Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's defense had a special season in 2014, leading the nation in sacks and finishing sixth in tackles for loss.
Nate Orchard, who finished second in the nation in sacks, may be off to the NFL — but Sack Lake City is here to stay.
"We've got all the tools to do it," linebacker Jared Norris said. "We've got 17 guys coming back."
The Utes took a lot of pride in their sack average last year as the nation's leading backfield threat on defense.
"I think it was huge for us," Norris said. "We always harp on playing great defense, and that's what we did.
"We're going to bring that same fire back this year."
Head coach Kyle Whittingham opined that his defense is among the top in the league, as well.
"In the Pac-12, we're right at the top or near the top," he said. "That's been a strong suit of ours for many years, and we expect that to continue."
The strong defense also lends confidence to the offense.
"Our defense this year is just hungry," Utah running back Devontae Booker said. "Everybody wants to have that success, get out there getting sacks or tackles to help our team win."
New defensive coordinator John Pease brings an added strength to that side of the ball, and players are raving about him.
"It's been really good so far," Whittingham said. "John Pease is a guy who has more energy and excitement to his personality than guys have his age. He loves coaching football, and the guys have a great repertoire with him and his career."
The defense also knows what is at stake on their end.
"We have the mentality, and we know how this conference goes," Norris said. "Every week you have to be ready to play."
Contributing: Matt Glade
