Defensive Breakout player?
Alex: Keanu Tanuvasa is a name that probably surprised a lot of people when he appeared at the top of the depth chart. However, Tanuvasa has been a menace ever since spring ball. He’s also been the most consistent of the defensive tackles group along with Junior Tafuna. Defensive tackles coach Luther Elliss lights up when talking about him. That endorsement right there speaks volumes.
Matt: Lander Barton. Can he be considered a breakout as the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year? I think so. I think he easily doubles his sack total and becomes a leader to the defense.
Halie: Simote Pepa really helped turn around Utah’s run defense last year. As his presence in the defensive tackle rotation grew, so did his stat line. His size, strength and ability to shut down the run, I think he’ll break out even on the defense in 2023.
Cole: Another welcomed surprise last season, Sione Vaki was arguably one of the most important and consistent contributors for Utah down the stretch. Like Jackson, Sione has now had an entire offseason to develop within his role and should be extremely productive. I wouldn’t be shocked if he leads in multiple defensive statistics.
Defensive MVP?
Alex: Karene Reid. Here’s another where the pick is really difficult. In the pass-happy Pac-12, it was a toss-up for me between Reid and Cole Bishop. Can I just say they’re 1A and 1B? Well, Reid gets the nod here. Reid is just so damn complete as a college football player, but I also expect Bishop to have a season that propels him into being an early-entry into the 2024 NFL Draft as one of the top safeties.
Matt: Junior Tafuna. Opposing offenses will be so worried about the edges and linebacker and safety blitzes, that they'll forget about the big man inside. His pass rush is valuable, but his ability to halt the run game is so important.
Halie: Karene Reid. With his deep understanding of the defensive scheme and playmaking ability. His game at the linebacker position has continually elevated. No doubt he’s a force on the defense and a proven leader on the field, I expect him to match and/or better his stats from last season.
Cole: It’s crazy to think that Cole Bishop is now one of the most experienced defenders on Utah’s roster, but with 24 career appearances and 19 starts he’s been key to the Utes' success over the last two seasons. Now stepping into his junior year, Bishop will command the defense and should produce his best numbers yet. Alongside Vaki, opposing offenses are going to struggle to move the football no matter what they try.
Alex: Keanu Tanuvasa is a name that probably surprised a lot of people when he appeared at the top of the depth chart. However, Tanuvasa has been a menace ever since spring ball. He’s also been the most consistent of the defensive tackles group along with Junior Tafuna. Defensive tackles coach Luther Elliss lights up when talking about him. That endorsement right there speaks volumes.
Matt: Lander Barton. Can he be considered a breakout as the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year? I think so. I think he easily doubles his sack total and becomes a leader to the defense.
Halie: Simote Pepa really helped turn around Utah’s run defense last year. As his presence in the defensive tackle rotation grew, so did his stat line. His size, strength and ability to shut down the run, I think he’ll break out even on the defense in 2023.
Cole: Another welcomed surprise last season, Sione Vaki was arguably one of the most important and consistent contributors for Utah down the stretch. Like Jackson, Sione has now had an entire offseason to develop within his role and should be extremely productive. I wouldn’t be shocked if he leads in multiple defensive statistics.
Defensive MVP?
Alex: Karene Reid. Here’s another where the pick is really difficult. In the pass-happy Pac-12, it was a toss-up for me between Reid and Cole Bishop. Can I just say they’re 1A and 1B? Well, Reid gets the nod here. Reid is just so damn complete as a college football player, but I also expect Bishop to have a season that propels him into being an early-entry into the 2024 NFL Draft as one of the top safeties.
Matt: Junior Tafuna. Opposing offenses will be so worried about the edges and linebacker and safety blitzes, that they'll forget about the big man inside. His pass rush is valuable, but his ability to halt the run game is so important.
Halie: Karene Reid. With his deep understanding of the defensive scheme and playmaking ability. His game at the linebacker position has continually elevated. No doubt he’s a force on the defense and a proven leader on the field, I expect him to match and/or better his stats from last season.
Cole: It’s crazy to think that Cole Bishop is now one of the most experienced defenders on Utah’s roster, but with 24 career appearances and 19 starts he’s been key to the Utes' success over the last two seasons. Now stepping into his junior year, Bishop will command the defense and should produce his best numbers yet. Alongside Vaki, opposing offenses are going to struggle to move the football no matter what they try.
