah Wesson (5-11, 185, Sr., 3VL) 27 Brandon Burton (6-0, 184, So., 1VL) Locations 5 Conroy Black (6-0, 176, Jr., JC) Wide Receiver On the Field 9 Aiona Key (6-4, 195, Sr., 1VL) Nickel Back Kyle Whittingham, Head Coach 15 DeVonte Christopher (6-1, 190, Fr., RS) or 25 R.J. Stanford (5-11, 184, Sr., 3VL) Kalani Sitake, Defensive Coordinator/LB 86 Ray Magee (6-4, 226, Jr., JC) 21 Lamar Chapman (5-8, 170, Jr., RS) John Pease, Defensive Line Morgan Scalley, Safeties Wide Receiver Free Safety Aaron Roderick, Receivers 11 Luke Matthews (6-1, 205, Fr., RS) 17 Robert Johnson (6-2, 200, Sr., 2VL) Aaron Alford, Running Backs 82 John Peel (6-1, 185, Sr., 1VL) 28 Reggie Topps (5-11, 180, Fr., RS) Jay Hill, Tight Ends Blake Miller, Offensive Line Tight End Strong Safety 80 Chris Joppru (6-6, 267, Sr., 1VL) 12 Joe Dale (5-11, 200, Sr., 3VL) In the Booth 84 Brad Clifford (6-4, 250, Jr., 2VL) or 33 Justin Taplin-Ross (6-3, 212, Jr., 2VL) Dave Schramm, Offensive Coordinator/QB 81 Kendrick Moeai (6-5, 235, Fr., RS) J.D. Williams, Cornerbacks Lewis Powell, Defensive Graduate Asst. Zac Connors, Offensive Graduate Asst.

WWW.UTAHUTES.COM 57 dECADEUtah 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPION FootballS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE lAST dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE 2009 Outlook Utes enter fifth year under Kyle Whittingham coming off of a 13-0 season, Mountain West Conference championship and BCS bowl win in 2008

“Offenses at the collegiate Offense level are constantly evolving and Strengths: Running Back, Receiver, Line we will have some new looks in the Question: Quarterback upcoming season,” says Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham. “We will be in more no-huddle situations than The 2009 Utes are faced with the daunting in the past, which will enable us task of replacing the Mountain West Conference to put more stress on the opposing Offensive Player of the Year at quarterback, three defenses.” starting receivers, the starting running back, two starting offensive linemen, the offensive Quarterback

