Utah Football

2/25/13 Utah Utes football: Another whistle stop for Dennis Erickson | Deseret News

Utah Utes football: Another whistle stop for Dennis Erickson

By Brad Rock , Deseret News Published: Thursday, Feb. 21 2013 3:45 p.m. MST

SALT LAKE CITY — The nomad wore some impressive bling — compliments of the Miami Hurricanes — and a red Utah wind shirt.

“Two years ago,” Dennis Erickson said at a press conference on Wednesday, “I said I was never gonna do one of these anymore. It was not by my choice, either.”

The man was fired from his last job, at Dennis Erickson speaks to the media at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City Arizona State, ending yet another on Wednesday , Feb. 20, 2013. Erickson has been hired as Utah's co-offensive coordinator. (Laura Seitz, Deseret News) chapter in his voluminous career. But who knows how many more press conferences there are for the Utes’ new co-offensive coordinator? A half dozen? Ten? He has been the head coach at five Division I universities and two NFL teams, not to mention two times at Idaho. Three of his head coaching gigs were at Pac-12 schools.

Erickson has pulled up stakes more times than P.T. Barnum. Speaking of circuses, want to know to where Erickson has maintained the strongest ties after working at nine schools? Miami, that infamous collection of rock stars/bad boys that won him two national championship rings, including the one he wore on Wednesday.

“People talk about the University of Miami and all the bad things,” he said. “They don’t talk about the good things; they don’t know the players … all the things people don’t realize. It was Miami against everybody else in the world — and I’m sure we created some of that ourselves.”

Erickson’s point was that true closeness has a lot to do with winning. He said he spoke with ex- Hurricane Warren Sapp last week. Ray Lewis, the much-celebrated Baltimore Ravens linebacker, is also on Erickson’s regular contact list.

“Probably the most famous was 'The Rock (Dwayne Johnson),'” he continued. “I’m not sure it’s because of being a football player, but he’s a heck of a movie star.”

Whether he’s a heck of another actor is a different conversation.

Suffice it to say he does a great death stare.

If there was an overriding theme at Erickson’s introductory press conference, though, it wasn’t film www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865573788/Utah-Utes-football-Another-whistle-stop-for-Dennis-Erickson.html 1/2 2/25/13 Utah Utes football: Another whistle stop for Dennis Erickson | Deseret News reviews. It was his optimism about the Utes. He thinks they have potential to win the Pac-12.

“I look at winning programs around the country and, regardless of when or where or how they won, that’s how those teams were — they were together. And I see that here,” he said.

Laughable as that seems for a team that has won only seven conference games in two years, Erickson does know what it takes. He coached Washington State to its first bowl win since 1916. He took a depleted Oregon State to its first winning season in 29 years and followed with an 11-1 season in which he nearly got to the national championship game.

Given time, it seems he could improve Utah’s offense. But putting down roots has never been his strong suit. How long will he stay in Salt Lake?

“I don’t know, what’s the lifespan of a guy?” the 65-year-old coach said rhetorically. “I can’t give you a time. I don’t know my timetable, period. But I know I’m happy here.”

If Erickson is vague about his plans, it should be no surprise. Like Larry Brown, his wandering basketball counterpart, he has often stayed just long enough to loosen his necktie. Some jobs — like his one-year stay at Wyoming — he left on his own. Others, such as Arizona State and NFL forays in Seattle and San Francisco, he was fired.

“Having been in this league at a lot of difference places, I guess you could say in another hundred years, I’d probably have coached them all,” he said. “But I don’t think I’m going to be able to make that happen.”

You never know. He has worn Washington State silver, Arizona State gold and Oregon State orange. He remarked how he likes the way he looks in red. His plan is to bring an up-tempo attack to Utah. His mandate from head coach Kyle Whittingham: “Score touchdowns.”

Whether that will happen often enough is debatable. Erickson’s record his last four years at ASU was 21-28. Meanwhile, last season’s Utes couldn’t bribe their way into the end zone. Erickson blamed much of that on repeated quarterback injuries, calling them “unbelievable” and likeneing Utah’s Travis Wilson to former Arizona State signal-caller Brock Osweiler.

So it went. Except for the championship ring Erickson wore, it was just like any other introductory press conference. After a session of question and answers, he left through the nearest door. Media were told there would be no one-on-ones with Erickson because he was recovering from hip surgery. He couldn’t be blamed for that.

On the other hand, it may have been just another way for Erickson to stay on the move.

Email: [email protected]; Twitter: therockmonster; facebook: Rockmonsterunplugged

www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865573788/Utah-Utes-football-Another-whistle-stop-for-Dennis-Erickson.html 2/2 Ute football: New name, same game for Utah defensive end Nate Orchard ... http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865576801/Ute-football-New...

By Dirk Facer , Deseret News Published: Tuesday, March 26 2013 7:50 p.m. MDT

1 of 3 3/28/2013 9:52 AM Ute football: New name, same game for Utah defensive end Nate Orchard ... http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865576801/Ute-football-New...

SALT LAKE CITY — It’s been an eventful offseason for Utah defensive end Nate Orchard. Before the Utes opened spring camp, the 20-year-old junior changed his last name and got married. “The beginning of the semester was a little stressful with everything going on —getting married and planning for a wedding and everything,” Orchard said. “But everything’s settled down now.” Even so, the name change will take some getting us to. Previously known as Nate Fakahafua, the former Highland High University of Utah football players Nate Orchard lines up during practice and the opening day of spring football in Salt star opted to legally change his last name Lake City Tuesday, March 19, 2013. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News) to that of his legal guardians Dave and Katherine Orchard. He completed the process before getting married to Maegan Webber earlier this month “It’s something that has been on my mind for a while, especially having a family of my own. There’s more to it ... but it’s just personal reasons,” Orchard said. “But at the same time, they’ve raised me since I was a kid — since I was 12 — and taken good care of me. They got me to where I am today.” Orchard praised Dave and Katherine for being the “best parents.” He added that Dave is a great father figure. The family atmosphere they introduced him into had a great influence on Nate. “Going on and getting married and starting a family of my own, I wanted to take on the name,” he explained. The name change, Orchard acknowledged, may be frustrating for fans who just barely learned how to pronounce Fakahafua. The latter, however, is still part of his identity — it’s now his middle name. Even so, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham admits it’s taking him awhile to get used to the changes “I’ve screwed it up already, several times,” he said. “So give me another few weeks and I think I’ll have it down.” In the meantime, Whittingham joked that he’ll just call him Nate. Like Whittingham, Utah defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake noted that Orchard is growing more focused and more grounded as he approaches his third season with the Utes. “I’m seeing a lot of good things out of him right now,” Sitake said. “ ... I’m excited to see his progress and how well he does with everything going on in his life. He’s a good young man and I’m just really, really proud of him.” Sitake predicts that Orchard, who was fourth on the team with 48 tackles last season, is going to be huge for Utah once again. He had 9.5 tackles-for-loss with three fumble recoveries, three sacks and two forced fumbles in 2012. In the USC game, he stripped the ball from quarterback Matt Barkley and returned it 8 yards for a touchdown. This season, though, Orchard won’t be playing alongside Star Lotulelei, Dave Kruger and Joe Kruger. Lotulelei and Dave Kruger were seniors, while Joe Kruger opted to turn pro a year early. “Nate becomes even more valuable than he already was with Joe’s departure,” Whittingham said. And it involves more than just getting bigger and better. “Now he’s a leader,” Sitake said. “He can’t be one of those young guys any more.” Orchard is already taking a leadership role. Sitake is pleased with how Orchard and the other returning starter on the line, Trevor Reilly, have been working with the other players this spring — helping them progress and succeed. “There’s plenty of talent on the defensive line. We just have to get down the fundamentals. That’s all it is,” Orchard said. “ ... It’s just going to take time, spring and fall, just to fine tune everything, 2 of 3 3/28/2013 9:52 AM Ute football: New name, same game for Utah defensive end Nate Orchard ... http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865576801/Ute-football-New...

and we should be good.” By the time the season rolls around, Orchard is determined to add 20 pounds to his 6-foot-3, 245-pound frame. “That’s my goal. I made a deal with coach Whit,” he said. “I promised him I’d be 265 and he wouldn’t have to worry about it. So I’m going to do it.” Whittingham is counting on it. “He did promise,” Whittingham said. “I’ve got a signed piece of paper from him that states that very thing.” Although slowed a bit by a nagging shoulder and a nagging back in the offseason program, Orchard is making strides this spring. “If we’re going to be good on defense he has to be an impact player for us,” Whittingham said. EXTRA POINTS: Tuesday’s practice at Rice-Eccles Stadium was deemed “an average day” by Whittingham. He added that the Utes lost a little bit of their poise and composure at times during the first live work of camp. ... Whittingham said running backs Karl Williams and James Poole did a nice job in practice. He also noted that the cornerbacks continue to progress. ... Utah’s next spring practice is Thursday. ... Former Utes Steve Fifita and Spencer Toone attended practice. They are now assistant coaches at Idaho State.

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @DirkFacer

3 of 3 3/28/2013 9:52 AM 4/1/13 Utah Utes football: Ute offense makes Kyle Whittingham happy at spring practice | Deseret News

Utah Utes football: Ute offense makes Kyle Whittingham happy at spring practice

By Mike Sorensen , Deseret News Published: Sunday, March 31 2013 12:01 a.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — Maybe the 70- degree weather had something to do with it, but Utah coach Kyle Whittingham was so happy he was ready to do some backflips across the Rice-Eccles Stadium turf after practice Saturday.

For the most part, he was gushing about his team after just the sixth of 15 practices his team will go through this spring.

Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham watches practice and the opening day He was especially happy with the of spring football in Salt Lake City Tuesday, March 19, 2013. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News) offense, both the passing and running games in scrimmage situations, and couldn’t say enough good things about the offensive line.

“The quarterbacks are functioning at a higher level than ever before, the running backs are ripping off some big runs and the offensive line is dramatically improved from last year,” he said. “That’s very evident.”

OK, not everything was perfect Saturday as Whittingham said his team did “some really, really bad stuff,” which included three fumbles in the first 10 plays and some dropped passes and missed tackles. But he was able to overlook those things because those things are “easily correctable.”

Usually Whittingham is more attuned to the defense, but after last year’s lackluster offensive performance, he’s paying extra attention to the offense this spring.

The first thing most people look at is the quarterback position, and Whittingham says while Travis Wilson is the starter, he doesn’t have the job sewn up.

“Travis is our guy and it’s his job to lose,” he said. “But he’s being pressed — Adam Schulz and Brandon Cox are right on his heels. In this program, it doesn’t matter if you’ve been here five years or five days, the best guy is going to play. There’s no seniority or anything like that. (Wilson) is playing very good football, but so are the other two guys.”

Whittingham was also very pleased with his running backs, even though starter Kelvin York is sitting out with a toe injury. In his place Lucky Radley, James (Bubba) Poole and Karl Williams are getting the reps in practice, and each showed flashes behind the new and improved line.

www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865577115/Utah-Utes-football-Ute-offense-makes-Kyle-Whittingham-happy-at-spring-practice.html 1/2 4/1/13 Utah Utes football: Ute offense makes Kyle Whittingham happy at spring practice | Deseret News “Lucky’s doing a great job — between Kelvin, Lucky, Bubba Poole and Karl Williams, we’ve got a very productive group of backs right now,” he said.

Another player who stood out Saturday was tight end Jake Murphy, who caught a pair of touchdown passes.

Several defensive starters are out with injuries right now, but Whittingham is happy with the way backups are stepping up in their places.

“We’ve got to keep working and we’ve got nine left, but so far after six practices I couldn’t be more pleased with the overall progress of the entire team,” he said.

ERICKSON’S EXCITED: Another coach who’s excited about spring practice so far is new co- offensive coordinator Dennis Erickson. He likes the players he has to work with and said the offensive unit is progressing well.

“After two weeks they’re operating this stuff really well,” he said. “I’m real excited about where we can get to. All three quarterbacks are playing pretty well, we’ve got some runners and our front is much better than a year ago. I’m excited about it.”

Erickson said he has simplified the offense and is putting it in piecemeal, which is different from how other coaches often do it.

“I’ve cut things down the first two weeks, the base part of what we do, but we just keep refining it,” he said. “That’s how I’ve always done it. Some people put it all in and come back, but I believe in putting stuff in until you do it well, then go to the next set. If you practice and don’t do it well, then repeat it.”

INJURY UPDATE: Usually there are just a handful of players in the “pit” where injured players must spend practice working on things that won’t affect their injuries. But Saturday there were more like a dozen, including top players such as Brian Blechen, Nate Orchard, V.J. Feheko, Jason Whittingham, Reshawn Hooker and York.

Whittingham and Orchard both had surgeries last week, but coach Whittingham said they’ll both be at full strength by July.

“Half of our starting defense is in the pit, but it’s spring,” coach Whittingham said. “We’ve got to get them healthy and deal with it as long as they’re healthy before fall camp.”

UTE NOTES: Whittingham said Justin Thomas, a freshman from Orange, Texas, is playing very well and would be a starting cornerback right now. … The Utes have two placekickers, James Sutcliffe, a freshman from California, and Andy Phillips, a sophomore from Draper, but Whittingham said the Utes have a couple of talented placekickers joining the team in the fall and the “competition won’t be settled" until then. … The Utes will practice Tuesday and Thursday and have their first official scrimmage on Friday afternoon. … The annual Red-White game, which will be televised on the Pac- 12 Network, is scheduled for April 20 at 1 p.m.

www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865577115/Utah-Utes-football-Ute-offense-makes-Kyle-Whittingham-happy-at-spring-practice.html 2/2 Utah Utes notebook: Palamo making the most of his opportunities | Desere... http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865577339/Utah-Utes-noteboo...

By Dirk Facer , Deseret News Published: Tuesday, April 2 2013 11:50 p.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — Thretton Palamo has found a football home. The former rugby star, who was initially ticketed to be a running back, now tops the depth chart at left defensive end. Palamo has made such inroads, in fact, that Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said the 6-foot-2, 255-pound senior would be a starter — at this point in time — if the Utes had to play a game tomorrow. “He continues to improve. He had a long way to go when we first got him. It took us a little bit of time to get him situated, Utah's #22 Thretton Palamo ,running back, takes his helmet off at a break during practice. University of Utah holds practice Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011. (Scott G. finally in the right spot,” Whittingham Winterton, Deseret News) said. “He spent a lot of time at running back, which didn’t prove to be his best situation. But he’s having a really good spring. He’s making the most of his opportunity.” Palamo is getting a lot of reps this spring with projected front-liners Nate Orchard, Trevor Reilly and Jason Whittingham being held out of contact situations for precautionary reasons with injuries. As such, Whittingham noted that Palamo faces some competition for playing time in the fall. Palamo, though, is expected to be very much in the mix. “The sky’s the limit for the kid. All he needs to do is play football,” said defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake. “He’s a guy that has been brought up in rugby and so it’s been a huge adjustment.” Sitake explained that things moved way too quickly for Palamo at running back. His talent, speed and size, however, prompted the staff to move him to defensive end. “I think he’s coming along really, really well. He’s able to take advantage of the reps that he can get because of some of the guys that are out,” Sitake said. “That’s the one thing that we needed to do with him was get him more football reps. Now he’s running with the ones and he’s doing a good job and we’ll see how it continues.” Sitake likes the progress he is seeing, noting that Palamo has gone from a pass rusher to more of a complete player. “I think he’s a guy who is trying to force his way on the field,” Sitake said. “It’s his senior year and he’s campaigning really well right now to get more playing time.” Palamo returned an interception for a touchdown late in Tuesday's practice at Rice-Eccles Stadium. STAR BRIGHT: Whittingham wasn’t familiar with all the details, but he was pleased to hear that former Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei received a clean bill of health this week. In a report obtained by DeseretNews.com, Dr. Josef Stehlik said that a “thorough and comprehensive” test showed that Lotulelei had “complete normalization of the heart muscle

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function.” An irregular test result at the NFL Scouting Combine prompted concerns about Lotulelei’s future. “I know that he’s in good spirits and hopefully this is all behind him,” Whittingham said. JOHNSON’S TAKE: Besides football, offensive coordinator Brian Johnson is also well versed in another sport. “I’m the resident basketball guy,” he acknowledged before offering his opinion on this year’s Final Four. “I hope Louisville wins because then my bracket would be correct. But I think there will be some good matchups.” Louisville, though, is Johnson’s pick to win it all. He likes the Cardinals’ athleticism, energy and tempo. “It’s impressive the shape that those guys are in,” Johnson said. “I think they’ll find a way to win it.” EXTRA POINTS: The Utes are scheduled to practice again Thursday (3-5 p.m.) and scrimmage on Friday (4-6 p.m.) at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Both are open to the public . . . Sophomore Daniel Nielson, who is making the switch from offensive to defensive line this spring, is on the three-deep chart at both tackle spots . . . The Red-White Game is slated for Saturday, April 20, at 1 p.m.

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @DirkFacer

2 of 2 4/3/2013 9:13 AM Monson: Utah’s Brian Blechen has learned his hard lessons | The Salt Lak... http://www.sltrib.com/csp/cms/sites/sltrib/pages/printerfriendly.csp?id=...

Utes’ Blechen puts suspension behind him.

BY GORDON MONSON TRIBUNE COLUMNIST PUBLISHED: APRIL 5, 2013 08:53AM UPDATED: APRIL 5, 2013 08:58AM

Brian Blechen remembers with exactness being called in by Utah football coach Kyle Whittingham and told before the start of last season that he’d been suspended, that he would miss the first three games. He realized in that moment and in a lot of moments yet to come that he screwed up in a big way.

He had smoked marijuana and failed a couple of drug tests.

The star safety, who was named honorable mention All-Pac-12 as a sophomore in the Utes’ first year in the league and had become from the beginning of his freshman season a main beam on which the Utah defense was hung, suddenly was relegated to scout team duties during practices. On subsequent game days, he might as well have picked up two pompoms because, competitively speaking, he was of no real use to his teammates.

“I knew I’d be missed in those three games,” he says. “It gave me a lot of time to think about how I hurt the team. I was remorseful, but, right away, I wanted to make up for that lost time. Each season goes so fast. You learn how Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune “I learned respect for the rules,” Brian Blechen says. “I learned precious every game is. That helped me grow up a lot. Every game, I suited up, but I knew I wasn’t getting in. I just about being smarter when it comes to making the right tried to help out. I was sad. Actually, I was real pissed off. But I didn’t have anyone to be mad at but myself.” decisions. A couple of bad decisions can hurt you and the entire team. I’ve learned to help out younger guys, to Blechen has never spoken directly in any detail about the indiscretions, at least not publicly. He says coaches didn’t be a good leader, if I see them doing something wrong. I’ve been on the wrong side of the rules. That’s not where want him to talk about specifics, but sources close to the situation say he failed the drug tests and those failures then they want to be." required his suspension by the school. He quite cryptically says there was one other team violation, as well.

“It was about team rules that were in place and a school policy,” he says. “The suspension had to happen.”

Whether detailed admission is required for the bestowal and achievement of authentic redemption is for outsiders to decide. Blechen says he’s handled his problems, sat out his suspension, absorbed genuine lessons and grown as a man.

“I learned respect for the rules,” he says. “I learned about being smarter when it comes to making the right decisions. A couple of bad decisions can hurt you and the entire team. I’ve learned to help out younger guys, to be a good leader, if I see them doing something wrong. I’ve been on the wrong side of the rules. That’s not where they want to be.

“I’m glad it’s over. It’s definitely made me stronger as a player and a person. It changed me. It made me realize some things aren’t worth it. I learned you can do a lot of good things, and if you do a few bad things, it counts for a lot more than the good.”

What galls Blechen as much as the effects of his own mistakes on him is that those personal blips were a greater reflection of Utah’s season on the whole, a year during which the Utes lost four straight games at one point, went 5-7 overall, 3-6 in the Pac-12, and failed to qualify for a bowl game.

“It seemed like the whole season, we’d make good plays, but a small handful of plays would blow it for us,” he says. “That happened in five or six games. It was a bummer.”

Not what Blechen had in mind when he came to Utah in 2010 from Moorpark (Calif.) High School. As a multi-sport athlete — he played at varying stages soccer, baseball, basketball, ran track and swam — Blechen had drawn interest in football from Colorado, Boise State and Nevada, mostly as a quarterback, but also as a defender, having also played linebacker and safety. The first time he became aware of the Utes’ program was when Utah won the 2009 Sugar Bowl.

After he got to campus, coaches who had studied film of Blechen, asked how he felt about going to the defensive side. His response: “I just want to get on the field.”

He did — with panache, intercepting a pass in overtime against Pitt in his initial game, which set up Utah’s game-winning field goal. Over his first two seasons, playing strong safety and ’backer, he repeatedly made big plays, including seven picks, two of them game-savers.

Just halfway through his time at Utah, Blechen already had become one of the team’s highest-profile players. Laid-back and mellow off the field, and wildly intense on it, he crossed a quick threshold as one of the program’s true centerpieces.

Then came the suspension — and greater scrutiny.

“I let the team down,” he says. It kicked him in the head and messed up his team’s mojo. Even after his return, nothing fully clicked. And then, the season went dead.

Now, Blechen is looking forward to a climb steeper than once presumed by almost everyone at Utah — winning more than losing in the Pac-12.

“There are no easy games anymore,” he says. “In the Mountain West, there were games you should win. Now, every game is a challenge. I like that.”

The Utes, who are in the middle of spring practices, say they are adopting a humble attitude, going about their business, putting in their work, intending the way every sub-.500 team does to keep new promises, to earn new success.

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“A lot of the team has a stronger mindset,” says Blechen, who leads the Utes in those lessons learned. “Right now, our team is working so hard. We know what it’s going to take to succeed in the Pac-12. We learned so much from last year. We’re working harder, being smarter, doing whatever it takes. We’re treating last year as a learning experience. I can’t wait for this season to start.”

GORDON MONSON hosts “The Big Show” with Spence Checketts weekdays from 3-7 p.m. on 97.5 FM, 1280 and 960 AM The Zone. Twitter: @GordonMonson.

—

Brian Blechen file

• Senior safety, 6-foot-2, 212 pounds

• From Moorpark, Calif.

• Has been starter at safety since freshman year

• Freshman All-American

• All-Pac-12 honorable mention as sophomore

2 of 2 4/29/2013 8:53 AM Utes football recruiting: Polynesian players prosper at Utah | Deseret News http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865580204/Utes-football-recrui...

