Football: Filiaga quits team
Utah's depth at defensive tackle has just gotten a little thinner with an announcement from Utah that sophomore Isley Filiaga has quit the team because of lingering injuries. Filiaga, a 6-foot, 305-pound Timpanogos High graduate who came to Utah via BYU and a mission, started the spring listed No. 1 at nose tackle, but was passed over by Kenape Eliapo by the conclusion of spring practices.
Filiaga had a foot injury that limited his participation, but I know the coaches weren't that happy with his work ethic either, so it's not much of a surprise that he is leaving the program.
When I was going over the depth chart with defensive coordinator Gary Andersen at the end of spring practice he mentioned he could move one or two of his guys outside inside during fall camp, so I wouldn't be surprised if Koa Misi gets some time back at his old spot. I do know the coaches are happy with Lei Talamaivao's development, which will be more important now than ever to help what is turning out to be a very inexperienced looking defensive line.
Don't forget too that the Utes signed Dave Kruger, Paul's younger but not so little brother at 6-5, 265-pounds. He'll be here this season (with plans to go on a mission after 2008) and already is penciled in as the backup to Eliapo at nose tackle. It isn't far fetched to think that the Kruger brothers could be starting alongside one another.
Filiaga had a foot injury that limited his participation, but I know the coaches weren't that happy with his work ethic either, so it's not much of a surprise that he is leaving the program.
When I was going over the depth chart with defensive coordinator Gary Andersen at the end of spring practice he mentioned he could move one or two of his guys outside inside during fall camp, so I wouldn't be surprised if Koa Misi gets some time back at his old spot. I do know the coaches are happy with Lei Talamaivao's development, which will be more important now than ever to help what is turning out to be a very inexperienced looking defensive line.
Don't forget too that the Utes signed Dave Kruger, Paul's younger but not so little brother at 6-5, 265-pounds. He'll be here this season (with plans to go on a mission after 2008) and already is penciled in as the backup to Eliapo at nose tackle. It isn't far fetched to think that the Kruger brothers could be starting alongside one another.
4:47 PM
| 
2 Comments:
Well, that's what we get for taking on a transfer from the bad guys.
Seriously though, it's too bad for Filiaga and the Utes. Hopefully Anderson and Whittingham will be able to overcome the lack of depth on the D-Line.
Any word on whether the Utes have any scholarships available and if they are targeting any late qualifying JUCO DLs to come in for fall camp?
I think the Utes will continue pursuing Kaufusi and make sure he makes the team. This should help. Also I heard Benji Kemoeatu is going to end up at Snow College so you never know if the Utes will pursue him to be a JUCO transfer for next year. In the long run this shouldn't be a problem.
Post a Comment
<< Home