Popular Post UofUUtes Posted July 9, 2017 Popular Post Share Posted July 9, 2017 The itch for football has started. I come in peace and hope to provide you insight to Utah football, that camera experience and Salt Lake City. Please ask me any anything and I'll do my best to provide information Go Utes 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geaux_sioux Posted July 9, 2017 Share Posted July 9, 2017 35 minutes ago, UofUUtes said: The itch for football has started. I come in peace and hope to provide you insight to Utah football, that camera experience and Salt Lake City. Please ask me any anything and I'll do my best to provide information Go Utes You guys gonna be good er what? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoiseInsideMyHead Posted July 9, 2017 Share Posted July 9, 2017 1 hour ago, UofUUtes said: The itch for football has started. I come in peace and hope to provide you insight to Utah football, that camera experience and Salt Lake City. Please ask me any anything and I'll do my best to provide information Go Utes 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UNDColorado Posted July 9, 2017 Share Posted July 9, 2017 I will be there. Looking forward to some tailgating. As far as that goes is the Guardsman lot a good spot if I get there early enough? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UofUUtes Posted July 9, 2017 Author Share Posted July 9, 2017 1 hour ago, geaux_sioux said: You guys gonna be good er what? When Utah transitioned to the Pac-12, many fans underestimated the step up in competition Utah would face. In the Mountain West, you might face a really good QB, or a stud WR. There might be a great LB or 1 shutdown corner. The new conference showed that depth of talent was seriously lacking. We are now to a point of all recruits being signed while in the Pac-12. The talent has increased immensely, but that doesn't always lead to success of the field. Utah is the only Pac-12 South school to not win the division. However, Utah is one of 5 schools to be ranked in every CFP top 25 ranking. To answer your question directly. YES, Utah will be good. How good is to be determined. Definitely not good enough to overlook anyone. But also good enough to beat anyone on the schedule. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UofUUtes Posted July 9, 2017 Author Share Posted July 9, 2017 39 minutes ago, NoiseInsideMyHead said: Classic! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UofUUtes Posted July 9, 2017 Author Share Posted July 9, 2017 15 minutes ago, UNDColorado said: I will be there. Looking forward to some tailgating. As far as that goes is the Guardsman lot a good spot if I get there early enough? Guardsmen is your best bet. However, tailgating all over campus has really exploded. Guardsmen will be the best collection of tailgaters. A Thursday game might be a bit slow at first, but the first game excitement should make up for things. If you want to follow me on Twitter at @UofUUtes, I will connect you with a few of the better groups that are more than inviting to visiting fans 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bison73 Posted July 9, 2017 Share Posted July 9, 2017 1 hour ago, NoiseInsideMyHead said: The Utes were the one who told the NCAA to take a high hard one when it came to there nickname. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UNDColorado Posted July 9, 2017 Share Posted July 9, 2017 12 hours ago, UofUUtes said: Guardsmen is your best bet. However, tailgating all over campus has really exploded. Guardsmen will be the best collection of tailgaters. A Thursday game might be a bit slow at first, but the first game excitement should make up for things. If you want to follow me on Twitter at @UofUUtes, I will connect you with a few of the better groups that are more than inviting to visiting fans Thanks for the info, I just gave you a follow. I will happily share some full strength beer to the fans looking to have a good time. We are looking forward to the road trip from Colorado. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UND-1 Posted July 9, 2017 Share Posted July 9, 2017 11 hours ago, bison73 said: The Utes were the one who told the NCAA to take a high hard one when it came to there nickname. Yaahhhh.....ummm... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geaux_sioux Posted July 9, 2017 Share Posted July 9, 2017 13 hours ago, UofUUtes said: When Utah transitioned to the Pac-12, many fans underestimated the step up in competition Utah would face. In the Mountain West, you might face a really good QB, or a stud WR. There might be a great LB or 1 shutdown corner. The new conference showed that depth of talent was seriously lacking. We are now to a point of all recruits being signed while in the Pac-12. The talent has increased immensely, but that doesn't always lead to success of the field. Utah is the only Pac-12 South school to not win the division. However, Utah is one of 5 schools to be ranked in every CFP top 25 ranking. To answer your question directly. YES, Utah will be good. How good is to be determined. Definitely not good enough to overlook anyone. But also good enough to beat anyone on the schedule. How about a full roster break down with a list of studs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UofUUtes Posted July 9, 2017 Author Share Posted July 9, 2017 26 minutes ago, geaux_sioux said: How about a full roster break down with a list of studs? I will try my best. Give me some time to put something together Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geaux_sioux Posted July 9, 2017 Share Posted July 9, 2017 19 minutes ago, UofUUtes said: I will try my best. Give me some time to put something together Also a name pronunciation explanation for half your players would be appreciated. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UofUUtes Posted July 9, 2017 Author Share Posted July 9, 2017 11 minutes ago, geaux_sioux said: Also a name pronunciation explanation for half your players would be appreciated. Lol, not sure I can even pronounce half of them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MafiaMan Posted July 9, 2017 Share Posted July 9, 2017 @UofUUtes I hate the new uniforms! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UofUUtes Posted July 9, 2017 Author Share Posted July 9, 2017 18 hours ago, bison73 said: The Utes were the one who told the NCAA to take a high hard one when it came to there nickname. I'm not sure what UND's deal was with the Sioux tribe, but the U of Utah has a really good relationship with the Ute tribe. There is a scholarship program for Ute Tribe members. Each year one of the games is dedicated to the Ute Tribe and they are invited to participate in the halftime activities (usually one of the best performances all year. And the Tribe has stated numerous times that they officially approve of the name usage. There are some within and outside the tribe that feel differently, but the official stance of the tribe is one of support for the Ute nickname. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MafiaMan Posted July 9, 2017 Share Posted July 9, 2017 37 minutes ago, UofUUtes said: I'm not sure what UND's deal was with the Sioux tribe, but the U of Utah has a really good relationship with the Ute tribe. There is a scholarship program for Ute Tribe members. Each year one of the games is dedicated to the Ute Tribe and they are invited to participate in the halftime activities (usually one of the best performances all year. And the Tribe has stated numerous times that they officially approve of the name usage. There are some within and outside the tribe that feel differently, but the official stance of the tribe is one of support for the Ute nickname. Until it's not, then, look out. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post UofUUtes Posted July 10, 2017 Author Popular Post Share Posted July 10, 2017 5 hours ago, geaux_sioux said: How about a full roster break down with a list of studs? OK, here goes nothing QB - The Utes return senior QB Troy Williams and sophomore Tyler Huntley. Williams started all 13 games last year and had mixed results. His best game was arguably vs. USC, where he was 21-34 for 270 yds and 2 TD's and added another TD on the ground. He enters the 2017 season as the presumed starter, but inconsistency in 2016 has left the door open a bit. Williams was injured during the USC game and he played the remainder of the year with the injury. Many contribute his inconsistency in the passing game to the lower leg injury. Huntley has Utah fans very excited. He came to Utah after receiving the 2015 Florida Gatorade Player of the Year. Although he played sparingly during the 2016 season, he showed a knack for making plays with his feet and arm. He has drawn some comparison's to Louisville QB Lamar Jackson (in style, not talent). Huntley should push Williams for the starting spot, but there was a clear separation between the 2 during Spring Ball. Most think the Huntly will be the back-up and will be groomed to be the starter in 2018. Cooper Bateman transferred to Utah from Alabama. Originally from Utah, Bateman walked on in the spring and the expectation is for him to be on scholarship in the fall. He performed very well in spring, but he was going against 3rd and 4th string players. Most think if Huntley can separate himself as the back-up, that Bateman will change positions, possibly to WR. RB - The Utes lost their best RB to the NFL. Joe Williams was drafted in the 4th round by the 49ers. Williams retired from football after 2 games last year after battling with injuries and mental problems around a loss in his family when he was younger. This story documented the struggles and brief retirement after he ran for 332 yards against UCLA. Williams return only occurred after Utah suffered injuries to 3 running backs, including 2 season ending. The 2017 running backs are a question mark, but not due to talent. New OC Troy Taylor is known for prolific passing offenses. While Utah has always been a power running team, the question is how the 2 philosophies will morph. Taylor has liked to involve the RB heavily in the passing game. During spring ball, sophomore Devonta'e Henry-Cole really