By Dan Sorensen For the Deseret News Published: Friday, May 17 2013 8:50 a.m. MDT

When Star Lotulelei was selected in the first round of this year’s NFL draft, the nation caught a high-profile glimpse of what has become a common occurrence in recent years. Lotulelei, who was born in Tonga, is the latest in a long line of Polynesian players whose success at the University of Utah has led to opportunities in the NFL. It’s not a coincidence that so many Polynesians have found success on the field and beyond at Utah. When Ron McBride took over as head Bingham High School's Lowell Lotulelei signed a letter of intent to Utah in South Jordan Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013. For roughly 20 years, Utah has coach of the Utes in 1990, he made emphasized its ability to recruit polynesian players. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News) recruiting Polynesian athletes a major component of his plan to build the program. “The Polynesian kids were a big factor (in our recruiting strategy) because there was a good reason for them to be here,” McBride said. “We tapped into Hawaii, American Samoa and Tonga — all of those areas. There’s a reason because of the (LDS) church for them to be here, and because most of them have relatives here.” McBride’s recruiting vision helped usher in a new era of success for not only the Utah football program, but for a large number of Polynesian players that have played for the Utes. Since 2002, players such as Sione Pouha, Ma’ake Kemoeatu, Chris Kemoeatu, Paul Soliai, Matt Asiata and Jonathan Fanene have gone on to see success in the NFL after starring at Utah. Now that he’s a member of the Carolina Panthers, Star Lotulelei will look to carry on that strong NFL tradition. Under Kyle Whittingham, Utah continues to have success attracting many of the best Polynesian players in the nation. Eight members of Utah’s signing class of 2013 are Polynesian, including Texas recruits Sam Tevi, Gaius Vaenuku and Salesi Uhatafe; California recruits Myron Aiava and Sese Ianu; and in-state recruits Lowell Lotulelei, Uaea Masina and Filipo Mokofisi. In addition to those that signed in Filipo Mokofisi of Woods Cross High School has committed to the February, two more Polynesian players — tight ends Evan Moeai and University of Utah. For roughly 20 years, Utah has emphasized its ability Siale Fakailoatonga — will also join the team this fall. to recruit polynesian players. (Deseret News) That trend continues to be strong for the recruiting class of 2014, with Amone Finau and Alani Havili having already committed to sign with the Utes. According to Havili, Utah’s strong tradition of helping Polynesian players succeed on and off the field was a major factor behind his decision 1 of 3 5/17/2013 1:19 PM Utes football recruiting: Polynesian players prosper at Utah | Deseret News http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865580204/Utes-football-recrui...

to commit to the Utes. "That was a big thing for me. When Sione (Pouha) used to play for East, I knew him and my mom grew up with Haloti (Ngata) and everyone. I know Star (Lotulelei). I'm really close to everyone. That's the big thing going to Utah, because I know Polynesians that played on the defensive line and went to the NFL. Ma'ake (Kemoeatu) just went to the Super Bowl with the Ravens and helped them win," Havili told UteZone.com in February. Utah’s Polynesian connection isn’t just limited to Kearns' Amone Finau, right, tackles Granger's #27 James Elkins as the players. Polynesian coaches such as Kearns and Granger play Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012 at Kearns. For roughly 20 years, Utah has emphasized its ability to recruit defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake, defensive polynesian players. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) line coach Ilaisa Tuiaki and strength and conditioning coach Doug Elisaia help make up one of the most ethnically diverse coaching staffs in all of college football. Embracing that diversity is a big component of the culture that Whittingham has worked hard to instill in his program. “It’s not like we go out and say we need to have a certain number of Polynesians that we sign. It’s about finding good young men that are tough, that love football and that we can work with. It just so happens that a lot of those guys happen to be Polynesian,” Sitake said. “The environment at Utah is primed to suit any person whether they’re Caucasian, African-American or Polynesian, it doesn’t matter. When recruits come in, they talk about how wonderful a family environment there is at Utah. In the Polynesian community, a lot of it is about family, so it makes sense that Polynesian athletes feel that they fit in here. I feel like we offer that better than anyone else,” Sitake continued. Defensive line coach Ilaisa Tuiaki echoes Sitake’s sentiments Utah Utes running back Matt Asiata (4) and said that the values that are embraced by the Utah football scores against BYU in college football action in Salt Lake City, Utah, Saturday, Nov. 27, program resonate strongly with players from the Polynesian 2010. For roughly 20 years, Utah has emphasized its ability to recruit polynesian community. players. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News) “Polynesians have a strong family background,” said Tuiaki. “They come into the program and feel the values that they hold dear and have grown up with all of their lives. That’s what they’re looking for, and Utah just has that. There’s a lot of familiarity with common values. A lot of the values in the LDS community and the Polynesian community are similar, and we have that at Utah.” Because the Utes have 34 Polynesian players on the current roster, the In this Sept. 16, 2012, file photo, Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Maake Kemoeatu (96) Utah program is attractive to many of walks with defensive end Haloti Ngata (92) and nose tackle Terrence Cody (62) late in the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in the nation’s top Polynesian high Philadelphia. For roughly 20 years, Utah has emphasized its ability to recruit polynesian players. (Mel Evans, ASSOCIATED PRESS) school football players. “The big thing is just having Polynesians on the team. When recruits come in, they just want to be around each other. Their personalities kind of click,” Tuiaki said. It’s readily apparent that the Polynesian pipeline is alive and well at Utah. Now the question is

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whether the current batch of Polynesian stars at Utah such as projected starters Tenny Palepoi, Jeremiah Tofaeono, LT Tuipulotu, Junior Salt, CJ Poutasi, Nate Orchard, V.J. Fehoko and LT Filiaga can continue the tradition of on-field success and forge their own paths to the NFL.

Dan Sorensen is the editor in chief of UteZone.com, part of the Rivals.com network. He is a member of the Football Writers Association of America and Basketball Writers Association of America. He can be reached at [email protected].

Star Lotulelei, from Utah, receives a hug from his uncle Ti Akau after being selected 14th overall by the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football draft party at their home, Thursday, April 25, 2013, in South Jordan, Utah. For roughly 20 years, Utah has emphasized its ability to recruit polynesian players. (Rick Bowmer, ASSOCIATED PRESS)

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By Jeremiah Jensen , Deseret News Published: Thursday, May 23 2013 8:00 a.m. MDT

LAYTON — There was a time when Karl Williams wasn't interested in football. His first sports interests were soccer and baseball, but as he grew older and bigger, in the ninth grade he thought he would give football a try. It took one play for "The Truth" to become hooked on football forever. "My first touch ever in a game I scored a 75-yard touchdown run," he said.

Fullback #38 Karl Williams talks with coach Dave Schramm during practice. Photo Since that play he has dedicated taken Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011. (Scott G. Winterton, Deseret News) himself to the game of football and proving that he can play at the highest level. He wasn't even the starting running back at Layton High School. He started his senior year as a fullback, but an injury gave him an opportunity and he ran with it. He rushed for 996 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Lancers, leading them to the 5A state quarterfinals. "I knew I could play with the best," he said of the confidence he gained as a senior in high school. "I could play at the Division I level in college and I just wanted that opportunity." That opportunity was hard to find. Offers came from Air Force, Idaho and Weber State, but he felt his best chance to play was at Southern Utah. Williams started at fullback as QB Travis Wison blocks for 38 Karl Williams during the Red-White game at Rice-Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 20, 2013. (Laura a true freshman for the Seitz, Deseret News) Thunderbirds, but a game against San Diego State at Qualcomm Stadium left him wanting to play on a bigger stage. "I saw the atmosphere there and the crowd and the stadium, and I said, 'I want this,'" he said. "'I want to play at this level. I can do this.'" He left behind a full-ride scholarship in Cedar City and decided to transfer. The problem was he didn't know where he was going. It just so happened that shortly after he made the decision to transfer, his mother bumped into a family friend, Dave

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Cunningham, and informed him of her son's decision. Cunningham trained Williams in high school and also played middle linebacker at Utah in the mid-'90s. It was Cunningham who arranged for Williams to meet with University of Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham. "Coach Whit asked me why I wanted to come to the University of Utah," Williams recalled. "I told him, 'I want to play at this level and I want to be a Ute.'" Coach Whit called him the next day and told Utah Utes fullback Karl Williams (38) runs during practice and the opening him he was on the team. day of spring football in Salt Lake City Tuesday, March 19, 2013. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News) Williams was a Utah fan and Matt Asiata was his favorite running back. The opportunity to play big-time college football was his and it was going to happen at the University of Utah. But then the reality of his decision started to sink in. He was now a walk-on. When he wasn't practicing or going to class he was working a part-time job. He worked as a valet, worked with kids and found jobs at law firms. He did whatever he had to do to make ends meet. "It's hard," he said. "It's probably one of the hardest things I've gone through in my life, but I felt like giving up that scholarship has made me a better

person and a better man." Utah's Karl Williams lines up a hit on Anthony Carpenter Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 as the Utes and Washington State play at Rice Eccles Stadium. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret He would soon take on even more responsibility. He News) married Kiana Fonua in 2012. They would soon welcome a son named Kalé. Life was already a challenge for Karl, and now he needed to provide for a family. "Every day he left at five in the morning and wouldn't come back until seven," Kiana Williams recalled. "He is such a hard worker, and he would even help with Kalé because he's a light sleeper. He's done so much for our family and supporting him is easy." Williams would battle through long days and sleepless nights with the love and support of his family. "He was having such a hard time and Utah's Karl Williams is taken down by teammate Michael Walker during practice Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at Rice Eccles Stadium. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) feeling down on himself," she said. "We'd always just tell him the hard work would pay off." The payoff would soon come. Williams started to see time on offense during the 2012 season after spending almost all his time on the scout team and special teams. He scored his first college touchdown against Arizona State — the same week his grandmother passed away. He finished the season with seven carries and nine catches. Coaches started to take notice of his hard work and dedication. The three-year walk-on was fighting his way

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through another grueling 6 a.m. workout in February when Whittingham gathered the team together for an announcement that would change Williams' life. "As soon as he started talking about somebody who's worked hard and been here committed to our team, who's started on special teams for the past three years, I knew it was me," he recalled about the moment he learned he had earned a scholarship. "I started crying because it's been such a tough road between those three years to get to this point in my life. Utah's Karl Williams looks for more yardage Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 as the Afterwards everyone was jumping on me Utes and Washington State play at Rice Eccles Stadium. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) and was giving me hugs. I know I have a family now and I know I'm a big part of this team." He may be a bigger part of this team next fall then most ever expected. Williams was a star during spring football and put up big numbers. He rushed for 108 yards and three touchdowns in the Red-White Spring Game. He showed coaches he is more than just a fullback and is a viable option as an every-down back. He's put himself in the mix at running back and is listed with Lucky Radley and James Poole behind Kelvin York on the pre-fall depth chart. He left quite an impression on the coaches with his performance. "If you're going to talk about a pleasant surprise, he might be the most pleasant surprise of the spring," said Utah co-offensive coordinator and running back coach Dennis Erickson. Williams already has a great story to tell, but he believes this is just the beginning. "My time is now," he said. "I wanted an opportunity to show people what I can do. I want the ultimate goal. I want to make it to the NFL. I want to provide for my family and I didn't feel I could do it if I was in the shadows and didn't get that opportunity. Now I've Utah's Karl Williams runs away from Arizona's Vince Miles as Utah and Arizona play Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, at Rice Eccles Stadium. (Scott G opened up a door and I'm stepping through it Winterton, Deseret News) with arms open." We'll see what surprises "The Truth" has in store this fall.

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Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY Sports 11:10 a.m. EDT July 7, 2013

USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg counts down to the start of the college football season team by team from No. 125 to No. 1.

Utah didn't bite off more than it could chew in joining the Pac-12, though the record might suggest otherwise: After going 33-6 in its final three years in the Mountain West Conference, Utah has slid to 13-12 in its new league – finishing outside of bowl eligibility last fall, a program-first since the pre-Urban Meyer period.

It's that Utah has forgotten how to play Utah football. Only once last fall did the Utes run and pass for at least 200 yards, a fairly normal occurrence during the program's heyday. Last year's defense forced only 22 takeaways, the program's lowest total over the last six seasons. The Utes finished 10th in the Pac-12 in (Photo: Russ Isabella, USA TODAY Sports) third-down conversions and sixth in third-down defense – despite not pulling Oregon or Stanford from the North Division.

So what is Utah football? It's an open offense with a mobile quarterback, two balanced running backs, four ankle-breaking receivers; it's a physical defense with a stout interior, linebackers with a pulse and opportunistic defensive backs. Utah football is a brand, some might say, and the Utes have misplaced their winning formula.

NO. 125 TO NO. 1: College football countdown (http://www.usatoday.com/topic/980e11db-b6b3-49f3-9ccf-ed0fe5ea7193/college-football-countdown/)

LAST YEAR'S PREDICTION

I do think that the Utes will win 10 games during the regular season, however, keeping right on the Trojans' heels for the entirety of the year's three months. To me, the Utes lose at home to USC and drop one other conference game, perhaps to California or to one of the five road opponents – UCLA or Washington, most likely. This is a talented, well-coached, defensively-oriented squad that will fight its way to a double-digit win season. Utah is a better team than most people realize.

2012 RECAP

— In a nutshell: One of a few major misses from a summer ago. I saw Utah as a realistic contender in a top-heavy Pac-12 South Division – and let's remember a time when USC was the unquestioned leader, UCLA an unknown quantity, Arizona and Arizona State seemingly in rebuilding mode and California poised for an eight-win season. (Colorado was still Colorado.) What happened? After a marginally successful league debut in 2011, the Utes stumbled due to missteps typically foreign to this proud program: Utah was impotent offensively, especially with the pass, and often outright incompetent along the back seven, especially at linebacker. From such errors came a five-win season, the program's first losing record in more than a decade; from such a finish came the questions, all surrounding Utah's ability to reverse this slump and return to its place among the best program out West.

— High point: A 24-21 win against Brigham Young on Sept. 15. Beating BYU is so much fun, the officials allowed the Utes to do it twice: Utah blocked a field goal with a second left to seemingly preserve the win, but a premature field-rush from the stands led to a 15-yard penalty; given a second chance at forcing overtime, the Cougars clanked a 36-yard attempt off the upright. It was the Utes' lone impressive win.

— Low point: Perhaps the year goes differently if Utah's offense shows up against Utah State and UCLA, two first-half losses that essentially doomed the team's postseason hopes.

— Tidbit: Utah is the only program in the FBS with two National Coach of the Year winners on its staff. One is coach Kyle Whittingham, who won the award in 2008. The second is new co-offensive coordinator Dennis Erickson, the former Miami (Fla.), Oregon State and Arizona State coach who earned the recognition in 2000.

— Tidbit (passing edition): Utah has thrown for more than 250 yards only twice since joining the Pac-12, doing so in losses to Arizona (2012) and Washington (2011). Last fall, the Utes' top three pass-catchers – Dres Anderson, Kenneth Scott and Jake Murphy – combined for 101 receptions, or 17 fewer than USC's Marqise Lee total from the 2012 season. Anderson and Scott combined for 68 receptions, fewer than seven individual Pac-12 receivers.

— Tidbit (road games edition): The Utes went 1-5 on the road last fall, salvaging an 0-5 start with a win at Colorado in the season finale. Utah hadn't posted just a single road win since 1986, when it went 1-5 away from home and 2-9 overall, and hasn't gone winless in road games since 1977, when it went 0-6 on the road and 3-8 overall.

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FORMER PLAYERS IN THE NFL

— 29: RB Matt Asiata (Minnesota), OG Zane Beadles (Denver), OT Tony Bergstrom (Oakland), C Sam Brenner (Miami), CB Brandon Burton (Minnesota), WR Reggie Dunn (Pittsburgh), DT Tevita Finau (New York Jets), OT Jordan Gross (Carolina), S Robert Johnson (Tennessee), LB Paul Kruger (Cleveland), DE Joe Kruger (Philadelphia), DT David Kruger (Cleveland), CB Mo Lee (Baltimore), DT Star Lotulelei (Carolina), CB Brice McCain (Houston), LB Koa Misi (Miami), WR David Reed (Baltimore), TE David Rolf (San Diego), OG Caleb Schlauderaff (New York Jets), P Sean Sellwood (Atlanta), DE Derrick Shelby (Miami), DT Sealver Siliga (Denver), WR Steve Smith (Carolina), QB Alex Smith (Kansas City), CB Sean Smith (Kansas City), DT Paul Soliai (Miami), CB R.J. Stanford (Miami), C Tevita Stevens (Washington), LB Stevenson Sylvester (Pittsburgh), S Eric Weddle (San Diego).

ARBITRARY TOP FIVE LIST

— Dennis Erickson's college quarterbacks

1. Gino Torretta, Miami (Fla.) 2. Timm Rosenbach, Washington State 3. Craig Erickson, Miami (Fla.) 4. Ken Hobart, Idaho 5. Rudy Carpenter, Arizona State

COACHING

— Kyle Whittingham (BYU '84), 70-32 in eight seasons with the Utes. He increased Utah's win total each season from 2005-8, from seven wins in 2005 to nine in 2007; Utah then set a school record with 13 victories in 2008, once again beating a favored opponent in a BCS bowl. Since joining the Pac-12, however, Whittingham and Utah have been unable to match the program's nearly unfathomable run of success as a member of the Mountain West Conference. The goal for 2013 is to prove last season's swoon was merely an aberration, not the start of a trend.

Whittingham is the first coach in Utah history to reach bowl play in each of his first four seasons in charge, let alone his first seven – though that run came to a close in 2012. He also won each of his first five bowl games: 2005 Emerald Bowl (38-10 against Georgia Tech), 2006 Armed Forces Bowl (25-13, Tulsa), 2007 Poinsettia Bowl (35-32, Navy), 2008 Sugar Bowl and a 2009 win over California. That streak came to an end three years ago, with a loss to Boise State in the 2010 Las Vegas Bowl, but the Utes got back in the win column in the 2011 Sun Bowl. Over his eight seasons, Whittingham has won at least eight games six times, at least nine games four times and at least 10 games three times, including the 13-0 2008 campaign.

Whittingham's ascension to the head job, coming after Urban Meyer left for Florida, seemed like a logical move: Whittingham had been on the Utah staff for the previous 11 years, including the final 10 as defensive coordinator. When you include his 11 seasons as an assistant, Whittingham has participated in 156 wins – the most of any coach in the history of the program. Utah's success, last season notwithstanding, has vaulted Whittingham onto the national stage, and it's about time. He'll get the Utes back into winning form once the program is fully acclimated to the newfound rigors of the Pac-12.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

— Offense: Sophomore Travis Wilson will be Utah's starting quarterback, even if the staff will wait until later in August to make an official decision. Wilson's candidacy rests on three factors, each of which separates the sophomore from his competition: one, Wilson is the most physically gifted quarterback on the roster; two, he's fairly experienced, having played in every game last season, starting seven; and three, he has the best blend of size and speed, giving Utah the sort of mobility it needs from a slightly tweaked offensive system. Since the end of last season, Whittingham has spoke of "streamlining and simplifying" last year's attack, a bit of an offensive mishmash without any sense of direction – partially due to coordinator Brian Johnson's lack of experience in the position. Bringing in Erickson, with his background in the spread, will allow Utah to form a more concrete identity as a traditionally spread-based offense. Look for more speed, more hustle, more of an up-tempo style and less huddling.

Wilson's the best fit for what Utah wants to achieve from the position. He's growing as a passer, though last year's totals are somewhat misleading; he may have completed attempts at a high clip, but Utah still featured a small-potatoes passing game devoid of any big plays downfield. Additional experience will further Wilson's growth as a passer. But he's already a viable option as a runner, if tentative at times, and easily the top dual-threat quarterback on the roster. For now, at least: Utah's depth will be bolstered by two new arrivals, Brandon Cox and Connor Manning, and both could push Wilson once they gain more familiarity with the offense. What's the bottom line? Wilson starts the opener and retains the starting role barring injury or major ineffectiveness. Overall, Utah will land greatly improved production under center.

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Utah hopes sophomore quarterback Travis Wilson is ready to assume a full-time starting role.(Photo: Steven Bisig, USA TODAY Sports)

There's some tremendous optimism surrounding this offensive front despite the loss of three starters. The sense of positivity stems in significant part from the Utes' increasingly solid depth, with 10 linemen battling for primary and reserve roles heading into August; more optimism comes in the body of sophomore left tackle Jeremiah Poutasi, a future star transitioning to the blind side after spending his debut campaign at right tackle. Utah believes Poutasi will be its next All-American offensive lineman – and I'm not one to argue. Another two spots have been settled, with senior Vyncent Jones taking over at center and senior Jeremiah Toefaeono reclaiming the left guard spot he lost last season after an early injury. There's still some debate on the right side, where former JUCO transfer Junior Salt is transitioning back to offense at right guard and sophomore Siaosi Aiono will need to fend off JUCO transfer Andrew Albers and redshirt freshman Isaac Asiata during fall camp. Overall, the line is an obvious strength.

The Utes have a capable receiver corps, even if last season's performance suggests otherwise. What Utah lacks, however, is any semblance of proven depth – at wide receiver, at least. At tight end, the Utes love the combination of junior Jake Murphy (33 receptions for 349 yards), a reigning all-conference pick, and senior Westlee Tonga; both will see the field, obviously, and often at the same time. At receiver, on the other hand, the Utes return a pair of experienced hands in juniors Dres Anderson (36 for 365) and Kenneth Scott (32 for 360) but no other target with any extensive experience. The pressure is on: Erickson and Utah will refocus the brunt of the offensive workload away from the running backs and onto the shoulders of this passing game, so Utah needs to locate at least another three viable options. One will be JUCO transfer Andre Lewis, a four-star recruit with wonderful size and speed, according to early reports; while Anderson seems to be Utah's go-to receiver, don't be surprised if Lewis becomes the Utes' star. In addition, Utah has senior Anthony Denham (11 for 135), redshirt freshman Brian Allen and two incoming freshmen. The talent is there; the production has been lacking.

— Defense: Look for a subtle change of direction along Utah's typically ferocious defensive front – and I'm not talking about the loss of Star Lotulelei, though that's one immediately noticeable modification from a season ago. Here's the difference: Utah will eschew the status quo – big, bigger, biggest – in favor of speedier ends on the outside, though the Utes will remain beefy along the interior. During spring drills, the staff moved senior Trevor Reilly (69 tackles, 4.5 sacks) and sophomore Jason Whittingham (35 tackles) down from linebacker to end; Reilly split time between the two positions in 2012, though the majority of his starts came on the second level. Utah wants to get faster on the edge – this is one way to add speed.

Although injuries were a concern during the spring, look for Reilly and junior Nate Orchard (48 tackles, 9.5 for loss) to serve as Utah's starting ends. Whittingham and senior Thretton Palamo, another quick-twitch end, will serve as the Utes' primary reserves. This group is small, yes, but it's quick, agile and flexible, with all four capable of standing up at linebacker in certain packages. The Utes are still loaded with size and strength along the interior, with huge things expected from senior Tenny Palepoi, senior LT Tuipulotu and incoming JUCO transfer Sese Ianu. Joining this trio is redshirt freshman Stevie Tu'ikolovatu, one of the pleasant surprises during spring camp. While maintaining a rock-solid run defense might be more difficult with smaller ends, the Utes hope to offset any decline with a more aggressive and productive pass rush. A subtle change, yes, but one that could be hugely beneficial for this defense.

You can blame injuries for last year's woeful play at linebacker, if you'd like – it's an excuse, though there's really no valid excuse for the way the Utes' second level failed to stop the run or defend the pass. The first step behind any improved performance will be getting a full, healthy season from senior Brian Blechen (58 tackles), a former all-conference safety who struggled – due to injuries, due to off-field missteps – during a totally lost 2012 season. It's easy to see last year's issues continuing should Blechen not stick in this team's starting lineup for an entire season. Having a player of Blechen's multifaceted skills is vital: Utah has two run-stoppers in the middle, junior V.J. Fehoko (30 tackles) and sophomore LT Filiaga (32 tackles), but both are weak links in coverage. Filiaga will also battle for playing time on the outside, joining another pair of sophomores, Jared Norris and Reshawn Hooker.

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With no real influx of talent arriving over the summer, the Utes will sink or swim with roughly the same linebacker corps behind last year's decline. Perhaps Blechen's full-time move to the position will yield immediate dividends.

With Blechen moving down, Utah's secondary – one that typically roles out five-strong, with a nickel back – returns only one starter. That'd be junior Eric Rowe (64 tackles), a breakout star as a rookie who must regain his prior form should the Utes look to survive some drastic personnel changes. Junior Tyron Morris-Edwards should start at strong safety, though the Utes' rotation at both safety positions will be determined by how quickly JUCO transfer Tevin Carter grasps the system in fall camp; the staff has very high expectations for the junior. Utah's issues lie at cornerback and nickel back, two spots devoid of any meaningful game experience. As of today, Utah will go with former JUCO transfer Keith McGill - a real talent with some past injury issues – and redshirt freshman Justin Thomas at cornerback, though challengers like JUCO transfer Davion Orphey, redshirt freshman Reginald Porter and junior Wykie Freeman could change the conversation in August. The depth chart at nickel back is similarly devoid of past production.

— Special teams: Sophomore punter Tom Hackett flashed some nice directional touch as a rookie with an occasional big leg, so Utah seems set at the position for the next three seasons. Everything else is new: Utah needs a new kicker, new long snapper and new return man on kickoffs. In the return game, look for safety Charles Henderson to add kickoffs to his existing duties on punts. Sadly, there's simply no way the Utes match the production Reggie Dunn brought to the table on special teams – he's an NCAA record-holder for a reason, after all. At kicker, Utah will choose between redshirt freshmen Andy Phillips and Jamie Sutcliffe; Phillips holds the lead heading into August.

POSITION(S) TO WATCH

— Running back: Utah will likely utilize a by-committee approach to replace John White, the former JUCO transfer who cracked the 1,000-yard mark in each of his two seasons with the Utes. There will be a lead back, however: Kelvin York, another ex-JUCO addition, ran for 273 yards as the Utes' primary reserve a season ago. While York remains the favorite to top the two-deep, a springtime toe injury cost him valuable snaps with the first-team offense; with York sidelined – though not for long – Utah was able to get a long look at little-known holdovers like Lucky Radley, Karl Williams and James Poole. Fall camp will introduce another quartet of options: JUCO transfer Devontae Booker and true freshmen Troy McCormick, Marcus Williams and Dre'Vian Young. Utah has founf some great success in recent years recruiting JUCO backs, and the Utes always bring in these short-term rentals for a reason – to play today, to play in meaningful roles, and not to sit in reserve. So look for Booker to get his feet wet quickly in August, pushing York, while a speedster like Young could give this offense a big-play option in a secondary role. With the embrace of a true spread-based offense – however you want to define Utah's offense – it'll be vital that the Utes locate not just a true workhorse but also two or three complementary pieces. Radley and Williams could be useful backups, but keep an eye on how quickly Booker and Young can learn the system in August.