2009 O UTL OO K coordinator and the offensive line coach. The battle to replace one of the Now for the good news. There is strong nation’s best quarterbacks began the competition at quarterback, receiver is loaded minute the Utes beat Alabama in the with talent and game experience, the “second- 2009 Sugar Bowl. It will continue string” running back led the 2008 Utes in rushing into the month of August, as three and he is back, three of the best offensive linemen candidates are still standing. in the conference return, the new offensive “Going into camp it will be coordinator has played a key role in the game Corbin Louks one, Terrance Cain plan for the past four years and the new offensive two and Jordan Wynn three, but line coach is a 12-year veteran of college coaching. with all three guys getting an equal Dave Schramm takes the controls of the Ute opportunity to earn the job,” says offense after spending his first four years coaching Whittingham. “The first order of the running backs. In addition to his coordinator business will be to narrow the duties, Schramm will tutor the quarterbacks. competition down to two players. Taking Schramm’s place with the running backs There’s not enough time or reps in is third-year Ute assistant Aaron Alford, who practice to try and get three guys coached the cornerbacks his first two years. ready to play.” New to the staff, but experienced on the field, One big positive is that all Junior quarterback Corbin Louks, who has 4.42 40 speed, has is offensive line coach Blake Miller. Miller was of the quarterback candidates are appeared in 19 games in the last two years. recruited from Rice, which won a school-record 10 suited to run Utah’s spread offense. games last year and finished tenth in the nation in “All three players have similar skill sets which offense regardless of who becomes the starter,” total offense. will allow us to maintain the continuity of the says Whittingham. Louks’ strengths are his game-day experience and his blazing speed. The understudy Inside the Offense to all-time Utah win leader Brian Johnson for the past two years, Louks has played in 19 games— Quarterback primarily in run situations—and his 4.42 40 speed Corbin Louks 6-0 200 Jr 2VL Only QB with NCAA experience has 4.42 40 speed makes him one of the fastest players on the field. Terrance Cain 5-11 185 Jr. JC Nation’s leading JC passer (3,138 yards, 29 TDs) “Corbin has game experience, exceptional Jordan Wynn 6-1 190 Fr. HS Great arm and intangibles athletic ability and a great work ethic. His speed Wide Receiver is a huge asset, as is his desire to succeed,” says Whittingham. David Reed 6-0 190 Sr. 1VL Averaged a team-high 17.1 yards per catch in 2008 Cain, a junior college All-American who Aiona Key 6-4 195 Sr. 1VL Great size (6’4”) and leaping ability led the NJCAA in passing yards (3,138) and Jereme Brooks 5-7 170 Jr. 2VL Slotback can run, catch and pass touchdowns (29) in 2008, while completing Luke Matthews 6-1 205 Fr. RS Freshman is big (6-1, 205), fast (4.48 40) 68-percent of his passes, joined the Utes in Running Back January. Matt Asiata 5-11 230 Jr. 1VL Led Utes with 707 yards and 12 TDs in 2008 “Terrance is a dual threat quarterback with Eddie Wide 5-10 195 Jr. 2VL Averaged 6.1 yards per rush last year the ability to attack defenses with both the run Sausan Shakerin 6-2 225 Fr. RS Biggest (6-2, 225) and fastest (4.49 40) RB and the pass,” said Whittingham. “He made great strides during spring ball and should continue Offensive Line to improve as he becomes better versed in our Zane Beadles 6-4 305 Sr. 3VL All-America candidate at left tackle offensive system.” Caleb Schlauderaff 6-4 300 Jr. 2VL Third-year as the starting guard The surprise of the spring was Wynn, who Zane Taylor 6-2 300 Jr. 2VL Honorable mention all-MWC center has moved to guard graduated early from high school and got a jump start on his college career. A prospect to redshirt

58 2009 media guide dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE lAST dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARUtahS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOW L FootballwINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE 2009 OUtlook

entering spring ball, he exited as a potential this season. At 6’4”, with great starter. His rapid improvement extended from leaping ability (he blocked a breakfast to dinner: Wynn added 30 pounds kick in three straight games to his 6’1” frame, and is now sturdy enough to last year), Key has the tools to withstand the rigors of Division I football. dominate a game. “Jordan was certainly the surprise of the “Aiona catches the ball spring,” says Whittingham. “The way he carries well in traffic and is extremely