shined. He is small (5'8, 192), but is built like a tank. His balance and quickness make it very difficult to bring him down on first contact. He was featured heavily in the pass game during the Utah Spring Game. Many believe his game will translate well in the Taylor offense, but he will be 3rd string at best to start the season. Sophomore Zack Moss and junior Armand Shyne return after showing moments of excellence in 2016. Both are bruising RB's that lack top end speed, but will wear down a defense. Moss dealt with numerous injuries his freshman year and broke his arm in the spring game. But he'll be ready to go vs. UND. Shyne is coming off of a season-ending ACL injury, but all reports show him on track to be ready for fall camp. Interesting fact, Moss (a former Miami Hurricane commit) is joined by Huntley and receiver Demari Simpkins at Utah after being HS teammates in Florida. The 3 are dubbed the Hallendale Trio. I would expect both guys to share the majority of the touches in the running game this year. Freshman TJ Green joins the group this year and will arguably be the most explosive back. His film shows a great burst, playing against very good competition in Arizona. WR - This position has been a big struggle for Utah in recent years. After losing senior Tim Patrick (UDFA, Baltimore Ravens), this group is a big question mark. The returning WR's all showed potential in 2016, but drops and the inability (whether in play-calling or talent) to get separation vs talented DB's caused the offense to bog down far too often. Taylor's 4 and 5 WR sets will test this group. On the outside, look for senior Raelon (Ray-lon) Singleton to lead the group. Talented sophomore Siaosi (Si-o-si) Wilson will likely start opposite of Singleton. Junior Alec Dana , 4-star Tyquez Hampton and 3-star Bryan Thompson will most likely get opportunities to make plays in the offense. Hampton was an early enrollee and showed very well in the spring game. He is a big receiver with deceptive speed. He absolutely dominated vs lower competion in El Paso, TX. Thompson is a track guy who chose Utah over Oregon and UCLA. The Scout analysts loved Thompson and thought he was one of the bigger recruits for Utah, but IMO he will be behind Hampton since Tyquez was an early-enrollee Inside, the Utes will have multiple options with senior Kyle Fulks , senior Troy McCormick , junior Derrick Vickers and sophomore Demari (Di-mar-e) Simpkins . Fulks is a track guy, running a 10.21 100m in high school. His career at Utah has been disappointing, a mixture of play-calling and drops. But the new offense should really let Fulks shine if he can clean up the drops. Fulks could also play on the outside due to his speed. McCormick is a former running back. He is very explosive and tough, but he was too small to play football in the Pac-12. His career has been marred by injury, but when he has space he makes plays. I would assume Taylor will put McCormick into situations where he can get the ball in space, whether in the running game or pass game. Vickers is a JUCO transfer that was a late addition to the 2017 recruiting class. His tape shows very good feet and quickness. I wouldn't expect much from him vs UND as he won't arrive until late summer and should be behind other receivers. Simpkins is a real talent. He started as a freshman and proved to have very good hands. As the season went on, he received more and more playing time and I would assume he will pick off where he left off. TE - The TE position has been a bright spot for the Utes over the years. The old offense took advantage of the ability of a TE to get open. Unfortunately, not much is known about Taylor's plans to use the TE this year. Last year, the TE was asked to be a true threat in both the run game (blocking) and pass game. This year, I anticipate TE's to line up all over the place. Taylor likes to use unique formations to create space and a TE can create mismatch nightmares if done correctly. I believe we'll see them line up in the backfield as a lead blocker/pass catcher, the slot and outside on smaller DB's. The Utes return 2 senior TE's in Siale (Si-all-e) Fakailoatonga (Fa-ka-e-lo-a-tahn-ga) and Harrison Handley. Fakailoatonga has suffered multiple season-ending injuries and I hope he can stay healthy in 2017. He is more of a true run/pass TE. He has the bulk and power to get a push against LB's. He isn't as fast as Handley, and uses his size and hands more to catch passes. Handley is less of a blocker and more a true pass-catcher. He has pretty good speed, which makes him a good candidate to line up across from LB's in the pass game. I wouldn't be surprised to see him decoy out of the backfield either. OL - The OL will be the most important group to watch in Fall Camp. Much has been said about the turnover in the OL. The Utes had 4 O-lineman drafted, headlined by Garett Bolles being drafted in the 1st Rd (20th overall) by the Denver Broncos. The Utes lost both tackles, LG and C to the draft (also lost a backup C). However, the Utes have one of the best and most respected O-line coaches in America in Jim Harding. And it