GAME(S) TO WATCH

— Brigham Young: Yeah, obviously. Utah has won three in a row in the series; last time in Provo, the Utes embarrassed the Cougars in a 54-10 win. This is the Utes' lone road game over the season's first half, which should be good for this team's confidence, but that does lead to a second-half stretch loaded with conference road games. More bad news: Utah draws Stanford and Oregon out of the North, with the Cardinal coming to Salt Lake City and the Ducks on the road. One year after being handed a gift-wrapped Pac-12 schedule, it doesn't get much tougher than this.

SEASON BREAKDOWN & PREDICTION

— In a nutshell: Given the nature of this roster, the young pieces on both sides of the ball, I get the impression Utah's better days lie at least one full season down the road. Nonetheless, I see an improved offense, thanks to solid quarterback play and an improved identity, and I see a defense with enough pieces along the front seven, albeit one with issues in the secondary – and in all, I see a team with enough to land a postseason berth in a rather undefined Pac-12 South. Who can look at this division and say Utah is incapable of a top-half finish? With some impressive-if-unproven talent on both offense and defense, it may just be a matter of time and careful tutoring before Utah returns to the eight-win plateau.

That won't happen in 2013, if only due to an extremely difficult schedule. The Utes will take on in-state rivals Utah State and BYU during non-conference play; against the Pac-12, the Utes draw normal divisional foes like USC, UCLA, Arizona and Arizona State while also pulling Oregon and Stanford from the North. This team won't win more than four games in Pac-12 play – and will therefore go either 6-6 or 7-5, depending on how it fares against the Aggies and Cougars. Returning to the postseason should be the first item on Whittingham and Utah's to-do list. I think it's doable.

The Utes have their flaws, to be sure, but consider the positives. Utah's quarterback play will be dramatically improved. The offensive line is in very good shape. There are options in the backfield and at receiver, though several need to prove themselves in fall camp. In all, the offense will benefit from teaming Johnson with a coach of Erickson's experience and expertise. Defensively, I think the Utes' new plan up front – quicker on the edge – will pay dividends against explosive Pac-12 defenses. The back seven is a concern, one that will hamper this team's defensive efforts, but it shouldn't prevent Utah from moving back into bowl play.

— Dream season: Utah goes 9-3 in the regular season, losing to Oregon, Stanford and UCLA but finishing second in the South Division. Oh, and there's this: Utah 54, BYU 9.

— Nightmare season: The Utes take another step down the ladder, losing to Utah State and BYU during non-conference play and finishing 3-9 overall.

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By Dirk Facer , Deseret News Published: Sunday, July 28 2013 12:02 p.m. MDT

CULVER CITY, Calif. — Trevor Reilly and Jake Murphy haven’t been silenced by Utah’s first losing football season since 2002. They’re not keeping quiet about the 5-7 campaign that brought an end to the program’s nine-year bowl run. Same goes for the back-to-back sub-.500 conference records that have accompanied membership in the Pac-12. Reilly and Murphy, who represented Utah at Friday’s Pac-12 media day at the Sony Pictures Studios, are speaking up as team leaders. Utah tight end Jake Murphy looks on during the NCAA college football Pac-12 Media Day on Friday, July 26, 2013, in Culver City, Calif. (AP “Absolutely. You can’t always lead by Photo/Jae C. Hong) (Jae C. Hong, AP) example. You need someone to step up and talk,” said Reilly, a senior defensive end/linebacker. “It’s not just me. There’s going to be a few of us that are going to have to do that this year.” And that’s just fine with Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. He insists a team can never have too much vocal leadership. “That’s always a positive when the players take control of things,” said Whittingham. “This is their football team. Bottom line: This is their team and they’ve got to make sure they take pride in that.” Whittingham noted that he’s never been part of a great team that didn’t have strong leadership from within. The onus for that, he continued, is really on the juniors and seniors. “Jake and Trevor are two of the most prominent players and personalities on the team and they’ve got to shoulder a lot of that responsibility,” Whittingham said. Utah's Jake Murphy celebrates a touchdown right before the half as Utah and Arizona play Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, at Rice Eccles Stadium. It’s a role both players have taken in the (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) offseason and plan to continue filling. “Not that people were negative last year, but at times we lacked vocal leadership in crucial situations,” said Murphy, a junior tight end. “And I think that’s something that we’ve got to be able to bring to the table — whether it’s in the game or workouts or whatever, just be there when it’s a hard time or a clutch situation.” The biggest thing, Murphy explained, is being a leader when it’s a hard time to be a leader — staying positive when you’re losing and things like that.

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Not winning doesn’t sit well. “It stinks,” Reilly said. “I mean, no one likes to be known as a loser.” Despite being picked to finish fifth in the South Division in this year’s preseason media poll, Reilly expressed confidence that the Utes could finish on top. “We expect to win every game and we expect to win the South,” he said. “That’s what we want to do.” Even so, Reilly acknowledges that football is an unpredictable sport. To combat that, he has a blueprint for success and is sharing it with his teammates. “Personal accountability Utah defensive end Trevor Reilly looks on during the NCAA college football for every position. One Pac-12 media day on Friday, July 26, thing I always talk about 2013, in Culver City, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (Jae C. Hong, AP) is win your personal battle and things will take care of itself,” Reilly explained. “If everyone wins their personal battle, we’ll win the football game. So take responsibility during the week. Watch your film; get in the weight room; go to rehab; and when game time comes win that battle and then we’re going to win.” The approach, coupled with what Murphy called “a little bit of a chip on our shoulders” because of last season, paid dividends in summer conditioning. Utah's Trevor Reilly, right, knocks down a pass by Jeff Reilly credits strength and conditioning director Doug Tuel Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 as Utah and Washington State play at Rice Eccles Stadium. (Scott G Winterton, Elisaia for helping get everyone bigger, stronger and Deseret News) faster. Now comes the season. Camp opens Aug. 5 and the season opens Aug. 29 at home against Utah State. The latter is eagerly anticipated because the Utes haven’t played a game since defeating Colorado 42-35 on Nov. 23 — 2012 was the first campaign in a decade that didn’t end with a bowl appearance. “It was a rough one,” Murphy said of the offseason. “A rough one for sure.” In two seasons of conference play in the Pac-12, Utah is 7-11. The record includes five setbacks of 10 points or less, including three last season — USC (38-28), UCLA (21-14) and Arizona (34-24). “A lot of those games we were in them. We’re in those games and we feel like we can win those games,” Murphy said. “We just need to close those games and get that win. It’s definitely motivating.” Another component is also in play. “We’re determined to get this thing right and the #82 Jake Murphy drives during the Red-White game at Rice-Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City biggest component to achieving that is through on Saturday, April 20, 2013. (, Laura Seitz, Deseret News) recruiting,” said Whittingham, who estimates that three-quarters of the players who signed with Utah over the past two years did so because of the school's Pac-12 affiliation. “... We feel like our recruiting has been ramped up and we’re hoping to see that manifest in the upcoming years.” While noting that everything circles

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back to that aspect, Whittingham admits that losses the past two seasons have been frustrating. “But we’ve got a job to do and we’re doing everything we can to get that job done,” he said. EXTRA POINTS: Murphy and Reilly are on preseason national

watch lists for the Mackey (top tight Utah's Trevor Reilly, left, and teammate Nate Fakahafua rush Arizona's Quarterback Matt Scott as Utah and Arizona play Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, at Rice Eccles Stadium. end) and Butkus (top linebacker) (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) awards. ... Murphy has dropped his weight from 260 to 250 with 10 percent body fat to become quicker and have more flexibility. Fellow tight end Westlee Tonga has also gotten more lean. ... Utah officials are reporting a season-ticket renewal rate of 98 percent for the third-consecutive year. ... The Utes have no plans to overhaul their current uniforms until 2014.

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @DirkFacer

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By Amy Donaldson , Deseret News Published: Monday, Aug. 5 2013 9:40 p.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — Last week, football seemed unimportant to many of those in the University of Utah football family. But as the Utes opened fall camp Monday morning, playing football to the best of their abilities will be how those same players pay tribute to the three teens killed in a car accident last Tuesday morning in New Mexico. Incoming freshman Gaius “Keio” Vaenuku never got the chance to play Co-offensive coordinator Dennis Erickson is interviewed during University of Utah football practice in Salt Lake City on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013. (Ravell Call, Deseret News) for the Utes, but he will be on the field this fall in the hearts of the young men who said the 18-year-old’s effusive personality quickly made him part of the program. “At first it was kind of hard, but now I just feel like I’m doing it for them,” said freshman offensive lineman Hiva Lutui, who attended high school with two of the three teens killed. “It just gives me another reason to be motivated. We’re just going to dedicate this whole season to them.” In addition to Vaenuku, Texas A&M redshirt freshman Polo Manukainiu and 13-year-old Lolo Uhatafe were killed when the car they were riding in overturned on a highway in New Mexico. The boys and another Utah freshman, Selesi Uhatafe, and his father were traveling home to Euless, Texas, for one last visit before fall camp began. Manukainiu is Selesi and Lolo Uhatafe’s step-brother, and the family will bury both boys this weekend in Texas. Co-offensive coordinator Brian Johnson is interviewed during University of Utah football practice in Salt Lake City on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013. (Ravell Call, Deseret News) “Polo and me came to Utah on the same official visit,” said Lutui. “It’s hard to explain unless you grow up there what it’s like growing up there. Looking at it from the outside, you may think you know what it is, but unless you went to Trinity or something, you can’t really understand the family environment. The whole city has rallied around them.” Lutui said football now becomes a way to express his affection for his former high school teammates and their families. “I actually feel motivated by it,” he

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said. “All those boys that were in that ride, they all loved the game of football. I played with two of them, and you know I just want to do it for them.” He hesitates to share something so personal on the sideline of the practice field, but then he smiles. “I felt them with me,” he said. “I felt them just watching.” Woods Cross alum Filipo Mokofisi became fast friends with Vaenuku and Safeties coach Morgan Scalley is interviewed during University of Utah football practice in Salt Lake City on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013. (Ravell Call, Deseret News) said his death was devastating. “I cried all day when I found out,” he said. Playing football has been a welcome relief. “It was good just coming back and letting my anger out,” he said. Mokofisi said assistant coach Morgan Scalley told them their grief may be with them for a long time. “It’s not a door that we can close,” he said, quoting Scalley, who recruited Vaenuku and Uhatafe. The 33-year-old coach said he’s never experienced anything like this as a coach. He said

he relies on his faith to deal with the Co-offensive coordinator Dennis Erickson is interviewed during University of Utah football practice in Salt Lake City on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013. (Ravell Call, Deseret loss and encourages the players to do News) the same. He said the team and university will do some things to help the family and honor Vaenuku, but they also need to now turn their energy to helping Selesi Uhatafe. “His family funeral is this weekend,” said Scalley. “That’s one thing, in this situation, to understand. God has a plan, and he needs to know we love and support him and that there is no blame. He’s a kid with a great personality. He’s felt the weight of this thing.” Scalley said he was impressed with the support the community offered the families and with the number of Utah players who made the trip to Texas to attend Vaenuku’s funeral. For those who didn’t go, coaches addressed their grief in meetings. “There is a season ahead of us, and we’re going to honor them the right way, and that’s by the way we play,” he said. RANKINGS PROVIDE MOTIVATION Some teams might see being ranked fifth out of six teams as an insult. But Mokofisi said the fact that Utah was picked to finish fifth in the Pac-12 South Division only fuels their desire to surprise people this year. “I think that just gives us a chip on our shoulder to play harder than we usually do,” he said. “We have a really special team.” Joseph Smith pulls in a pass during University of Utah football practice in Salt ACADEMIC ISSUES

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Lake City on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013. (Ravell Call, Deseret News) Two players will not play this fall because of academic issues, including Devontae Booker and X’avier Shepherd. Junior college transfer Tevin Carter is still working to become eligible, which coaches believe will occur late next week. This year, fall camp was capped at 105 players, although the roster will likely expand to 118 once school starts.

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Co-offensive coordinator Dennis Erickson is interviewed during University of Utah football practice in Salt Lake City on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013. (Ravell Call, Deseret News)

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By Dirk Facer , Deseret News Published: Tuesday, Aug. 6 2013 7:25 p.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — Brian Blechen doesn’t consider his probable status as the only four-year starter on the Utah football team as a badge of honor. “No, I wouldn’t say that. I mean, really the only badge I’m thinking about is the missing bowl game badge from last year and so is the whole team,” Blechen said. “So that’s still eating at me. My senior season — I know that’s the one I’ll remember the most — so we’re trying definitely Utah's Brian Blechen ,right, bounces off Washington State's Brett Bartolone after hitting him Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 as Utah and Washington State play at Rice Eccles to avenge last year and get back to Stadium. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) where we want to be.” Blechen’s focus is clear. There’s only one thing he wants. “All I care about is wins right now,” said Blechen, who said that his individual goal this season is to not lose one game. He’s determined to leave the Utes with their best year since his arrival in 2010. “That’s what I want to do,” Blechen said. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker/safety from Moorpark, Calif., is coming off a challenging campaign individually. He was suspended for the first three games of 2012 for an undisclosed violation of team rules. It’s the only three contests Blechen has missed and not started for that matter in his career at Utah. What killed him most about it, he Utah Utes defensive back Brian Blechen (4) and Utah Utes linebacker Trevor Reilly said, was that once he returned to (9) watch the scoreboard at the end of the game against USC during Pac-12 football in action bad things kept happening as Salt Lake City Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News) far as games and the Utes wound up losing out on bowl eligibility. “The whole season was a struggle for me just cause all I want to do is win,” Blechen said. “So this year, the losses is what I don’t want to see, so we’ll do what it takes.” One of the games Blechen missed in 2012 was the 27-20 overtime loss at Utah State on Sept. 7 in Logan. The Utes likely would have benefitted from Blechen’s skill set in defending USU quarterback Chuckie Keeton.

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Blechen acknowledged there were so many little things in that game that could have made a difference. He’s looking forward to the rematch Aug. 29 at Rice-Eccles Stadium. After three years primarily at safety, Blechen is slated to be Utah’s starting stud linebacker this season. “I’m kind of new to ‘backer but I know the defense,” he said. Blechen has 203 career tackles (119 solo) with 15 tackles-for-loss, 12 pass Utah safety Brian Blechen talks with the media following football practice Tuesday. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) breakups, eight interceptions and 3.5 sacks. Preparations to increase the numbers, though, have been slowed by some nagging injuries. Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said that Blechen hasn’t been able to take many reps in camp thus far because of tendinitis and other issues. A thumb injury slowed things up over the summer. “He’s not been able to do much yet,” Whittingham said. “It remains to be seen how quickly he can get himself healthy.” It’s anybody’s guess, he said, because it’s like an overuse type of an injury. To avoid flare-ups, team trainers are handling the situation and managing Blechen’s reps in practice. “He’s a guy that’s played a lot of good football for us,” Whittingham said. “He’s a proven commodity, but right now he’s hurting.” Utah safety Brian Blechen talks with Blechen, however, has quite a media after practice Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret track record and lineage. News) Whittingham noted that Blechen’s grandfather (Bob) played organized football until he was 64 years old. “If he gets as tough as his grandpa, then he’ll be out there,” Whittingham said, when asked if he thought Blechen would be ready to go when the season starts. Whittingham describes Blechen, a freshman All-American and two-time Pac-12 all-conference honorable mention selection, as one of the toughest guys on the team. “He’s a football junkie. He loves football. He eats, sleeps and

Utah's Brian Blechen tries to knock down a pass drinks football,” Whittingham said. “For him not to be out from Arizona's quarterback Matt Scott. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) there, you know he’s really hurting.” And in more ways than one after Utah’s disappointing 5-7 record last season.

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @DirkFacer

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College football • Ute back gains inspiration, motivation from reminder of sister.

BY GORDON MONSON TRIBUNE COLUMNIST PUBLISHED: AUGUST 8, 2013 02:43PM UPDATED: AUGUST 8, 2013 03:45PM

Sweated up after a recent practice session, still standing in the buzzard-hot sun, Utah running back Kelvin York had a cryptic story to tell and a clear proclamation to make about the body art he wears on his arm, a tattoo that pays tribute to his sister, Valerie, and inspires him every day of his life. That’s what he said. But, from there, York hesitated to dispense many specifics, clouding over the story’s finer points. Those details, apparently, are personal and purposefully vague. The inspiration, though, along with the proclamation, is personal and certain.

More than once, York has needed that added lift.

The 5-foot-11, 213-pound senior, who is battling not just for the featured role out of the Ute backfield this season, but for the fulfilled potential of a player who was once considered a uniquely promising athlete and offered a scholarship by USC, said Valerie died in March, 2009. She first got sick in 2001, something having to do with feeling ill after a meal. She subsequently lost her eyesight, and then, passed away from the effects of pneumonia eight years later. Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Utes running back Kelvin York (13) is tackled by Oregon State Beavers “That was tough,” he said. “She was 31. I was 18. I loved her to death. But she was very religious, and if God was ready linebacker Feti Taumoepeau (41) and cornerback to take her, she was ready to go home.” Rashaad Reynolds (16) during the first half of the game at Reser Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012. Gently pushed to fill in the blanks about the nature of the illness and the circumstances surrounding it, York double- clutched and declined.

“It’s a long story to go into detail about,” he said. “A very long story. It’s hard to talk about it. I don’t know what happened or what went on. … It was devastating.”

York grew up in Prairieville, La., and played his prep football at Dutchtown High School in Geismar. Since Valerie was blind, after games, he reviewed his performances with her, recounting the yards he gained and how he had gained them, carefully describing for her what he had done. And almost every game, he had done a lot.

His senior year, he rushed for more than 1,400 yards, despite sharing the ball with another prominent running back — Eddie Lacy, who went on to Alabama and the Green Bay Packers.

After Valerie’s death, York went a different direction — to Fullerton College, a JC in southern California, where he continued to roll up huge yardage. In 2010, he rushed for 1,435 yards and 17 touchdowns. Thereafter, USC offered him a delayed scholarship, which he accepted, intending to enroll there after the 2011 season. When York blew an ACL and tore the meniscus in his knee, had surgery and missed most of the season, the Trojans bailed on the kid, leaving him to look elsewhere.

That was just one of the times he thought about his sister, looking for a boost. After he initially committed to Southern Cal, he told a reporter: “USC has always been my dream school and I committed on the spot. I told my sister, who passed away back in 2009, that if I had a chance, I was going to go to USC. I’ve always liked USC.”

With limited scholarships available because of NCAA sanctions against SC and York’s suddenly injured knee, that last feeling was no longer mutual. He looked around at Washington, but ultimately settled in at Utah.

The Utes were thrilled to get him. Kyle Whittingham pointed at the powerful runner as the poster boy for the new kind of athlete his program could draw as a member of the Pac-12.

But York’s first year at Utah was a struggle. With John White dominating the carries, York gained 273 yards on 60 rushes over eight games. He missed three games due to an ankle injury, and then was sidelined through spring ball by a nagging turf toe.

Frustration burdened him, but, when it did, York said he glanced at the familiar tat and snapped back: “I think about my sister a lot. I play this game of football for her. I play in her honor. That’s what really motivates me. If I’m feeling down, I look at my arm and it gets me through.”

York now has one final year of college ball to become whatever it is he was meant to be. He’s fighting in camp with a group of other talented, but unproven backs, and Whittingham said the job is there for him to take:

“I think he could be a thousand-yard back for us … but he’s got to stay healthy. That’s been his issue — staying on the field. He’s got a chance to be an excellent back in the Pac-12.”

In York’s mind, he’s finally crushing the opportunity as he moves forward. He said he wants 30 carries a game — and the responsibility that comes with them.

“My role is to be a leader this year, carrying the team when I need to, taking over the game, just making plays,” he said. “I’m looking forward to being the team’s workhorse. That’s what I’m going to do this year. I’m ready.”

He looked down at his arm when he said it.

GORDON MONSON hosts “The Big Show” with Spence Checketts weekdays from 3-7 p.m. on 97.5 FM/1280 and 960 AM The Zone. Twitter: @GordonMonson.

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Utah football • Utes haven’t had same quarterback start, finish season since ’08.

BY LYA WODRASKA THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE PUBLISHED: AUGUST 9, 2013 03:58PM UPDATED: AUGUST 9, 2013 11:14PM

One of the first things Norm Chow noticed when he joined Utah’s staff as an offensive coordinator in 2011 was the depth at Utah’s quarterback position, or lack of it.

“Quarterbacks. You’ve got to have quarterbacks,” he would often say. “You can’t expect to make it through a season in the Pac-12 with just one quarterback.”

How prophetic his words turned out to be. Much of Utah’s struggles in recent seasons have been pegged to the injuries at the quarterback position. Not since 2008 when Brian Johnson led the Utes to an undefeated season have the Utes had a quarterback start and finish a season.

The Utes felt they had a good successor in Jordan Wynn, but there was an obvious drop in talent behind him, whether it was due to youth, inexperience or simply physical limitations. Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune Quarterback Adam Schulz during the University of Utah's Red-White Spring football game, Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Salt Lake City. But just like the offensive line, what was once a weakness now appears to be a strength for the Utes.

Sophomore Travis Wilson is expected to continue his role as starter. At 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, Wilson can better handle the physicality of the Pac-12 than Wynn could. But if the unthinkable happens and Wilson goes out with an injury, the Utes are no longer looking at the sideline wondering which quarterback turned defensive back could still remember how to throw.

This year, the Utes feel they have more depth at the quarterback position than any other time during coach Kyle Whittingham’s reign.

Sophomore Adam Schulz is one of the most improved players on the team, freshman Brandon Cox is an athletic player who possesses good leadership abilities, and newcomers Micah Thomas and Conner Manning have had good moments in camp.

“We feel like we have a very good group,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. “The one negative is they are all just sophomores and freshmen.”

Of course, the positive in that is the same: If the quarterbacks can live up to their billing, the Utes could be set at the position for several seasons to come.

Wilson has done nothing to ruffle his status. If he remains healthy, it’s unlikely any of the other quarterbacks will get much time since Johnson prefers to leave the offense in the hands of one guy — rather than mix in others with special packages as the Utes have done in the past.

“We’re heading in a direction of getting guys who can give you both,” Johnson said of the ability to pass and be fleet of foot. “It’s a position of rhythm, too, and you want to get going in one with the rest of the offense.”

But what if Wilson loses his edge in the coming weeks or continues Utah’s unfortunate trend of quarterback injuries? Who replaces him?

His would-be successors all have their positives and negatives and are in a heated competition, Whittingham said.

Schultz, 6-foot-1, 205-pounds, has been on a consistent rise since last year. He impressed coaches with his arm strength in the spring and was one of the leaders during offseason workouts.

His hard work has paid off in smarter decisions in fall camp.

“I’m not forcing the ball like I was last year,” he said. “Last year, I’d go with my first read and try to force it in there. This year, I’m going to the first, second and checking it down or even going outside with it.”

Pushing him for snaps is Cox, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound freshman who enrolled in time to participate in spring ball. In addition to a good arm and quick feet, Cox has a lot of intangibles that can’t be taught, such as natural leadership on the field, Utah co-offensive coordinator Dennis Erickson said.

His one drawback is a foot injury that ended his spring session early and continues to hamper him now, Erickson said.

“We’ll see how that comes along,” Erickson said. “Other than that he is getting better and better.”

As for Thomas and Manning, Manning’s accuracy has earned him the most praise. He also has a maturity on the field the coaches like.

However, both are still freshmen and, rightfully, look lost at times, in the words of Erickson.

For now, their inexperience doesn’t concern the Utes. For now, the depth ahead of them gives the Utes a cushion. For now.

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—

Camp Corner

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Who was hot • Junior corner Wykie Freeman had a good day, as did all the young corners.

Who was sidelined • Corners Davion Orphey and Keith McGill left practice early with injuries.

What is next • The Utes have their first two-a-day on Saturday. Coach Kyle Whittingham said two-a-days show which players have the necessary toughness.

Utah quarterback depth chart

Travis Wilson • 6-foot-6, 240 pounds, So. — Returner went 3-4 as a starter in 2012.

Adam Schulz • 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, So. — Former walk-on is an accurate, strong passer.

Brandon Cox • 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, Fr. — Has the advantage of having been with the team for spring ball.

Conner Manning • 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, Fr. — Threw for 9,449 career passing yards for El Toro H.S. in California.

