Rick

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.

Barton won’t leave. I don’t know that he’ll leave after next season. Like his brothers, he loves the U and the college experience. It will take a high draft evaluation for the NFL to grab his attention to consider early entry.

He’s a Ute until then.

I disagree completely with this take. Huntley improved because of Ludwig – not because of Troy Taylor. Have you talked with insiders about Troy Taylor’s time at the U? I’m going to leave that statement as oblique as it sounds.

Ludwig brought in an NFL-style offense and dramatically improved Huntley’s pro potential.

By the way, I give credit to…[Read more]

I’ve loved reading this thread. There are so many others that were terrific or had memorable moments.
-Mike Doleac
-Jeff Jonas
-Earl Williams
-Greg Deane
-Buster Matheney
-Angelo Robinson
-Mitch Smith
-Jerry Stroman
-Walter Williams
-Paul Afeaki
I could keep going. So many memories.

You may be right but Vele is a near carbon copy of Tim Patrick – big, great hands, runs good routes. I think he may be a possession receiver for the right team. He probably is an undrafted free agent as suggested above. Let’s hope his agent gets him with the right team because I think he could get a few years.

I don’t know Miami – long term injury or not, I think Ellis returns. He loves the environment and there are people in his ear telling him to enjoy college because the NFL is so different. By the way, Lander Barton will be having similar conversations after next season. He’ll be eligible and, I imagine, highly rated; but I wonder if his brothers…[Read more]

Isn’t it interesting how we see things? How can people see the same thing and interpret it so differently. How can people read the same tweet and interpret it so differently. Champ, I read that tweet – and knowing Scalley a little – I smiled to myself because I know he was truly troubled that he came off as turning his back on someone. I wouldn’t…[Read more]

Caliman,
If a few years go by and Isaac isn’t our starter I can see your prediction come true. He’ll want to start his last two or three seasons. Who wouldn’t?

Why go after this kid? What do we really know about an 18-year-old? Watching him play and listening to him thank his coaches and teammates yesterday following the championship left me…[Read more]

Or is he the next great safety? Looks to have the size and speed to be a free safety.

Tough crowd for Checketts. I do think he adds little to Utah football and basketball. Where he’s best in the market, in my opinion, is NBA coverage. I think he’s the most knowledgeable in our market and the most connected nationally. I think he does a nice job as an interviewer as well – across all sports. That’s something Bill Riley does a poor…[Read more]

Incremental improvement each game may be enough with this defense. The pick six was a terrible decision. The incomplete pass on our second-to-last possession on 3rd down was a panic throw in the face of a good rush but it has to be completed. If he does complete it the game is most likely over.

I love his toughness and there is no question he’s improving.

Damuni will do a terrific job filling in. Not saying we won’t miss him but we have players. Just like the D’line is dealing with Fano’s absence, the linebackers have the depth.