shouldn't be debated based on the draft success. Also, even though 4/5th of the lineman are gone, the Utes return 3 guys that played a lot of downs in 2016. The Utes will be led by senior Salesi (Sah-leh-si) Uhatafe (Oo-ha-tah-fi). Uhatafe looks to move outside to take over the RT spot. Uhatafe should continue the tradition of Utes OL being drafted, and after to start to his college career, it would be one of the most heartfelt stories to be told. You can read more about the adversity Salesi has been through here and here. I have tried to be as impartial in this post, but on a personal level, this young man has overcome so much and been through things nobody should ever have to endure. I pull for this kid harder than most. Senior Lo Falemaka (Fah-leh-mah-ka) and junior Jackson Barton return after playing a lot of reps in 2016. Falemaka stepped in as center when Bengals draftee JJ Dielman was lost to a season-ending injury. He played in only a couple games as starter before suffering his own season-ending injury, but while filling in he was very capable as the center. Barton is a specimen at 6'7, 312 pounds. He is light on his feet, but doesn't have the mean streak that made Bolles so good. However, he will be much better in pass protection than Bolles and will be a candidate to be an early entry player for the 2017 draft. The other 2 starting spots are expected to be filled by junior Jordan Agasiva (Ah-gah-si-va) and sophomore Darrin Paulo (Paw-lo). Agasiva is another JUCO transfer that picked Utah over Auburn. It was first thought he would take one of the tackle spots, but he is more naturally suited to be a road-grading guard. Paulo has freakish strength. He doesn't look like a typical o-lineman with a lot of bad weight. This will be his first year starting after redshirting and playing only on ST as a freshman. Utah needs to have 7 o-lineman ready to compete in the Pac-12. I would anticipate a few guys to play meaningful snaps against UND in order to get experience. Look for sophomores Johnny Capra and Paul Toala (Toe-ah-la) to get a lot of run against the UND d-line. Overall I anticipate simple protection packages and a few penalties in the first game of the year. Overall, the Utah offense is an enigma. But it has been that way for years and all Ute fans hope for is to take care of the ball and score enough to win. Against UND, I think Utah will come out very basic, not showing too much besides a few odd formations to create match up problems. I think the Taylor will try to control the game with the short passing/screen game and some power running. I think there will be a few timely deep shots, in an attempt to stretch the field with bigger, faster receivers. If that doesn't work, look for the Utes to pound the ball and overpower/wear down a smaller defensive line. I truly don't know what to expect and could see the Utes putting up 45 and winning big or 24 and winning ugly, which wouldn't be anything unusual for Utah fans. I will breakdown the defense and ST in the next couple days. I tried very hard to help with pronunciations, but I'm sure I screwed up somehow. Projected 2-Deep QB - Williams, Huntley RB - Moss, Shyne WR - Singleton, Dana Slot - McCormick, Simpkins WR - Fulks, Wilson TE - Fakailoatonga, Handley RT - Uhatafe, Capra RG - Agasiva, Tucker Scott C - Falemaka, Toala LG - Paulo, Toala LT - Barton, Uhatafe 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UofUUtes Posted July 10, 2017 Author Share Posted July 10, 2017 4 hours ago, MafiaMan said: @UofUUtes I hate the new uniforms! At first, so did I. Then I started seeing them in pictures and on video and they don't look that bad. Better than the mountain look. The pants are a bit odd, but I'll reserve judgment until seeing them in person. In the long run, I only care if the players like them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UofUUtes Posted July 10, 2017 Author Share Posted July 10, 2017 2 hours ago, MafiaMan said: Until it's not, then, look out. Go Utah Redhawks or Utah Moose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shep Posted July 10, 2017 Share Posted July 10, 2017 Utah FIGHTING HAWKS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarnWinterSportsEngelstad Posted July 10, 2017 Share Posted July 10, 2017 Thank you UofUUtes for your valiant effort. We have a task at hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geaux_sioux Posted July 10, 2017 Share Posted July 10, 2017 Thanks for the objective run down. And also for not being the typical FBS douche who acts like Bat Dad from South Park. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siouxfan512 Posted July 10, 2017 Share Posted July 10, 2017 Thanks for the rundown on Utah. Good information. Already looking forward to the game! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UNDBIZ Posted July 10, 2017 Share Posted July 10, 2017 8 minutes ago, geaux_sioux said: Thanks for the objective run down. And also for not being the typical FBS douche who acts like Bat Dad from South Park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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