Micah Thomas • 6-foot, 178 pounds, Fr. — Texas product is good with his arm and his feet.

2 of 2 8/14/2013 10:29 AM Utah Utes football: Dres Anderson, Kenneth Scott lead Utah's receiving corps http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865584562/Utah-Utes-football...

By Dirk Facer , Deseret News Published: Monday, Aug. 12 2013 9:40 p.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — Triple digits. That’s what Utah wide receivers Dres Anderson and Kenneth Scott have in mind for the upcoming season. The juniors would like to combine for 100 receptions. “At least. We’ve just got to make big plays for our team,” said Anderson, who added that it’s all about having the confidence to do so. “We’ve got to go out there with a swagger and every time we step on the field just know that when the ball comes our way that Wide receiver Kenneth Scott is tackled by Eric Rowe and Wykie Freeman during we’re going to get it no matter what — University of Utah football practice Aug. 9. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) contested balls, free balls, just catch everything.” A year ago, Anderson and Scott had 36 and 32 receptions, respectively. Upping the combined total to at least 100 is just fine with Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. “If that’s the case, that’s great,” he said. “Because we need them to be more productive than last year. We didn’t get enough production in the throw game.” Utah averaged just 190.7 yards per game passing in 2012 with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions. While noting that it wasn’t just the receivers at fault, Whittingham said if the Utes are going to improve on last season’s 5-7 record, then they have to throw the ball a lot better. “It was a team-wide thing. We weren’t good enough on offense. The receivers didn’t do our part, some of the other position groups maybe didn’t do theirs as well as Head coach Kyle Whittingham talks with members of the media following University of they should, either,” said passing Utah football practice Aug. 9. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) game coordinator and receivers coach Aaron Roderick. “So now we’re just focusing on doing our job as a part of the collective whole. But last year is over. We’re going forward.” Anderson and Scott, who have both been in the program since redshirting in 2010, are leading the receiving corps. “They’ve both been in the program for four years now and so they know exactly what’s expected of them,”

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said Whittingham. Both are determined to get the Utes back to a bowl game. Scott said he thinks about last year’s miss every day. It’s also on Anderson’s mind. “That hurts the most. Utah has been known for winning bowl games. Not just for getting there but winning them,” he said. “So not even making it to one, that’s heartbreaking for our whole Ute Nation. So we never want to put our team in that predicament Wykie Freeman knocks a ball away from Dres Anderson during University of Utah football practice Aug. 9. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) again.” As such, word of their goal to combine for 100 catches caught Roderick off-guard. “I don’t know where that number came from. In fact I’ve talked to them about just winning games,” he said. “But we do what to have a bunch of catches from those guys. I wouldn’t really put a number on it, but we need production from them.” While noting the need for more big plays and an increase in explosive plays, Roderick said Anderson and Scott have always been leaders. Both players are on the verge of graduating as juniors — Anderson is a mass communication major, while Scott is enrolled in family and consumer studies. “They’re kids that do everything we ask them to do. They really work hard and they’re great guys,” Roderick said. “They’ve always been leaders. They just didn’t have experience to really demonstrate it, and now I think they’ve played enough ball that hopefully this year we’re going to see some great things out of them.” Quarterback Travis Wilson has high expectations for the duo.

Kenneth Scott signals for a first down after getting up-ended by Wykie Freeman during University of Utah football practice Aug. 9. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) “Kenneth and Dres have been doing outstanding this whole offseason and this whole beginning of fall camp,” he said. “I’d love to give them both 100 receptions for this year. So they’re definitely going to be some main targets for me, and I’m really excited to have them.” Wilson is especially impressed with Wide receiver Kenneth Scott makes a catch with Wykie Freeman defending during University of Utah football practice Aug. 9. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) their leadership and approach to the game, making sure others follow suit and do the right things. “They’ve definitely taken ownership of that whole wide receiver corps,” said Wilson. Scott considers it a brotherhood, of sorts — especially with Anderson. “So if Dres makes a big play, I’m happy for him. That’s like a brother of mine,” he explained. “It’s the same vice versa. We all want to see each other do good, and that’s the main thing about it.”

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Getting everyone on the same page, though, might be a challenge with a deep pool of quarterback candidates competing with Wilson for the starting job. Sophomore Adam Schulz and a trio of freshmen — Brandon Cox, Conner Manning and Micah Thomas — are also in the mix.

Anderson, however, insists there Wide receiver Dres Anderson battles to get free of defensive back Reginald Porter won’t be any trouble adapting to during University of Utah football practice Aug. 9. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) whoever ends up getting the job. “We get a rhythm with everybody,” he said. “We throw with them all summer. It’s no problem getting a rhythm down with the quarterbacks.” Scott sees it as kind of a same thing only different situation because ball placements vary a bit because of a quarterback’s height or what hand they throw with. “Honestly all you’ve got to do is get the rhythm down,” said Scott. “Once you get the rhythm down, I think it’s good and last year we didn’t have that. It was kind of out of rhythm in between quarterbacks. So once we get the rhythm down we’ll be straight.” Utah had three different starting quarterbacks last season — Jordan Wynn, Jon Hays and Wilson. Consistency has been an issue in recent years. The Utes haven’t had a starting quarterback start and finish a season since Brian Johnson in 2008. Wide receivers Kenneth Scott and Dres Anderson walk off the field following University of Utah football practice Aug. 9. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) “It’s important because you want to be consistent with whoever’s out there but we just lacked execution (last year). If we had came out and executed better, I’m pretty sure we would have done a lot more,” said Anderson. “We would have come out with a lot more wins, especially with the close games. This year is going to be a big change, and we’re not worried about that any more.” A more up-tempo, fast-paced offense, Anderson said, will help keep the rhythm going this season. As long as plays are made, he thinks it’ll be more explosive and get opposing defenses tired. Scott said the offense has been simplified to make it faster and keep the defenders off balance. Both players are also excited about the addition of co-offensive coordinator Dennis Erickson and his impressive body of work. Anderson considers it a great thing and Scott appreciates the insight and advice offered by the veteran Wide receivers Kenneth Scott, Dres Anderson and Anthony Denham coach. celebrate a play during University of Utah football practice Aug. 9. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) All said, the receivers are eagerly looking forward to the upcoming season. “We can’t wait,” said Anderson. Besides Anderson and Scott, senior Anthony Denham is listed as a starter on the latest depth chart. Other receivers to watch include junior Andre Lewis and senior Sean Fitzgerald, as well as redshirt freshmen Brian Allen and Delshawn McClellon.

Email: [email protected]

3 of 4 8/13/2013 2:34 PM Kragthorpe: Utes need cornerback Justin Thomas to age quickly | The Salt... http://www.sltrib.com/csp/cms/sites/sltrib/pages/printerfriendly.csp?id=...

College football • Redshirt freshman hasn’t played in a football games since 2011

BY KURT KRAGTHORPE TRIBUNE COLUMNIST PUBLISHED: AUGUST 12, 2013 03:39PM UPDATED: AUGUST 13, 2013 04:30PM

Searching for a starting cornerback, the Utah Utes are auditioning a player who has gone two seasons without appearing in a football game.

Can you imagine Justin Thomas taking the field Aug. 29 against Utah State, after missing two years of live action? Who could do that?

Like other schools in the state, the Utes have many returned missionaries whose athletic careers were interrupted for two years, so Thomas is not as unusual here as he would be elsewhere. While the athletes serving missions were away from football for those two seasons, Thomas was enrolled in school and working on his skills — just not playing in games.

In its own way, that’s even tougher, having to watch his teammates play. His absence from the field on those Friday nights in Texas and Saturdays in the Pac-12 makes Thomas’ story intriguing as he prepares to face the Aggies at Rice-Eccles Stadium on a Thursday.

“He’s rusty, because of that,” said Ute coach Kyle Whittingham. “Hopefully, most of that rust is gone.”

The explanation: Just prior to his senior year at West Orange-Stark High School in southeast Texas, Thomas was discovered to be too old to compete in the Texas Interscholastic League, with an age limit of 18 as of Sept. 1. And then he redshirted last season as a Ute freshman. He’ll turn 22 in mid-September, before playing in his first Utah-BYU game.

So any mistakes Thomas makes on the field cannot be attributed to youth, just inexperience.

Two years ago, Thomas aged quickly. He believed he was 18, but in routinely checking players’ eligibility, a West Orange-Stark counselor found records indicating he was born in 1991. His mother could not produce a birth certificate proving otherwise, according to the Beaumont (Texas) Enterprise. Kurt Kragthorpe “I had no idea,” Thomas said after a recent Ute practice. “It kind of shocked me.”

His senior seasons of football and track were taken away. The only consolation was that he already had committed to the Utes, who stuck with him.

Rather than try to play and potentially cause the Mustangs to forfeit games, “I didn’t want to ruin the season for the whole team, so I just had to accept it,” he said. “It was hard, watching other people play … but I just had to work out and grind, because I knew I was going to get to the next level.”

Upon arrival at Utah, Thomas embraced his redshirt season. “I really needed some more work, so I was just being patient,” he said.

The 5-foot-9 Thomas has improved since last fall, eliminating mistakes in coverage. “That’s the kind of development I like to see,” said Ute cornerbacks coach Sharrieff Shah. “It’s becoming digestible for him. He’s starting to really get it. … What he gives up in height, he makes up in speed, quickness and simple intelligence.”

Experience is another issue, considering that Thomas will face veteran receivers such as Oregon State’s Brandin Cooks and BYU’s Cody Hoffman in September. But going against Utah’s Kenneth Scott and Dres Anderson in practice should prepare him well.

Thomas started school late and repeated a grade, not an uncommon practice in Texas. Former BYU quarterback Ty Detmer, who grew up in Texas, turned 19 in high school and 24 as a college senior.

Because of missions, having old players is nothing new in Utah. The Utes’ roster includes five 25-year-olds: Trevor Reilly, Mike Honeycutt, Junior Salt, Westlee Tonga and Sean Fitzgerald. BYU no longer publishes players’ birthdates, but at 25, Thomas will be among the oldest players on the field in the 2016 Utah-BYU game.

By then, Thomas’ three seasons of Pac-12 experience will have overcome those two years of missed football games. He’ll have aged considerably, which is good.

[email protected]

Twitter: @tribkurt

1 of 1 8/14/2013 10:24 AM Utah Utes football: Andy Phillips solidifying his position as Utes' top kicker http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865584689/Utah-football-And...

By Dirk Facer , Deseret News Published: Wednesday, Aug. 14 2013 7:15 p.m. MDT

1 of 3 8/15/2013 3:50 PM Utah Utes football: Andy Phillips solidifying his position as Utes' top kicker http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865584689/Utah-football-And...

SALT LAKE CITY — Andy Phillips isn’t your typical college football kicker — far from it, as a matter of fact. The frontrunner for Utah’s job doesn’t have a lot of experience in the sport. He didn’t face his first live action until this spring. Phillips, though, is an extremely skilled and dedicated athlete. The 24-year-old redshirt freshman spent Andy Phillips prepares to kick during practice on Aug. 14, 2013. (Landon Hemsley, Deseret News) five years as an alpine racer on the U.S. Ski Team. He’s also from a huge soccer family with a brother playing professionally in China and a sister headed to BYU. “Soccer has kind of been my thing,” said Phillips. Now it’s college football. After spending the past year as a redshirt, Phillips now tops the depth chart. As the Aug. 29 season opener against Utah State approaches, he leads a competition that includes redshirt freshman Jamie Sutcliffe and sophomore Jon Halliday. Phillips, however, isn’t taking anything for granted. “Absolutely not. Jamie and Jon are working just as hard as I am,” he said. “I’ve got the better of the two the past couple of weeks, just being more consistent.” The consistency has Phillips feeling very confident and looking forward to winning the job. To do so, he added, would mean a lot. “I’ve been here since last summer (2012) just kind of behind the ranks watching Coleman (Petersen) and Nick Marsh — working hard and not really getting much notice,” said Phillips. “Now it’s nice to finally be kicking consistently and doing my part to help out the team.” Andy Phillips kicks the ball during University of So far, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham likes what he’s seeing. Utah football practice in Salt Lake City, Thursday, April 18, 2013. (Ravell Call, Deseret News) Phillips is showing great promise. “He’s a downhill racer. You talk about toughness. He’s got some wipeouts on YouTube that are unbelievable. He’s a warrior in the weight room like Louie Sakoda was and Joe Phillips,” said Whittingham. “Typically, your best kickers are tough guys, and they work hard in the weight room and get after it and they’re competitive. And he’s in that same mold as Louie and Joe Phillips and those guys that have been through here that have been very good kickers.” Phillips is not related to Joe Phillips, but the two have worked together and become close. Joe has shared a lot of tips with Andy since they started working tougher last spring. Despite Andy Phillips’ lack of experience on the football field, he’s not intimidated by the challenges that a kicker faces. He Andy Phillips, University of Utah football Monday, April 22, 2013,in Salt Lake City Utah. credits his experience as a ski racer for easing any anxiety. Photo by Tom Smart/University of Utah Sports Information (Tom Smart, University of Utah Athletics) “I’ve skied since I was 2 and raced since I was 5, so I’ve always had pressure on my shoulders to perform well. Especially once you reach the professional level,” said Phillips. “So I mean it’s nothing new. It’s something that I enjoy. I really like that moment of having that pressure on my shoulders and kind of being in control.”

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Phillips isn’t fretting about having angry defenders trying to prevent him from making his kicks in games. “You’re so in the moment that the only thing you’re worried about is looking at the hold and kicking the ball,” he said. “So to be honest with you, I don’t really see them much unless they’re diving in front of my face. I’ve just kind of got to tune it out.” Phillips admits it’s a different feeling, however, and a foreign one at that. He graduated from the Winter Sports School in Park City, which is dedicated to elite athletes, and attended Rowland Hall before that. Neither high school has a football program. Phillips, thus, caught the bug in a different way. “It actually all started with a family Thanksgiving football game where my brother and I were trying to beat each other out for longest field goal,” said Phillips. “Then all of a sudden a New Year’s resolution came that I should make a Pac-12 team and try and be a kicker. So I worked my guts out and (Utah special teams) coach (Jay) Hill gave me an opportunity and I just jumped on it.” Phillips told Hill that he always wanted to play football and was given a shot last fall. He impressed Hill by having a “good pop” on the ball when he connected with it. In the spring, Hill said Phillips went through a period of refinement as they honed in on his technique. “He’s a mentally tough kid. I mean, you’ve got to be right, to go flying down those ski runs 70 miles an hour and the crashes those guys go through. They’ve got no fear, and he’s mentally tough,” said Hill. “That’s what I love about him. He goes in there and he doesn’t have any fear. He just lets it rip.” And things are going well. “He’s a guy that the players love to be around, and so far he’s handled pressure situations very good this camp,” said Hill, who added that Phillips is starting to earn the respect of his teammates just as Sakoda and Joe Phillips did. “Those are big shoes to compare him to at this point, but I see great things in him, and he’s had a heckuva camp.”

EMAIL: [email protected]; Twitter.com/dirkfacer

3 of 3 8/15/2013 3:50 PM Utah football: Is starting role in cards for linebacker VJ Fehoko? | The Sal... http://www.sltrib.com/csp/cms/sites/sltrib/pages/printerfriendly.csp?id=...

College football • Productive offseason has him primed for big role on Utah defense.

BY TONY JONES

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

PUBLISHED: AUGUST 15, 2013 10:54AM UPDATED: AUGUST 14, 2013 11:07PM

The talk with coach Kyle Whittingham came first for VJ Fehoko.

That was followed by a conversation with defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake, then came the shoulder surgery last December. Piece by piece, Utah’s middle linebacker began building the necessary blocks to compete for a starting job in 2013.

By the spring, Fehoko was studying film and taking notes on Ray Lewis, the way the future Ravens Hall of Famer played and the way he took care of himself away from the football field. He changed his diet and lost 20 pounds. By the beginning of fall camp, the junior from Hawaii was noticeably quicker without sacrificing his strength — he was already, arguably, the strongest pound-for-pound player on the team.

If everything comes together, this season could mark the football rebirth of Fehoko, who arrived on campus as a heralded four-star recruit and All-American, but struggled to adjust to the speed and power of the college game. His play has been uneven for two seasons, but he still has a confidence that never left. He vows to lead a linebacker group that is a question mark after it underperformed in 2012.

“We’re going to be better this season, and I’m going to be better this season,” Fehoko said. V.J. Fehoko, University of Utah football 2012 Saturday, “I knew that I had to make improvements. College football punched me in the mouth. I Aug. 4, 2012,in Salt Lake City Utah. Photo by Tom didn’t know what I was getting into when I came out of high school. I’ve just tried to do Smart/University of Utah Sports Information anything that I could to make myself a better player.”

The immediate result is a smaller, lighter Fehoko flying around and making tackles. Whittingham and Sitake have heaped praise on his work ethic. Teammates have taken notice and are following his lead. If the season were to begin today, Whittingham said, Fehoko would be the starter.

Last year, he started six games. His career has been a merry-go-round of sorts, with him playing multiple positions.

Without Star Lotulelei taking on blockers in front of him, the onus is now on Fehoko to make plays from sideline to sideline. That’s why he’s worked so hard on becoming faster and quicker.

“The linebackers as a whole need to tackle better and that’s the challenge they face going into the season,” Sitake said. “We told VJ what he [had] to do in order to get better in the offseason and he’s done that. He deserves a lot of credit and he’s playing very well so far in camp.”

Fehoko wants to lead the Utes defensively. Yes, there’s Trevor Reilly and Nate Orchard, two upperclassmen who will no doubt be looked upon for production and inspiration from their teammates. But Fehoko knows that the middle linebacker is the centerpiece of the defense. He knows his teammates and coaches also will be looking at him.

Fehoko remembers his formative years in Hawaii, when his father Vili would wake him and his brothers well before dawn to run on the local beach. His pain threshold was established the day Vili made VJ climb a volcano rock in the rain. Halfway up, VJ slipped and fell. The father told the son not to quit. He eventually made it to the top, bruised and bloodied. Fehoko calls it one of the biggest victories of his life.

“Our family comes before everything,” Vili Fehoko said. “I’m proud of all of my boys. VJ has always been one of the leaders in our family. He wanted to play Division I football, and he’s worked hard to make it happen.”

—

VJ Fehoko file

• Is vying to become Utah’s starting middle linebacker

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• Has two brothers who have played college football. A third has offers from Utah and Alabama.

• Was rated a four-star recruit out of high school and one of the top 150 players in the country

• Was second-team all-academic Pac-12 last season

—

Camp Corner

What we learned • After reviewing tape of Tuesday’s scrimmage, the Utes said they must get better in the passing game, from running routes, to protection to tempo, if they are to improve this year.

Who was hot • Freshman quarterback Conner Manning continues to be impressive in camp and remains “in the mix” for the No. 2 position.

Who was missing • Tevin Carter, a JC transfer the Utes were hoping would get significant playing time, didn’t get his academics in order and won’t join the Utes this season.

2 of 2 8/15/2013 4:08 PM Utah football: Keith McGill turning into Utah’s running man | The Salt Lak... http://www.sltrib.com/csp/cms/sites/sltrib/pages/printerfriendly.csp?id=...

College football • Senior corner trying to shed pounds to keep up with Pac-12 receivers

BY LYA WODRASKA

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

PUBLISHED: AUGUST 16, 2013 02:12PM UPDATED: AUGUST 16, 2013 01:58PM

Keith McGill might be a football player now, but he may want to consider long distance running as a future hobby.

He is running with the ones, he is running with the twos, he is running with the threes and when they are all gone he is running with just himself — back and forth, back and forth on Utah’s football field.

McGill, a 6-foot-3 senior cornerback, is trying to lose about 10 pounds to get himself to a playing weight of around 210 pounds.

Before one gets any images of a soft, pudgy corner, it should be noted that McGill is in better shape than probably, oh, say, 95 percent of the population. The problem is, Pac-12 receivers likely fall in that other five percent. Utah’s coaches want their corners to be as light and fleet-footed as possible. So McGill runs, and runs some more.

This isn’t the way he imagined his preseason camp would go, he acknowledges. He has been penciled in as a starter since spring, but extra pounds, a concussion and inconsistent play have found him in a battle for a starting role with Utah’s younger corners.

“I’m just trying to get back in the rotation and get these things right,” he said.

Unfortunately for McGill, few things have gone as planned since he came to Utah in 2011.

Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Keith McGill A transfer from Cerritos College, McGill was considered one of the top recruits in the nation reflects on his last play as the University of Utah's football and thought to be the immediate answer to Utah’s experience and depth problems in the team holds their first preseason scrimmage at the stadium secondary. on Tuesday, August 13, 2013.

Instead, he played in just five games before suffering a season-ending injury against Arizona State and missed the 2012 season as the shoulder problems continued.

The year off helped him heal his shoulder, but he has had a difficult time finding his game again.

McGill was inconsistent in spring ball, in coach Kyle Whittingham’s estimation, and his weight problems have done nothing to gain favor.

“We’re absolutely disappointed,” a tight-lipped Whittingham said. “Yep, for sure.”

McGill said he knows the team is counting on him, but he doesn’t doubt he’ll be ready for the opener on Aug. 29.

“It’s not too frustrating to deal with,” he said. “I’ve dealt with a lot more difficult things in the past. I just need to keep losing weight and it’s coming along.”

Keeping his morale up is his cousin, Davion Orphey, a JC transfer who is pushing for a his own starting spot at corner.

“I keep telling him to just do what the coaches say and he’ll be fine,” he said. “He is all right. He is motivated.”

That McGill is still in line for a starting role speaks to two things — Utah’s lack of depth in the secondary and his talent.

In his first practice after a three-day absence with a concussion, McGill snagged one interception and nearly had another one. They are the kind of plays the Utes believe he can make, not only against Utah’s backups but the premier receivers in the Pac-12.

“He has good technique,” Whittingham said. “It still needs a little more refining, but he has great length and size. But that size right now is to his detriment.”

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McGill hears it and he knows he has to get the weight off.

So he takes a short break, then runs, and runs some more.

—

Keith McGill File

6-3, 205, Sr.

La Mirada, Calif.

Of note: Had 12 tackles and one pass breakup in five games in 2011...His cousin is Davion Orphey, a junior for the Utes...First team All-American safety as a junior college player in 2010...Majoring in sociology.

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By Landon Hemsley , Deseret News Published: Saturday, Aug. 17 2013 5:03 p.m. MDT

When Gaius 'Keio' Vaenuku passed away in a car accident en route to Texas on July 30, the Utes football program announced they would wear a sticker on their helmets to honor him. Today on social media, the University of Utah football trainers published a photo of that sticker.

(Justin Dahl / University of Utah Athletics, via Twitter)

The sticker, dedicated to Vaenuku's memory, features his initials in a vertical column surrounded by the slogan, "United. Together. Eternal. Soldiers." Vaenuku's jersey number, 95, flanks the central column, the nine on the left and the five on the right. The sticker is the design work of Justin Dahl, a Farmington native who works in social media and graphic design for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Dahl said he couldn't say no when Utah assistant coach Morgan Scalley asked him for a sticker design to remember and honor Vaenuku. "You could tell he was really emotional," Dahl said. "It was a really hard day for him." For inspiration, Dahl turned again to social media. He found a

1 of 2 8/19/2013 10:39 AM Utah football: Utes apply helmet sticker in remembrance of Gaius 'Keio' V... http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865584835/Utah-football-Utes...

YouTube video in which defensive coach Sharrieff Shah sought to inspire his team during a halftime speech.

A sticker is applied to the helmets of the University of Utah football team to remember Gaius Vaenuku, an incoming freshman who passed away July 30 in a car accident. (University of Utah Athletics, via "We are Utes," Shah said in the video. "We are United Together Twitter) Eternally Soldiers." In addition, several fans and friends of the Utah football program used the phrase on Twitter when news of Vaenuku's death broke. Dahl said the phrase perfectly fit the situation. "I really thought it was something that should be on the sticker," he said. "It was kind of a rallying cry for the team when the whole thing happened." Dahl is a fan of Utah football and has been since he joined the MUSS as a student at the University of Utah in 2005. Dahl said he hopes his contribution will help all people connected to Vaenuku on the field, but especially off it. "It's more than just about football," Dahl said. "It's about the people who were there and the type of impact they can have on each other's lives. … You just want to do something that makes sure people remember him and remember him as the person he was. People can just learn from it and be better."

Landon Hemsley is the sports web producer for DeseretNews.com. Email: [email protected]. Twitter.com/EarlOfHemsley

The design for the helmet sticker Copyright 2013, Deseret News Publishing Company that will be used on the University of Utah's football helmets in memoriam of Gaius Vaenuku. (Justin Dahl / University of Utah Athletics, via Twitter)

2 of 2 8/19/2013 10:39 AM Utes football: Utah's Latu Heimuli happy to be injury-free heading into sen... http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865584873/Utes-football-Utah...

