Football: Fresh faces on offense
So we covered impact freshmen/newcomers on the defensive side Wednesday, let's look at the offensive side today.
Last season we had guys such as Corbin Louks, Jereme Brooks and Eddie Wide make some big impressions so there probably is some natural anticipation for more of the same this season. I wouldn't be too certain, not because Utah didn't sign any quality offensive players (they did) but because there are a lot of players returning so there won't be the same urgency as we'll see in sorting out the defensive line.
The biggest area the Utes are going to be looking for some new blood to help them is at receiver. Transfers David Reed and Aiona Key are the most logical guys to look at based on their maturity, along with tight end Dudley LaPorte who made a late switch from Ole Miss to Utah.
I've received some e-mails voicing concerns about Reed and Key's academic standing but I've been told by Utah officials both are on track to be here in the fall. Their presence will be welcomed considering Utah has a thin receiving group.
(One question mark regarding the returners here is Marquis Wilson, he is still suspended but hasn't been taken off the roster yet, unlike lineman Zeke Tuinei-Wily who was indefinitely suspended and has been removed from the 2008 roster).
Skyline grad Tony Bergstrom, back from a mission, should get some time on the line. I know the presence of DeVonte Christopher stirred some interest during spring camp but it really doesn't make since for the Utes to burn a year when the quarterback lineup is set so don't expect to see him.
Another guy with high expectations is running back Sausan Shakerin out of Alta. But again, the Utes are stocked at running back and I just don't expect Shakerin to crack the lineup well enough to justify playing this season, especially if Matt Asiata stays healthy.
So there you have it, a little rundown of the offense. It doesn't sound like we can expect many surprises, but every year brings one or two, who are you thinking will have the breakout year?
Good topics to discuss at your Memorial Day cookout I'd say!
Last season we had guys such as Corbin Louks, Jereme Brooks and Eddie Wide make some big impressions so there probably is some natural anticipation for more of the same this season. I wouldn't be too certain, not because Utah didn't sign any quality offensive players (they did) but because there are a lot of players returning so there won't be the same urgency as we'll see in sorting out the defensive line.
The biggest area the Utes are going to be looking for some new blood to help them is at receiver. Transfers David Reed and Aiona Key are the most logical guys to look at based on their maturity, along with tight end Dudley LaPorte who made a late switch from Ole Miss to Utah.
I've received some e-mails voicing concerns about Reed and Key's academic standing but I've been told by Utah officials both are on track to be here in the fall. Their presence will be welcomed considering Utah has a thin receiving group.
(One question mark regarding the returners here is Marquis Wilson, he is still suspended but hasn't been taken off the roster yet, unlike lineman Zeke Tuinei-Wily who was indefinitely suspended and has been removed from the 2008 roster).
Skyline grad Tony Bergstrom, back from a mission, should get some time on the line. I know the presence of DeVonte Christopher stirred some interest during spring camp but it really doesn't make since for the Utes to burn a year when the quarterback lineup is set so don't expect to see him.
Another guy with high expectations is running back Sausan Shakerin out of Alta. But again, the Utes are stocked at running back and I just don't expect Shakerin to crack the lineup well enough to justify playing this season, especially if Matt Asiata stays healthy.
So there you have it, a little rundown of the offense. It doesn't sound like we can expect many surprises, but every year brings one or two, who are you thinking will have the breakout year?
Good topics to discuss at your Memorial Day cookout I'd say!
12:28 PM
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3 Comments:
I am thinking that Asiata will emerge as the break out player on offense. It's exciting to think that the Utes could have a RB combo similar to or better than Ganther and Marty Johnson in '04. Couple that with Brian Johnson being a senior and look out. It is very possible that the Utes offense could be averaging over 200 yards rushing per game this year.
I am so paranoid that we will have a sub .500 year. We don't have any depth on the D-line and Line backers. Brian Johnson is so injury prone. We have depth at other positions on offense, but we have Andy Ludwig coaching them.
The Utes will be fine on D. The D line and linebackers are young but very talented.
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