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2005 UTAH FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE • WWW.UTAHUTES.COM 41

The Outlook

42 2005 UTAH FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE • WWW.UTAHUTES.COM

PERSONNEL PICTURE

WHO’S BACK

Offensive Starters Returning (5)David Dirkmaat, OL (6-7, 310, Sr.); Jesse Boone, OL (6-5, 305, Sr.); Travis LaTendresse (6-1, 200, Sr.); John Madsen, WR (6-5, 220, Sr.); Tavo Tupola, OL (6-3, 300, Jr.).

Defensive Starters Returning (5)Steve Fifita, DT (6-0, 322, Sr.); Marquess Ledbetter, DE (6-2 , 265, Sr.); Ryan Smith, DB (5-10, 165, So.); Spencer Toone, LB (6-2, 235, Sr.); Eric Weddle, DB (6-0, 200, Jr.).

Starting Kickers/Punters Returning (1*)*Bryan Borreson, K (5-10, 186, Sr.)*Part-time starter

Lettermen Returning (41)

Offense (20):Mitch Arquette, OL; Jason Boone, OL; Jesse Boone, OL; Blake Burdette, TE; David Dirkmaat, OL; Quinton Ganther, RB; Thomas Huff, WR; Chad Jacobsen, TE; Andrew Johnson, OL; Brian Johnson, QB; Travis LaTendresse, WR; Mike Liti, RB; John Madsen, WR; Eric Pettit, OL; Derrek Richards, WR; Willie Sao, TE; Fano Tagovailoa, WR; Tavo Tupola, OL; Jason Voss, OL; Justin Walker, WR.

Defense (20):Kite Afeaki, DL; Kyle Brady, LB; Martail Burnett, DE; Kawika Casco, DB; Casey Evans, DB; Steve Fifita, DT; Shaun Harper, DB; Tim Harris, DB; Billy Kinsey, DB; Marquess Led-better, DE; Grady Marshall, LB; Taylor Miller, LB; Malakai Mokofisi, LB; Eugene Oates, DB; Ryan Smith, DB; Nik Sonntag, DL; Charlie TeGantvoort, LB; Spencer Toone, LB; Eric Weddle, DB; Antonio Young, DB.

Specialists (1): Bryan Borreson, K.

WHO’S GONE

Offensive Starters Lost (6)Makai Aalona, OL (6-4, 304); Marty Johnson, RB (6-0, 225); Chris Kemoeatu, OL (6-4, 338); Steve Savoy, WR (5-11, 191); Alex Smith, QB (6-4, 212); Paris Warren, WR (6-1, 211).

Defensive Starters Lost (6)Corey Dodds, LB (6-3, 225); Jonathan Fanene, DL (6-3, 290); Tommy Hackenbruck, LB (6-1, 227); Bo Nagahi, DB (5-10, 184); Morgan Scalley, DB (5-10, 191); Sione Pouha, DL (6-3, 330).

Starting Kickers/Punters Lost (2*)*David Carroll, K (6-0, 170), Matt Kovacevich, P (6-0, 197)

Lettermen Lost (24)

Offense (11):Makai Aalona, OL; Brigham Au, QB; Jon Clark, TE; Steve Dahl, OL; Joe Johnson, RB; Marty Johnson, RB; Chris Kemoeatu, OL; Steve Savoy, WR; Alex Smith, QB; Paris War-ren, WR; Jerome Wright, WR.

Defense (10):Corey Dodds, LB; Jonathan Fanene, DL; Gerald Fletcher, DB; Tommy Hackenbruck, LB; Tevita Kemoeatu, DL; Bo Nagahi, DB; Sione Pouha, DL; Dmitry Preobrazhensky, LB; Morgan Scalley, DB; Reza Williams, DL.

Specialists (3):David Carroll, K; Matt Kovacevich, P; Brady Parkhurst, SN.

2005 SCHOLARSHIP NEWCOMERS (24)Zane Beadles, OL; @Tony Bergstrom, OL; Greg Bird, LB; Lance Bordeleau, TE; @Grayson Dart, DB; Kevin Dunn, QB; Kenape Eliapo, DL; Randy Faletoi, DL; Joe Giuliani, DB; Brian Hernandez, WR; Chris Joppru, TE; Soli Lefiti, DE; Tolifili Liufau, DL; #Semisi Livai, LB; Darrell Mack, RB; Brice McCain, DB; Brett Ratliff, QB; #Kyler Rushton, DB; Eric Shyne, DB; #Andrew Smart, LB; Sean Smith, RB; Reggie Turner, LB; Tyler Williams, OL; Marquis Wilson, WR.#Returned Missionary; @Going on an LDS Church Mission

2004 REDSHIRTS (19)Terrence Apted, OL; Brent Casteel, WR; Robert Conley, OL; Afa Garrigan, DB; Jordan Johnson, WR; Matt Mason, DB; Pate Moleni, DL; Brady Nielson, LB; Sean O’Connell, LB; John Peel, WR; Adarrious Ross, DB; Colt Sampson, LB; Bryce Scanlon, DL; Ameen Shaheen, WR; Paul Soliai, OL; Cody Sorenson, WR; Ray Stowers, RB; Kelly Talavou, DL; Steve Tate, DB.

ALL-MWC UTES RETURNING

First TeamSteve Fifita, DL

Second TeamJesse Boone, OLEric Weddle, DB

Honorable MentionQuinton Ganther, RBSpencer Toone, LB

ALL-MWC UTES LOST

First TeamAlex Smith, QBChris Kemoeatu, OLSione Pouha, DLSteve Savoy, WRMorgan Scalley, DB

Second TeamMarty Johnson, RBParis Warren, WR

Honorable MentionMakai Aalona, OLTommy Hackenbruck, LBMatt Kovacevich, P

ALL-AMERICA CANDIDATESSteve Fifita, DLEric Weddle, DBSpencer Toone, LB

ALL-MWC CANDIDATESSteve Fifita, DLEric Weddle, DBSpencer Toone, LBJesse Boone, OLQuinton Ganther, RBTavo Tupola, OLDavid Dirkmaat, OLMarquess Ledbetter, DLRyan Smith, DBTravis LaTendresse, WRJohn Madsen, WR

All-America candidate Steve Fifita.

432005 UTAH FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE • WWW.UTAHUTES.COM

HOW THE UTES WERE BUILT

QUINTON GANTHEROpponent Rush Yards Avg. TD LongTexas A&M 6 31 5.2 0 20Arizona 11 48 4.4 0 14Utah State 11 23 2.1 1 11Air Force 6 65 10.8 0 17New Mexico 22 106 4.8 0 23North Carolina 10 65 6.5 0 19UNLV 7 30 4.3 0 12San Diego State 5 45 9.0 0 35Colorado State 7 81 11.6 0 36Wyoming 7 4 -.05 0 4Brigham Young 11 122 11.1 0 56Pittsburgh 6 34 5.7 1 10

ERIC WEDDLEOpponent UT AT TT PBU INTTexas A&M 1 1 2 0 0Arizona dnp (injured)Utah State 2 0 2 0 0Air Force 5 5 10 0 0New Mexicio 6 1 7 1-4 0North Carolina 5 6 11 1.5-5 1UNLV 6 5 11 0 0San Diego State 6 0 6 1 1Colorado State 3 3 6 0 1Wyoming 0 1 1 0 0Brigham Young 4 4 8 0 1Pittsburgh 9 2 11 1 0

SPENCER TOONEOpponent UT AT TT TFL SACKTexas A&M 1 6 7 1-0 0Arizona 7 6 13 0-0 0Utah State 5 1 6 0-0 0Air Force 3 11 14 0-0 0New Mexicio 2 4 6 2-1 0North Carolina 3 6 9 0.5-3 0UNLV 1 8 9 0-0 0San Diego State 7 2 9 1-0 0.5-0Colorado State 4 7 11 0-0 0Wyoming 2 7 9 0-0 0Brigham Young 3 11 14 0.5-1 0Pittsburgh 2 6 8 0.5-2 0.5-2

STEVE FIFITAOpponent UT AT TT TFL SACKTexas A&M 0 5 5 1-0 0Arizona 1 2 3 0-0 0Utah State 2 2 4 2-10 1-6Air Force 5 4 9 2-11 2-11New Mexicio 4 0 4 1-3 0North Carolina 1 1 2 0-0 0UNLV 0 3 3 0-0 0San Diego State 1 1 2 1-3 0Colorado State 1 2 3 0-0 0Wyoming 4 0 4 0 0Brigham Young 1 0 1 1-4 1-4Pittsburgh 3 2 5 2-13 1-12

SELECT UTES GAME BY GAME IN 2004

SCHOLARSHIP PLAYERS

2000Kawika Casco (W/O)

2001Jesse BooneBryan Borreson (W/O)Steve FifitaChad Jacobsen (RM)Andrew Johnson Travis LaTendresse (W/O, TR)Marquess Ledbetter (NQ)Antonio Young

2002Mitch Arquette (RM)Blake Burdette (W/O, RM)Rob GueckShaun HarperGrady Marshall (W/O, RM)Eric PettitSpencer Toone (JC, RM)Tavo Tupola (RM)Jason Voss

2003Jason BooneKyle BradyMartail BurnettDavid Dirkmaat (JC)Casey Evans (W/O)Stephen Gordon (JC)Kyle Gunther

Thomas HuffJoe JiannoniMike LitiJohn Madsen (W/O, JC)Taylor Miller (RM)Loma Olevao (RM)Alex PuccinelliWillie Sao (NQ, RM)Ryan SmithNik Sonntag (W/O, TR)Eric Weddle

2004Kite Afeaki (W/O)Terrence AptedBrent CasteelRobert ConleyQuinton Ganther (JC)Afa GarriganTim Harris (JC)Brian JohnsonJordan JohnsonMatt MasonPate Moleni (RM)Eugene Oates (JC)John PeelDarryl Poston (TR)Adarrious RossColt Sampson (RM)Bryce ScanlonPaul Soliai (JC)Ray Stowers

Fano Tagovailoa (JC)Kelly Talavou (W/O, TR)Justin Walker (JC)

2005Zane BeadlesGreg BirdLance BordeleauKevin DunnKenape EliapoRandy FaletoiJoe GiulianiBrian Hernandez (JC)Chris JoppruSoli Lefiti (JC)Tolifili Liufau (JC)Semisi Livai (RM)Darrell MackBrice McCainBrett Ratliff (JC)Kyler Rushton (RM)Eric Shyne (JC)Andrew Smart (RM)Sean SmithReggie Turner Tyler WilliamsMarquis Wilson

2002Ryan HoneaChris Sokugawa

2003Malakai MokofisiBrent RawlingsDerrek RichardsCharlie TeGantvoortDymond Unutoa (TR)

