Rick

It won’t happen now but another candidate emerged when Harlan fired Smith. Porter Moser reached out and got no response. The word that got to me is he wanted the Utah job over Oklahoma. Harlan proactively pursued Smith, which certainly makes some sense; but he was blind to the interest of Moser and Randy Bennett (who also reached out through…[Read more]

Can I quibble with your language a little Proud?

I’d say it’s “a foundation” not “the foundation.” I had a conversation with a coach a few years ago about team construction. He commented that coaches try to be aware of a “thirds construction.” They try for a balance of Caucasian, Black and Polynesian. One of his comments was that if they get too…[Read more]

Candidate for the all-name team at Utah if he commits. That’s as fun to say for a broadcaster as Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala or Nate Fakahafua. Come on up to the mountains Bulabalavu.

I agree with you tanute. The foul issues alone warrant bringing Keita off the bench besides the need for scoring and even a little different play coming off the bench. Worster with Keita brings a five that can punch people in the mouth.

Of course, I never take Smith out of the game except perhaps a minute before the 8 minute television timeouts each half.

I’m listing Kuithe because I think he’ll play all over the place and, in the end, may be considered more of a receiver than a tight end. That said, it’s absolutely correct to include Ryan and King. Utah has all kinds of playmakers in the pass game.

I think we have a strong one:

-Singer
-Parks
-McClain
-Pittman
-Kuithe
-Lyons
-Caldarella
-Zipperer
-Mbanason
-D Washington (Fr)

That’s quite a list and I’m missing one or two. If Washington and Lyons play up to potential we’ll have a highly competitive receiver room and easily an eight-man rotation. In fact, I think we’ll lose a few after…[Read more]

Most interesting to me viewing these highlights is that he made plays against all of the bigs in the Pac-12 in 2022. I didn’t see anything against Utah but I did against everyone else. I think we have a player that if he gets man coverage, Rising will be looking for him.

Preach brother!

I love that Kyle Whittingham, his staff and players have risen the Utah program to this level of expectation.

I don’t think Fano will be ready to go at the beginning of the season but I do agree that we’ll still be strong at defensive end. The starters – O’Toole and Filinger, will be strong if they can stay healthy. Both struggled to stay healthy this season. John-Henry Daley has all kinds of potential and their are three or four other players vying for…[Read more]

Scalley and Johnson himself have said in news stories that he’s been getting reps in practice and in a few games at nickel, corner and at safety. Miles Battle complimented Johnson’s on-field intelligence and work ethic in a recent story.

It will be interesting to watch spring competition in the defensive backfield. I tend to think Hall will move…[Read more]

Pretty impressive two-deep. A couple of thoughts. I’ve heard some talk that Togiai could end up at an opposite tackle spot to Fano. It will be interesting to see how the line shakes out. I think Lomu moves into a starting spot somewhere. On paper, I love the O’line depth.

I hope Logan Fano returns this season but it’s nice to see the kind of…[Read more]

Malaska is near the athletic freak category but came to Utah with little experience – I want to say just a few years of football. I believe a family in Oklahoma adopted him. There’s a cool story about him and them out there. I was rooting for him to work his way into the two-deep next season. I hope he finds success at Oklahoma.

I can’t wait to play them. It’s awesome to have a high level game to look forward to. No question this will be one of the games of the season for the Big 12. Of course, the Y game will be big as well, regardless of records at that point.

Uteinzoob,
Next level qbs can make some throws into double high safeties. The first interception was a correct read if the ball is thrown a second earlier. Instead, typically late and then picked. I don’t blame Ludwig at all for that one. Barnes simply needs to know his limitations. He knows by now that if he waits and then throws it will be a bad…[Read more]

Asiata dominated his age group as a linebacker until he was shot in the horrible incident just off of Hunter High School a few years ago. He brought his fists to a gang fight while the other side brought guns. If I remember correctly, a few of his friends were killed and he nearly lost his life. I would say he is still on the road to recovery. I…[Read more]

Miami,
I guess I’m being a little cliche with that statement. I have a little inside info on Luke and some bias as well. The Cole Bishop comparisons are real, according to my connection. As you know, talent evaluators miss sometimes and these young people mature at different times. I think we may have a good one here.

I love this commitment. May be able to play both safety spots. No one will outwork the kid. Wants the U on his chest. We couldn’t let Luke go North or South. I think he’s as close to a sure thing as the higher rated safeties in this class.

It does make me wonder if the Bountiful kid may be committing elsewhere. I hope not.

I think Ryan will remind U fans of Jake Murphy and Cole Fotheringham. Just slating him in the “Rhino” role doesn’t do him justice. As Ghost says above – traditional TE.

Scalley likes two returners a lot – Nate Ritchie and Jonathan Hall. It’s possible that Tao Johnson could move over. Remember that we’ve had two incoming freshman play well at the spot over the last few years – Bishop and Ritchie. Nate, like so many others this year, struggled to get all the way back after an injury. Of course, he was also…[Read more]

Sorry Miami. My reading comprehension drops considerably later in the day.