himself reminds you of a young Alex Smith. athletic. His leaping ability 2009 O UTL OO K Jordan is an excellent thrower and a capable combined with his height runner, but the intangibles—such as leadership, makes him a tough match-up demeanor and confidence—are his biggest for opposing defensive backs,” assets.” says Whittingham. Junior slot back Jereme Wide Receiver Brooks played in 25 games Even with the starting lineup wiped clean, his first two years on campus this could rate as the best receiving corps in the (starting in seven) and he league. offers all sorts of options. A “We were hit hard by graduation and lost slippery receiver and runner, some quality receivers, but we feel like the guys Brooks is also two-of-two coming up in the program have the potential to passing with a touchdown. be every bit as good,” says Whittingham, adding, “Jereme is a fearless “We have solid depth.” competitor and has excellent It starts with senior David Reed, whose quickness,” says Whittingham. acrobatic catches are reminiscent of former Ute Luke Matthews—one great and current NFL all-pro Steve Smith. One of three promising redshirt of the nation’s most exciting receivers, Reed freshman receivers—is averaged a team-high 17.1 yards per catch and targeted for the fourth scored six touchdowns in his first year at Utah. starting position. “Luke is a “David is a big-play receiver. He is as good big, physical receiver with Senior running back Matt Asiata tied for second in the Mountain West as anyone we’ve ever had at adjusting to the deep an unique blend of size (6-1, Conference with 12 rushing touchdowns last season. ball,” says Whittingham. 205) and speed (4.48 40),” says Senior Aiona Key arrived too late to break Whittingham. “He, DeVonte Christopher and “dynamic player who is particularly dangerous into the rotation last fall, but he’ll make the cut Ryan Lacy all appear to have very bright futures.” after the catch.” Christopher came to Upperclassmen ticketed for playing time Utah as a highly-regarded are dependable veterans John Peel and Elijah quarterback, but agreed Wesson, and incoming junior college transfer Ray to try out at receiver this Magee. past spring in order for the coaches to get him on Running Back the field faster. A two-year starter graduated, but look Says Whittingham, for the running back position to be just as deep “DeVonte is a multi- and talented as ever. Senior Matt Asiata played talented athlete and is starter-like minutes off the bench in 2008 and capable of playing three led Utah (sixth in the conference) with 707 net or four positions for us, rushing yards. He tied for second in the league in but we feel the quickest rushing touchdowns with 12, many coming out of way to get him on the the “Asiata Formation” off the direct snap. Asiata field at the present time is uses his 5’11”, 230-pound size to his advantage, at receiver.” averaging 4.8 yards per carry last fall. Whittingham likes “Matt will be our primary back this season,” Lacy in part for his 4.38 40 says Whittingham. “We believe he may be the speed. “Ryan is one of our best back in the conference. He runs with good fastest receivers and gives pad level, is durable and has great vision.” us another good option at Unlike Asiata, who rolls over opponents, slot back.” junior Eddie Wide (5’10”, 195) out-maneuvers A mid-year juco them. Wide has averaged 6.1 yards per rush in a transfer who pushed his changeup role for the past two years. way into the depth chart “Eddie offers a different style of running in the spring is Shaky than Matt. He is more of a slasher and possesses Smithson, described the speed to get around the corner,” says Senior wide receiver David Reed averaged a team-high 17.1 yards per catch by Whittingham as a last season and had six touchdowns. Whittingham.

WWW.UTAHUTES.COM 59 dECADEUtah 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPION FootballS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE lAST dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE 2009 Outlook