By Mike Sorensen , Deseret News Published: Sunday, Aug. 18 2013 3:10 p.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — Things haven’t quite worked out as expected for Utah defensive tackle Latu Heimuli, who was one of the state’s most recruited players coming out of Highland High School in 2009. Then Florida coach Urban Meyer wanted Heimuli, as did practically every school in what was then the Pac-10 and other big-time programs. Heimuli’s final four came down to Florida, Cal, Oregon State and Utah before he decided to stay home and play for the Utes. “I’m a momma’s boy,’’ Heimuli said with a smile. But people have hardly heard a word about Heimuli since he enrolled at Utah four years ago. You could say he hasn’t lived up

Latu Heimuli reaches high trying to knock to his potential, but there’s a good reason for it. down a pass during a University of Utah football practice Friday, Aug. 9, 2013. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) Injuries. Heimuli has rarely been healthy while at the U., and he came this close to hanging up his cleats last fall after suffering a lower-back injury that ended his 2012 season in October. Besides the back injury, Heimuli has broken his foot three times and had a broken thumb. “He’s always been injured,’’ said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. “It’s not a matter of living up to his potential; it’s a matter of not having a chance to live up to his potential. He was a national recruit coming out of high school, a very talented kid, and it’s been one thing after another that has held him back.’’ Heimuli came to Utah as a defensive lineman, which he played his first two seasons, including a redshirt year. He saw significant action in his first-ever game against Pitt in 2010, Latu Heimuli is a football player for the getting three tackles and a sack. University of Utah. (Tom Smart, University of Utah Athletics) Because the Utes had an abundance of defensive tackles, including All-American Star Lotulelei, Heimuli saw less time on the D-line and was moved in 2011 to the offensive side of the ball, where the Utes lacked depth. He played in seven games that season and started two before being sidelined with a foot injury. Last year, he played just four games before the injury bug hit. But now he’s back to where he began his career, as a defensive tackle. He couldn’t be happier. “The O-line was a great experience for me, but D-Line is where my heart is,’’ he says. “It feels good to be back. I’m glad the coaches accepted me and also my fellow teammates.’’ Right now Heimuli is listed as a co-starter with fellow senior LT Tuipulotu at one of the tackle spots, alongside another senior, Tenny Palepoi. New defensive line coach Ilaisa Tuiaki is happy about what he’s seen of Heimuli so far in fall camp. “We expect him to definitely contribute this year,’’ he said. “For Latu, this is his last hurrah, his

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senior year, so we’re going to be careful with him. He’s lighter now; his foot feels better; and he’s moving good.’’ Heimuli has dropped from 320 pounds to 290 pounds to give him a little more quickness on the defensive side. “I’m still taking time to get used to all the tendencies, getting rid of the O-line tendencies, but I’m coming along,’’ he said. Heimuli has come a long way since last fall when he thought his career might be over. However, he got cleared by team doctors to work out, which he did diligently for six months. “The rehab process went well and I was able to get back in shape and now my back feels great,’’ he said. He’s taken up a new hobby — cycling — to get his cardio back and he tries to put in 10-15 miles per day. Before cycling, one of his favorite hobbies was playing tennis — can you imagine a 300-pounder on the tennis court? — but football has put tennis in the back seat for now. Although he hasn’t accomplished what he or many others expected when he first came to Utah, Heimuli is just trying to make the best of his final season at the U. “It’s been pretty disappointing, but everything happens for a reason,’’ he says. “I’m just excited about the upcoming season and looking forward to being out here with my teammates and doing anything I can to contribute to a winning season.’’ Adds Whittingham, “He’s holding up well. He’s had a history of nagging injuries that have kept him off the field, but so far so good. If we can get him to give us quality reps this season, then it’s really a great comeback story.’’

2 of 2 8/19/2013 10:33 AM Brad Rock: Ute Trevor Reilly's daughter tackling cancer, keeping dad in check http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865584846/Brad-Rock-Ute-de...

By Brad Rock , Deseret News Published: Sunday, Aug. 18 2013 4:59 p.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — It would be hard to find a Ute football player more invested than Trevor Reilly. The senior honors candidate has gladly played wherever needed, whether at linebacker or defensive end. A torn anterior cruciate ligament threatened to derail his 2012 season before it began, but he played with a brace all year. Reilly is the team’s go-to guy at virtually every event where a spokesman is required. He was one of two players representing the Utes at Pac-12 media day. During Thursday’s dedication ceremonies for the Eccles Football Center, he was the only player selected to speak. Nobody cares more about Utah football than Reilly.

Shayn Reilly (Courtesy of the Reilly family) Nobody cares less, either. That’s because he understands something many elite athletes never grasp: There’s something bigger than themselves or even their team. Shayn, for example. Reilly’s 11-month-old daughter is already taking down the opposition, just like her dad. Every Friday, Reilly and his wife Jessica take Shayn to the hospital for chemotherapy. Doctors removed a tumor from her kidney that Reilly describes as “the size of my fist.” Treatments will continue until December, at which point “we hope she will be cancer free.” Until then, Reilly will continue jumping between the hospital and the football field. There is promising news on both fronts. After

a practice this week, he said he felt the best Trevor Reilly is interviewed following University of Utah football practice since before he tore his ACL last season. in Salt Lake City on Aug. 5. (Ravell Call, Deseret News) Meanwhile, the prognosis for Shayn is good. “I go to the hospital, then I go to practice. It’s hard not to think about it,” he says. “I have a daughter with cancer and I’m out running around, playing a game.” There is no self-pity in Reilly’s voice. Doctors believe Shayn is doing well, and if she gets the expected clean bill of health in December, chances of a recurrence are “very slim.” Reilly speaks matter-of-factly, with gratitude for the coaches and teammates who have visited the hospital. As for Shayn — a girl so positive he calls her “a ham” whenever cameras are around — he says: “She is much tougher than me. She is smiling through cancer and

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chemotherapy.” Toughness must be a family trait, because there’s also Jessica. Although Reilly can get away for a few hours and think about football, his wife can’t. The couple also has another child. With Trevor in school and football, Jessica handles much of the day-to-day responsibilities. The couple also manages a storage complex next to where they live. Jessica also is involved in fundraising and support for child cancer victims. Utah's Trevor Reilly, right, knocks down a pass by Jeff Tuel on Nov. 3 as Utah and Washington State play at Rice “She is unbelievable, Eccles Stadium. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) an emotional rock,” Reilly says. “She is basically now raising both kids and I’m not home. She is unbelievable. But she’s not crying about it, she’s just trying to attack the situation … so my wife is a rock for me.” Meanwhile, Reilly is a rock for the Utes. Coach Kyle Whittingham says he expects him to have a brilliant season. But off-field challenges have been taxing on the senior from Valley Center, Calif. First came his daughter’s cancer fight. That was followed Shayn Reilly (Courtesy of the Reilly family) by the death of freshman teammate Gaius Vaenuku, in a car wreck. This week a friend and former assistant coach at Utah, Aaron Alford, died at 39 of an apparent heart attack. So pardon Reilly if he doesn’t eat, breathe and sleep football, despite starting every game last year. Never mind that he doesn’t mention having the third-most forced fumbles in team history or that he made all-conference honorable mention in 2012. He has other things to live for. Football, he says, “is like your job; we love it, we give it our best, but at the end of the day you learn to appreciate the people around you.” He is asked whether his priorities have changed. “Yeah, man, this (football) is not that important,” he says, eyes sweeping the stadium. “It is but it isn’t.”

Shayn Reilly (Courtesy of the Reilly family) Back home, and up at the hospital, the toughest people in his life couldn’t agree more.

Email: [email protected]; Twitter: @therockmonster; Blog: Rockmonster Unplugged

Shayn Reilly (Courtesy of the Reilly family)

2 of 2 8/19/2013 10:34 AM Utah hopes it’s done adjusting to Pac-12 and ready to start winning | Colle... http://seattletimes.com/html/collegesports/2021646984_withersutah20xml...

Winner of Nine Pulitzer Prizes

Originally published August 19, 2013 at 6:12 PM | Page modified August 19, 2013 at 7:28 PM

“We don’t want to be the new guys in the conference who are still adjusting,” says coach Kyle Whittingham. He’s hired Dennis Erickson as an assistant coach to help a struggling offense.

By Bud Withers

Seattle Times college football reporter

As a coach who earned his stripes around defense, Utah’s Kyle Whittingham has a direct, no-nonsense bearing even in the best of times. These days, that’s accompanied by an unmistakable hunger.

Ask him how much his team’s dip the past two seasons can be attributed to joining the Pac-12 Conference, and the head Ute doesn’t dodge.

“Most all of it,” he says. “If you’re asking, would we have gone 5-7 (Utah’s 2012 record) in the Mountain West Conference, I don’t see that.”

So the offseason was a time of soul-searching?

“A little bit,” Whittingham concedes. “Yeah, a lot of it.”

This year, Whittingham’s reputation is at stake, and so is Utah’s. The glory year of 2008 — undefeated and No. 2 in the country — has faded, as has Utah’s 21-3 record in league games over the three seasons prior to hooking up with the Pac-12 in 2011.

Since then, Utah is 7-11 in conference, and as Whittingham’s new offensive coordinator, Dennis Erickson points out, “This is the first year we’ve seen the worst of it.” The Utes have had the cushion of not having Oregon or Stanford on the schedule, two teams that went a combined 32-4 in league while missing Utah.

In two years, Whittingham learned that defense and special teams carry you only so far in the Pac-12. The Utes were last and 11th, respectively, in total offense, so he added Erickson and his wealth of offensive savvy.

The 66-year-old Erickson sees the urgency everyone else is sensing in Whittingham.

“Without a question,” Erickson says. “That’s not how they like it around here, being 5-7. They’ve all got chips on their shoulders. I can see the fire in their eyes, Kyle in particular.”

When Whittingham went about autopsying 2012, he settled on three deficiencies: A passing game whose average yardage of 190.7 was worst in the league; a red-zone defense that allowed 31 touchdowns in 43 trips; and a scarcity of take-aways, including only eight interceptions.

Over two seasons in the mercurial Pac-12, Utah’s offensive torpor has been persistent. So on came Erickson, who was fired after the 2011 season, his last as head coach at Arizona State.

“It’s really been fun,” Erickson said. “I’ll be up in the press box for the first time since 1981.”

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Back then, he was an assistant to Jack Elway at San Jose State. Now, he’ll call plays while co-coordinator Brian Johnson works with the quarterbacks. A third coach, Aaron Roderick, has the title of passing-game coordinator.

“I think we’ve got a chance to be a lot better on offense than we were a year ago,” said Erickson.

Sophomore quarterback Travis Wilson reminds Erickson of a slightly shorter Brock Osweiler, the ex-Arizona State standout, and Utah just voted Wilson a co-captain. Erickson sees the offensive front as “way better than we were a year ago. We had guys start that aren’t even in the top seven or eight.”

Utah will feature multiple offensive looks, including a lot of double tight ends, because Jake Murphy and Westlee Tonga are high-quality talents.

“We’ve got to be able to run the ball; that’s our strength,” says Erickson. “Not put it on the quarterback to win games.”

Defense, No. 3 in 2011 and fifth last year, hasn’t been the problem and shouldn’t be, led by end Trevor Reilly, tackle Tenny Palepoi, linebacker Brian Blechen and safety Eric Rowe. But Blechen has battled knee tendinitis in camp, and Whittingham hasn’t sounded optimistic about Blechen’s immediate outlook.

The Utes sustained another blow when junior-college transfer safety Tevin Carter didn’t make grades, but they’ve gotten an expected boost at that spot from senior Michael Walker.

Whittingham talks about how he received texts from players over the 2012 holidays, chastened by the program’s first season without a bowl game since 2002.

“Going 5-7 and then having most people pick us second-to-last in the (Pac-12) South, it’s just added motivation,” says Murphy. “But not going to a bowl game was motivation enough.

“It’s something we want to get back to, our old reputation. We don’t want to be the new guys in the conference who are still adjusting.”

Bud Withers: 206-464-8281 or [email protected]

2 of 2 8/20/2013 1:56 PM Utes hope kicker stays on course | The Salt Lake Tribune http://www.sltrib.com/csp/cms/sites/sltrib/pages/printerfriendly.csp?id=...

College football • So far, former member of U.S. ski team, has been a good fit.

BY LYA WODRASKA

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

PUBLISHED: AUGUST 19, 2013 01:05PM UPDATED: AUGUST 19, 2013 11:47PM

Andy Phillips, a former member of the U.S. Ski Team, decided to try out with the Utes as a kicker because playing football was a New Year’s resolution.

The Utes hope by having him aboard, they’ve accomplished something on their resolution for 2013 — finding themselves a kicker.

Utah’s kicking game has been more of a liability recently, with kicker Coleman Petersen going 18-for-25 in 2011 then struggling last year, converting only 8 of 13, half of which were from a distance of 29 yards or shorter.

His possible replacement, Nick Marsh, transferred to Rutgers in February, leaving the Utes with a pressing need. Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Kicker Andy Phillips at Utah football practice, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013. Enter Phillips, who graduated from the Winter Sports School in Park City and attended Westminster College as a part-time student before landing at Utah.

He redshirted in 2012 and emerged as the leader for the kicking duties following spring ball.

A former soccer player, Phillips said he figured the easiest way to fulfill his dream of playing football was with his foot.

“I had to take a shot at it,” he said.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham likes the guy’s kicking abilities well enough, but more than anything he is impressed with Phillips’ mental outlook.

After seasons of searching for someone who could make kicks under pressure on a consistent basis, Whittingham has someone who reminds him of Louie Sakoda, the kicker who set the standard by which all future Ute kickers will be judged.

Sakoda became the only unanimous consensus All-American in Utah history his senior year in 2008 and was known for being “one of the guys,” and not of the flightier, sometimes flakier mold of most kickers.

No one doubts Phillips’ bravery, considering he spent five years with the U.S. Ski Team flying down steep slopes.

“They are courageous,” Whittingham said of skiers.

“He has a great work ethic and is one of the weight room warrior guys,” Whittingham said. “Generally your best kickers are the ones who get after it in the weight room and do all the peripheral things, and he is one of those guys.”

The Utes are still being conservative in their judgement of Phillips, who walked onto the team and could remain as a walk-on given Utah’s recent history with scholarship kickers.

Marsh was wooed to Utah with an offer and never lived up to expectations while Petersen earned one following his junior year and struggled last year.

“Kicking is funny, you never know how they are going to do from year to year,” Whittingham said.

Phillips knows there is a lot of pressure on him but he believes he can handle it. All those years of ripping down slopes taught him to turn off his mind and just let athleticism take over.

“That is why you do sports, for that adrenaline rush,” he said.

The “X” factor for him is the crowds.

“I’ve never been in front of 50,000 like in a game,” he said. “You can’t simulate that kind of loud atmosphere but hopefully I will do OK.”

Utah fans hope he will, too.

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[email protected]

—

Andy Phillips

5-foot-11, 210-pound sophomore

Of note • Competed on U.S. Ski team for five years as an alpine racer … served an LDS mission in Norway ... attended Westminster College as a part-time student … Redshirted in 2012 after walking onto the team.

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By Dirk Facer , Deseret News Published: Tuesday, Aug. 20 2013 7:55 a.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah quarterback Adam Schulz isn’t content with being No. 2 on the depth chart. The sophomore is determined to adhere to a mindset he has maintained since arriving on campus as a walk-on in 2011. He’s going to keep working no matter how close he gets to the top. Schulz insists he’s never really going to be satisfied. “You’ve got to come here every day

Adam Schulz passes as the University of Utah football team scrimmages in Salt Lake trying to be the best person you can,” City on Aug. 13. (Ravell Call, Deseret News) Schulz said. “You’ve got to train like it and you’ve got to prepare for it and that’s kind of what I’ve been trying to do for the last two years.” Schulz, a strong-armed 6-foot-1, 205-pound passer out of Muskego, Wis., does acknowledge, however, that it’s been encouraging to move up the depth chart and have his reps in practice increase. “It’s nice to see improvement, but it’s also not enough,” he said. Schulz wants to continue pushing starter Travis Wilson. “You’ve got to be ready,” Schulz said. “You never know what’s going to happen.” Over the past couple of years, Schulz has improved his skills while learning the offense, as well as the tendencies of the defense. “I feel ready. I know the offense,” he said. “I know what I’m supposed to do and I know what others are supposed to be doing.” With a strong pool of quarterback talent in the program —

including freshmen Brandon Cox, Conner Manning and Micah Adam Schulz in Salt Lake City on Sept. 4, 2011 Thomas — Schulz is confident that everyone will continue to (Tom Smart, University of Utah Athletics) get better and there will be no slacking. Same goes for Wilson leading the pack. “It’s no fun if you’re pushing somebody that you’re equal to or you’re better than,” Schulz said. “So you might as well just keep pushing for trying to be better than the person who is ahead of you.” Wilson is appreciative of Utah’s other quarterbacks as well, particularly Schulz. “I’m definitely thankful to be the starter again this year and

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it’s great to have Adam right behind me just in case something happens. I know he’ll do a great job,” Wilson said. “He’s been pushing me the whole spring and whole summer. So I’m glad to have him on this team.” Utah co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson noted that Schulz moved ahead of the other contenders for the backup job because of his consistency in camp. He’s completed approximately 70 percent of his passes thus far. “We chart every throw during camp and stuff and he’s been just consistent and steady throughout,” said Johnson, who added that Schulz hasn’t had any huge peaks or valleys. He Adam Schulz, left, and Travis Wilson leave the field also has NCAA game experience — going 2 for 2 passing for following University of Utah football practice in Salt Lake City, Monday, Aug. 5, 2013. (Ravell Call, 52 yards in Utah’s 49-6 win over Washington State last Deseret News) November. “He had a nice camp,” Johnson said. “He did exactly what he was supposed to do.” Johnson noted that everything is still a constant battle, however, and that all the quarterbacks are going to continue developing, working hard and grinding at it. Utah coach Kyle Whittingham also noted that nothing’s completely solidified. But, for now, Wilson and Schulz have earned the first two spots. There’s a chance, he added, that all three of the young quarterbacks (Cox, Manning and Thomas) could redshirt — depending on how things like injuries may or may not develop with Wilson and Schulz. It’s just a matter of seeing how things unfold. Schulz, though, is making his mark on a couple of different fronts — with his arm, plus his tenure with the Utes and success on the field. “That’s his strength — accuracy in the throw game,” Whittingham said. “Experience, he’s got more time in the program and he’s just had a very good fall overall.”

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @DirkFacer

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By Dirk Facer , Deseret News Published: Tuesday, Aug. 20 2013 5:40 p.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s linebacking corps proved to be a revolving door last season as injuries and inexperience took a toll. The Utes started nine different combinations and an equal number of players as starters (including three freshmen and two sophomores) over the 12 games of 2012. “We underachieved last year at that position due to a number of reasons, but the bottom line is nobody cares about those reasons,” said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. “You’ve either got to make the plays or not and we didn’t make enough plays at that position last year.” Trevor Reilly, who led the Utes with 69 tackles, agrees. “Overall, we just didn’t play good enough,” he said. “You can

Utah's Trevor Reilly at University of Utah make all the excuses in the world, but we as a unit didn’t play football practice at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Aug. 20. (Tom Smart, Deseret well enough.” News) Improvement, thus, isn’t just being sought — it’s being demanded. “They need to be better,” Whittingham said. “They have to be better.” After finishing 5-7 last season and missing out on a bowl game for the first time in nearly a decade, Utah’s linebackers are determined to do their part to turn things around. The task was made more difficult with the career-ending concussion suffered by sophomore Reshawn Hooker early in camp. “We want to get better. Last year wasn’t good enough — not only at linebacker but everywhere,” Reilly said. “I don’t think

we were good enough in the secondary and not on the D-line, Utah's V.J. Fehoko at University of Utah football practice at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City so as a defensive unit we’re just trying to get better.” on Aug. 20. (Tom Smart, Deseret News) Reilly, who was recently elected a team captain, made eight starts at linebacker and four at defensive end last season. He knows the big picture well, earning praise from Whittingham as the leader of the entire football team. The senior doesn’t mince his words in evaluating the situation. He said “we’ll see” and “to be determined” when asked about improved linebacker play this season. “But so far in camp, I think we’re

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Utah defensive coordinator Kalani Fifita Sitake at University of Utah football practice at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Aug. 20. (Tom Smart, Deseret News) further along now as far as recognizing plays and making plays than we were last year,” Reilly said. “So that’s a positive.” Reilly added that junior V.J. Fehoko and sophomore Jared Norris are looking good and guys like junior Jacoby Hale and sophomore LT Filiaga are coming along. They’re joined on the current depth chart by senior Brian Blechen and freshman Uaea Masina. “They’re doing a good job,” said defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake. “We’ve still got a little bit more to polish up, but I feel good about the group that we have right now. I think they’re going to be fine this season.” The key, he explained, will be staying healthy. As was the case last season, Sitake said the linebackers will be asked to do a lot and have pressure placed on them. “Our guys have to step it up,” he added. “And I think the silver lining on the whole thing is a lot of our guys got some good experience, but we

have to be able to function a lot better than we Utah's Brian Blechen at University of Utah football practice at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Aug. 20. (Tom Smart, played last year.” Deseret News) Sitake saw noticeable improvement in spring ball and an even bigger step forward in preseason camp. Whittingham is also pleased with the progress. “They’ve had a good fall camp. The depth chart is pretty solidified there with Blechen being the wild card. If he’s able to play then that obviously changes things up a little bit,” he said. “But they’ve worked hard. They understand they underachieved last year and so nobody wants to perform any more than they do and I think they’ve got a real good attitude right now.” As the Aug. 29 season opener against Utah State approaches, Reilly and Blechen (who is practicing more now than he was earlier in camp while battling tendinitis) are listed as the co-starters at stud linebacker. Fehoko and Norris top the chart in the middle and at rover, Utah's Jared Norris at University of Utah football practice at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on respectively. Hale is a backup at stud and rover, while Aug. 20. (Tom Smart, Deseret News) Filiaga (middle) and Masina (rover) are also in the mix as primary reserves. “There are so many plays that are played now,” Reilly said. “If you have two up-tempo teams you could easily be over 100 plays, so you’ve got to be one or two deep or maybe even three deep at some places.” * * * * * Utah linebacker depth chart (As of Aug. 19) STUD 9 — Trevor Reilly (6-5, 255, Sr.) or 4 — Brian Blechen (6-2, 225) 40 — Jacoby Hale (6-0, 230, Jr.) Utah's Trevor Reilly at University of Utah football practice at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Aug. 20. (Tom MIDDLE Smart, Deseret News)

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52 — V.J. Fehoko (5-11, 225, Jr.) 42 — LT Filiaga (6-0, 250, Soph.) ROVER 41 — Jared Norris (6-1, 230, Soph.) 40 — Jacoby Hale (6-0, 230, Jr.) 43 — Uaea Masina (6-2, 215, Fr.) — Starters in bold

Utah's Jared Norris at University of Utah football practice at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Aug. 20. (Tom Smart, Deseret News)

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By Anne M. Peterson Associated Press Published: Thursday, Aug. 22 2013 4:35 p.m. MDT

Turns out Dennis Erickson found life without football pretty boring. The veteran college coach took a season off after he was let go by Arizona State in 2011, thinking maybe at that point he'd retire. But after sitting out and watching fall Saturdays pass him by, he decided he'd had enough. Erickson was hired in January as a co-offensive coordinator at Utah under head coach Kyle Whittingham.

