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SALT LAKE CITY — It’s hard to believe, but there are only two days until Utah’s football season begins at Rice-Eccles Stadium with a season-opening contest with Southern Utah University. Continuing our jersey number countdown, KSL.com will highlight two players wearing No. 2: Philip Afia and Zack Moss.
Philip Afia, RS-FR, defensive back
Afia was a three-star recruit coming out of Ayala High School in California, where he played safety, wide receiver and kicker. After redshirting his first season in the program, Afia found reps at the strong safety spot in spring camp, but he hasn’t made much noise since. He’s not listed on the current two-deep depth chart and it’s unlikely he will find much playing time heading into 2016.
That said, Afia brings with him athleticism and playmaking ability that the Utes will surely use in the coming years. Interestingly enough, Afia grew up playing soccer and had never even seen a football game until he tried out for his high school team as a kicker his freshman year. The footwork he gained by playing soccer, his earlier love, will surely be beneficial as he moves through the program.
Zack Moss, FR, running back
After originally committing to Miami, Moss comes to the Utes by way of Hallandale High School in Florida to join high school teammates Tyler Huntley and Demari Simpkins. His senior year with the Chargers, Moss rushed for 1,098 yards and 17 touchdowns and was rated as a three-star recruit by Rivals.
With a body that is already prepared for the college game at 5 feet 10 inches and 213 pounds, Moss has already made an impact as a true freshman his first year in the program and earned praise from teammates and coaches alike. However, with the return of Joe Williams and the comeback of Troy McCormick, Moss will remain in a battle for the third-string spot with junior-college transfer Armand Shyne.
Fun fact: Moss is related to former NFL player Santana Moss. Twitter: @GriffDoug