collar type player,” says Whittingham. “Zane made Defense a seamless transition to Strengths: Linebacker, Line, Safeties right guard in the spring Question: Corners and it looks as though that is where he will stay. He is an extremely physical Plenty is new on the defensive side of player and we feel he is the ball, but the most important piece—Utah’s one of the best linemen in defensive scheme—remains intact. the league.” “We make minor adjustments from year to The primary reason year, but the basic philosophy and structure of for moving Taylor is to get our defense has not changed in 15 years,” says the best five players on the Whittingham. “We believe in our system and it field. His versatility allows has stood the test of time. The defense is in good centers Tyler Williams and hands with Kalani and he is a coach that our Tevita Stevens to compete players believe in.” 2009 O UTL OO K for the starting job. Kalani is new defensive coordinator Kalani “Tyler and Tevita Sitake, whose first four years on the staff were are similar in both stature spent coaching the linebackers (a position he and style of play. The retained in his promotion to DC). Sitake has a competition for the center firm understanding of the defensive philosophy position should be one of and he played an important role in Utah’s game the most intense battles planning and play calling when he was a position Senior Zane Beadles, entering his fourth year as a starter, is a contender of fall camp,” predicts coach. for All-America honors at left tackle. Whittingham. The hiring of veteran NFL and college Sophomore Tony defensive line coach John Pease lends yet another Even with established upperclassmen available, Bergstrom is scheduled to take over at right tackle layer of experience to the Ute defensive coaching playing time is certain for redshirt freshman after a busy freshman year that saw him play in staff. Pease will also serve as the assistant head Sausan Shakerin, whose “official” introduction to 10 games and start one. coach. The other change is at corner, where J.D. NCAA ball has been eagerly anticipated. The 2007 “Tony has the height (6’6”), weight (300 Williams takes over after seven years in the Pac- Utah state high school 5A MVP is Utah’s biggest pounds) and feet to be an outstanding offensive 10. (6-2, 225) and fastest (4.49 40) running back. tackle,” says Whittingham. Seven starters return for the defense, and “Shak has the blend of speed and power In a position that takes a physical pounding though the starter losses doubled when all- that you look for in a running back and should on every play, depth is essential, and the Utes conference underclassmen Paul Kruger and definitely be a factor for us this season,” extols look strong two deep along the line. Sean Smith declared early for the NFL draft, the Whittingham. “He has the capability to run both Two up-and-comers to keep an eye on are defensive outlook is bright. inside and outside.” redshirt freshman guard Derek Offensive Line Tuimauga and true Utah returns three of the best offensive freshman tackle Sam linemen in the league and shouldn’t skip a beat at Brenner. A senior the two positions left vacant by graduation. with potential that The headliner is All-America candidate matches his size Zane Beadles. As good as any left tackle in the is 6’6”, 300-pound nation, Beadles opted to stay in school for his final tackle Viliamu Nau. season, rather than testing the NFL waters early after an all-conference season in 2008. Tight End “Zane will be a four-year starter and the Utah’s Most cornerstone of our offensive line. He possesses Improved Offensive all the physical tools required to be an excellent Player in 2008, Chris offensive tackle and is exceptionally smart,” Joppru got four of the says Whittingham of the senior mechanical five starts accorded to engineering major. the tight end position. Beadles will play alongside two other He and junior Brad all-conference candidates—juniors Caleb Clifford must Schlauderaff and Zane Taylor. Schlauderaff will fend off more than start at left guard for the third-straight year, while opposing rushers, Taylor takes over at right guard after moving as redshirt freshman from center (where he was honorable mention Kendrick Moeai is a all-conference as a sophomore) in the spring. dynamite prospect at “Caleb is a steady, dependable blue- the position. Senior rover linebacker Sylvester Stevenson is an All-America candidate.

60 2009 media guide dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOWL wINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE lAST dECADE 2009 sUGAR bOWL cHAMPIONS tWO bcs bOWLS IN fIVE yEARUtahS eIGHT cONSECUTIVE bOW L FootballwINS nO. 2 ap rANKING 2008 mwc cHAMPIONS fOUR mwc TITLES IN THE 2009 Outlook

Linebacker church mission, and tantalizingly talented Young just a year ago, linebacker is now the sophomore Mo Neal. Others deserving “core of the defense,” according to Whittingham. of playing time are Chaz Walker, Jamel All three starters return at what may be Utah’s King, Matt Martinez and Chad Manis. deepest position. Manis is one of the most intriguing options At rover, team captain Stevenson Sylvester after making the move from quarterback to earned national notoriety in the Sugar Bowl when linebacker in the offseason.