2004Dan Beardall (JC)Brock Condie (JC, RM)Billy Kinsey (RM)Brady Nielson (JC, RM)Sean O’Connell (TR, RM)Ameen Shaheen (JC, RM)Cody Sorenson (JC, RM)Steve Tate (TR, RM)

2005Pete Aneiro (JC)Derek Beardall (JC)Nate Clark (TR)Tyson DoddsDrew Hackett (TR)Louie SakodaAaron Smith (TR)Danny Southwick (JC, RM)Jason Streiff (JC, RM)Casey Sutera (TR)JJ Williams

WALK-ONS

LegendTR=Four-Year TransferJC=Junior College TransferW/O=Walk-on Awarded ScholarshipNQ=Non QualifierRM=Returned Missionary


UTAH ALPHABETICAL ROSTER

No. ......Name ....................................Pos. ........... Hgt. .......... Wgt. .......... Yr. ........... Exp. ...........B-Date ............Age .........Hometown/Previous School99 .......Kite Afeaki ............................DL ............... 6-2 ............ 285 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............4-19-82 ...........23 ............Salt Lake City/Weber State61 .......Pete Aneiro ...........................SN .............. 6-0 ............ 195 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............8-28-84 ...........21 ............Alta Loma, Calif./Mt. San Antonio CC60 .......Terrence Apted .....................OL .............. 6-3 ............ 310 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............4-6-86 .............19 ............Pago Pago, American Samoa/Fagatuio HS71 .......Mitch Arquette ......................OL .............. 6-5 ............ 312 ............ Jr. ............ 1VL .............5-14-81 ...........24 ............Kaysville, Utah/Davis HS 68 .......Zane Beadles .......................OL .............. 6-4 ............ 275 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............11-19-86 .........18 ............Sandy, Utah/Hillcrest HS48 .......Dan Beardall .........................K/P ............. 6-1 ............ 193 ............ Sr. ........... SQ ..............8-24-79 ...........26 ............Highland, Utah/Snow College96 .......Derek Beardall ......................DL ............... 6-1 ............ 305 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............9-2-82 .............23 ............Highland, Utah/Snow College34 .......Greg Bird .............................. LB ............... 6-2 ............ 200 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............6-17-86 ...........19 ............Mesa, Ariz./Red Mountain HS69 .......Jason Boone ........................OL .............. 6-4 ............ 290 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............4-20-84 ...........21 ............Fillmore, Utah/Millard HS79 .......Jesse Boone .........................OL .............. 6-5 ............ 305 ............ Sr. ........... 3VL .............1-28-82 ...........23 ............Fillmore, Utah/Millard HS84 .......Lance Bordeleau ..................TE .............. 6-4 ............ 230 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............9-17-86 ...........18 ............Simi Valley, Calif./Royal HS7 .........Bryan Borreson ....................K ................. 5-10 .......... 186 ............ Sr. ........... 3VL .............2-4-83 .............22 ............Woodland Hills, Calif./Chaminade Prep14 .......Kyle Brady ............................ LB ............... 6-1 ............ 230 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............11-7-84 ...........20 ............Tooele, Utah/Tooele HS47 .......Blake Burdette ......................TE .............. 6-1 ............ 252 ............ Sr. ........... 2VL .............1-19-80 ...........25 ............Salt Lake City/Olympus HS93 .......Martail Burnett ......................DE .............. 6-3 ............ 235 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............1-10-85 ...........20 ............Los Angeles, Calif./David Starr Jordan HS11 ........Kawika Casco .......................DB .............. 5-10 .......... 185 ............ Sr. ........... 2VL .............6-30-82 ...........23 ............Lahaina, Hawaii/Lahainaluna HS 6 .........Brent Casteel ........................WR ............. 5-10 .......... 192 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............7-12-85 ...........20 ............San Francisco, Calif./Antioch HS91 .......Nate Clark ............................TE .............. 6-3 ............ 235 ............ Fr. ........... TR ..............3-11-84 ...........21 ............Centerville, Utah/Weber State50 .......Brock Condie ........................SN .............. 5-10 .......... 220 ............ Sr. ........... SQ ..............7-31-80 ...........25 ............Lehi, Utah/Snow College 66 .......Robert Conley ......................OL .............. 6-1 ............ 317 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............4-17-86 ...........19 ............La Marque, Texas/La Marque HS74 .......David Dirkmaat .....................OL .............. 6-7 ............ 310 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............7-4-82 .............23 ............San Jose, Calif./Fresno CC40 .......Tyson Dodds ........................DB .............. 5-11 .......... 195 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............2-17-86 ...........19 ............Salt Lake City/Hillcrest14 .......Kevin Dunn ...........................QB .............. 6-3 ............ 216 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............1-24-87 ...........18 ............Santa Barbara, Calif./Santa Barbara HS92 .......Kenape Eliapo ......................DL ............... 6-0 ............ 270 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............3-22-86 ...........19 ............San Francisco, Calif./So. San Francisco HS31 .......Casey Evans ........................DB .............. 6-0 ............ 198 ............ Jr. ............ 2VL .............4-26-84 ...........21 ............Salt Lake City/Olympus HS91 .......Randy Faletoi .......................DL ............... 6-2 ............ 312 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............5-15-86 ...........19 ............Honolulu, Hawaii/McKinley HS94 .......Steve Fifita ...........................DL ............... 6-0 ............ 322 ............ Sr. ........... 3VL .............5-16-82 ...........22 ............Huntington Beach, Calif./Fountain Valley HS13 .......Quinton Ganther ...................RB .............. 5-10 .......... 214 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............7-15-84 ...........21 ............Richmond, Calif./Citrus CC33 .......Afa Garrigan ......................... LB ............... 6-1 ............ 210 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............7-8-86 .............19 ............Hauula, Hawaii/Kahuku HS35 .......Joe Giuliani ...........................DB .............. 6-1 ............ 180 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............3-7-86 .............19 ............Simi Valley, Calif./Oaks Christian HS19 .......Stephen Gordon ...................DB .............. 5-11 .......... 195 ............ Sr. ........... SQ ..............7-11-83 ...........21 ............Higley, Ariz./Mesa CC85 .......Rob Gueck ...........................WR ............. 5-9 ............ 180 ............ Jr. ............ SQ ..............2-8-83 .............21 ............Springville, Utah/Springville HS63 .......Kyle Gunther ........................OL .............. 6-4 ............ 300 ............ So. .......... SQ ..............6-26-85 ...........19 ............Camarillo, Calif./Adolfo Camarillo HS25 .......Drew Hackett ........................WR ............. 6-3 ............ 195 ............ Jr. ............ TR ..............9-12-84 ...........20 ............Boise, Idaho/Boise State 21 .......Shaun Harper .......................DB .............. 5-9 ............ 180 ............ Jr. ............ 2VL .............8-12-84 ...........20 ............San Diego, Calif./Mission Bay HS24 .......Tim Harris .............................DB .............. 6-0 ............ 190 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............9-15-83 ...........21 ............Pittsburgh, Kan./Fort Scott CC16 .......Brian Hernandez ..................WR ............. 6-0 ............ 183 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............4-13-84 ...........21 ............Phoenix, Ariz./Pima CC43 .......Ryan Honea .........................WR ............. 5-9 ............ 182 ............ Sr. ........... SQ ..............6-19-80 ...........25 ............Spring Creek, Nev./Feather River College1 .........Thomas Huff .........................WR ............. 6-4 ............ 205 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............3-25-85 ...........19 ............Phoenix, Ariz./Camelback HS18 .......Chad Jacobsen ....................TE .............. 6-4 ............ 250 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............9-21-80 ...........24 ............Springville, Utah/Springville HS44 .......Joe Jiannoni ......................... LB ............... 6-0 ............ 230 ............ So. .......... SQ ..............12-27-84 .........20 ............La Quinta, Calif./La Quinta HS55 .......Andrew Johnson ...................OL .............. 6-2 ............ 304 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............5-23-83 ...........21 ............Salt Lake City/Cottonwood HS3 .........Brian Johnson ......................QB .............. 6-1 ............ 203 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............2-16-87 ...........18 ............Baytown, Texas/Robert E. Lee HS83 .......Jordan Johnson ....................WR ............. 6-1 ............ 199 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............10-14-85 .........19 ............Mesquite, Texas/Poteet HS80 .......Chris Joppru .........................TE .............. 6-6 ............ 235 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............2-6-87 .............18 ............Minnetonka, Minn./Minnetonka HS36 .......Billy Kinsey ...........................DB .............. 5-10 .......... 181 ............ Jr. ............ 1VL .............12-24-83 .........21 ............Morgan, Utah/Morgan HS88 .......Travis LaTendresse ..............WR ............. 6-1 ............ 200 ............ Sr. ........... 3VL .............3-30-82 ...........22 ............El Dorado Hills, Calif./Linfield 55 .......Marquess Ledbetter .............DE .............. 6-2 ........... 265 ............ Sr. ........... 2VL .............11-22-82 .........21 ............Louisville, Miss./Louisville HS97 .......Soli Lefiti ...............................DE .............. 6-4 ............ 265 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............4-2-85 .............20 ............Kaneohe, Hawaii/Palomar CC20 .......Mike Liti ................................RB .............. 5-10 .......... 210 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............5-7-84 .............20 ............Santa Ana, Calif./Foothill HS90 .......Tolifili Liufau ..........................DL ............... 6-1 ............ 300 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............8-13-84 ...........21 ............Waikiki, Hawaii/Fresno CC 58 .......Semisi Livai ..........................DL ............... 6-0 ............ 245 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............9-28-82 ...........22 ............Kahuku, Hawaii/Kahuku HS12 .......Darrell Mack .........................RB .............. 6-0 ............ 202 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............10-10-86 .........18 ............Spring Valley, Calif./Monte Vista HS23 .......John Madsen ........................WR ............. 6-5 ............ 220 ............ Sr. ........... 2VL .............5-9-83 .............21 ............West Valley City/Snow College41 .......Grady Marshall ..................... LB ............... 6-0 ............ 230 ............ Sr. ........... 3VL .............4-4-81 .............23 ............Salt Lake City/Skyline HS46 .......Matt Mason ...........................DB .............. 5-9 ............ 170 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............2-9-86 .............19 ............Bakersfield, Calif./Bakersfield HS3 .........Brice McCain ........................DB .............. 5-9 ............ 170 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............12-10-86 .........18 ............Terrell, Texas/Terrell HS54 .......Taylor Miller .......................... LB ............... 6-1 ............ 230 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............7-8-81 .............22 ............Las Vegas, Nev./Cimarron HS22 .......Malakai Mokofisi ................... LB ............... 6-2 ............ 225 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............6-24-85 ...........19 ............Laie, Hawaii /Kailua HS 42 .......Pate Moleni ..........................DL ............... 6-3 ............ 269 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............10-29-82 .........22 ............West Valley City, Utah/Hunter HS51 .......Brady Nielson ....................... LB ............... 6-3 ............ 221 ............ Jr. ............ RS ..............5-21-82 ...........23 ............Ephraim, Utah/Snow College8 .........Eugene Oates ......................DB .............. 5-11 .......... 183 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............9-29-81 ...........23 ............Jacksonville, Fla./Fort Scott CC49 .......Sean O’Connell ....................TE .............. 6-1 ............ 229 ............ Jr. ............ RS ..............9-2-83 .............22 ............Salt Lake City/Southern Utah37 .......Loma Olevao ........................ LB ............... 6-1 ............ 232 ............ So. .......... SQ ..............12-24-81 .........22 ............Kahuku, Hawaii/Kahuku HS


