[UteButters]

Hunter Andrews has found his home. And TE’s are going to be used in this offense. Running backs are also solid.

[UteButters]

Expect Shemwell to enter the portal too. Utahs been cross training Snowden and Scooby inside and outside. Jason Stokes will be in the rotation at corner. The 3 transfer corners are performing well. Jackson Bennee is going to be someone to pay attention to for either safety or Nickel. He’s a walk on but will most definitely have a scholarship by the end of the offseason. 6 ft 1 inches, ran a 4.4 twice while testing 40s … his vertical is also very impressive. Definitely a steal as a walk on.

Edit:
Also, here are some other thoughts.

Karson Kaufusi and Jonah Lea’ea are guys to pay attention to at DT.

Jono Hall has put on weight and is performing well at LB.

Landen King is someone to pay attention to on offense.

Semi Taulanga was expected to serve his LDS church mission this year but is now planning on joining the football team in the summer. Big boost for the DT room.

[UteButters]

Way good looking! Nice work!

[UteButters]

QB: B … Dampier is solid but needs to improve consistency throwing the ball. The backups are up in the air … Nate Johnson is playing receiver, but he’s a good security blanket for the group.

RB: B+ to A- … The backs are performing well right now. Solid all around group. Arguably our best running back room since 2021.

WR/TE: C+ to B- … Z Williams, Whittemore, and Zipperer are going to be very good players. Tia is also someone to pay attention too. Still waiting on Singer news from NCAA. Hunter Andrews might be a star in the making at TE.

OL: A+ … Nasty group in a good way!

DEFENSE: Not worried … early during install the O had their way with the D but the D’s adjusted to Becks offense. Solid group all around! They’ll add 1-2 guys on the DL post spring. Best linebacking group in the conference. Shemwell and Stokes are guys to pay attention to at corner.

SPECIAL TEAMS: This group will take a step forward. We have a kicker who can bang it through the end zone on kickoffs. That alone will improve us.

OVERALL: I really like the team Utahs assembled. Backup QB is probably my greatest concern (PTSD From last few years) … I do think Utahs in an okay spot behind Dampier. Isaac will take a step forward being in his second year of college. Having Nate Johnson on the roster eases some anxiety’s too.

I’ll also add … I don’t think Utah has to be prolific throwing the football to be effective next year. I honestly believe if Dampier can cut down on turnovers, and just keep the D honest through the air we’re going to have a good team. I think Utah will have a top 25 rushing attack in CFB … Our O Line mixed with the rushers we have: Dampier, Parker (Other RB’s), Whittemore, Nate Johnson, H Andrews, and others will be solid. Utah just has to be effective enough through the air to keep teams honest.

[UteButters]

Lander was hurt all last year. Zero concern about him this year. Utah has the best linebacking room in the B12

[UteButters]

I have the opposite opinion. Last year was extremely disappointing, but fans ran out a competent backup from 2023 for a true freshman. The fact we banked on true freshman Isaac Wilson to pick up Ludwig’s scheme was an absolute flop by the coaching staff! That being said …

2023 was an absolute success of a season with the circumstances given. 8 wins with a backup QB was incredible given the schedule and QB’s we faced. Combine that with the injuries we had, our coaching staff deserves a ton of credit for that season! Obviously the Cam Rising situation was massively disappointing! But we had a decent season because of our staff.

I expect Utah to be in contention again next year. I think the D Line was the very average in 2023 and 24 so we needed a revamp there. Vakalahi is going to be a star! Vimahi is a steady presence. Lea’eas attitude and athleticism is very positive and good! He’ll have the weight necessary to contribute and I think he has the potential to take Vimahis spot.

Bottom line is, Utah will be fine!

[UteButters]

I love the role they have Nate playing. The role fits his skillset perfectly. Nates going to play a similar role to how New Mexico used Sol-Jay Maiava-Peters (Former BYU QB turned athlete for New Mexico). Sol-Jay played some wildcat, Running back, and receiver for New Mexico.

I appreciate that this offensive staff is willing to be creative with their best athletes to get them the ball. That’s something the former staff could never figure out.

[UteButters]

Fair feelings … until proven on the field it’s just hype.

That said this running back room is going to surprise some people. It’s not a finished room either. Guillory will be here in the summer and I expect the staff to add another back after spring.

Right now they’re performing really well though.

[UteButters]

Yes the whole room is new.

The team has been having voluntary practices for a while now. These voluntary practices are mainly focused on install.

[UteButters]

I understand the frustrations with the NIL/Transfer Portal era cause I feel it myself. It’s definitely a hard landscape to be a fan in.

Losing Calhoun was absolutely a loss. He most likely would’ve been penciled in as a starter for Utah this next season. So yes, he’s a loss. (Utahs done a good job to fill his loss).

Losing a “healthy” Kenan would also be a loss. But, fortunately we’re not losing a healthy Kenan. We’re losing a kid who had a severe leg injury that is going to require a lot of time to heal. Time that is valuable, and doesn’t guarantee a return at any point next season.

Kenan checked in for spring ball last year (2024) at around 185 lbs … this year when he checked in, he weighed in the low 160s. He’s lost a lot of muscle and will miss the whole off season which is valuable for weight gain and getting ready to play football.

The coaches were never relying on him to contribute next year. We now have an extra scholarship to use post spring ball for another DB who can actually contribute if the coaches feel like they need another corner. If they like what they have after spring they can fill another position of need.

I know the coaches love the guys they’ve brought in and feel like this secondary has the potential to be very good!

[Author]

Posts