Reviewing Utah's projected football depth chart


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SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah released its projected depth chart Monday for the upcoming football season, and there aren't too many surprises. However, there should be some movement once fall camp begins in August. We've broken it down and give our predictions.

While we agree on many points, there are a few areas in the depth chart that we differ. Nevertheless, here is what we see happening before the football season start at the end of August.

Quarterback

Josh: Although there is a lot of talk of Kendal Thompson taking over the starting job, I don’t think it’s going to happen. He would have to be way better than Wilson for Whittingham to switch it up, and it’s just not going to happen. However, that doesn’t mean we won’t see Thompson, it just means he won’t start.

Robert: Lots of excitement over incoming transfer Kendal Thompson, but let's not forget the potential Travis Wilson showcased during his first two years while healthy. Combined with an improved line and more weapons on offense, 2014 is setting up to be a terrific year for Wilson.

Running back

J: Bubba Poole is getting the veteran nod here. Although I think Poole could remain the starter, Devontae Booker should not be overlooked. I wouldn’t be surprised if Booker earned the starting spot against Idaho State.

R: It has been awhile since I've seen a running back at Utah with a similar skill set as what Devontae Booker showcased this spring. He can run between the tackles with power and is the most complete back on the roster. While others (Poole and McCormick) will contribute, Booker should be the lead back to get the majority of the carries.

Reviewing Utah's projected football depth chart
Photo: University of Utah

Wide receiver

J: We’ve been waiting to see Dres Anderson and Kenneth Scott play together for more than a year. Make it happen already. Kaelin Clay’s speed will be a great factor for this position group, but we need to see him play to make a fair assessment — could be an impact player though. Don’t be surprised if Delshawn McClellon has a great season, though, his stock may be rising.

R: Faced with double teams nearly all season long, Dres Anderson still was able to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in receptions in 2013, the first Ute WR to do that since David Reed in '09. Anderson will get additional help alongside him as Kenneth Scott returns from an injury, while JC transfer Kaelin Clay, Dominique Hatfield and Delshawn McClellon provide the most playable depth the Utes have had at the WR position since joining the Pac-12.

Tight end

J: Westlee Tonga got quite a bit of looks in spring ball. I would love to see the Utes utilize this position more. Here’s hoping Dave Christensen sees some value in this position with Tonga. Siale Fakailoatonga is a great back up, but Tonga is the answer here.

R: Replacing Jake Murphy won't be easy, but Westlee Tonga provides additional blocking support, a weakness that was continuously exposed by opposing defenses in 2013. Tonga can catch too (remember his one-handed TD over BYU LB Kyle Van Noy in 2012?). Remember Siale Fakailoatonga as well, the sophomore TE from Cottonwood High School, who had a strong spring.

Offensive line

J: Junior Salt is a beast and should have another great year if he can stay healthy. I would love to see Salt and Jeremiah Poutasi, who has slimmed down and seems more in shape, punish the left side of the line, giving Travis the protection he was missing last season. That side of the line is a must watch this season.

R: Optimally would like to see Jeremiah Poutasi at left guard, but lack of options force Utah's hand here. I think Aiono is locked in at center, but everything else will be up for grabs this fall. Also look for J.J. Dielman to slide into a starting role by the end of fall camp.

Defensive line

J: The Utes are stacked on the defensive line, being led by threat Nate Orchard. If there is one guy who can have a noticeable impact on the game, it will be Orchard. He will be the difference maker for the Utes this season. However, his backup, Pita Taumoepenu, is equally potent and shouldn’t be overlooked.

R: Will Utah have enough depth on the defensive line? Nate Orchard will be solid, but lots of question marks for the other three spots. Also look for Filipo Mokofisi and Jason Fanaika to stand out in this position group based off what I saw this spring.

Linebacker

J: The linebacking core is still a bit of a mystery, especially with some injuries in spring ball. Gionni Paul and Jacoby Hale, who may be back before the season is over, were on track to have a great year. Uaea Masina, Jason Whittingham and Jared Norris should have a great season, but my concern here is depth based on injuries. This position group could be a problem for the Utes if Paul and Hale can’t play.

R: Gionni Paul is recovering from an injury, but without question will be the best in this bunch. Also Jason Whittingham is back after a breakout sophomore campaign. Sure, the Utes will miss Jacoby Hale (torn ACL), but Jared Norris and Uaea Masina make Utah's linebackers the standout position group on the defensive side of the ball. As a failsafe, Utah can always move Brian Blechen back to LB if needs be.

Cornerback

J: Davion Orphey, Eric Rowe and Reginald Porter showed promises in spring ball. However, there were also moments where the receivers were clearly in control. Can this position group function against top talent in the Pac-12? Yes. But hard to see them drastically improving from last year. However, maybe Whittingham’s preaching about turnovers may actually provide a surplus of interceptions this season.

R: Utah's pass defense was awful in 2013. Lack of turnovers is just a part of the equation. While Reggie Porter had a great spring camp, look for Utah to move Eric Rowe from safety to corner to give the Utes some depth.

Safety:

J: It’s apparent that Utah is happy to have Brian Blechen in the back field. His intensity and ability to play everywhere makes him a viable threat and nightmare for opposing offenses. Tevin Carter has been talked about as a major upgrade for the Utes, but he’s still unproven. I wouldn’t be surprised if he surpassed Eric Rowe as the team’s starting free safety, though.

R: Is Brian Blechen fast enough to play safety in the Pac-12? If not, true freshman Andre Godfrey will get a chance to showcase his talents during fall camp. JC transfer Tevin Carter is ready and will grab one of the two safety spots. Best case scenario is that Blechen and Carter grab the two starting safety positions.

Special team

J: Is there really any worry here? Unless Andy Phillips or Tom Hackett come down with a serious illness or injury, the kicking game should be great and the least worried about. However, the return game needs to take a step up. It wouldn’t surprise me if Kaelin Clay moved up the depth charts to start on special teams. It would be nice to have another Reggie Dunn or Shaky Smithson returning the ball.

R: Utah has arguably the best kicker/punter duo in the conference. While not listed as either a kick or punt returner, look for Kaelin Clay to grab one if not both of those duties, providing Utah with a dynamic returner that could provide a spark similar to what Reggie Dunn did for the Utes in 2012.

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