Utah's Dennis Erickson, Co-Offensive Coordinator at University of Utah football "It was a chance to get back into the practice at Rice-Eccles Stadium Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, in Salt Lake City. (Tom Smart, Deseret News) Pac-12, and it was close to where I live in Idaho," Erickson said. "More than anything, it was an opportunity to get back into coaching. I was out for that year and I missed it a lot. So I just wanted to get back in. And it's been a lot of fun for me." Erickson is charged with helping to install an uptempo offense, giving the Utes a new look heading into their third year in the Pac-12. He's working with fellow offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, the former Utah quarterback who played from 2004-08 and went a school-record 26-7 as a starter. "I really believe in playing fast," Erickson said. "We've been able to get better at it, but we've got a lot of things to learn. It doesn't happen overnight." Erickson, 66, led Miami to national championships in 1989 and 1991. Utah is his fourth Pac-12 school; he's also been head coach at Washington State (1987-88), Oregon State (1999-02) and Arizona State (2007-11). He's made

additional stops at Idaho and New co-offensive coordinator Dennis Erickson watches players warm up before the Red-White game at Rice-Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Wyoming. Saturday, April 20, 2013. (Laura Seitz, Deseret News) He also was head coach of the Seattle Seahawks (1995-98) and San Francisco 49ers (2003-04). The Utes can use his help. Last season, they averaged 25.9 points, far below Oregon's average of 49.6. They ranked 105th in the nation in total offense, averaging 324.42 yards. Utah finished 5-7 and missed out on going to a bowl game for the first time since 2002. Erickson and Johnson are depending on sophomore quarterback Travis Wilson, who had to start the final seven

1 of 2 8/23/2013 12:06 PM Utah football: Dennis Erickson is just happy to be back in the game http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/765636385/Utahs-Erickson-ha...

games of last season for the Utes because of injuries. Wilson threw for a respectable 1,311 yards and seven touchdowns, but he also threw six interceptions and struggled at times in close games to get the offense into scoring position. Wilson said he's embraced a leadership role as well as the new no-huddle offense. "It's going to be a lot faster," Wilson said. "We're going to really try to achieve a lot more plays throughout the whole game. That's the big emphasis." Erickson said Wilson is progressing nicely.

Dennis Erickson, co-offensive coordinator, during University of Utah football practice on April 16 in "We weren't very good on offense last year and we were very Salt Lake City. (Deseret News) inexperienced on the offensive line," Erickson said. "So he got introduced to it in maybe not the best situation. But he learned from it. And I really like where he's coming from and how he's improved. He's going to be the guy that makes this offense go." The Utes open the season next Thursday night at home against rival Utah State. Utah is expected to finish fifth in the Pac-12 South, where the team finished last season. The Utes were in the Mountain West Conference before joining the Pac-12 for the 2011 season. The team is still transitioning to the faster, bigger league, but the players think they'll surprise some of the naysayers with the new offense. "We'll be able to surprise a lot of people given where we were as an offense last year and not being very productive. Hopefully, we can come out and have that underdog mentality as an offense QB Travis Wilson and new co-offensive coordinator Dennis and just surprise people. Catch them on their Erickson confer during the Red-White game at Rice-Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Saturday, toes," junior tight end Jake Murphy said. "Not April 20, 2013. (Laura Seitz, Deseret News) many people are expecting much out of our offense right now. We like it like that. It should be interesting." Erickson and Johnson will share play-calling duties, with Johnson on the field and Erickson upstairs in the box. After more than 40 years in coaching, Erickson said it's been decades since he's watched from above. "It will be a little different, but it should be fun," he said. "I can have a hot dog if I want one. And I don't have to stand out in the weather if it's pouring. So I like that."

AP freelancer John Coon in Utah contributed to this report. University of Utah football offensive coordinators Dennis Erickson and Brian Johnson during a team scrimmage in Salt Lake City Friday, April 5, 2013. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News) Copyright 2013, Deseret News Publishing Company

2 of 2 8/23/2013 12:06 PM Utah football: Utes running backs rarin' to go http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865585100/Utah-football-Utes...

By Dirk Facer , Deseret News Published: Friday, Aug. 23 2013 9:02 a.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — Kelvin York and Bubba Poole give the Utah Utes a solid one-two punch on the ground. The running backs bring differing styles to the position, giving the offense added dimension. “I like that they’re different,” said co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach Dennis Erickson, who noted that one’s pretty powerful and the other brings something else. “We’ll use them both. Right now, Kelvin will start and then Bubba will go in. So James Poole (left) scores during the Red-White game at Rice-Eccles Stadium at the we’ll try to give them two different University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 20, 2013. (, Laura Seitz, Deseret News) looks.” York is determined to get in and wear defenses down. The 5-foot-11, 220-pound senior said once they get tired, Poole will get in and do his thing as well. “It’s definitely a one-two punch,” York added. Poole, a 6-foot, 196-pound sophomore, agrees with the description. While noting York is more of a powerful guy, he considers himself more of an elusive runner who tries to create things and get in space to make more plays happen. “Both those guys are playing real well. They’ve both made strides forward since spring ball. They were good in spring, but they’ve been even better in fall camp,” said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. “They’re going to be a 1 and 1-A situation. It’s not really 1 and 2; it’s 1 and 1-A. So we’re pleased with both of them.” And that’s not all. The coaching staff is also pleased with two other running backs in the program — senior Karl Williams and junior Lucky Radley. Whittingham said they aren’t too far behind York and Poole. “We’re fortunate,” Erickson said. “We’ve got Utah's Kelvin York looks for open field as he runs with the ball four backs that I wouldn’t be afraid to play.” during University of Utah football practice Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at Rice Eccles Stadium. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) Even so, York and Poole have separated themselves from the pack on the depth chart. York, in fact, is set on becoming the program’s next 1,000-yard rusher. “I’m going to get 1,000 yards. There’s no doubt about that and I’m ready to carry the load,” York said. “I guarantee 1,000 yards this season.” Whittingham is hopeful York is the next in line.

1 of 2 8/23/2013 11:59 AM Utah football: Utes running backs rarin' to go http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865585100/Utah-football-Utes...

Since 2005, the Utes have had four 1,000-yard rushers — Quinton Ganther, Darrell Mack, Eddie Wide and John White (who did it twice). Poole also believes York is capable of reaching the milestone. “Kelvin’s a great runner. He sees the hole and he also runs very hard,” Poole said. “I’m very confident he can get that. I think he can get more than 1,000 yards.” Poole added that perhaps both backs #38 Karl Williams drives past #1 Keith McGill during the Red-White game at Rice-Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah could do it. in Salt Lake City on Saturday, April 20, 2013. (, Laura Seitz, Deseret News) “My goal is to do whatever I can to help my team. I’m going to give it my all,” he said. “If I can push for 1,000 and we can get two 1,000-yard rushers, that’ll be even better. So that’s my goal.” Whittingham, obviously, wouldn’t mind if the Utes had two guys make the mark. “That would be great,” he said. “If they both do it I like our

chances for the season.” Lucky Radley runs the ball during University of Utah football practice in Salt Lake City, Thursday, April 18, 2013. (Ravell Call, Deseret While York is a known commodity as White’s backup last News) season — rushing for 273 yards on 80 carries with three touchdowns over eight games — Poole is coming off a redshirt year. Both came to Utah as junior college transfers. “I know he’s a good back,” York said. “He runs the ball, plus he can catch the ball out of the backfield pretty well, so that’s going to help us out a lot as well.” Poole is one of the fastest guys on the team. He was on Saddleback College’s school-record 4x400 relay squad and was a three-time track letterman at Cimarron Memorial High School in Las Vegas. Football, though, is his true love. He said he’s from a football family and the game comes naturally to him. “I’ve been waiting on this all my life,” Poole said of his opportunity to play at Utah. “After not being able to come here from high school, having to go to a juco, I’ve been waiting on this moment my whole life, so I’m ready.” Poole has overcome his share of hurdles. When he was just 1 year old, a bullet ricocheted through the side of his stomach and exited through his thigh while he was in his cradle. The shot reportedly occurred during a struggle over a gun that was brought into his family home by two men believed to be after his father’s car. “Yes, sir. I’ve been taking some hits,” he said. “That’s true. It’s pretty rough back in Vegas; a lot of people don’t know that.” Now, in less than one week, Poole will take the field and do something he always knew he could do. “I’ve been working real hard and I’ve just been waiting on my opportunity,” Poole said. “So I’m just trying to make the most of it.”

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @DirkFacer

2 of 2 8/23/2013 11:59 AM Andy Phillips on football vs. ski racing | Ski Racing Magazine http://skiracing.com/stories/andy-phillips-on-football-versus-ski-racing/

By Hank McKee September 1, 2013

Kick a few footballs, win a game and suddenly you’ve Advertisement got FOX Sports and ESPN reporters putting a microphone in your face asking questions, you get so many text messages your phone can’t handle the load and shuts down. What’s a guy like Andy Phillips to do?

“I can’t wrap my head around it yet,” says Phillips a former member of the U.S. Ski Team who walked onto the U of Utah practice field this season, earned himself a look from the coaches and, given the opportunity, did about as much as it is possible, for the kicker, to win a football game.

Start off with a 45 yard field goal, and follow that immediately with a successful on-side kick. Add a 38 yarder at the end of the game (for a four point victory) another field goal and all the extra points and you’ve got the recipe for all those post game interviews.

After the on-side kick, there wasn’t much that was going to bother Phillips. “I felt so calm after that, it was just let’s go kick it, why not?” Near the end of the contest the coach asked him if he wanted the team to try to get the ball to the center of the field so he wouldn’t have to kick at an angle. “I said naw, let’s just RECENT STORIES go do it.” Vonn back on snow The fo ur-time o verall Wo rld Cup champ said she was Two years ago there were no thoughts in Phillips head about football, other than perhaps watching some pain-free in her return to skiing after nearly seven on television. Then a Thanksgiving Day family Turkey Bowl and a kicking contest with his brother months off snow due to injury. convinced Phillips he had a chance to be a high caliber kicker. read more

I told my friend Colby (Granstrom US Ski Team member and the best man at Phillips’ wedding) my goal Andy Phillips o n fo o tball vs. ski racing was to make a football team. I Kind of made it my New Years Resolution. So we sent video to several The former US Ski Team member walked onto the University of Utah football team as a kicker. schools. The Utes responded and he walked on the practice field and never looked back. “I guess the coach read more liked my athletic stature and ability to kick and wanted to see what I could do.” Hendrickson surgery successful, no return date set Training he says is no more difficult for football than it was for ski racing… it’s just faster. "While it is to o early to identify a specific reco very windo w, the medical team will wo rk with Sarah to “In skiing you could go to the Center (Center of Excellence in Park City) and you have all day to ensure the best care in rehabilitatio n. A full reco very is accomplish what you need to. NCAA rules say you can only train so many minutes at a time, so it’s a anticipated.” - Dr Kyle Wilkens pretty fast pace.” read more

Phillips says he never wanted to leave skiing, it was just financially unfeasible to continue. The attention Fitness key to LaParva camp He (Berezki) has a lot of experience in the sport and he has attracted with his first game of football is another thing he says is difficult to “get the head around. they worked really hard and this is what yo u can no w It’s just overwhelming for kicking a football. It’s so strange. I keep thinking about it. I mean it’s college, see on skis. They're getting better and better and right? In skiing a Nor-Am and for sure Europa Cup is a higher level than that, but winning at that level stro nger. This is what you need to do to beat all doesn’t get much attention even in Europe.” those guys in Europe.” - Andi Evers read more He admits the idea of an NFL career has crossed his mind, but it’s not something he is hanging his hopes Tiger Shaw Named to Succeed Bill Marolt as USSA on. “My focus in stopping skiing to go to school and stuff was to make sure I get my degree. The primary President Next Spring goal is to get the degree. If it works out kicking… well fine.” Former alpine Olympian and long-time U. S. Ski and Phillips says he could definitely reach a 60 yard field goal, but adds he feels comfortable from 50 yards in. Snowboard Foundation trustee, Gale H. “Tiger” Shaw III has been named USSA Chief Operating Officer as of Leg strength is one thing. Standing in there while the opponents are crashing toward you yelling and doing this coming October. what they can to distract is quite another. Ski racing, he says, helped in overcoming that. read more “I compared it a lot to being in the start gate. You get so zoned in. You are focused on whatever, a piece of the course, a particular gate. In football I’m just looking at a spot. Ok, the ball got there. Kick it. … The DIGITAL MAGAZINE mentality is actually pretty much the same thing. You get so hyped up.” Check And then come the interviews. Out this Month's Issue

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2 of 4 9/5/2013 9:47 AM 9/5/13 Utah football: Andy Phillips kicking his way into celebrity status | The Salt Lake Tribune

Utah football: Andy Phillips kicking his way into celebrity status

College football • Ex-skier makes transition to football look easy after season opener.

BY LYA WODRASKA

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 4, 2013 11:43PM UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 4, 2013 11:42PM

Utah kicker Andy Phillips is sporting a hefty, bright yellow protective sleeve on his kicking leg this week, the result of a knee crashing into his shin during the Utes’ win over the Utah State Aggies.

But don’t worry, Utah fans. The team’s latest sensation isn’t in jeopardy of being sidelined by a few broken blood vessels and a bit of muscle damage. The guy, after all, made a past career of skiing off cliffs and barreling down mountains at speeds that would make even the top black diamond masters quiver.

He has broken fingers, he has broken arms, he has two steel plates and 16 screws in his left hand and he relishes telling the story of the time he flew off a 25-foot cliff at Snowbird during a powder day, landed on a hidden rock and broke his left femur. Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Kicker Andy Phillips at Utah football practice, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013. “Snapped it completely in half,” he said with a grin that makes one wonder about his sanity. “Now that was painful. My mom always said I had a high pain tolerance and luckily I am big enough to take a hit. That little bruise isn’t going throw me off.”

Nope, if anything, it seems Phillips, the former U.S. ski team member, is right on his game with the Utes.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has cautioned that one game doesn’t make a career, but Phillips’ debut was one heck of a start.

The returned LDS Church missionary, who joined the Utes two years ago to fulfill a New Year’s resolution to himself, couldn’t have had a better indoctrination into live action than the one he got against Utah State.

He made field goals from 45, 19 and 38 yards and performed an onside kick perfectly to help the Utes come from behind to beat the Aggies.

A week ago Phillips was wondering how he might perform under pressure in various situations. It took only one game for everyone, including Phillips, to see he would be just fine.

“The biggest thing for me was the last kick,” he said. “That put the nail in the coffin, and until that point I hadn’t realized how much of an impact on the game I was having.”

Whittingham often referred to Phillips as a “warrior,” during fall camp and called his season-opening performance outstanding.

“For a kid who has never played football, he showed a lot of poise and mental toughness,” Whitttingham said.

Now Phillips seems like he is on a chairlift ride to stardom. The Utes haven’t seen this from a kicker since “King” Louie Sakoda reigned over campus.

Sakoda, who set numerous school records during his career from 2005-08, became a star not only because of his solid kicking but because of his overall demeanor. At 5-foot-9, 178 pounds, he was built like a football player — not the typical slight-bodied form of most kickers.

Sakoda also had a hefty mental attitude to go with it, and relished working out with linemen in the weight room. That habit earned him not only perhaps the biggest calves in the program, but also the respect of his teammates.

Phillips, with his stocky 5-11, 210-pound frame, seems like a bigger version of Sakoda. As for respect, well, entertaining teammates with tales of his adventures on some of the steepest mountains in the world gave him a certain amount of instant credibility.

“Andy, he’s just courageous,” Utah running back James Poole said. “We’d always ask him what he’d do when the kick is up and the Pac-12 is on the line and he’d say it didn’t matter how far it is or anything, that is what he wanted. That is what I like about him: He isn’t scared of anything. www.sltrib.com/csp/cms/sites/sltrib/pages/printerfriendly.csp?id=56823658 1/2 9/5/13 Utah football: Andy Phillips kicking his way into celebrity status | The Salt Lake Tribune “As for the mountains, I’ll leave them to Andy,” Poole added.

When he joined the Utes, Phillips wondered just how his past forays in soccer would translate to kicking a football. It took two years for him to change his mechanics, getting the action of using a consistent, stiff kick as opposed to the various angles used in soccer.

Working with previous Utah kicker Joe Phillips helped as well as attending a camp with respected kicking coach Gary Zauner in Arizona.

“After two days with him, my kicking was a lot more consistent, and I won a kicking contest in camp that gave me a lot of confidence coming into this year,” he said.

Phillips was solid in camp too, but everyone wanted to see what he’d do under pressure, particularly since some of Utah’s previous kickers had succumbed in past situations. But Phillips had that part down, nailing his kicks through the uprights as cleanly as he ripped down a slalom course.

“That second [kick] was tricky,” he said. “People think because the distance is short they are easy but it plays into your head. I let my muscle memory take over and just killed it.”

The only difference in the mental aspect was performing in front of more than 45,000 people. Back in his skiing days, Phillips said the ski team was lucky if 100 people turned out to watch them race. The crowd reaction he experienced on Thursday was nothing like he’d ever imagined.

“I hate to say it, but as good as it feels to win a ski race, having my hard work pay off and being appreciated like that was better,” he said.

“Kicking is an individual sport in a way too because it’s your own head playing with you out there, but you have the support on the sidelines and the fans and the teammates running out to block for you,” Phillips said.

—

Phillips file

Year • Freshman. Ht/Wt • 5-11/210

Hometown • Draper

Of note • Competed on the U.S. Ski Team as an alpine racer from 2007-2011. ... Was the J2 Downhill National Champion in 2006. ... Graduated from the Winter Sports School, a high school for elite winter sport athletes in Park City. ... Both parents graduated from BYU.

—

Weber St. at Utah

O Saturday, noon

TV • Pac-12 Network

www.sltrib.com/csp/cms/sites/sltrib/pages/printerfriendly.csp?id=56823658 2/2 9/5/13 Utah football: Fitzgerald ready to step into bigger role | The Salt Lake Tribune

Utah football: Fitzgerald ready to step into bigger role

College football • ‘Old man’ receiver set career standards against Utah State.

BY LYA WODRASKA

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 5, 2013 10:13AM UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 5, 2013 10:14AM

Sean Fitzgerald might get a lot of ribbing from his teammates for being one of the “old men,” on Utah’s team, but the 25-year-old is far from feeling elderly by athletic standards.

If anything, the receiver is feeling some new life with an opportunity to hold a starting role for the Utes this year.

Fitzgerald, who is the third oldest player on the team behind defensive end Trevor Reilly and offensive lineman Junior Salt by a matter of months, has been designated as Utah’s No. 3 receiver in place of Kenneth Scott who suffered a season-ending lower leg injury in the first quarter of Utah’s win over Utah State.

Fitzgerald had five catches for 79 yards while Anthony Denham had six for 113 yards in the game, but Fitzgerald edged out Denham for the starting nod.

“He is a true pro in my opinion,” Utah co-offensive coordinator Dennis Erickson said. “When his time came he made huge plays for us. He isn’t going to beat you deep a lot but he catches the ball and is smart and can play every position so he brings a lot to the team.”

The California native’s best moments against the Aggies came in the closing minutes of the third quarter when he caught successive passes of 22 and 26 yards to set up a touchdown that put the Utes ahead 24-23. Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune Sean Fitzgerald tries to reach for a pass as the University of Utah's football team holds their first preseason scrimmage at the To put his performance in perspective, Fitzgerald’s one-game total surpassed what he made stadium on Tuesday, August 13, 2013. in the previous four seasons with the Utes.

Fitzgerald, a member of Utah’s 2006 signing class, had just four catches for 61 yards in his career, all of which came last year.

To say his journey to a starting role has been a long one is a slight understatement.

“It feels great to have this opportunity,” he said. “I’ve been working hard it it and I feel like I have the support and trust of the team so I’m excited.”

Fitzgerald’s career with the Utes started normally enough, as he signed with Utah then went on a mission which he served in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.

He redshirted upon his return in 2009, then played sparingly in 2010 as a member of Utah’s special teams.

He was hoping to make his mark as a receiver in 2011, but hamstring injuries hampered his abilities and he earned playing time in just six games and finished without a catch.

More injuries slowed him at the start of 2012 but he managed to get in nine games with his best performance being two catches for 50 yards against Washington State.

A solid fall camp made him a contender for the No. 3 position.

“The hamstrings are good and I feel better,” he said. “I’ve been playing football for a while now. I’m 25-years-old, but I feel good.”

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has been vocal in pointing out that there was a huge gap between Scott and fellow starter Dres Anderson and the rest of the receivers. However, Fitzgerald is confident he can close that gap with more reps.

He might not be as dynamic or as fast as Scott, but at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds he is still a big target.

“Scott getting hurt changes the dynamic in a huge way,” he said. “He is a leader and his energy he brings to the field, I know I have to step in and fill that void as one of the receivers. We have to play our hearts out to deliver, that is what he would have done.”

Fitzgerald and quarterback Travis Wilson said the two have a good rapport, which should help the transition. www.sltrib.com/csp/cms/sites/sltrib/pages/printerfriendly.csp?id=56829083 1/2 9/5/13 Utah football: Fitzgerald ready to step into bigger role | The Salt Lake Tribune “Sean is good at running routes and he finds ways to get open,” Wilson said.

“We always kid him about being an old man, but Fitz has been doing a great job and will make a great wide receiver for us this year,” Wilson added.

Fitzgerald joked he has more aches and pains now that he is older but that he feels younger. He’d better, because the Utes need him now more than ever.

—

Sean Fitzgerald

6-3, 200, Sr.

Mission Viejo, Calif.

Of note • Had four catches for 61 yards and played in nine games in 2012...Redshirted in 2009 after returning from a mission...Lists beach volleyball and photography among his hobbies...Double major is in speech and business.

www.sltrib.com/csp/cms/sites/sltrib/pages/printerfriendly.csp?id=56829083 2/2 Brad Rock: Utah's 'Little Flipper' makes his own name http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865585864/Brad-Rock-Utahs-Li...

By Brad Rock , Deseret News Published: Thursday, Sept. 5 2013 6:00 p.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — There are two directions a receiver can take when his father is part of NFL history: Down-and-out, haunted by the virtuosity that went before, or deep downfield, embracing it all. When your dad answers to the name “Flipper,” there’s not much middle ground. “I was like a normal kid, but everybody knew who my dad was,” says Utah wideout Dres Anderson. “Everybody was like, ‘That’s Little Flipper, that’s Little Flipper right there.’ It’s not like there were TV cameras on me, nothing like that, but everybody knew who I was.” Everyone knows him now, too. He has played in all 26 games since coming to Utah and last year started in all but one, leading the team in receptions (36) and receiving yards (365).

Utah Utes wide receiver Dres Anderson (6) runs for a long gain Yes, he chose the downfield route. after a catch against Utah State during NCAA football in Salt But the 2012 Ute attack was Lake City, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013. Utah won 30-26. (Jeffrey famously ineffectual, ranking 105th D. Allred, Deseret News) in total offense and 73rd in scoring. That wasn’t Anderson’s fault. An injury-plagued line and quarterback turnover gnawed at the team’s progress. Already this season Anderson has 59 receiving yards, 56 of them on a single play. Late in the third quarter against Utah State, the Utes’ hopes were dimming. But Travis Wilson found Anderson deep and the mood lifted. On that play, the Utes symmetrically switched field positions from their own 22 to the Aggie 22. Five plays later a field goal drew them within six. Utah then recovered an onside kick that led to the go-ahead touchdown. Dres Anderson, fall mugs for University of Even the famous Flipper Anderson would have been pleased Utah football Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2013, in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Tom Smart, University of with a game like that. Utah Athletics) The elder Anderson’s fame is largely linked to one serendipitous day. In a 1989 game in New Orleans, with leading L.A. Rams receiver Henry Ellard sidelined, the burden fell on Flipper, who responded with an NFL-record 336 receiving yards on 15 catches. That’s 12 more yards than the entire Utah offense averaged in 2012. The Rams' game plan amounted to quarterback Jim Everett telling Flipper to go long. Everything Everett threw, his receiver claimed. He averaged 26 yards a catch in that eventful season. Now comes Dres, an ebullient, likable star. He is not only a top attraction on the field but off. Media love him. His favorite phrase is “most definitely” as in “Most definitely every time I get the ball I want to score.” A mass communication major, he says he mostly lets his play do the talking on the field. “Every time they give me the ball they want it to be a special play,” he says. “So I try to get a touchdown or something deep.”

1 of 2 9/6/2013 3:26 PM Brad Rock: Utah's 'Little Flipper' makes his own name http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865585864/Brad-Rock-Utahs-Li...

Off-field the talking is pretty good too. Anderson entertained himself during camp by pretending to do on-air interviews with teammates. He comes by showbiz naturally. His father got his distinct nickname from a babysitter who thought he cried like a dolphin. Later the TV show “Flipper” became his favorite. By the time he got to high school, the name was set. Meanwhile, the younger Anderson’s entertainment quotient is rising. Though a so-so 6-feet-1, he has nice speed, sure hands and runs fine routes. In other words he can do all the dolphin tricks: flip, roll, leap and, yes, balance the ball on his nose Utah Utes wide receiver Dres Anderson (6) runs for a long gain if needed. after a catch against Utah State during NCAA football in Salt Lake City, Thursday, Aug. 29, Afterward, it’s show time for Dres. 2013. Utah won 30-26. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News) “I always like joking around, making catches and celebrating and stuff, going up to the quarterback and bumping,” he says.