UTAH ALPHABETICAL ROSTER

82 .......John Peel .............................WR ............. 6-2 ............ 196 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............5-9-86 .............19 ............Scottsdale, Ariz./Chaparral HS75 .......Eric Pettit ..............................OL .............. 6-4 ............ 300 ............ Jr. ............ 1VL .............3-31-83 ...........21 ............West Jordan, Utah/West Jordan HS10 .......Darryl Poston ........................RB .............. 5-11 .......... 197 ............ Sr. ........... SQ ..............8-8-83 .............22 ............Huntington Beach, Calif./USC45 .......Alex Puccinelli ......................DL ............... 6-1 ............ 230 ............ So. .......... SQ ..............3-26-85 ...........19 ............Toluca Lake, Calif./Notre Dame HS15 .......Brett Ratliff ............................QB .............. 6-4 ............ 195 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............8-8-85 .............20 ............Chico, Calif./Butte College59 .......Brent Rawlings .....................P ................. 5-7 ............ 171 ............ So. .......... SQ ..............3-17-85 ...........19 ............Sandy, Utah/Alta HS26 .......Derrek Richards ...................WR ............. 5-11 .......... 175 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............12-12-83 .........20 ............American Fork, Utah/American Fork HS30 .......Adarrious Ross .....................DB .............. 5-9 ............ 163 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............3-23-86 ...........19 ............Culver City, Calif./Culver City HS25 .......Kyler Rushton .......................DB .............. 6-0 ............ 200 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............10-14-82 .........22 ............Las Vegas, Nev./Cimarron HS35 .......Louie Sakoda .......................P/K ............. 5-10 .......... 180 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............10-28-86 .........18 ............San Jose, Calif./Branham HS56 .......Colt Sampson ....................... LB ............... 6-4 ............ 217 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............3-18-83 ...........22 ............Pleasant Grove, Utah/Pleasant Grove HS81 .......Willie Sao .............................TE .............. 6-4 ............ 295 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............10-7-81 ...........22 ............Laie, Hawaii/Kahuku HS95 .......Bryce Scanlon ......................DL ............... 6-2 ............ 270 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............9-5-84 .............20 ............Evanston, Wyo./Evanston HS87 .......Ameen Shaheen ...................TE .............. 6-4 ............ 230 ............ Jr. ............ RS ..............8-19-80 ...........25 ............Salina, Utah/Snow College29 .......Eric Shyne ............................DB .............. 5-10 .......... 185 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............7-6-82 .............23 ............Pomona, Calif./Reedley CC40 .......Andrew Smart .......................DL ............... 6-2 ............ 209 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............12-20-83 .........21 ............Salt Lake City/Brighton HS52 .......Aaron Smith .......................... LB ............... 5-11 .......... 203 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............4-15-83 ...........22 ............Draper, Utah/Northern State5 .........Ryan Smith ...........................DB .............. 5-10 .......... 165 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............7-17-85 ...........19 ............Diamond Bar, Calif./Bishop Amat Mem. HS27 .......Sean Smith ...........................RB .............. 6-3 ............ 209 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............7-14-87 ...........18 ............Pasadena, Calif./Blair HS19 .......Chris Sokugawa ...................QB .............. 6-0 ............ 206 ............ Jr. ............ SQ ..............12-31-83 .........20 ............Waipahu, Hawaii/St. Louis HS76 .......Paul Soliai ............................OL .............. 6-4 ............ 321 ............ Jr. ............ RS ..............12-30-83 .........21 ............Pago Pago, American Samoa/Coffeyville CC89 .......Nik Sonntag ..........................DL ............... 6-3 ............ 247 ............ Jr. ............ 1VL .............3-11-84 ...........21 ............Salt Lake City/Oregon State86 .......Cody Sorensen .....................WR ............. 6-1 ............ 184 ............ Jr. ............ RS ..............10-18-80 .........24 ............Grand Terrace, Calif./Chaffey CC11 ........Danny Southwick ..................QB .............. 6-2 ............ 220 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............9-28-81 ...........23 ............Provo, Utah/Dixie College39 .......Ray Stowers .........................RB .............. 6-1 ............ 214 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............2-2-85 .............20 ............Honolulu, Hawaii/Iolani HS34 .......Jason Streiff .........................DB .............. 5-11 .......... 195 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............1-21-82 ...........23 ............Farmington, Utah/Snow College77 .......Casey Sutera ........................DL ............... 6-3 ............ 250 ............ Jr. ............ TR ..............7-17-84 ...........21 ............Murray, Utah/Southern Utah17 .......Fano Tagovailoa ...................WR ............. 6-1 ............ 209 ............ Jr. ............ 1VL .............7-13-83 ...........22 ............Leone, American Samoa/Coffeyville CC98 .......Kelly Talavou ........................DL ............... 6-2 ............ 319 ............ Jr. ............ RS ..............10-4-84 ...........20 ............Santa Ana, Calif./Idaho28 .......Steve Tate ............................DB .............. 5-11 .......... 195 ............ So. .......... RS ..............1-11-83 ...........22 ............Salt Lake City/Utah State15 .......Charlie TeGantvoort ............. LB ............... 6-1 ............ 208 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............7-4-82 .............22 ............Fountain Valley, Calif./Golden West JC9 .........Spencer Toone ..................... LB ............... 6-2 ............ 235 ............ Sr. ........... 2VL .............8-25-80 ...........24 ............Blackfoot, Idaho/Ricks JC78 .......Tavo Tupola ..........................OL .............. 6-3 ............ 300 ............ Jr. ............ 2VL .............12-23-80 .........23 ............Kahuku, Hawaii/Kahuku HS38 .......Reggie Turner ....................... LB ............... 6-1 ............ 239 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............6-23-84 ...........21 ............Culver City, Calif./West Los Angeles CC43 .......Dymond Unutoa ...................DB .............. 5-8 ............ 157 ............ Sr. ........... SQ ..............3-22-83 ...........21 ............Salt Lake City/Grinnell College72 .......Jason Voss ...........................OL .............. 6-3 ............ 290 ............ Jr. ............ 1VL .............2-17-84 ...........20 ............Tempe, Ariz./Valley Christian HS4 .........Justin Walker ........................WR ............. 6-1 ............ 206 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............8-4-83 .............22 ............Los Angeles, Calif./West L.A. CC32 .......Eric Weddle ..........................DB .............. 6-0 ............ 200 ............ Jr. ............ 2VL .............1-4-85 .............19 ............Alta Loma, Calif./Alta Loma HS13 .......JJ Williams ...........................DB .............. 6-0 ............ 195 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............2-26-86 ...........19 ............Aurora, Colo./Grandview HS57 .......Tyler Williams .......................OL .............. 6-1 ............ 291 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............2-28-87 ...........18 ............Mililani, Hawaii/Kamehameha HS7 .........Marquis Wilson .....................WR ............. 5-11 .......... 170 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............11-11-86 .........18 ............Draper, Utah/Juan Diego HS2 .........Antonio Young ......................DB .............. 5-11 .......... 195 ............ Sr. ........... 3VL .............10-13-83 .........20 ............Carson, Calif./Serra HS

Afeaki, Kite ................... Ah-fee-ah-kee, Kee-tayAneiro .................................................A-near-ohArquette ....................................................Ar-ketBordeleau ....................................... Board-a-low(Burnett) Martail ......................................Mar-tell(Casco) Kawika ................................. Ka-vee-ka Dirkmaat ..............................................Dirk-mottEliapo, Kenape ........... Ee-lee-a-po, Ken-ah-payFalatoi ..................................................fah-la-toyFifita ...................................................Fee-feet-a(Ganther) Quinton ............................ Quin-TAHN(Garrigan) Afa ............................................Ah-faGueck ........................................................ GeckHonea .....................................................Ho-neeJiannoni ........................................ Jee-a-no-neeJoppru .................................................... Ja-prooLaTendresse ................................La-tawn-dress(Ledbetter), Marquess ........................Mar-kwez

Lefiti, Soli ...............................La-fee-tee, So-leeLiti ................................................................LittyLiufau, Tolifili .............. Lee-oo-fow, Toe-lee-feelyLivai, Siuaki ...........................Levi, See-walk-ee(Mack), Darrell .........................................Dur-ellMokofisi, Malakai .........Mo-ko-fee-see, Mal-a-kyMoleni, Pate ............................Mo-lenny, Pot-tayOlevao, Loma ...................... Oh-lay-vow, Lo-maPettit .......................................................... Pet-itPoston ....................Post (rhymes with most)-onPuccinelli ........................................Pooch-inelly(Ross) Adarrious ............................A-dare-ee-usSakoda ..............................................Sa-code-aSao ..............................................................SowSokugawa .................................... So-koo-gow-aSoliai ................................................. So-lee-eyeStowers ................................. rhymes with hoursStreiff ......................................................... Strife

Sutera ................................................Sue-tare-aTagovailoa, Fano ................Tongo-vy-loa, Fa-noTalavou ................................................Tal-a-vooTeGantvoort .................................... Ta-gant-vortTupola, Tavo .........................Too-pole-a, Tah-voUnutoa, Dymond ............. Oon-a-toe-a, diamond(Wilson), Marquis ...............................Mar-keeze

