Utah repeats, and the importance of returning seniors

[tarheelute]

The Mercury News chimes in (link), reviewing the 2019 PAC12 divisional races, making Utah the “Easy pick” to repeat and face Oregon in championship.

Tyler Huntley, Zack Moss and Britain Covey are back to lead an attack that should function smoothly under new-old play caller Andy Ludwig. Defensively, the Utes were hit hard by attrition at linebacker and safety but should be outstanding on the edge and up front.

[KiYi-Ute]

And as we’ve said before. Manny Bowen and Francis Bernard are going to help reload our LB corps. Safety I am a bit concerned about.

[tarheelute]

Bowen and Bernard wish list.
1. Contain Khalil Tate (UA), Eno Benjamin (ASU) & Jermar Jefferson (OSU)
2. Pile drive JT Daniels (USC), Jack Colletto (OSU) & Zach Wilson (BYU)
3. Cut down anyone that crosses into the middle Laviska Shenault (CO), Hunter Bryant (UW) & Matt Bushman (BYU)
4. Intercept Justin Herbert (OU) over the middle (Championship Game)

[chinngiskhaan]

I gotta be honest, I have never been worried about the safety position at Utah, and I never will be. I mean, when was the last time we weren’t at least solid at the safety position? The guys that played behind Blair and Ballard have had more than enough playing time. I mean, with the amount of time that Blair spent suspended for targeting, whoever it was that played behind him has had ample time to acclimate to starting in the Pac 12. I also wouldn’t be surprised to have someone from CB move over to safety if necessary. I think that Blackmon would be better suited as a replacement for Ballard than he is as a CB. Blackmon gets his feet tied up in coverage rather frequently, and I would think allowing him to play like Marcus Williams did for us would really highlight his ability to go after jump balls and get picks.

Whatever the coaches decide, I’m certain that our safeties will at the very least be above average for the pac 12.

[KiYi-Ute]

Very true. You have talked me down, sir.

[Utah]

2014 was a rough year for safety. Blechen and Carter started, but then Carter got hurt. A young Marcus Williams and Andre Godfrey tried to step in for Carter but they did not play well. 

Also, a good reminder that just because a FR or SO is playing and messes up doesn’t mean he sucks. Williams was not very good his freshman year. He turned out all right. 

[Author]

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