It should be no surprise to learn he grew up appreciating Dres Anderson, fall mugs for University of Utah football Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2013, in Salt motor-mouths such as Terrell Owens and Chad (Ochocinco) Lake City, Utah. (Tom Smart, University of Johnson. Utah Athletics) “Dres makes me laugh,” Wilson says. The elder Anderson actually didn’t apply much pressure to Dres as a young player, except to instruct him on reputation building. “He didn’t treat me like I was anything special," Dres says. "He was like, ‘Make your own name; go make a name for yourself." He’s working on it, just like his dad, one deep route at a time.

Email: [email protected]; Twitter: @therockmonster; Blog: Rockmonster Unplugged

2 of 2 9/6/2013 3:26 PM

9/16/13 Football: Wilson stays strong in face of tragedy | The Daily Utah Chronicle dailyutahchronicle.com http://www.dailyutahchronicle.com/?p=2591307

Football: Wilson stays strong in face of tragedy

By Austin Heywood on September 15, 2013. Contact Austin Heywood at [email protected].

Utah quarterback Travis Wilson had a lot of weight placed on him coming into Saturday’s Homecoming game against Oregon State. In the Utes’ ongoing quest to prove they belong in the Pac-12, he looked to help Utah secure a win in this year’s conference opener, something it had failed to do since joining the Pac-12 two years ago.

On Sept. 8, Wilson received news from home that would place a much heavier burden on his shoulders than anything related to football. Early that morning, Nick Pasquale, a longtime friend of his and a wide receiver at UCLA, was struck by a car and killed while Quarterback Travis Wilson has his eye on pay dirt during one of walking in his hometown of San Clemente, Calif. He his three touchdown runs Saturday night in Rice-Eccles stadium. was 20 years old. Wilson also threw for two more touchdowns and 3 INTs. // Chad Zavala Pasquale, a redshirt freshman, played on Aug. 31 in the final offensive series of the Bruins’ season-opening win against Nevada. The next week was a bye for UCLA, and many players returned home to see friends and family. The accident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on a busy multi-lane street in a residential area. The driver who struck Pasquale stopped, called the police and waited until the authorities arrived. Pasquale was pronounced dead on the scene.

“Sunday when I found out, it was definitely the hardest day of my life,” Wilson said earlier this week. “Nick has been my best friend since we were really young.”

Wilson said that while he remained focused on the game throughout the week, it was hard to not think about the loss of his friend. He was grateful for the support of his family and his team.

“When you lose your best friend, of course that’s going to impact you,” Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said after Saturday’s loss to the Beavers. “But Travis is a tough guy and he understands that he’s got a job to do with this team as well. He’s certainly going through a tough time, and we support him 100 percent.”

In what was anticipated to be a shootout between two highly touted quarterbacks, Wilson came out both very hot and very cold. After stalling in the first quarter on three consecutive three-and-outs, the Utes’ offense finally heated up when Wilson connected with Dres Anderson on a 49-yard touchdown pass early in the second frame.

However, early in the third quarter, Wilson threw his first interception of the season and it was returned 27 yards for an OSU touchdown. At that point the Utes were down 27-10 and had lost all signs of momentum. But Wilson was far from done.

Although he would throw two more picks on the night, Wilson led the charge as the Utah offense clawed its www.dailyutahchronicle.com/?p=2591307 1/2 9/16/13 Football: Wilson stays strong in face of tragedy | The Daily Utah Chronicle way back in the fourth quarter. He connected with Lucky Radley for a 15-yard touchdown and ran for two more himself before the clock expired, showing 45-45 at the end of regulation.

“[Travis] is the guy that kept us in the game,” Whittingham said. “He did a nice job of staying focused.”

After Andy Phillips connected on a tough 41-yard field goal in overtime, the Utes needed just one stop to seal the comeback victory. But OSU quarterback Sean Mannion, who abused an inexperienced Utah secondary all night, proved to be too tough to stop and the Utes’ Homecoming game ended in heartbreak.

In the end, Wilson has bigger things to mourn over than a lost football game. He desperately wanted to win for Pasquale and was very disappointed in the game’s outcome, but his resiliency until the contest’s final seconds was a monument in and of itself.

“Travis was the difference-maker,” said senior tight end Jake Murphy. “He carried us tonight. He was a leader.”

www.dailyutahchronicle.com/?p=2591307 2/2 9/16/13 Brothers Trevor, Drew Reilly will be on opposite sides of BYU-Utah rivalry this weekend

Brothers Trevor, Drew Reilly will be on opposite sides of BYU-Utah rivalry this weekend

By Jeff Call and Dirk Facer , Deseret News Published: Monday, Sept. 16 2013 12:15 a.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — Russ Reilly says his wife Kris has a good solution to their divided household when it comes to Saturday’s rivalry game between BYU and Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo.

“She says she’s going to be rooting for the defense,” he said.

And with good reason. Brothers Trev or, left, and Drew Reilly in Murray Sunday , Sept. 1 5, 201 3. Trev or play s for Utah and Drew play s for BYU. The schools play each other this Saturday . (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News) Russ and Kris are the parents of Utah defensive end/linebacker Trevor Reilly and BYU safety Drew Reilly.

“It’s actually a miserable situation for them,” Drew said. “As far as me and Trevor go, we’re super excited for the chance to play against each other. It might never happen again. But the way my parents see it, after the end of the game one of us will lose and be miserable. My parents have a tough time knowing that.”

Saturday's game will mark Drew's debut with the Cougars. The sophomore, a transfer from Colorado State, suffered a torn meniscus in his knee on the final day of camp in August and immediately underwent surgery to repair the damage. He’s been motivated to return for the Utah game, although his father felt differently.

Brothers Trev or, left, and Drew Reilly talk about the two schools riv alry in “My dad said, ‘The best thing that Murray Sunday , Sept. 1 5, 201 3. Trev or play s for Utah and Drew play s for BYU. could happen is that you don’t play. The schools play each other this Saturday . (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News) If for some reason you had to wait another week, that would be the easiest thing for us.’ But I’m hoping that doesn’t happen,” said Drew, who expects to have a role on special teams and is hopeful to get a couple of reps on defense as www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865586466/Brothers-Trevor-Drew-Reilly-will-be-on-opposite-sides-of-BYU-Utah-rivalry-this-weekend.html 1/3 9/16/13 Brothers Trevor, Drew Reilly will be on opposite sides of BYU-Utah rivalry this weekend well. “We’ll see what happens. Even to have one run down the field, that would be good for me at this point.”

Trevor, meanwhile, is a senior team captain and an integral part of Utah’s defense.

“It’s a little awkward. I’m Trevor’s biggest fan as far as defense goes. I want him to do great,” Drew said. “He’s had a good year and this is his year to tear it up and go to the NFL. Obviously he can’t really do that against us. But there’s tackles to be made, so I’d love it if he had 10, 13 tackles but limited TFLs, no sacks, no hurries.”

The brothers are close. They get Brothers Trev or, left, and Drew Reilly talk about the two schools riv alry in Murray Sunday , Sept. 1 5, 201 3. Trev or play s for Utah and Drew play s for BYU. together at least once a week to hang The schools play each other this Saturday . (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News) out, play golf, and watch movies or television. Trevor doesn’t hesitate to point out that “blood is thicker than jersey colors.”

That was never more evident than when Drew decided to transfer from CSU after one season (where he started four games) following an LDS Church mission to Texas. Trevor and his wife Jessica picked Drew up at the airport and drove him to Provo to visit with BYU coaches and check things out in the spring of 2012.

Trevor waited in the car.

“I got out for a little bit and sat on a bench and then walked around,” he said.

Jessica and oldest daughter Nelli were among the family members who accompanied Drew on the visit. Jessica, a die-hard Utah loyalist, acknowledged it wasn’t easy. Jessica Reilly , wife of Utah play er Trev or Reilly , talks about the two schools riv alry with her brother in law Drew Reilly in Murray Sunday , Sept. 1 5, 201 3. Trev or play s for Utah and Drew play s for BYU. The schools play each “But I’ll do anything for Drew — even other this Saturday . (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News) go into the BYU office,” she said, adding that it helped when assistant coach Lance Reynolds told her that they made a mistake not offering Trevor a scholarship several years earlier.

Drew liked what he saw and heard and decided to sign with the Cougars. Being close to family like Trevor, Jessica and their kids was also a big factor, as was easing travel for the Reilly parents in Valley www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865586466/Brothers-Trevor-Drew-Reilly-will-be-on-opposite-sides-of-BYU-Utah-rivalry-this-weekend.html 2/3 9/16/13 Brothers Trevor, Drew Reilly will be on opposite sides of BYU-Utah rivalry this weekend Center, Calif.

Trevor’s response to Drew opting to wear blue?

“He was like, ‘Well, that’s probably the worst decision you’ll ever make,’” Drew joked. “No, he was real supportive after that.”

Still is.

“I think he could have played here at Utah,” Trevor said. “But circumstances worked out where BYU gave him a

Brothers Trev or, left, and Drew Reilly talk about the two schools riv alry in scholarship for the spring, he met his Murray Sunday , Sept. 1 5, 201 3. Trev or play s for Utah and Drew play s for BYU. The schools play each other this Saturday . (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret future wife down there, and so I think News) it all worked out.”

Drew and his fiance Ashlyn will be married Nov. 2 at the Mount Timpanogos LDS Temple in American Fork.

While sitting out last season because of NCAA transfer rules, Drew played the role of Trevor on BYU’s scout team in preparation for the Utah game. A year earlier, Trevor earned Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week honors by recording three forced fumbles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup in the Utes’ 54-10 win over the Cougars in Provo.

“That week was real awkward for me, super awkward,” Drew said of his scout team representation. “He single-handedly almost tore our team up the year before, so that was pretty uncomfortable for that period of time.”

Now comes a head-to-head meeting — at least when it comes to teams — this weekend.

“I’ve never played against my brother like that so it’ll be real weird,” Trevor said.

Added Drew: “Take all the tackles, but leave everything else.”

www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865586466/Brothers-Trevor-Drew-Reilly-will-be-on-opposite-sides-of-BYU-Utah-rivalry-this-weekend.html 3/3 9/23/13 Utah-BYU: Friel brothers balance rivalry and football | The Salt Lake Tribune

Utah-BYU: Friel brothers balance rivalry and football

College football • Kaneakua starts at tight end for the Cougars; Kala is a backup tackle for Utes

BY TONY JONES

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 19, 2013 06:17PM UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 19, 2013 11:24PM

Kaneakua and Kala Friel are two years apart in age.

They are brothers at BYU and Utah, separated by a 45-minute drive and one of the best rivalries in college sports. And while the Reilly brothers will have the biggest spotlight Saturday night, the Friels also will be on opposite sidelines.

Kaneakua starts at tight end for the Cougars. His run-blocking will be an important element, as well as his and pass-catching ability.

Kala, a sophomore offensive tackle, is a backup. He has worked on the Ute scout team in Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Brigham Young practice, which meaning he has been wearing BYU blue all week. For two brothers who Cougars tight end Kaneakua Friel (82) celebrates after scoring a touchdow n during the first half of the game always wanted to play college football together, wearing the same color uniform at different against Washington State at LaVell Edw ards Stadium in schools is the closest they will come. Provo on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012.

“I wanted Kala to come here,” Kaneakua Friel said. “I wanted to play next to him. I would’ve loved to play side-by-side with my brother. But he’s fulfilling the goal of being a college athlete. I don’t think it changes anything. If my brother was on the field, maybe it would change something. If he was a defensive player, it would probably change a little bit more.”

The Friel brothers always were close while growing up in Hawaii and played on the same teams as they matured. They typically talk almost every day. But the phone calls and text messages have ceased this week, for understandable reasons.

Their father, Thomas, says that the family downplays the brother angle and that both will be a winners regardless. And while the Friel brothers don’t have a bet between them, Kala says he’ll try to make his older sibling cook him breakfast if the Utes come out on top. After all, he is an offensive lineman, so eating well is a must.

“We’re both going to play as hard as we can and then talk a little smack to each other after the game,” Kala said. “I support him in all that he does, and he’s doing really well. He supports me and tries to help me get better.”

[email protected]

Twitter: @tjonessltrib

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www.sltrib.com/csp/cms/sites/sltrib/pages/printerfriendly.csp?id=56894076 1/1 9/23/13 BYU, Utes football: Growing up a Whittingham is a tough but welcome task for Utah's Jason Whittingham

BYU, Utes football: Growing up a Whittingham is a tough but welcome task for Utah's Jason Whittingham

By Amy Donaldson , Deseret News Published: Thursday, Sept. 19 2013 5:40 p.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — Jason Whittingham doesn’t have the luxury of obscurity.

From the moment he began playing, he’s carried with him the tradition of tough, talented, defensive-minded football players that started with the patriarch of that legacy — the late Fred Whittingham Sr.

When your grandfather’s nickname is Utah's Jason Whittingham practices at the Univ ersity of Utah's Rice-Eccles Mad Dog, you really can’t get away with Stadium on Saturday , August 1 8, 201 2. (Laura Seitz, Deseret News) anything other than a Herculean-like effort, even if the task is filling water bottles. There is also a bit more scrutiny when you’re the nephew of Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, a guy who earned awards as a linebacker at BYU and who's coached multiple defensive award-winners.

While some might see that tradition as a heavy burden, Jason said growing up a Whittingham has more advantages than drawbacks — especially when it comes to football.

“There is a little pressure, obviously because of the family name, and the tradition we have in football,” said the 22-year-old redshirt sophomore, who, like his father, uncles and grandfather, plays linebacker. “My grandpa is obviously a great coach, and a great player before he was a coach, but I don’t feel too much pressure. I just try to do my best, and do what I know is right. I try to do what my uncle and my dad tell me because they obviously have been where I am now, and I try taking advice from them. It works out Utah Head Coach Ky le Whittingham watches as his team is up 7 0-7 ov er most, well, all of the time.” Weber State late in the fourth quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday , Sept. 7 , 201 3. (Matt Gade, Deseret News) He said the real advantage is that when he has questions, he has a number of resources, starting with his father, Timpview High head coach Cary Whittingham, who led the T-birds to a state title in his first season at the helm of the program www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865586729/BYU-Utes-football-Growing-up-a-Whittingham-is-a-tough-but-welcome-task-for-Utahs-Jason.html 1/3 9/23/13 BYU, Utes football: Growing up a Whittingham is a tough but welcome task for Utah's Jason Whittingham last fall.

“He’s always there for me, and he has a lot of great advice for me,” Jason said. “He comes off as intimidating to a lot of people. He is a quiet guy. He just tries to lead by example and he lets his actions do the talking for him. He is very tough. I try and learn from him and how he lives his life. I try to take that toughness on in my own life as well.”

Jason said one night he remembers well is the night his uncle Kyle gathered the family together in December 2004 to tell them he would stay at Utah rather than take the helm of his alma mater.

“I remember that night quite well,” he said. “We were all over at his house. It was a tough decision, and a lot of family was over there helping him have a clear mind so he could make the right decision for himself and his family. I think he did make the right decision.”

Whittingham said he wanted his uncle to take the BYU job, but not because he favored the Cougars over the Utes.

“I kind of had a little fantasy going there in my head,” he said smiling. “It was exciting to know that my family could all come down and live with me in Utah County. But I kind of knew he’d stay at Utah, that he’d stay loyal to where he’d been all those years. And I think he did what was in his heart. I think he made the right choice.”

Jason sometimes prods his father to regale him with stories of his BYU glory days, including the year the Cougars were national champs in 1984. Both his father and his uncle, Fred Whittingham Jr., now director of player personnel at Utah, played on that team.

“He doesn’t ever brag about anything,” said Jason of Cary Whittingham. “Sometimes I ask my dad who was on the 1984 national championship team, and what that was like, but he doesn’t have much to say. He just kind of brushes it off like it was no big deal.”

Still, Jason knows there is more to the story because he sees the dedication of his uncles and his father to both the game and to their families.

“I know they were all hard workers on those BYU teams that they played on, and I’m just trying to follow in their footsteps and hopefully (help) Utah to have a good season this year.”

After Saturday’s overtime loss to Oregon State, Jason Whittingham said the defense simply needed to play tougher if they wanted to create turnovers, something they haven’t been able to do in their first two games.

“We just weren’t hitting hard enough,” he said. “We’ve got to hit people in the mouth, and I feel like we weren’t doing that tonight.”

To create turnovers, he said, Utah’s defense must find a way to play tougher.

He said that’s something he feels personally responsible to do, especially in light of his family heritage.

“I take a lot of it upon myself to have that mentality that we need this ball back, we need it for our offense,” he said. “It’s kind of like, when you go against an offense, it’s like who’s tougher? If you can get a turnover, then it shows you’re tougher than the offense. You impose your will upon them.”

While he admits there is something special about the rivalry game, which he missed last season due to injury, he sees the wisdom in approaching the contest the same way the Utes approach any other opponent. He also knows to expect the unexpected. www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865586729/BYU-Utes-football-Growing-up-a-Whittingham-is-a-tough-but-welcome-task-for-Utahs-Jason.html 2/3 9/23/13 BYU, Utes football: Growing up a Whittingham is a tough but welcome task for Utah's Jason Whittingham

“You kind of want to skip the first three quarters and go straight to the fourth in this game sometimes because that’s where the most exciting parts happen," he said, recalling last year’s wild finish. “You never know what to expect in this game. It seems kind of like a bigger win than any other on the schedule when you get that win, but it’s really not.”

Despite the ties the Whittinghams have to BYU, and even some affection, the family is united in their support for Kyle, Fred Jr. and Jason this weekend.

His twin brother, Trevor, attends BYU, but on Saturday he’ll be rooting for the Utes.

“My brother is faithful to the family,” said Whittingham. “He is rooting for Utah. He is always there to support me, and he’s one of my biggest fans.”

And when he runs out onto the field, he will feel a sense of responsibility to a grandfather he lost in 2003 and a father and uncles who show him every day the best way to honor Mad Dog’s legacy — on and off the field.

“I always loved hearing those stories,” he said. “It hits my heart in a spot that nothing else really does knowing that my grandpa is up there watching me play football, and I just try to make him proud.”

BYU NOTES: BYU linebacker Kyle Van Noy, an All-America candidate, has 23 career sacks, making him the NCAA's FBS active career leader in the category. He needs 11 sacks this season to tie the career sack record (33) at BYU. … The Cougars are 2-3 at home against Utah since 2003. … Two BYU players ranked in the top five nationally in average rushing yards. Jamaal Williams (163 ypg) is No. 3 in the nation, while Taysom Hill (150.5) is No. 5. … BYU is 66-8 under coach Bronco Mendenhall when the Cougars score at least 24 points. … When BYU scores fewer than 24 points, the Cougars are 9-22. … When BYU scores more than 30 points, the Cougars are 50-3.

UTAH NOTES: This is the Utes’ first road game of the season. ... Wide receiver Dres Anderson is coming off of back-to-back 100-yard receiving games. The junior had 103 against Weber State and 101 in last week’s Pac-12 opener with Oregon State. ... After beating Utah State earlier this season, Utah can win the Beehive Boot outright with a win Saturday. ... The Utes are 13-6 in games broadcast on ESPN2. ... Utah quarterback Travis Wilson is second in the Pac-12 in passing yards per completion (16.9) and points responsible (72). ... The Utes are 2-0 this season when scoring first and when leading after three quarters.

Contributing: Dirk Facer and Jeff Call

Twitter: adonsports Email: [email protected]

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Q&A with Lucky Radley | The Daily Utah Chronicle http://www.dailyutahchronicle.com/?p=2592547

dailyutahchronicle.com http://www.dailyutahchronicle.com/?p=2592547

By Chad Mobley on September 26, 2013. Contact Chad Mobley at [email protected].

Lucky Radley has been on Utah’s roster since 2010, but his presence on the field has been minimal — until now.

In just four games, Radley has more than tripled his career numbers in yards and touchdowns. When he gets the ball, he’s been making things happen. Whether he’s breaking out for a 15-yard reception to spark Utah’s offensive tear against Oregon State or adding to the pile of points with two touchdowns against Weber State, Radley is becoming a potent option at back.

On the field he’s intense, but in person, he’s a nice guy who puts his family and friends above all. Lucky took some time to hang out with me after Thursday’s practice at the Spence and Cleone Eccles Football Center, telling me about his life and giving me advice on getting more Instagram followers.

CM: Lucky is a pretty cool name. Is there a good story about how you got that?

Lucky: It’s nothin’ too crazy. My mom thought she was done having kids after four and she ended up having two more, so my little brother should’ve been Lucky, but she always just said I was her lucky child.

CM: Speaking of your mom, you have the tattoos on your arms that say “Momma’s Boy,” so she’s obviously a big part of your life, right?

Lucky: Yeah, she’s my best friend. She’s everything. She’s a strong woman, and I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for her. She’s a big part of the reason why I came to college and she’s my everything.

CM: You’ve already got your bachelor’s degree, and now you’re doing your master’s. What’s that like, doing school and football?

Lucky: It’s tough. It’s different, a lot different than my undergrad. All my classes, instead of having 160 kids, I might have eight or six students in a class. So that shocked me the most. Other than that, it’s good. It’s nice and intimate. It’s smaller, and there’s a lot of one-on-one time.

CM: You’re from Inglewood, California. The first thing I think of is Dr. Dre. Is it as gangster as he would have us believe?

Lucky: It’s a tough area to grow up in … but that was home for me. It shaped me into the person that I am today. It’s not too tough, you know, it can be if you’re not doing the right things, but if you keep your life on the right track … it is what you make it I guess.

CM: You’ve been in Utah for a few years now. What’s the biggest difference between Utah and California?

Lucky: Oooh, it’s a big difference. Definitely traded the beach for the mountains. I think just the culture, and it’s too

1 of 3 9/27/2013 10:23 AM Q&A with Lucky Radley | The Daily Utah Chronicle http://www.dailyutahchronicle.com/?p=2592547

many things to name. On Sunday, everything’s closed out here. Out there, Sunday’s just another day. Everything out here is closed really early, and out there you can find anything you want 24 hours a day. There’s not a lot in common, but it’s good — it’s a good change. I like it.

CM: What do you like about Utah the most?

Lucky: I do snowboard in winter. I try to. You know, we’re always busy grindin’ in the weight room and, you know, always workin’ out, but when I do have some off-time I try to get up there. But I would say what I like about Utah is how slow it is, there’s not a lot of people … In L.A. it’s so overpopulated with people and there’s just a lot going on … Out here, everybody is just so cool and down to earth. It’s very different from L.A. A lot of people are nicer out here.

CM: What do you miss about California?

Lucky: My family definitely. My family, my friends. That’s a big part of everything, just my family. But they come to a lot of games, so they try to make it not too difficult for me. You know, I got that support there. Plus we play USC, UCLA and Stanford in California, so I get to go home a lot. But it’s not too bad, I do miss it, that’s my home, but I’m not, like, dyin’.

CM: How does it feel to be getting some carries this season?

Lucky: It’s a blessing just getting the opportunity. In the offseason just workin’ hard, and you never know what could happen … Just like Kenneth Scott, that’s one of my best friends, and he went down after the first series, the first couple minutes of the game. So, you never know when your number’s gonna get called, and so I just try to stay ready for when my number’s called and just make the best of it.

CM: Speaking of your number, you’re number 44 and your Instagram name is Mr.44. What’s the significance of that number?

Lucky: Actually my brother that passed away, he played football and he was number 44. I’m just trying to live through him and just continue his dreams because he would want to do this.

CM: You’ve obviously got a lot of tattoos. What’s your favorite one?

Lucky: I would probably say my chest. I got my chest done, and I got a Bible verse. The scripture says Phillipians 4:13, and that’s ‘all things are possible through Christ who strengthens me’ … It just reminds me that anything is possible.

CM: You’ve got 10,000 followers on Instagram. Why do you think you’re so popular?

Lucky: I don’t know. All the pictures I see, I like. And, you know, Ute Nation, all the fans, I always try to write them back or comment back … Whoever writes or comments [on my photos] I try to just talk to everybody.

CM: Former Bears wide receiver Curtis Conway is your uncle. Do you keep in touch with him?

Lucky: I talk to him every week, before every game. He’s already been where I’m tryin’ to get to. Any advice I need or anything I’m having trouble with, any questions that I have … he’s a mentor.

CM: You always say “Let’s Get It” on your Instagram photos. What does that phrase mean to you?

Lucky: LGI has been kind of a credo for me. I actually started it when I was in high school, I was a freshman in high school. Me and my boy Blake Stanton, he’s at Oregon right now … Whatever you do, it’s just LGI. It’s just kind of motivational. Some people thought it was like a clique or crew or somethin’. It’s just LGI. You go in to class, let’s get it, let’s get good grades, let’s get this win, you know.

