Can Utah Utes Prove They’re More than a Mid-Major?

Defense

Operating out of a 4-3, a defense that struggled at times last year luckily returns a lot of starters, and with the Pac 12 offenses it is going to face, the Utes and defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake need all the help they can get.

Live Feed

Glory Colorado

Starting up front, the defensive line has a lot of experience on the ends. Senior Nate Orchard looks to be a huge impact player after 8.5 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles last year. Add in sophomore Hunter Dimick, who had 22 tackles and 2 sacks last year, and junior Jason Fanaika, who has really burst onto the scene at end this offseason, and you have a group of playmakers and a rotation that should wreak havoc in the backfield. The middle unfortunately takes a hit with the loss of Tenny Palepoi and LT Tuipulotu, but junior Viliseni Faunoku and sophomore Sam Tevi both have some experience in the system and, as long as they can stay healthy, should fill the voids without any trouble. Add senior Sese Ianu, junior Daniel Nielson, and sophomore Pita Taumoepenu, and you have a loaded line that could only get better. Junior Pasoni Tasini also could play, and two freshmen were brought in, so expect the line to at least match what it did last year.

At linebacker, Trevor Reilly would appear to be a huge loss based on the numbers, but not when you factor in who is replacing him. Senior Jacoby Hale recorded 10 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks as his backup last year, and although he is injured, he should be healthy by mid-season. Miami transfer junior Gionni Paul is also an impact player who could fill the void if he gets healthy, and look for redshirt freshman Clarence Smith to make an impact. Onto the returning starters, juniors Jason Whittingham and Jared Norris were forces themselves after combining for 9.5 tackles for a loss, 106.5 tackles overall, and 3 sacks. With Reilly gone and injuries to Hale, look for these two to make an even bigger impact this year, and sophomore Uaea Masina will help make an impact as well. As of right now, the unit is much thinner than it was last year, but that’s due to injuries. Everybody should be healthy by mid-season, and at that point it should be better than it was last year.

Aug 29, 2013; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah State Aggies wide receiver Bruce Natson (9) is tackled by Utah Utes defensive end Nate Orchard (8) and linebacker V.J. Fehoko (52) during the first half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The Utah Utes won 30-26. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

The secondary doesn’t suffer any big losses, and it has plenty of experience, which will help after it struggled a lot last year. Senior free safety Eric Rowe should be fine, and senior strong safety Brian Blechen is back after missing 2013 due to a plethora of weird incidents. Those two should competent on the back end of the secondary and improve what was really a dismal performance by the group last year, and it should be deeper with senior Tevin Carter in the starting mix. Senior Davion Orphey makes this a very experienced unit as another returning starter, and sophomore Justin Thomas has the most raw talent if he can develop experience. With senior Wykie Freeman impressing coaches in practice and working his way into a competitor for a starting position, this group should be loaded and deep. Reginald Porter may be hurt for the season, but there are four other guys who provide depth, and the unit should be much better than last year.

The defense has lots of returning talent that, once fully healthy, should make it better than last year. It’s not going to be dramatic improvement, but it will be noticeable. Whether that translates into stopping Pac 12 offenses, though, is up for debate. Continue to Next Slide for Special Teams