PRONUNCIATION GUIDE


UTAH NUMERICAL ROSTER

No. ......Name ....................................Pos. ........... Hgt. .......... Wgt. .......... Yr. ........... Exp. ...........B-Date ............Age .........Hometown/Previous School1 .........Thomas Huff .........................WR ............. 6-4 ............ 205 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............3-25-85 ...........19 ............Phoenix, Ariz./Camelback HS2 .........Antonio Young ......................DB .............. 5-11 .......... 195 ............ Sr. ........... 3VL .............10-13-83 .........20 ............Carson, Calif./Serra HS3 .........Brian Johnson ......................QB .............. 6-1 ............ 203 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............2-16-87 ...........18 ............Baytown, Texas/Robert E. Lee HS3 .........Brice McCain ........................DB .............. 5-9 ............ 170 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............12-10-86 .........18 ............Terrell, Texas/Terrell HS4 .........Justin Walker ........................WR ............. 6-1 ............ 206 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............8-4-83 .............22 ............Los Angeles, Calif./West L.A. CC5 .........Ryan Smith ...........................DB .............. 5-10 .......... 165 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............7-17-85 ...........19 ............Diamond Bar, Calif./Bishop Amat Mem. HS6 .........Brent Casteel ........................WR ............. 5-10 .......... 192 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............7-12-85 ...........20 ............San Francisco, Calif./Antioch HS7 .........Bryan Borreson ....................K ................. 5-10 .......... 186 ............ Sr. ........... 3VL .............2-4-83 .............22 ............Woodland Hills, Calif./Chaminade Prep7 .........Marquis Wilson .....................WR ............. 5-11 .......... 170 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............11-11-86 .........18 ............Draper, Utah/Juan Diego HS8 .........Eugene Oates ......................DB .............. 5-11 .......... 183 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............9-29-81 ...........23 ............Jacksonville, Fla./Fort Scott CC9 .........Spencer Toone ..................... LB ............... 6-2 ............ 235 ............ Sr. ........... 2VL .............8-25-80 ...........24 ............Blackfoot, Idaho/Ricks JC10 .......Darryl Poston ........................RB .............. 5-11 .......... 197 ............ Sr. ........... SQ ..............8-8-83 .............22 ............Huntington Beach, Calif./USC11 ........Kawika Casco .......................DB .............. 5-10 .......... 185 ............ Sr. ........... 2VL .............6-30-82 ...........23 ............Lahaina, Hawaii/Lahainaluna HS 11 ........Danny Southwick ..................QB .............. 6-2 ............ 220 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............9-28-81 ...........23 ............Provo, Utah/Dixie College12 .......Darrell Mack .........................RB .............. 6-0 ............ 202 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............10-10-86 .........18 ............Spring Valley, Calif./Monte Vista HS13 .......Quinton Ganther ...................RB .............. 5-10 .......... 214 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............7-15-84 ...........21 ............Richmond, Calif./Citrus CC13 .......JJ Williams ...........................DB .............. 6-0 ............ 195 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............2-26-86 ...........19 ............Aurora, Colo./Grandview HS14 .......Kyle Brady ............................ LB ............... 6-1 ............ 230 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............11-7-84 ...........20 ............Tooele, Utah/Tooele HS14 .......Kevin Dunn ...........................QB .............. 6-3 ............ 216 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............1-24-87 ...........18 ............Santa Barbara, Calif./Santa Barbara HS15 .......Brett Ratliff ............................QB .............. 6-4 ............ 195 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............8-8-85 .............20 ............Chico, Calif./Butte College15 .......Charlie TeGantvoort ............. LB ............... 6-1 ............ 208 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............7-4-82 .............22 ............Fountain Valley, Calif./Golden West JC16 .......Brian Hernandez ..................WR ............. 6-0 ............ 183 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............4-13-84 ...........21 ............Phoenix, Ariz./Pima CC17 .......Fano Tagovailoa ...................WR ............. 6-1 ............ 209 ............ Jr. ............ 1VL .............7-13-83 ...........22 ............Leone, American Samoa/Coffeyville CC18 .......Chad Jacobsen ....................TE .............. 6-4 ............ 250 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............9-21-80 ...........24 ............Springville, Utah/Springville HS19 .......Stephen Gordon ...................DB .............. 5-11 .......... 195 ............ Sr. ........... SQ ..............7-11-83 ...........21 ............Higley, Ariz./Mesa CC19 .......Chris Sokugawa ...................QB .............. 6-0 ............ 206 ............ Jr. ............ SQ ..............12-31-83 .........20 ............Waipahu, Hawaii/St. Louis HS20 .......Mike Liti ................................RB .............. 5-10 .......... 210 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............5-7-84 .............20 ............Santa Ana, Calif./Foothill HS21 .......Shaun Harper .......................DB .............. 5-9 ............ 180 ............ Jr. ............ 2VL .............8-12-84 ...........20 ............San Diego, Calif./Mission Bay HS22 .......Malakai Mokofisi ................... LB ............... 6-2 ............ 225 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............6-24-85 ...........19 ............Laie, Hawaii /Kailua HS 23 .......John Madsen ........................WR ............. 6-5 ............ 220 ............ Sr. ........... 2VL .............5-9-83 .............21 ............West Valley City/Snow College24 .......Tim Harris .............................DB .............. 6-0 ............ 190 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............9-15-83 ...........21 ............Pittsburgh, Kan./Fort Scott CC25 .......Drew Hackett ........................WR ............. 6-3 ............ 195 ............ Jr. ............ TR ..............9-12-84 ...........20 ............Boise, Idaho/Boise State 25 .......Kyler Rushton .......................DB .............. 6-0 ............ 200 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............10-14-82 .........22 ............Las Vegas, Nev./Cimarron HS26 .......Derrek Richards ...................WR ............. 5-11 .......... 175 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............12-12-83 .........20 ............American Fork, Utah/American Fork HS27 .......Sean Smith ...........................RB .............. 6-3 ............ 209 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............7-14-87 ...........18 ............Pasadena, Calif./Blair HS28 .......Steve Tate ............................DB .............. 5-11 .......... 195 ............ So. .......... RS ..............1-11-83 ...........22 ............Salt Lake City/Utah State29 .......Eric Shyne ............................DB .............. 5-10 .......... 185 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............7-6-82 .............23 ............Pomona, Calif./Reedley CC30 .......Adarrious Ross .....................DB .............. 5-9 ............ 163 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............3-23-86 ...........19 ............Culver City, Calif./Culver City HS31 .......Casey Evans ........................DB .............. 6-0 ............ 198 ............ Jr. ............ 2VL .............4-26-84 ...........21 ............Salt Lake City/Olympus HS32 .......Eric Weddle ..........................DB .............. 6-0 ............ 200 ............ Jr. ............ 2VL .............1-4-85 .............19 ............Alta Loma, Calif./Alta Loma HS33 .......Afa Garrigan ......................... LB ............... 6-1 ............ 210 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............7-8-86 .............19 ............Hauula, Hawaii/Kahuku HS34 .......Greg Bird .............................. LB ............... 6-2 ............ 200 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............6-17-86 ...........19 ............Mesa, Ariz./Red Mountain HS34 .......Jason Streiff .........................DB .............. 5-11 .......... 195 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............1-21-82 ...........23 ............Farmington, Utah/Snow College35 .......Joe Giuliani ...........................DB .............. 6-1 ............ 180 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............3-7-86 .............19 ............Simi Valley, Calif./Oaks Christian HS35 .......Louie Sakoda .......................P/K ............. 5-10 .......... 180 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............10-28-86 .........18 ............San Jose, Calif./Branham HS36 .......Billy Kinsey ...........................DB .............. 5-10 .......... 181 ............ Jr. ............ 1VL .............12-24-83 .........21 ............Morgan, Utah/Morgan HS37 .......Loma Olevao ........................ LB ............... 6-1 ............ 232 ............ So. .......... SQ ..............12-24-81 .........22 ............Kahuku, Hawaii/Kahuku HS38 .......Reggie Turner ....................... LB ............... 6-1 ............ 239 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............6-23-84 ...........21 ............Culver City, Calif./West Los Angeles CC39 .......Ray Stowers .........................RB .............. 6-1 ............ 214 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............2-2-85 .............20 ............Honolulu, Hawaii/Iolani HS40 .......Tyson Dodds ........................DB .............. 5-11 .......... 195 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............2-17-86 ...........19 ............Salt Lake City/Hillcrest40 .......Andrew Smart .......................DL ............... 6-2 ............ 209 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............12-20-83 .........21 ............Salt Lake City/Brighton HS41 .......Grady Marshall ..................... LB ............... 6-0 ............ 230 ............ Sr. ........... 3VL .............4-4-81 .............23 ............Salt Lake City/Skyline HS42 .......Pate Moleni ..........................DL ............... 6-3 ............ 269 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............10-29-82 .........22 ............West Valley City, Utah/Hunter HS43 .......Ryan Honea .........................WR ............. 5-9 ............ 182 ............ Sr. ........... SQ ..............6-19-80 ...........25 ............Spring Creek, Nev./Feather River College43 .......Dymond Unutoa ...................DB .............. 5-8 ............ 157 ............ Sr. ........... SQ ..............3-22-83 ...........21 ............Salt Lake City/Grinnell College44 .......Joe Jiannoni ......................... LB ............... 6-0 ............ 230 ............ So. .......... SQ ..............12-27-84 .........20 ............La Quinta, Calif./La Quinta HS45 .......Alex Puccinelli ......................DL ............... 6-1 ............ 230 ............ So. .......... SQ ..............3-26-85 ...........19 ............Toluca Lake, Calif./Notre Dame HS46 .......Matt Mason ...........................DB .............. 5-9 ............ 170 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............2-9-86 .............19 ............Bakersfield, Calif./Bakersfield HS47 .......Blake Burdette ......................TE .............. 6-1 ............ 252 ............ Sr. ........... 2VL .............1-19-80 ...........25 ............Salt Lake City/Olympus HS48 .......Dan Beardall .........................K/P ............. 6-1 ............ 193 ............ Sr. ........... SQ ..............8-24-79 ...........26 ............Highland, Utah/Snow College49 .......Sean O’Connell ....................TE .............. 6-1 ............ 229 ............ Jr. ............ RS ..............9-2-83 .............22 ............Salt Lake City/Southern Utah50 .......Brock Condie ........................SN .............. 5-10 .......... 220 ............ Sr. ........... SQ ..............7-31-80 ...........25 ............Lehi, Utah/Snow College 51 .......Brady Nielson ....................... LB ............... 6-3 ............ 221 ............ Jr. ............ RS ..............5-21-82 ...........23 ............Ephraim, Utah/Snow College52 .......Aaron Smith .......................... LB ............... 5-11 .......... 203 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............4-15-83 ...........22 ............Draper, Utah/Northern State