2 of 3 9/27/2013 10:23 AM Q&A with Lucky Radley | The Daily Utah Chronicle http://www.dailyutahchronicle.com/?p=2592547

3 of 3 9/27/2013 10:23 AM 10/3/13 Football: Family heritage pushes Anderson’s game | The Daily Utah Chronicle dailyutahchronicle.com http://www.dailyutahchronicle.com/?p=2592865

Football: Family heritage pushes Anderson’s game

By Chad Mobley on October 2, 2013. Contact Chad Mobley at [email protected].

In the mid 1980s, Willie “Flipper” Anderson made his mark on UCLA football and now sits in 10th place on the Bruins’ all-time career receiving yards list. After his college career, he spent 10 years in the NFL.

On Thursday night, his son, Utah wide receiver Dres Anderson, wants UCLA fans to remember just how much the Anderson family is known for explosive plays.

“I’m pretty sure by the end of the game I want them to know me very well and really just know the Utes, you know,” he said. “We’re just looking at this game as taking first place in the [Pac-12] South and just getting a head start in the Pac-12.” Junior wide receiver Dres Anderson sprints past BYU defenders on Sept. 21in Provo. Anderson’s father Willie aka Flipper played in the NFL for ten seasons. — Chad Zavala Dres Anderson grew up a Bruins fan but said his father never pushed him to choose UCLA over other schools. Flipper Anderson always encouraged his highly recruited son to consider which school was best for him. Now that the younger Anderson plays for the Utes, he said his whole family has been quick to forget their association with the Bruins — at least for now.

“They’re 100 percent Utah this week. You know, they’re gonna ride for me no matter what,” Dres Anderson said. “They just want me to have the best game and for the Utes to come out on top.”

Anderson is having the best season of his career. He has already amassed 404 yards on 18 receptions and has scored on three of those catches, and he isn’t planning on slowing down for the Bruins despite the family ties to UCLA.

While being undoubtedly satisfied with his colossal numbers, Anderson is quick to put his team first. He credits Utah’s coaching staff, especially new co-offensive coordinator Dennis Erickson, for finding ways to break him loose downfield.

“The up-tempo thing tires out the defense, and me having speed, it’s a lot easier to get behind a defense and run a lot,” Anderson said. “I already know Erickson’s always setting us up for success, so every time he calls a play, we know that it can go the whole way. We just gotta execute.”

Execution falls on the shoulders of the entire offense, and Anderson isn’t the only one delivering, as quarterback Travis Wilson has been dishing out passing yards all over the field. He’s having a season worth national attention, and Anderson’s success is a direct result of that.

“[I’m] very proud of him,” Anderson said of Wilson. “He’s only a true sophomore, and he’s showing so much promise this year. He’s consistent, and every game he’s coming with it. We just pray that he keeps it up.” www.dailyutahchronicle.com/?p=2592865 1/2 10/3/13 Football: Family heritage pushes Anderson’s game | The Daily Utah Chronicle Anderson has been doing his fair share of bolstering Wilson’s numbers, too. Once the ball is delivered, Anderson has been reluctant to go down and has gained many of his yards after the catch.

“You gotta get that YAC, man. Once you get that ball, you gotta get loose with it,” Anderson said. “Don’t get tackled by the first person. Even if they pull your pants down, you gotta drag ‘em for somethin’.”

A junior, Anderson is looking to follow in his father’s NFL footsteps and said he isn’t done putting up big numbers.

“Oh, no, no, no, nowhere near,” he said. “We’re only on our, what, fifth game? So we got a lot more, you know, big time things to do.”

www.dailyutahchronicle.com/?p=2592865 2/2 Utah football: Bubba Poole shows Utes he was worth the wait | The Salt L... http://www.sltrib.com/csp/cms/sites/sltrib/pages/printerfriendly.csp?id=...

Elusive sophomore is Utah’s rushing leader after working his way up the depth chart.

BY TONY JONES

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 8, 2013 11:30PM UPDATED: OCTOBER 8, 2013 11:31PM

The play was designed to go right, directly behind offensive guard Junior Salt.

Almost instantly, Bubba Poole knew that it wasn’t going to work. There was simply too much congestion to that side. So Utah’s sophomore running back reversed direction, hoping to find a bit of running room. Immediately he saw left tackle CJ Poutasi flatten a BYU player with a pancake block, creating a hole. Poole squirted through and exploded for 65 yards on the LaVell Edwards Stadium turf.

Almost three weeks following Utah’s 20-13 win over the Cougars, Poole is still getting teased by his teammates for getting caught from behind.

“I’m a little angry that I couldn’t outrun the angle,” Poole says with a slight smile. “I’m still Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Utes getting text messages from home about that.” running back James Poole (34) takes the ball to the Weber State one yard line to set up the final TD of the half. Utah cruised to a 49-0 halftime lead over Weber Until recently, Poole was largely an unknown to Ute fans. Now, people are clamoring to State, Saturday, September 7, 2013. know where he came from. He’s Utah’s top running back. Having supplanted Kelvin York — thanks to consecutive great performances against Oregon State and BYU — he leads the team with 330 yards rushing. He’s third on the team with 15 receptions.

Hip-hop artist Drake is famous for a song called “Started From the Bottom.” It’s an analogy that almost perfectly fits Poole. He’s a guy who started out in life as collateral damage, shot in the stomach as an infant in a dispute over a car. He’s a guy who fought his way through junior college as an academic casualty. He began spring practice fourth on Utah coach Kyle Whittingham’s running back depth chart, but relentlessly worked his way up.

Now, as the Utes prepare for their Saturday game with No. 5 Stanford at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Poole is no longer be an afterthought. He will be featured along with York and Lucky Radley. He will be counted on to provide a running game against one of the best defenses in the country.

“I just tried to stay positive and keep doing what the coaches were telling me,” Poole said. “I wanted to contribute in any way possible and be ready when I had my chance. Football is all about taking advantage of an opportunity. That’s all I wanted to do.”

Getting out

Poole is from the rough inner-city of Las Vegas, the part of town they don’t tell tourists about. His given name is James, but almost everyone calls him by the nickname handed to him at birth by his uncle J.J. His mother, Jeanetta Edmond, and his cousin Brenda both call him Noodles, owing to a lifelong affection for Top Ramen.

He was in his crib when he was shot. Two men attempted to rob his father, TJ, of one of his low-rider, designer cars that are popular on the West Coast. Poole says he barely remembers the shooting, if at all. Until he was 16, he told people made-up stories about the robbery. He refused to let it define him.

Instead, Poole would rather be noted for his academic work at Saddleback Junior College, where he crammed two years of school into one. That’s how badly he wanted to get out of the juco and join the Utes.

“I was upset at myself because I thought it should’ve never come to that,” Poole said. “I should’ve been more attentive to my schoolwork in high school.”

A non-qualifier heading into college, Poole made it through by taking 26 credits a semester. Most students take no more than 15, but Poole insisted on the heavier load, even taking 14 credits during the summer months.

“I had to sign a paper with Saddleback saying that if I failed it wasn’t their fault,” Poole said. “They didn’t recommend that I [take such a heavy class load].”

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Simply, Poole wanted to play college football and he wanted to do so as quickly as possible. He had committed to Utah while in high school. While at Saddleback, he had interest from Washington and Oregon. But each had full recruiting classes. To go to either school, Poole would have had to return to Saddleback for another year.

In the meantime, Poole was returning home to Las Vegas virtually every weekend. His mother thought it was a bad habit — and broke him of it.

“I thought he would quit [college],” Edmond said. “I used to tell him to stop coming home. I told him to stay out of Las Vegas.”

Finally a Ute

Eventually, Poole stopped going home and committed to the Utes — who remained interested in him all along.

Last season, Poole was expected to battle with York to be John White’s backup. But he arrived late at preseason camp in order to finish up his junior college credits, and almost immediately sprained his ankle, forcing him to miss a month.

By the time he returned from the injury, Poole and the coaches determined that the best course for him was to redshirt. He made the most of the opportunity. Poole ran on the scout team, he worked out with the return team. Eventually, he caught the eye of staff.

“Bubba makes plays out there,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said “He’s a guy who makes people miss and he’s athletic. He adds a dimension that really helps us.”

One of Poole’s biggest attributes this year has been the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He made a combined 12 receptions against Oregon State and BYU.

His numbers against UCLA a week ago dipped — five carries for 26 yards — but that’s because York has run much more effectively since losing his starting job. Whittingham said Monday that all three running backs would continue to share the job until somebody separates himself.

Which means Poole will continue to be a prominent part of the Utah offense.

“He’s someone who really can make people miss,” Utah quarterback Travis Wilson said. “That’s something the offense needs. And he’s very versatile and effective either running or catching the ball. It’s good to have him in back of you.”

[email protected]: @tjonessltrib

—

Bubba Poole file

• From Las Vegas

• Leads Utah with 330 yards rushing

• Has 15 catches for 120 yards

• Was given the name Bubba at birth by his uncle J.J.

• Graduated from Saddleback Junior College (Calif.) in one year

2 of 2 10/9/2013 8:47 AM Utah Utes football: Utes enter second half of season on a high note http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865588463/Utah-Utes-football...

By Dirk Facer , Deseret News Published: Tuesday, Oct. 15 2013 5:05 p.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — It ended on a high note, a very high note. Saturday’s 27-21 upset of fifth-ranked Stanford capped the first half of the season for the Utah Utes, lifting them to a 4-2 record — their best overall start since joining the Pac-12 in 2011. It also prevented them from enduring a third consecutive 0-3 start to conference play. Then, there’s the whole first win at home over a top-5 team thing. “It was a good win for us, a much-needed win. Our players have fought and competed all season long,”

Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham shakes hands with Trevor said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. “We were due to Reilly as the Utes celebrate their win over Stanford on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Utah won come out on the right end of one of those close 27-21. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) ones. So, I'm very proud of the way the guys finished and hung in there start to finish as they have all year.” After opening the season with wins over Utah State (30-26) and Weber State (70-7), the Utes dropped a 51-48 overtime decision at home to Oregon State. A 20-13 victory at BYU followed before Pac-12 play resumed with UCLA (a 34-27 setback) and the win over Stanford. “I think we've done some good things this season. Obviously, we'd choose to be undefeated, if we had a perfect world. But we've competed every week,” Whittingham said. “I don't think we've had a poor Utah Utes head football coach Kyle Whittingham celebrates as the University of Utah defeated Brigham Young University 20-13 on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, in Provo. (Tom performance. We haven't won every Smart, Deseret News) game, obviously, but I don't think we've had a game where we just flat-out didn't play well.” And that, he added, has been encouraging. “The competitive nature of this team is fun to be around — the way they compete and the way they care about what they're doing,” Whittingham said. “So, we're 4-2, and we've got the second half of the season coming up this week. We just need to try to keep things headed in the right direction.” The first opportunity comes Saturday in Tucson, Ariz., against Arizona. It ushers in a season-ending stretch that includes four road games and just two home dates. Moving forward, Whittingham said, the Utes are determined to

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accentuate the reasons for the win over Stanford — a great week of practice, focus, film study and everything else that went into the winning effort. “We've got to be able to duplicate that as far as our preparation. This team, this year, has not had a problem preparing,” Whittingham said. “But some weeks you're obviously a little bit better than others and last week was outstanding.” At the midway mark of the season, Utah’s preparation has paid dividends in a variety of ways. The Utes lead the nation in fewest fumbles lost with just one. They top the Pac-12 in several statistical categories, including field goal percentage (1.000), onside-kick percentage (1.000), PAT percentage (1.000), red zone offense (90.9 Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham is percent), sack average (3.33 per game) and sacks (20). upset with a call in the second half of a game against UCLA at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013. Kicker (Matt Gade, Deseret News) Andy Phillips and punter Tom Hackett are the leading duo in the conference. Phillips has yet to miss this season, connecting on 11 field goals and 27 PATs. Hackett is first with an average of 44.1 yards per punt and 14 placed inside the 20. Quarterback Travis Wilson also ranks highly after six games. He’s 13th in the nation in points responsible per game (18) and 17th University of Utah cheerleaders lead the players out onto the field as Utah and Stanford in total offense (320.5 ypg). play Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) Other individuals among the Pac-12 statistical leaders include linebacker Trevor Reilly (second, fumbles recovered), Nate Orchard (third, forced fumbles), Keith McGill (fourth, passes defended), Geoffrey Norwood (fifth, punt returns) and Bubba Poole (ninth, all-purpose yards). Team-wise, the Utes rank fifth in scoring offense (37 points per game) and third in rushing defense (133.7 yards per game). On the improvement front, Whittingham pointed to kickoff coverage. Utah surrendered a 100-yard return to Stanford’s Ty Montgomery last week. “We've got to get that fixed,” Whittingham said. “If you look at the football team in its entirety and say, ‘Where's your Achilles' heel?’ It's probably the kickoff coverage unit right now. We've got to get that addressed and we will.”

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @DirkFacer

2 of 2 10/16/2013 9:05 AM Utah football: Utes kicker Andy Phillips making it look easy http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865588550/Utah-football-Utes-...

By Dirk Facer , Deseret News Published: Wednesday, Oct. 16 2013 8:10 p.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — Andy Phillips is making it look easy. The Utah kicker, who never played football at any level before this season, has made all 11 field goals and 27 PATs that he has attempted. His performance through six games has netted the 24-year-old freshman midseason All-America recognition from ESPN.com. He also garnered Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week honors after making two kicks and three extra points in the Utes’ 27-21 upset of Andy Phillips (39) of the Utah Utes celebrates after his team recovers an on side fifth-ranked Stanford last Saturday. kick against Utah State during NCAA football in Salt Lake City, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013. (Ravell Call, Deseret News) “It’s a huge honor. It’s really cool to read,” Phillips said. “But at the same time, I think as much (as) I’m putting the ball through the uprights it’s the whole field goal unit that’s doing an amazing job — from snap to hold to kick.” The former U.S. ski team racer added that without teammates like holder Tom Hackett and snapper Chase Dominguez he couldn’t make his kicks. “As easy as it seems there’s a lot of work that goes into it to make it seem flawless,” said Phillips, who noted that a lot of it is mental. Proper preparation, he added, also includes a lot of conditioning and film study — things most people don’t see. Physically, Phillips put himself on the fast track by spending summer days kicking 100-plus balls. He acknowledged it probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but felt the repetitions were needed. Then, there’s the emotional aspect of kicking. “That’s probably where it’s been the toughest,” said Phillips, who admitted that he was really fired up and mad that he wasn’t able Utah Utes kicker Andy Phillips (39) signals to make a tackle on a 100-yard kickoff return by Stanford’s Ty to fans as the University of Utah and Brigham Young University play football Montgomery. Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013, in Provo. (Tom Smart, Deseret News) Regaining his composure in order to make a PAT or field goal, Phillips said, was difficult. “That’s probably been the hardest part — making that adjustment from controlling your emotions,” he explained. Phillips, though, is doing just fine in that regard. Midway through his first season, he’s

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made more field goals (11) without a miss than any other kicker in the nation. “That’s as good as you can get. He’s done a great job for us. He’s perfect on his PATs as well and we just hope it continues,” said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. “We’ve got the second half of the season and we’re going to need him to come up big in some of these games just like he has already.” As the Utes (4-2, 1-2) prepare to face Arizona (3-2, 0-2) Saturday in Tucson, Ariz. Whittingham made it clear that they’re elated Utah kicker Andy Phillips gets a hug from teammate Percy Taumoelau about what Phillips has done thus far. after a kick as Utah and Stanford play Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013 at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Utah won 27-21. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News) “He's just been lights out and that's something that's been a big difference for us,” Whittingham said. “It's made a big difference in the complexion of the games and I hope it continues.” Things have gone so well, in fact, that Whittingham joked that the Utah coaching staff would no longer go to soccer fields in search of kickers while recruiting. “We’ve got to go to the slopes to try to find those guys,” he said. Whittingham credits special teams coordinator Jay Hill for coaching Phillips up and helping him develop. Things really accelerated in fall camp and continued as the season kicked off.

Andy Phillips, University of Utah football “He’s transitioned very well and as long as he continues to Monday, April 22, 2013,in Salt Lake City Utah. Photo by Tom Smart/University of Utah practice the right way, and watch film the right way, and work Sports Information (Tom Smart, University of on his technique the way he’s supposed to, I expect the same Utah Athletics) results to continue,” Hill said. “He’s been a pleasant surprise. We expect him to continue it.” Consistency over time, Hill added, is what will make Phillips a great kicker like former Utah All-American Louie Sakoda. Phillips and Sakoda have formed a bond. Although they didn’t meet face-to-face until a five-minute conversation last Friday, the kickers have connected electronically. “Before my first game I actually emailed Louie,” Phillips said. “It was a long email asking him for tips and just different things he did to have success and he was kind enough to write back a really long email.”

Utah's Andy Phillips makes a PAT as Tom Hackett holds following a Phillips also wrote Sakoda before the BYU touchdown in the second quarter of a game against Weber State at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013. (Matt Gade, Deseret News) game and asked him about how he handled pressure and stuff like that. Phillips credits Sakoda for showing support and helping him prepare by answering his questions. When they met, Sakoda praised Phillips for doing a nice job, being prepared and having his mind right. The feedback has been helpful as Phillips seeks to fill the role Sakoda had with the program. “I aspire to be that good and to be that consistent,” he said. “That’s what wins games every now and then.”

Email: [email protected]

2 of 3 10/17/2013 1:19 PM Utah football: Trevor Reilly getting it done for the Utes http://www.deseretnews.com/article/print/865588890/Utah-football-Trev...

By Dirk Facer , Deseret News Published: Tuesday, Oct. 22 2013 6:46 p.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — Trevor Reilly is making plays. The Utah senior, who sees action at both defensive end and linebacker, is currently tied for the NCAA lead with three fumble recoveries. He tops the Utes with 58 tackles and 8.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. His 3.5 sacks make him the team co-leader. Utah coach Kyle Whittingham praises Reilly for being an instinctive player.

UCLA's Paul Perkins is wrapped up by Utah's Trevor Reilly (9) and Jared Norris (41) in “He’s one of our big-play guys on the first half of a game at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Thursday, October 3, 2013. (Matt Gade, Deseret News) defense, if not our biggest-play guy on defense, and we rely on him to be a disrupter and make those plays,” said Whittingham, who mentioned Reilly’s fourth-and-goal sack of Arizona quarterback B.J. Denker early in last Saturday’s game in Tucson. “He’s a guy that we rely on week in and week out to step up and make big plays for us, and he’s done that. Reilly finished with 14 tackles, three tackles-for-loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery in the 35-24 setback to the Wildcats. “I’m a senior. I guess I’ve had enough games under my belt I should be able to make those plays when they come my way,” he said, while crediting a good scheme and coaching as well. Although Reilly had knee surgery last December and he isn’t sure if he’s 100 percent healthy, he’s still making quite an impact. The numbers prove it. Utah Utes defensive end Trevor Reilly (9) reacts after losing to UCLA in Salt Lake City Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013. UCLA won 34-27. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret Entering Saturday’s game at USC, Reilly News) is just one forced fumble away from matching Eric Weddle’s school record of nine in a career. His six career recoveries rank fourth in program history. More importantly, though, is what he’s passing on to younger teammates. Linebacker Jared Norris, who also had 14 tackles against Arizona, is Reilly’s roommate in the team hotel and tries to learn as much as he can from the all-conference and Butkus Award candidate. “I think the biggest thing he has tried to teach to me is to make plays. Who cares about how many tackles you make or whatever, it’s that big play that you need to make in the right time,” Norris said. “He’s one of those leaders on the field, too. He’s going to tell you when you mess up — even though he’s on the other side of the field. “He’s just one of those guys who knows the game of

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football and he knows where everybody is supposed to be on the field. So he’s helped me a lot,” Norris continued. “I talk to him every day about different things. But like I said the biggest thing is just making plays, and that’s what it comes down to.”

Email: [email protected] Twitter" @DirkFacer

Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham shakes hands with Trevor Reilly as the Utes celebrate their win over Stanford Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013 at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Utah won 27-21. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)

2 of 2 10/24/2013 8:35 AM Utah football: Needed or not, backup QB Adam Schulz is ready | The Salt... http://www.sltrib.com/csp/cms/sites/sltrib/pages/printerfriendly.csp?id=...

Sophomore QB showed promise at Arizona; will start if Travis Wilson can’t.

BY LYA WODRASKA

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE

PUBLISHED: OCTOBER 24, 2013 08:36AM UPDATED: OCTOBER 23, 2013 11:33PM

The Utah Utes are hopeful sophomore Travis Wilson’s injured hand will heal enough to let him play against USC on Saturday.

If he can’t, Adam Schulz will be there waiting to fill in, just as he always is.

Schulz, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound sophomore from Muskego, Wis., will be Utah’s quarterback if Wilson can’t play against USC or if his hand injuries sideline him at some point during the game, as they did against Arizona.

As the No. 2 guy, Schulz knows he always has to be ready to play, but being on the mental “Go,” button all the time is more challenging than it might seem.

Luckily, Schulz showed he was up for the challenge against Arizona, having just a few minutes to warm up before he relieved Wilson at the end of the first half.

With Utah in the two-minute drill, Schulz completed his first six passes to get the Utes within field goal distance. Andy Phillips missed a 42-yard field goal attempt, but the drive Utah's quarterback Adam Schulz (12) is almost sacked by gave both Schulz and his teammates encouragement despite the quarterback change. Arizona as he looks to pass in the second half of an NCAA collge football game, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013 in Tucson, Ariz. Arizona won 35 to 24. (AP Photo/John “It was good because I just went in the game and reacted instead of looking at it and Miller) thinking about it,” Schulz said.

Schulz finished the game 12 of 23 for 142 yards. Although the Utes lost, the defeat certainly wasn’t on Schulz’s shoulders alone. He graded out with a solid effort.

If he has to play Saturday, Schulz and his teammates believe he can handle the pressure, even if it would be only the fourth game of his career — and at the Coliseum against the storied Trojans, no less.

“We have all the confidence in the world in Adam,” running back Lucky Radley said. “He is a great quarterback. He is lacking some experience, but if Travis can’t go, Schulz will be great.”

Schulz is a different kind of quarterback than Wilson. He lacks Wilson’s mobility but has a stronger arm. The Utes would have to tweak the offense a bit to suit his style, but there wouldn’t be a dramatic change, according to Ute coach Kyle Whittingham.

“He has the strongest arm of all the quarterbacks and he has a lot of confidence in his ability,” Whittingham said. “He can make all the throws.”

Helping Schulz in his preparation is his experience in Utah’s program. Since his high school ran the ground-oriented wing-T offense and he spent most of his time handing off the ball, Schulz didn’t get much of a chance to show off his passing skills and went unrecruited. However, his high school coach believed Schulz would do well if given the chance to prove himself.

Utah proved to be a promising situation, given quarterback Jordan Wynn’s uncertain health status. Schulz walked on for the 2011 season and immersed himself in Utah’s offense.

He proved he not only had the arm to be a Division I quarterback, but also the leadership abilities. Last spring, he did well enough to beat out freshmen Conner Manning and Brandon Cox for the No. 2 position and keep the pressure on Wilson.

“Travis really separated himself in the fall, but that doesn’t mean Adam hasn’t improved, too,” Utah co-offensive coordinator Dennis Erickson said. “He has gotten better, a lot better.”

Considering he didn’t have any offers coming out of high school, Schulz is happy with his progress. He has a scholarship and has a role with a major college football program.

“It’s turned out how I wanted and hoped for,” he said. “The biggest change [from high school] is you come in expecting to throw the

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ball. In high school we may have thrown five or six times a game, unless we were behind. There is more watching film, more reading the defenses, a lot more on your shoulders here.”

If Wilson is healthy enough to play Saturday, Schulz knows he may not get in the game at all. He is OK with that possibility, knowing that is the life of a backup quarterback.

As always, he’ll be ready.

“You prepare the same way every week,” he said. “The only difference is you play or not.”

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Adam Schulz file

Height • 6-foot-1. Weight • 205 pounds

Class • Sophomore

Hometown • Muskego, Wis.

Of note • Had a career-high 12 of 23 for 142 yards and a touchdown against Arizona. ... Only other game experience this season came against Weber State, where he was 3 of 5 for 26 yards. ... He has rushed 10 times for 37 yards. ... Passed for nine touchdowns and 745 yards as a high school senior to lead his school to a 9-1 record. ... Also lettered in baseball and basketball. ... Member of the honor roll for four years.

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Utah at USC

O Saturday, 2 p.m.

TV • Pac-12 Network

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