he ravaged Alabama with three sacks. Second- 2009 O UTL OO K team all-conference a year ago, he enters this Defensive Line season as an All-America candidate. In their rotational scheme, the Utes “Stevenson has come a long way since need eight defensive linemen to operate on starting for us as a 195-pound true freshman,” all cylinders. This year’s team has more like says Whittingham of the 6’2”, 230-pound 10. playmaker. “He now has the size to go with “As has been the case for many his intensity and toughness. Sly is also a team years, we expect the defensive line to once leader—he was voted a captain his junior year, again be a strong suit for us,” contends which is a rarity in this program.” Whittingham. “We have talented players Returning to man the middle, where he and appear to have more depth than we’ve serves as the field manager for the defense, is had in years.” senior Mike Wright. He led Utah in tackles (81) One who will rarely rotate out is senior in an honorable mention all-conference junior Koa Misi, perhaps the most underrated season. defensive end in the league his first two “Mike is fundamentally sound and a years. Misi, second-team all-league in 2008, very smart player. As the middle linebacker, took the backseat to teammate Paul Kruger, he is in charge of setting the front and making but he’ll be doing the driving this fall. any adjustments that need to be made,” says While Misi owns the starting job at Whittingham. right end, the left side could feature two When Kepa Gaison replaced injured “transfer” starters. Moving over from nose starter Nai Fotu in the lineup at the Sugar Bowl tackle is sophomore Derrick Shelby. At and laid six tackles and two sacks on the Tide, 250 pounds, Shelby belongs at end, but he Senior defensive end Koa Misi earned second-team Whittingham knew he could safely move Fotu started at nose tackle last year when injuries all-Mountain West honors in 2008. back to his true position as a defensive end on decimated that position. With injured his return. The versatile Gaison can play all three tackles Kenape Eliapo and Lei Talamaivao quickness and tenacity. Derrick played good backer positions capably, but will start at stud. back on the field, Shelby can slide back outside, football for us last season as a tackle and moving “Kepa is a self-made player who came where he’ll share the job with a transfer from him back to his natural position as an end should here as a walk-on punter and worked his way another position—Nai Fotu, last year’s starting prove to be a positive. Nai’s forte is rushing into a starting linebacker position,” marvels stud linebacker. Juniors Junior Tuione and the passer and his move to defensive end will Whittingham, adding that the senior is “very Christian Cox will also figure in the rotation at provide him more opportunity to pressure the popular with his teammates.” end. quarterback.” The only place where the Utes may come “Essentially, we have three starting ends in Interestingly, there is also a surplus of up short at the linebacker position is minutes in Koa, Derrick and Nai,” says Whittingham. “Koa is starters at tackle, where Talamaivao, Eliapo and the game. A bevy of gifted backups includes 2006 one of the best defensive ends in the country. He Sealver Siliga all possess all-conference ability. starting rover J.J. Williams, back from an LDS is a tremendous talent blessed with size, speed, Talamaivao, who broke his leg in the second game of his sophomore season, will start at tackle, Inside the Defense while Siliga—outstanding as a true freshman last year—emerged from spring ball with a slight lead Linebacker over senior Eliapo at nose tackle. Stevenson Sylvester 6-2 230 Sr. 3VL All-America candidate at rover “With Lei, Kenape and Sealver, we have Mike Wright 6-2 235 Sr. 3VL Utah’s 2008 tackle leader solid depth inside,” says Whittingham. “All three Kepa Gaison 5-10 220 Sr. 2VL Former walk-on punter will start at SLB are big, physical players with the ability to control the line of scrimmage.” Defensive Line As good as they are, their jobs became less Koa Misi 6-3 263 Sr. 2VL Might be the best end in the league secure with a new signing class that included Lei Talamaivao 6-2 280 So. 1VL Tackle is healthy again Utah prep star Latu Heimuli. “Latu was a Sealver Siliga 6-3 300 So. 1VL Coming off strong freshman year dominant player in high school and we expect Kenape Eliapo 6-0 300 Sr. 3VL Senior has all-conference potential him to contribute as a true freshman this fall,” Defensive Back says Whittingham. Robert Johnson 6-2 200 Sr. 2VL All-conference candidate at free safety Another new defensive lineman with high Joe Dale 5-11 200 Sr. 3VL All-conference candidate at strong safety expectations is James Aiono, a juco All-American R.J. Stanford 5-1 184 Sr. 3VL Fastest Ute (4.30 40) has 37.5” vertical jump who was rated as the No. 1 junior college recruit in the nation by Rivals.com.