UTAH NUMERICAL ROSTER

54 .......Taylor Miller .......................... LB ............... 6-1 ............ 230 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............7-8-81 .............22 ............Las Vegas, Nev./Cimarron HS55 .......Andrew Johnson ...................OL .............. 6-2 ............ 304 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............5-23-83 ...........21 ............Salt Lake City/Cottonwood HS55 .......Marquess Ledbetter .............DE .............. 6-2 ........... 265 ............ Sr. ........... 2VL .............11-22-82 .........21 ............Louisville, Miss./Louisville HS56 .......Colt Sampson ....................... LB ............... 6-4 ............ 217 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............3-18-83 ...........22 ............Pleasant Grove, Utah/Pleasant Grove HS57 .......Tyler Williams .......................OL .............. 6-1 ............ 291 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............2-28-87 ...........18 ............Mililani, Hawaii/Kamehameha HS58 .......Semisi Livai ..........................DL ............... 6-0 ............ 245 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............9-28-82 ...........22 ............Kahuku, Hawaii/Kahuku HS59 .......Brent Rawlings .....................P ................. 5-7 ............ 171 ............ So. .......... SQ ..............3-17-85 ...........19 ............Sandy, Utah/Alta HS60 .......Terrence Apted .....................OL .............. 6-3 ............ 310 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............4-6-86 .............19 ............Pago Pago, American Samoa/Fagatuio HS61 .......Pete Aneiro ...........................SN .............. 6-0 ............ 195 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............8-28-84 ...........21 ............Alta Loma, Calif./Mt. San Antonio CC63 .......Kyle Gunther ........................OL .............. 6-4 ............ 300 ............ So. .......... SQ ..............6-26-85 ...........19 ............Camarillo, Calif./Adolfo Camarillo HS66 .......Robert Conley ......................OL .............. 6-1 ............ 317 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............4-17-86 ...........19 ............La Marque, Texas/La Marque HS68 .......Zane Beadles .......................OL .............. 6-4 ............ 275 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............11-19-86 .........18 ............Sandy, Utah/Hillcrest HS69 .......Jason Boone ........................OL .............. 6-4 ............ 290 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............4-20-84 ...........21 ............Fillmore, Utah/Millard HS71 .......Mitch Arquette ......................OL .............. 6-5 ............ 312 ............ Jr. ............ 1VL .............5-14-81 ...........24 ............Kaysville, Utah/Davis HS 72 .......Jason Voss ...........................OL .............. 6-3 ............ 290 ............ Jr. ............ 1VL .............2-17-84 ...........20 ............Tempe, Ariz./Valley Christian HS74 .......David Dirkmaat .....................OL .............. 6-7 ............ 310 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............7-4-82 .............23 ............San Jose, Calif./Fresno CC75 .......Eric Pettit ..............................OL .............. 6-4 ............ 300 ............ Jr. ............ 1VL .............3-31-83 ...........21 ............West Jordan, Utah/West Jordan HS76 .......Paul Soliai ............................OL .............. 6-4 ............ 321 ............ Jr. ............ RS ..............12-30-83 .........21 ............Pago Pago, American Samoa/Coffeyville CC77 .......Casey Sutera ........................DL ............... 6-3 ............ 250 ............ Jr. ............ TR ..............7-17-84 ...........21 ............Murray, Utah/Southern Utah78 .......Tavo Tupola ..........................OL .............. 6-3 ............ 300 ............ Jr. ............ 2VL .............12-23-80 .........23 ............Kahuku, Hawaii/Kahuku HS79 .......Jesse Boone .........................OL .............. 6-5 ............ 305 ............ Sr. ........... 3VL .............1-28-82 ...........23 ............Fillmore, Utah/Millard HS80 .......Chris Joppru .........................TE .............. 6-6 ............ 235 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............2-6-87 .............18 ............Minnetonka, Minn./Minnetonka HS81 .......Willie Sao .............................TE .............. 6-4 ............ 295 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............10-7-81 ...........22 ............Laie, Hawaii/Kahuku HS82 .......John Peel .............................WR ............. 6-2 ............ 196 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............5-9-86 .............19 ............Scottsdale, Ariz./Chaparral HS83 .......Jordan Johnson ....................WR ............. 6-1 ............ 199 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............10-14-85 .........19 ............Mesquite, Texas/Poteet HS84 .......Lance Bordeleau ..................TE .............. 6-4 ............ 230 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............9-17-86 ...........18 ............Simi Valley, Calif./Royal HS85 .......Rob Gueck ...........................WR ............. 5-9 ............ 180 ............ Jr. ............ SQ ..............2-8-83 .............21 ............Springville, Utah/Springville HS86 .......Cody Sorensen .....................WR ............. 6-1 ............ 184 ............ Jr. ............ RS ..............10-18-80 .........24 ............Grand Terrace, Calif./Chaffey CC87 .......Ameen Shaheen ...................TE .............. 6-4 ............ 230 ............ Jr. ............ RS ..............8-19-80 ...........25 ............Salina, Utah/Snow College88 .......Travis LaTendresse ..............WR ............. 6-1 ............ 200 ............ Sr. ........... 3VL .............3-30-82 ...........22 ............El Dorado Hills, Calif./Linfield 89 .......Nik Sonntag ..........................DL ............... 6-3 ............ 247 ............ Jr. ............ 1VL .............3-11-84 ...........21 ............Salt Lake City/Oregon State90 .......Tolifili Liufau ..........................DL ............... 6-1 ............ 300 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............8-13-84 ...........21 ............Waikiki, Hawaii/Fresno CC 91 .......Nate Clark ............................TE .............. 6-3 ............ 235 ............ Fr. ........... TR ..............3-11-84 ...........21 ............Centerville, Utah/Weber State91 .......Randy Faletoi .......................DL ............... 6-2 ............ 312 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............5-15-86 ...........19 ............Honolulu, Hawaii/McKinley HS92 .......Kenape Eliapo ......................DL ............... 6-0 ............ 270 ............ Fr. ........... HS ..............3-22-86 ...........19 ............San Francisco, Calif./So. San Francisco HS93 .......Martail Burnett ......................DE .............. 6-3 ............ 235 ............ So. .......... 1VL .............1-10-85 ...........20 ............Los Angeles, Calif./David Starr Jordan HS94 .......Steve Fifita ...........................DL ............... 6-0 ............ 322 ............ Sr. ........... 3VL .............5-16-82 ...........22 ............Huntington Beach, Calif./Fountain Valley HS95 .......Bryce Scanlon ......................DL ............... 6-2 ............ 270 ............ Fr. ........... RS ..............9-5-84 .............20 ............Evanston, Wyo./Evanston HS96 .......Derek Beardall ......................DL ............... 6-1 ............ 305 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............9-2-82 .............23 ............Highland, Utah/Snow College97 .......Soli Lefiti ...............................DE .............. 6-4 ............ 265 ............ Jr. ............ JC ...............4-2-85 .............20 ............Kaneohe, Hawaii/Palomar CC98 .......Kelly Talavou ........................DL ............... 6-2 ............ 319 ............ Jr. ............ RS ..............10-4-84 ...........20 ............Santa Ana, Calif./Idaho99 .......Kite Afeaki ............................DL ............... 6-2 ............ 285 ............ Sr. ........... 1VL .............4-19-82 ...........23 ............Salt Lake City/Weber State

UTES BY CLASS (YEAR OF ELIGIBILITY)

Seniors (27)Kite AfeakiDan BeardallJesse BooneBryan BorresonBlake BurdetteKawika CascoBrock CondieDavid DirkmaatSteve FifitaQuinton GantherStephen GordonTim HarrisRyan HoneaChad JacobsenAndrew JohnsonTravis LaTendresseMarquess LedbetterJohn MadsenGrady MarshallEugene Oates

Darryl PostonWillie SaoCharlie TeGantvoortSpencer TooneDymond UnutoaJustin WalkerAntonio Young

Juniors (31)Pete AneiroMitch ArquetteDerek BeardallCasey EvansRob GueckDrew HackettShaun HarperBrian HernandezBilly KinseySoli LefitiTolifili LiufauBrady Nielson

Sean O’ConnellEric PettitBrett RatliffAmeen ShaheenEric ShyneAaron SmithChris SokugawaPaul SoliaiNik SonntagCody SorensenDanny SouthwickJason StreiffCasey SuteraFano TagovailoaKelly TalavouTavo TupolaReggie TurnerJason VossEric Weddle

Sophomores (16)Jason Boone Kyle BradyMartail Burnett Kyle Gunther Thomas Huff Joe Jiannoni Brian JohnsonMike LitiTaylor Miller Malakai MokofisiLoma Olevao Alex Puccinelli Brent Rawlings Derrek Richards Ryan Smith Steve Tate

Freshmen (32) Terrence Apted (RS)Zane BeadlesGreg BirdLance BordeleauBrent Casteel (RS)Nate ClarkRobert Conley (RS)Tyson DoddsKevin DunnKenape EliapoRandy FaletoiAfa Garrigan (RS)Joe GiulianiJordan Johnson (RS)Chris JoppruSemisi LivaiDarrell MackMatt Mason (RS)Brice McCainPate Moleni (RS)

John Peel (RS)Adarrious Ross (RS)Kyler RushtonLouie SakodaColt Sampson (RS)Bryce Scanlon (RS)Andrew SmartSean SmithRay Stowers (RS)JJ WilliamsTyler WilliamsMarquis Wilson

(RS)=Redshirt Freshman


GEOGRAPHICAL ROSTER

co

WY

TX

FLHI

UTES BY HOME STATE/COUNTRY JC TRANSFERS BY STATE

American Samoa (3)Terrence AptedPaul SoliaiFano Tagovailoa

Arizona (6)Greg BirdStephen GordonBrian HernandezThomas HuffJohn PeelJason Voss

California (33)Pete AneiroLance BordeleauBryan BorresonMartail BurnettBrent CasteelDavid DirkmaatKevin DunnKenape EliapoSteve FifitaQuinton GantherJoe GiulianiKyle GuntherShaun HarperJoe JiannoniTravis LaTendresseMike LitiDarrell MackMatt MasonDarryl PostonAlex PuccinelliBrett RatliffAdarrious RossLouie SakodaEric ShyneRyan SmithSean SmithCody SorensenKelly TalavouCharlie TeGantvoortReggie TurnerJustin WalkerEric WeddleAntonio Young

Colorado (1)JJ Williams

Florida (1)Eugene Oates

Hawaii (13)Kawika CascoRandy FaletoiAfa GarriganSoli LefitiTolifili LiufauSemisi LivaiMalakai MokofisiLoma OlevaoWillie SaoChris SokugawaRay StowersTavo TupolaTyler Williams

Idaho (2)Drew HackettSpencer Toone

Kansas (1)Tim Harris

Minnesota (1)Chris Joppru

Mississippi (1)Marquess Ledbetter

Nevada (3)Ryan HoneaTaylor MillerKyler Rushton

Texas (4)Robert ConleyBrian JohnsonJordan JohnsonBrice McCain

Utah (36)Kite AfeakiMitch ArquetteZane BeadlesDan BeardallDerek BeardallJesse BooneJason BooneKyle BradyBlake BurdetteNate ClarkBrock CondieTyson DoddsCasey EvansRob GueckChad JacobsenAndrew JohnsonBilly KinseyJohn MadsenGrady Marshall

Pate MoleniBrady NielsonSean O’ConnellEric PettitBrent RawlingsDerrek RichardsColt SampsonAmeen ShaheenAndrew SmartAaron SmithNik SonntagDanny SouthwickJason StreiffCasey SuteraSteve TateDymond UnutoaMarquis Wilson

Wyoming (1)Bryce Scanlon

ArizonaStephen Gordon (Mesa)Brian Hernandez (Pima)

CaliforniaDavid Dirkmaat (Fresno City)Quinton Ganther (Citrus)Soli Lefiti (Palomar)Tolifili Liufau (Fresno City)Brett Ratliff (Butte)Eric Shyne (Reedley)Cody Sorensen (Chaffey)Charlie TeGantvoort (Golden West)Reggie Turner (West L.A.)Justin Walker (West L.A.)