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Defensive Back will be asked to pick up the On paper, the strength of the defensive slack. backfield is safety, where all-league candidates “Both R.J. and Brandon Robert Johnson and Joe Dale return. The agile have the speed and athleticism 6’2” Johnson has seven interceptions in his first (Stanford has a 37.5” vertical two seasons as the starting free safety. From his jump) required to excel at strong safety post, Dale led Utah’s secondary the corner position,” says (fourth overall) with 66 total tackles last year and Whittingham. “Having corners had three interceptions. with the ability to play man-to- “Robert is a pure free safety,” says man coverage is a requisite in Whittingham. “He spends most of his time in our scheme.” the deep middle third which allows us to take Stanford will play nickel back when the Utes go with five DBs—a move designed to keep him on the field at all times. His corner post could be filled in 2009 O UTL OO K those situations by a newcomer, with Kameron Yancy, Conroy Black and Maxwell Lacy at the Senior strong saftey Joe Dale led Utah’s secondary with 66 tackles head of the list. and had three picks last season.

starting place-kicking vacancy. Vroman’s toughest Special Teams competition could come from incoming freshman Nick Marsh. Strengths: Kick Returns, Kickoffs “Ben has a strong leg, but he needs to Questions: Place Kicker, Punter, Punt Returns improve his consistency,” says Whittingham. “Nick Marsh is the reason that nothing was For the first time in Whittingham’s head solidified in the spring. Like Louie, he has the coaching career, the Utes enter a season without ability to both place kick and punt.” the services of sensational kicker/punter Louie Speaking of punting, big (6’3”, 200-pound) Sakoda. A four-year starter, Sakoda graduated redshirt freshman Sean Sellwood has aspirations as the most decorated All-American in Utah to start, though he too, will face a challenge from football history. He was a unanimous Consensus Marsh. All-America kicker in 2008 and a first-team All- A new snapper and holder will also be in America punter in 2007. He was a three-time place for the first game. Redshirt freshmanPatrick MWC Special Teams Player of the Year and Utah’s Greene will likely snap for both punts and place only Ray Guy and Lou Groza finalist ever. kicks, and Sellwood is the projected holder. “With the graduation of Louie Sakoda, we The return game should be in good shape, are essentially starting over with the place kicking and in fact, improved. A year ago, eight different Senior free safety Robert Johnson has seven and punting game. The good news is that Ben Utes fielded punts and none excelled. Luke interceptions in two seasons at Utah. Vroman returns as our kickoff specialist and he is Matthews and backup Justin Taplin-Ross could one of the best in the country (he ranked second change that area into a strength. advantage of his excellent range, ball skills and in the nation last year in touchbacks with 44). All On kick returns, David Reed won honorable instincts. Joe is a physical player more suited to the other specialty positions are up for grabs,” mention all-conference honors in 2008 when he the strong safety position. He is a sure tackler and says Whittingham. averaged 25.4 yards per return. Deep to receive has the size and toughness to play in the box and As a senior who handled every kickoff for with Reed will likely be Jereme Brooks or Elijah defend the run.” the past two years, Vroman has a leg up on the Wesson—both established kick returners. Redshirt freshman Reggie Topps, a one-time corner, will spell Johnson. Justin Taplin-Ross, used mostly on special teams his first two years, Inside the Special teams has come into his own as a safety and will back up Dale. Kicking An influx of athletic safeties will create even Ben Vroman 6-0 203 Sr. 3VL One of the nation’s best kickoff men more competition in August when freshmen Nick Marsh 5-11 190 Fr. HS True freshman might get the nod for place kicks Victor Spikes, Chris Washington and Jarrad Punting Stewart join the team. Sean Sellwood 6-3 200 Fr. RS Inside track to start On the flip side of the safety situation is the corners, where Utah must replace two all- Returns conference players. With Sean Smith and Brice David Reed 6-0 190 Sr. 1VL Honorable mention all-MWC kick returner McCain now on NFL rosters, speedsters R.J. Luke Matthews 6-1 205 Fr. RS High hopes as punt returner Stanford (4.30 40) and Brandon Burton (4.33 40)

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