Idaho Spencer Toone (Ricks)

KansasTim Harris (Fort Scott)Eugene Oates (Fort Scott)Paul Soliai (Coffeyville)Fano Tagovailoa (Coffeyville)

NevadaRyan Honea (Feather River)

UtahDan Beardall (Snow)Derek Beardall (Snow)Brock Condie (Snow)John Madsen (Snow)Brady Nielson (Snow)Ameen Shaheen (Snow)Danny Southwick (Dixie)Jason Streiff (Snow)


PRE-FALL PROJECTED DEPTH CHART

WR (X) LT LG C RG RT TE

WR (Z)

88-Travis LaTendresse(6-1, 200, Sr.)1-Thomas Huff(6-4, 205, So.)

78-Tavo Tupola(6-3, 300, Jr.)71-Mitch Arquette(6-5, 312, Jr.)

74-David Dirkmaat(6-7, 310, Sr.)63-Kyle Gunther(6-4, 300, So.)

79-Jesse Boone(6-5, 305, Sr.)55-Andrew Johnson(6-2, 304, Sr.)

75-Eric Pettit(6-4, 300, Jr.)66-Robert Conley(6-1, 317, Fr.)

69-Jason Boone(6-4, 290, So.)72-Jason Voss(6-3, 290, Jr.)

81-Willie Sao(6-4, 295, Sr.)18-Chad Jacobsen(6-4, 250, Sr.)

PR32-Eric Weddle(6-0, 200, Jr.)6-Brent Casteel or(5-10, 192, Fr.)16-Brian Hernandez(6-0, 183, Jr.)

KR4-Justin Walker and(6-1, 206, Sr.) 13-Quinton Ganther(5-10, 214, Sr.)6-Brent Casteel (5-10, 192, Fr.)

K48-Dan Beardall or(6-1, 193, Sr.)7-Bryan Borreson(5-10, 186, Sr.)

LS50-Brock Condie(5-10, 220, Sr.)61-Pete Aneiro(6-0, 195, Jr.)

H32-Eric Weddle(6-0, 200, Jr.)

13-Quinton Ganther(5-10, 214, Sr.)10-Darryl Poston(5-11, 197, Sr.)

16-Brian Hernandez(6-0, 183, Jr.)6-Brent Casteel(5-10, 192, Fr.)

23-John Madsen(6-5, 220, Sr.)17-Fano Tagovailoa(6-1, 209, Jr.)3-Brian Johnson

(6-1, 203, So.)11-Danny Southwick(6-2, 220, Jr.)

WR (H)

PAT/FG

QB

TACKLE

RETURNS

TB

8-Eugene Oates(5-11, 183, Sr.)21-Shaun Harper(5-9, 180, Jr.)

94-Steve Fifita (6-0, 322, Sr.)95-Bryce Scanlon or(6-2, 270, Fr.) 90-Tolifili Liufau(6-1, 300, Jr.)

93-Martail Burnett(6-3, 235, So.)45-Alex Puccinelli(6-1, 220, So.)

98-Kelly Talavou or(6-2, 319, Jr.)99-Kite Afeaki(6-2, 285, Sr.)91-Randy Faletoi(6-2, 312, Fr.)

55-Marquess Ledbetter(6-2, 265, Sr.)42-Pate Moleni or(6-3, 269, Fr.)97-Soli Lefiti(6-4, 265, Jr.)

22-Malakai Mokofisi(6-2, 225, So.)14-Kyle Brady or(6-1, 230, So.)38-Reggie Turner(6-1, 239, Jr.)

41-Grady Marshall(6-0, 230, Sr.)44-Joe Jiannoni(6-0, 230, So.)

5-Ryan Smith(5-10, 165, So.)30-Adarrious Ross or(5-9, 163, Fr.)29-Eric Shyne (5-10, 185, Jr.)

31-Casey Evans or(6-0, 198, Jr.)24-Tim Harris(6-0, 190, Sr.)28-Steve Tate(5-11, 195, So.)

35-Louie Sakoda(5-10, 180, Fr.)48-Dan Beardall (6-1, 193, Sr.)

21-Shaun Harper(5-9, 180, Jr.)30-Adarrious Ross or(5-9, 163, Fr.)29-Eric Shyne (5-10, 185, Jr.)

OFFENSE

NG END

SLB

OPEN END

FS

LC

SS

RC NB

ROV MLB9-Spencer Toone(6-2, 235, Sr.)37-Loma Olevao(6-1, 232, So.)

P

32-Eric Weddle(6-0, 200, Jr.)2-Antonio Young or(5-11, 195, Sr.)11-Kawika Casco(5-10, 185, Sr.)

DEFENSE


LOOKING AHEAD

COACHES’ GAME DAY LOCATIONS

On the FieldKyle Whittingham (Head Coach)Gary Andersen (Defensive Coordinator/DL)Jay Hill (Cornerbacks, Special Teams)Kalani Sitake (Inside Linebackers)Dave Schramm (Running Backs)Aaron Roderick (Receivers)Charlie Dickey (Offensive Line)

In the Press BoxAndy Ludwig (Offensive Coordinator/QB)Jay Boulware (Tight Ends, Special Teams)Derrick Odum (Safeties)Dan Finn (Offensive Graduate Assistant)Lance Hunsaker (Defensive Graduate Assistant)

OVERVIEW A lot has changed since January 1, when the Utah football team concluded a record-setting 12-0 season at the Fiesta Bowl. For starters, a new head coach will lead a team that lost five first-team all-conference players, including the No. 1 NFL draft pick. But don’t expect expectations to change for the back-to-back Mountain West Conference champion Utes. “Our goals are to get better each week and win the Mountain West Conference. Winning the conference should always be our primary goal,” says first-year head coach Kyle Whittingham. A Ute assistant coach and defensive coor-dinator for the 11 years prior to his promotion last December, Whittingham’s confidence is laced with realism. “Going undefeated again is a bit unrealistic, considering the hit we took with graduation and how difficult that has proven to be in the modern era of college football. (In the past 30 years, only Nebraska in 1993-95 has put together back-to-back unbeaten, untied seasons). However, we still have good players in this program and we expect to stay at or near the top of the confer-ence this year and every year.” Whittingham knows a bit about what it takes to win at Utah. Since he joined the staff as an assistant in 1994, Utah has compiled an 86-41 record, played in six bowl games and won four conference championships (two outright). His defensive units consistently ranked at the top of the conference and he plans to retain the principles that served him well as a coordinator in his move to head coach. He’ll also take a page from predecessor Urban Meyer’s play book. “Along with talent, I believe efficiency and discipline are the two most critical components for a winning program. I also subscribe to the plan Urban implemented in his two years here: play great defense, win the

turnover battle, be solid on special teams and score in the red zone,” says Whittingham. He thinks the 2005 Utes can get those things accomplished even without talent like Alex Smith, a 2004 National Player of the Year, Heisman Trophy finalist and the first player taken in the NFL draft. One reason for Whittingham’s optimism is his belief that the game is won in the trenches. “In order to be a championship team, you have to be good up front. I’m encouraged be-cause our offensive and defensive lines were the strongest facets of our team in the spring.” The territory behind the lines is less proven, especially on offense. Whittingham inherited a team that lost two all-conference receivers, its starting running back and its All-America quarterback. On defense, he’ll have to plug some big holes at linebacker and free safety. Everyone in the nation will get the op-portunity to see how good Utah’s 11 returning starters and their supporting cast will be in 2005. Three of Utah’s first four games are slated for ESPN or ESPN2 national telecasts, including the season-opener on Sept. 2 vs. Arizona. “I like the idea of opening the season with a Pac-10 team on national TV at home,” says Whittingham, who seems as undaunted by the national fishbowl as he is by key person-nel losses. “Three games on ESPN is great in terms of national exposure, recruiting and increased recognition for the University of Utah.”

OFFENSEStrengths: Offensive Line, Running BackQuestion Marks: Quarterback, Receiver

Graduation and early departures for the NFL draft decimated an offense that finished third in the nation in scoring and total offense in 2004. Whittingham responded by going on the offensive. Hiring Andy Ludwig as his offensive coordinator served notice that a prolific offense will remain a priority at Utah. Ludwig, the offensive coordinator at Or-egon from 2002-04, masterminded the 2001 Fresno State offense that finished fourth in the nation in scoring and total offense. Also the quarterbacks coach at both Fresno State and Oregon (a position he now oversees at Utah), Ludwig is credited with developing FSU quarterback David Carr—a 2001 Heisman finalist and the No. 1 pick in the 2002 NFL draft. Ludwig favored a pro style offense, but modified it in his first spring at Utah for two reasons: First, the personnel currently in the program were recruited to play a spread of-fense with a triple-option. With very few tight ends and no fullbacks on the roster, a true pro style offense is not an immediate possibility. Second, he and Whittingham recognize that the spread offense Utah utilized in 2003-04 was too prolific to justify a complete make-over. So the duo will aim for the best of both worlds. Ludwig’s basic premise, which is a balanced offense with multiple formations and personnel groupings, will not change. However, he’ll take more of a shotgun ap-proach than he has in the past—and at least 50 percent of the 2005 playbook will employ the spread offense. Says Whittingham, “As a defensive coach, you don’t like being spread out or hav-ing to defend the option. The spread offense forces you to do both.” He notes that this year’s offense will not be a mirror image of the one that piled up 45 points per game in 2004. “There will be changes, for instance some of the forma-tions will be new. But there were noticeable changes between 2003 and 2004, also. You can’t stay stagnant or people catch up to you. The things we’ve modified or added to our of-fense are to take advantage of our personnel.” It will certainly take some creativity to replace someone like sensational quarterback Alex Smith. Gone, too, are the receivers and rushers responsible for 70 percent of Utah’s yards last fall. The starting field goal/PAT kicker must also be replaced. Here’s a look at the leading candidates for those jobs:

Sophomore Brian Johnson, who played in 10 games as a freshman, is the clear favorite to start at quarterback.


LOOKING AHEAD

Quarterback Nowhere did departures affect the Utes more than at quarterback, where Smith won Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors and a host of national awards as a junior. When Smith chose to enter the NFL draft early, the Utah roster was reduced to one scholarship quarterback—18-year-old Brian Johnson. The 6-1, 203-pound Johnson played in 10 games as a true freshman last year, albeit sparingly for the most part, and is the heavy favorite to replace Smith. Despite his youth, Johnson displayed impressive poise and ver-satility as the backup in 2004. He completed 66 percent of his pass attempts (14 of 21) for 142 yards and one touchdown, and also rushed 21 times for 92 yards (4.4 yards per carry) and a score. The Baytown, Texas, native helped his cause in the spring by taking the majority of the snaps and proving a quick study with the new offense. “Brian Johnson came out of spring clearly as our No. 1 quarter-back,” confirms Whittingham. “Be-ing around Alex (Smith) for a year was a great training ground. Brian picked up a lot of Alex’s positive attributes, primarily his demeanor in the huddle, the ability to take charge and good decision making. Brian is athletic and, like Alex, deceptively fast. The thing that impressed us most in the spring was his pocket presence: He has the ability to feel the rush while still keeping his eyes downfield, which is a characteristic of all the good quarterbacks. He also has good escapability out of the pocket—he is not a statue back there. Brian is an accurate passer, his arm strength is good and we ex-pect it to improve as he gets older.” Johnson is Utah’s only quarter-back who has NCAA playing expe-rience. Walk-on Danny Southwick, a 6-2, 220-pound transfer from Dixie College, enrolled at Utah in January and participated in spring camp. He’ll have a leg up in the fall, at least initially, over scholarship newcomers Brett Ratliff, a 6-4, 195-pound junior from Butte College, and Kevin Dunn, a 6-3, 216-pound freshman from Santa Barbara High School. “Danny did some good things in the spring but needs to continue to improve,” says Whittingham of Southwick. “Brett Ratliff is a Tom Brady-type quarterback in that all he does is win. He is a big, strong kid with good arm strength. Kevin Dunn is an intelligent, athletic quarterback.”

Wide Receiver Utah lost one starter it thought was com-ing back and gained one it thought was gone. All-conference receiver Steve Savoy made a surprise decision to leave school after his sophomore year and enter the NFL draft. His departure temporarily left Utah with just one returning starter at the position—senior John Madsen (6-5, 220). But the Utes got a piece of good news in March when the NCAA granted senior Travis LaTendresse (6-1, 200) a medical hardship waiver for an additional year of eligibility. “Getting Travis LaTendresse back was a huge boost for our receiver corps,” says Whit-tingham. “The day he was granted another

year that position got better by 40 percent. He adds instant leadership and experience. With Travis and John Madsen, it will allow our young receivers more time to fully develop.” LaTendresse, Utah’s two-year starting Z receiver, will slide over to X to replace Savoy, while Madsen will take over at Z. The duo tied for third on the team in receptions last year with 27. LaTendresse’ went for 411 yards and 2 touchdowns and Madsen’s for 377 yards and 5 TDs. “Travis is very dependable, runs great routes, knows how to work a defensive back

and is not afraid to go across the middle,” praises Whittingham. “John Madsen is a playmaker and a big time talent. He has a great physical profile at 6-foot-5, 220 pounds and is extremely athletic. I think John Madsen is the best kept secret in the Mountain West Conference.” Whittingham felt a whole lot better about the rest of his receivers after a highly-produc-tive spring camp. Mid-year junior college transfer Brian Hernandez (6-0, 183, Jr.) won the starting spot at H receiver and his backup Brent Casteel (5-10, 192, Fr.) will be nearly impossible to keep off the field if he continues the tear he was on in the spring. Pleasant sur-prises were sophomore Thomas Huff (6-4,

205) and junior Fano Tagovailoa (6-1, 209), who both had solid springs. “All of these guys are up-and-comers,” predicts Whittingham, “And they will all contribute this year. We’ll utilize three, four and even five receiver sets to make sure of that. A couple of youngsters who could make a case to play are redshirt freshman John Peel (6-2, 196), who missed last season after knee surgery, and true freshman Marquis Wilson (5-11, 170). Running Back Along with the line, this is Utah’s deepest, most veteran offensive posi-tion and competition will be fierce for playing time. The starter, Quinton Ganther (5-10, 214, Sr.), averaged 6.0 yards per rush and nearly 55 yards per game as Utah’s second-leading rusher last fall. The honorable men-tion all-MWC returner is a slasher who hits the hole hard and just keeps accelerating. Ganther started in five games last year and rushed for 654 yards. “Quinton was a productive part of the offense last season but his load will be heavier this year,” predicts Whittingham. “He is a tough runner with a low center of gravity and good speed.”

Ganther needs every ounce of that speed to stay ahead of his internal competi-tion—most notably senior Darryl Poston (5-11, 197, Sr.)—whose outstanding spring performance reminded Whitingham why he was once a prized recruit for USC out of high school. Poston transferred to Utah last year but a knee injury in the first game and sub-sequent surgery cut his season short. “Darryl Poston is a home run back possessing great speed and quickness. His knee was not 100 percent in the spring, but we expect it will be by fall,” says Whittingham.

Senior receiver John Madsen is “the best kept secret in the Mountain West Conference,” according to Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham.


LOOKING AHEAD

Also in the mix is redshirt sophomore Mike Liti (5-10, 210). Liti played in nine games as a freshman in 2003—starting three—and averaged 4.9 yards per carry before redshirting last season. Anxious to live up to his recruiting hype is redshirt freshman Ray Stowers (6-1, 214). “Mike Liti is a complete back who can run, block and catch the ball out of the back-field,” relates Whittingham. “Ray Stowers is a big, physical guy with good speed. Our future expectations of him are very high.” A couple of highly-promising freshmen will likely have the luxury of redshirting this fall, due to Utah’s depth at the position. “We really like Darrell Mack and Sean Smith,” extols Whittingham. “They are the real deal. It won’t be long before they make their pres-ence felt.”

Offensive Line The additional elements of the offense Ludwig introduced in the spring will make an already strong line even better, predicts Whittingham. “We have a physical mentality on the offensive line and the new aspects of the offense will take advantage of that. We implemented a very physical run game in the spring and the offensive line really took to it.” Fittingly, the center of attention is senior center Jesse Boone (6-5, 305), a second-team all-MWC pick as a first-year center in 2004 and a preseason Rimington Trophy candidate this year. Big and fast, Boone’s steadiness and intelligence will be critical for the young Ute offense. He worked primarily in the shotgun

as a junior, but easily transitioned to the traditional under-center snaps of the new offense in the spring. “Jesse Boone is the apex of the offense and an all-league cali-ber player,” says Whittingham. “He is a guy who comes to work every day, is focused, intense and loves football.” Two more all-conference can-didates will man the left side of the line in guard David Dirkmaat (6-7, 310, Sr.) and tackle Tavo Tupola (6-3, 300, Jr.). Dirkmaat started the last 10 games of 2004 (eight at left guard and two at right tackle) in a breakout season. Tupola, recruited as a safety out of high school, returned from a two-year Mormon church mission lineman-sized. A starter since his freshman year, Tupola’s speed creates difficulty for defenders. Of Dirkmaat, his towering left guard, Whittingham says, “You don’t often see guards that tall, but David is a very good bender, plays with good pad level and is tough. As a former safety, Tavo has tremen-dous athletic ability for an offensive lineman. He is quick, has good feet and is very smart.” The right side is less experienced, al-though there are good players in the system. The graduation of All-American and NFL draft pick Chris Kemoeatu left a gaping hole at right guard and three very capable candidates jostling to fill it. Eric Pettit (6-4, 300, Jr.), who started three games at left guard last year, moved over to the right side and emerged from spring with the slight edge over promising redshirt freshman Robert Conley (6-1, 317). The battle will continue in the fall between them and former JC All-American Paul Soliai (6-4, 321, Jr.)—a redshirt last year whose enormous girth and potential are factors in his favor. The only question mark on the line is at right tackle, where Jesse Boone’s brother Jason Boone (6-4, 290, So.) won the start-ing job in the spring. The younger Boone played mostly on special teams as a freshman although he did see some action at tackle. A freshman recruit out of Hawaii with high expectations is all-stater Tyler Williams (6-1, 291).

Tight End For the first time in two years, Utah’s coaches recruited tight ends and their work paid off. Chris Joppru (6-6, 235, Fr.), an all-state player out of Minnesota, is the younger brother of former Michigan All-America tight end Bennie Joppru. Also coming in August

is freshman Lance Bordeleau (6-4, 230) of Simi Valley, Calif. Returning tight ends include seniors Willie Sao (6-4, 295), Blake Burdette (6-1, 252) and Chad Jacobsen (6-4, 250). Burdette played in all 12 games and Sao in 11 last fall. “Tight end will be a bigger part of our offense obviously, since it has been almost non-existent for the past two seasons,” says Whittingham. “Willie Sao is a physical tight end whose strength is his blocking. Chad Jacobsen is more of a receiving tight end and Blake Burdette is the H-back.”

DEFENSEStrengths: Defensive Line, SecondaryQuestion Marks: Linebacker

Even though the defense is under the direction of a new coordinator for the first time since 1995, don’t expect a lot of change. Seven-year Ute defensive line coach and first-year defensive coordinator/assistant head coach Gary Andersen guarantees it. Utah will still run a 4-3 base set with the defensive line dictating the tempo. Managing the entire defense should pose no problem for Ander-sen, who served as the head coach at I-AA Southern Utah in 2003 before returning to his previous position as the D-line coach at Utah last year. “The bottom line is that Gary and I have built this defense together,” says Whitting-ham. “It’s not so much Gary running my defense as it is Gary taking over our defense.” The Utes ranked in the top three in the conference in every major defensive category a year ago—placing second in total defense and scoring defense. To equal or improve on that effort, the defensive coaches must find

Senior center Jesse Boone will vie for conference and national honors.

Senior running back Quinton Ganther will try to improve on his honorable mention all-MWC status of a year ago.


LOOKING AHEAD

players to fill some big shoes. The effect of graduation, which cost Utah more than half of its starting lineup, ripples throughout the defense. Most significant is the absence of 2004 MWC co-Defensive Player of the Year Morgan Scalley, one of the best free safeties in the nation, and first-team all-conference defensive lineman Sione Pouha, an NFL third-round draft pick. The good news is that Utah’s returners are really good. “We feel like we have the four best players at their respective positions in the conference,” asserts Whittingham. “I’d argue that Steve Fifita is the best defensive lineman, Eric Weddle the best safety, Spencer Toone the best linebacker and Ryan Smith the best cornerback in the league.” He might not get much argument on that and no one can dispute Utah’s track record of maintaining its defensive status quo during Whittingham’s tenure. The Ute defense seems to reload every year and this year should be no exception. Here’s a look at why:

Defensive Line Andersen will retain re-sponsibility for the defensive line and history says it will be Utah’s forte. No team in the conference continually rolls out great defensive linemen the way Utah has over the last decade. Backups that would start for another team know they’ll play plenty in Utah’s keep ’em fresh game plan. The perpetual depth will allow Andersen to rotate three to four players in the two tackle positions again this fall. Steve Fitita (6-0, 322, Sr.), an all-conference nose guard a year ago, is now listed as the starting tackle, but he’ll play both positions as the situation dictates. Incredibly strong and surprisingly agile, Fifita shook off double and even triple teams every game last year to make 45 tackles and tie for the team lead in tackles for loss (9) and sacks (4.5). The MVP of the Fiesta Bowl, Fifita will vie for All-America honors this season. “Steve is one of the best defensive linemen in the country,” says Whittingham. “Just watch him play in any game, regardless of who the opponent is. Week in and week out, he tosses guys around. He’ll play both the nose and the tackle position, depending on where the tight end is. In addition to his tremendous quickness and strength, Steve plays with great pad level and is extremely

intelligent. He is constantly studying film of the upcoming opponent.” Fifita’s presence helps Utah’s entire defense play better, because as Whittingham explains, “It helps tremendously that Steve demands double teams every week because that leaves our other linemen single blocked and allows our linebackers to flow to the football.” Tackles Kelly Talavou (6-2, 319, Jr.) and Kite Afeaki (6-2, 285, Sr.) are listed as the co-starters at nose guard, and they, too, will take turns at tackle. Talavou, an Idaho transfer, was forced to sit out last season or he would have made noise immediately. Afeaki played in 11 games his junior year as part of the regular rotation and earned the right to even more time in 2005. “We feel that we have another great group of tackles and that our front will be the strength of our defense,” says Whittingham.

“It’s hard for a defensive tackle to play 75 snaps a game. We’ll again be able to keep our tackles fresh because of the good depth we have at this position. Kelly Talavou is a bigger version of Steve Fifita, and like Steve, is a block eater. Kite Afeaki does a good job of using his hands and can play either tackle spot. He’ll fill the role that Tevita Kemoeatu did for the past two years.” There’s more. Freshman Randy Falatoi (6-2, 312), a 2004 signee who just enrolled in school this past spring semester, has intrigu-ing potential. Redshirt freshman Bryce Scan-lon (6-2 270) is growing—literally—into a fine tackle. He’ll need to continue to put on weight. And one of Utah’s most coveted recruits in the 2005 class is a tackle: Fresno

City College transfer Tolifili Liufau is a big 6-1, 300-pounder who has designs on playing immediately. As good as Utah’s tackles are, watch for the ends to hold up their end of the line. The emergence of sophomore Martail Burnett (6-3, 235) at open end in the spring neces-sitated moving all-conference candidate Mar-quess Ledbetter (6-2, 265, Sr.) to base end. The two might comprise the most athletic pair of ends ever featured at Utah. “We always want our best 11 players on the field and when Martail surfaced in the spring as a real talent, we needed to find a place for him,” explains Whittingham. “Mar-tail is a prototype open end, so we moved Marquess, who is a more physical player, to base end. He’s going to give us a very ath-letic, explosive player at that position. Martail possesses the physical skills to become an excellent pass rusher. He is just starting to

scratch the surface of his potential.” A starter since 2003, Ledbetter led the Ute linemen last year in tackles with 46 and tied for the team lead in tackles for loss (9) and sacks (4.5). Burnett came to Utah as a safety and most of his playing time as a freshman in 2004 was on special teams. Someone still needs to step up among the backups. The favorites are sophomore Alex Puccinelli (6-1, 230), freshman Pate Moleni (6-3, 269) and incoming junior college transfer Soli Lefiti (6-4, 265). “We’re counting on Soli to come in and play for us this fall,” says Whittingham.

Linebacker What is known about the lineback-ers can be summarized in two words: Spencer Toone. Utah’s tackle leader last year, Toone (6-2, 235, Sr.) tied for second in the conference with 115 stops. His speed (4.47 40), athleti-cism, experience and intensity are the

reasons he is the best returning linebacker in the conference and an All-America candidate. “We are in great shape at rover with Spencer Toone,” praises Whittingham. “He runs exceptionally well for a linebacker, has good size, is tough and extremely productive. He sat out in the spring after minor shoulder surgery but that break probably did him some good. It allowed him to get completely rested and ready for the season.” In his absence, sophomore Loma Olevao (6-1, 232) proved a pleasant surprise and could develop into the starter after Toone graduates. The Ute coaches felt better in spring ball when Grady Marshall (6-0, 230, Sr.) settled into the middle linebacker position. Best

Senior defensive end Marquess Ledbetter tied for the team lead in tackles for loss and sacks last year. The all-MWC candidate has moved from open end to base end.


LOOKING AHEAD

known for his kamikaze special teams work that included three blocked kicks last year, Marshall’s speed and desire will help make up for his lack of experience. “Grady is a little undersized for the position but runs well and likes to hit people,” says Whittingham. Stud linebacker is the biggest concern, al-though walk-on Malakai Mokofisi (6-2, 225, So.) showed promise. He came out of spring ball ahead of mid-year junior college transfer Reggie Turner (6-1, 239, Jr.) and sophomore Kyle Brady (6-1, 230). Brady couldn’t com-pete in the spring after undergoing shoulder surgery but will be in the running come fall.

Secondary There isn’t a Morgan Scalley in the Utah secondary anymore, but there is an Eric Weddle (6-0, 200, Jr.) and a Ryan Smith (5-10, 165, So.). Weddle, second-team all-conference last year behind his more famous teammate, should be a shoe-in for the first team as a junior. Known for his bone-jarring hits, he led the Ute secondary in tackles last year with 75, despite missing most of two games with a knee injury. He has settled in at strong safety—a move intended to get him involved in more plays after a sensational freshman cam-paign at corner. Smith, a second-team Freshman All-American by The Sporting News last fall, started all 12 games and led the team with seven pass breakups. “Eric Weddle will go down as one of the best safeties ever to play at Utah,” says Whittingham. “He is a tremendously gifted athlete who can play both safety positions and corner. He could start on any team in this conference at about eight different positions. His versatility allows us to be more flexible on defense. In addition to speed, size and athleticism, he is an incred-ibly instinctive player. I can’t say enough about Eric as a player or as a person.” Whittingham has plenty of good things to say about Smith, as well. “Ryan Smith is going to be the premier cover corner in the conference. As a redshirt freshman last year, we didn’t try to hide him. He was asked to cover the best receiver every week and we faced some great receivers. He makes up for his diminutive size with toughness and he’s not afraid to throw his body around.” During spring camp, the Ute coaches learned they have a lot to work with in ad-dition to their two marquee players. “We’ve never been as deep at safety as we are this year,” says Whittingham, who says six

people could play. Former walk-on Casey Evans (6-0, 198, Jr.) made the transition from a primarily spe-cial teams star to starting safety in the spring, although he couldn’t shake Tim Harris (6-0, 190, Sr.). “There’s a good battle shaping up at free safety,” confirms Whittingham. “Tim Harris is a completely different player than he was at this time a year ago. He’s figured it out and is playing good football.” The backup safeties are also legitimate contenders for playing time. Antonio Young (5-11, 195, Sr.) and Kawika Casco (5-10, 185, Sr.) are good options at strong safety, as is Steve Tate (5-11, 195, So.) at free safety. The corners also have some quality depth, which is a necessity for a team that plays mostly man coverage like the Utes. “Some weeks we’ll play as many as four corners,

depending on what type of offense we are fac-ing, and we have five guys with whom we are comfortable,” says Whittingham. The sophomore Smith will start on the left side for a second year and the leader at right corner is senior Eugene Oates (5-11, 183). It took an exceptional spring for Oates to beat out junior Shaun Harper (5-9, 180), who will start at the nickel corner. Redshirt freshman corner Adarrious Ross (5-9, 163) showed some dazzling athletic ability before pulling a hamstring midway through spring ball. The Utes are also counting on JC transfer Eric Shyne (5-10, 185) to contribute.

SPECIAL TEAMSStrength: ReturnsQuestion Marks: Punter, Kicker

The first order of business for co-special teams coordinator Jay Hill is getting Utah’s kicking game in order. He and co-coordinator Jay Boulware anticipate fewer concerns sur-rounding the return game and coverage teams. Hill will work almost from scratch since the starting kicker, punter and long snapper from last year are all gone. David Carroll was a true freshman when he assumed the kick-ing duties midway through last fall. He left after one season for a two-year LDS church mission, while punter Matt Kovacevich and snapper Brady Parkhurst both graduated. There is a silver lining at place kicker where two-and-a-half year starter Bryan Bor-reson is attempting to come back from sur-gery to repair a groin injury he has dealt with since 2003. Already in Utah’s career record books in several places, a healthy Borreson would make a big difference in the special teams’ outlook. In the meantime, senior Dan Beardall handled the kicking duties in the spring. Beardall played in two games last year and made both extra point attempts. He did not attempt a field goal. “Dan Beardall had a nice spring. He has a strong leg and is accurate,” says Whit-tingham. “His game experience, however, is very limited. When Bryan Borreson has been healthy, he’s kicked well for us, but he’s battled injuries since arriving at Utah. His charge is to stay healthy. Being durable is part of being good.” Beardall also handled the punting duties in the spring, but there will be more competi-tion in fall before this position is settled. Whittingham envisions solid return and coverage teams this fall due, in part, to improved team speed. “Our team speed has improved in each of the last few years, which typically leads to better special teams play,” he says. Weddle, an all-conference candidate at safety, could win similar honors as a punt returner. Weddle took over the punt returns four games into last season and averaged 10.5 yards per return. Tough and fast, he is a threat to run the length of the field. His backup is freshman Brent Casteel. There are a lot of speedy options to return kickoffs, chief among them Justin Walker. Walker had to share time in a veteran kick return group last year, but he led the team with eight returns for 261 yards—an average of 32.6 yards per return. Vying for the job alongside Walker are Quinton Ganther and Casteel.

Ryan Smith, a freshman All-American a year ago, might be the best cornerback returning in the Mountain West Conference.

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