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SALT LAKE CITY — Whether it is on the big screen or real-life action, most superheroes have a sidekick in one form or another.
Iron Man is aided by Jim Rhodes. Batman has Robin by his side. Even Captain America has Bucky to help fight off terrorist attacks.
Next to be seen in a stadium near you will be "Welcome to Sack Lake City," starring Utah defensive end Nate Orchard, along with teammate Hunter Dimick.
Just be sure to have the popcorn and soda ready to go before kickoff, as you won't want to miss any of the nonstop action from Utah's front four.
The Utes' dynamic duo at defensive end has led Utah to a nation-best 39 sacks this season, with Orchard paving the way with 12 and Dimick close behind with nine.
"What the defensive line has been able to do this year has been tremendous," Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said.
Orchard's play has earned him national and conference accolades, from being named Pac-12 defensive player of the week to semifinalist for the Rotary Lombardi and Bednarik awards.
Hunter Dimick goes unnoticed, but he's one tough, just a grinder type of player, that, while not flashy, always does his job — always.
–Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham
Dimick, meanwhile, may be the best player no one is talking about.
"Hunter Dimick goes unnoticed, but he's one tough, just a grinder type of player, that, while not flashy, always does his job — always," Whittingham said after Utah's win over UCLA earlier this season. "He has played very well for us."
The 6-foot-3, 266-pound sophomore from Syracuse, Utah, is seventh in the nation in total sacks, averaging just over one sack per game (1.13). He also ranks fourth in the Pac-12 in tackles for loss per game (1.44).
"Hunter Dimick is your classic Utah man," said Doug Kimmel, scout.com Mountain region analyst. "He's not going to wow you with his physical size, but he's got a heart and brain that is unrivaled. His mechanics are near-perfect."
Sacks are becoming just part of the norm for Dimick, who led the Utah prep ranks in sacks in 2010 and 2011 while at Syracuse High School. Both of those years he was not only named Region 1 Defensive MVP, but also first-team all-state. He currently holds the school sack record for a season (14) and career (36).
But even with all his astonishing statistics, Dimick wasn't a highly recruited prospect coming out of high school. But his dream remained the same: putting on the crimson and white and playing for the University of Utah.
"I love Utah. Utah was my favorite team growing up," Dimick told scout.com after committing to the program in 2011.
Dimick was first offered by BYU, but he patiently waited until he got an opportunity to showcase his skills at a Utah football camp. He dominated at the camp, going undefeated in one-on-one competitions against other linemen. Utah's coaches took notice and offered Dimick on the spot. Dimick accepted the offer to become a Ute the next day.
Hunter Dimick is your classic Utah man. He's not going to wow you with his physical size, but he's got a heart and brain that is unrivaled. His mechanics are near-perfect.
–Doug Kimmel, scout.com Mountain region analyst
"After talking to all the coaches I felt that Utah was the right place for me to be; it's just perfect for me to be playing for the team I cheered for growing up," Dimick said.
One of the coaches to notice Dimick was Utah defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake.
"Sitake was one of the few people to believe in Dimick," scout.com's Kimmel said. "He saw his potential to make plays on the quarterback and took a chance on him. It really is a testament to Sitake's ability to evaluate talent."
Now a starter on Sitake's defense, Dimick has made his presence felt in each of Utah's games this season. In addition to the sacks and tackles for a loss, he has tallied two forced fumbles, one pass breakup and 38 tackles. Last week against Arizona State, he had a career-high eight tackles with two sacks and three total tackles for loss.
"Dimick isn't easy to block, and his motor is always running. He plays hard every play, chasing down Pac-12 speed week after week," Kimmel said.
Dimick has also been the ultimate teammate, not only piling up sacks and stats of his own, but setting up the other players around him as well.
"I think the other members of 'Sack Lake City' owe Dimick a steak dinner or something, as most of the sacks earned by his teammates were because he pushed the play inside, allowing them to make a play," Kimmel said.
Even after a stellar defensive outing against the Sun Devils, Dimick was quick to fall on the sword and deflect the criticism away from Utah's struggling offense.
"At the end of the day we had our mistakes that would have put less pressure on the offense," Dimick said regarding the Arizona State loss. "As a defense, we take it more on our shoulders to hold teams when the offense gives us a lead like they did in the game, and we weren't able to do that."
In his short Ute career, Dimick has already racked up 11 sacks. The school record is 27, set by John Frank, who played at Utah from 1996 to 1999. But Dimick isn't concerned with records or media attention, nor does he think just one player has been the key to Utah's defensive success this season.
"I feel like we have four guys that can hurt you at all times as far as pass rush goes," Dimick said. "Obviously Nate is the premier (rusher), but no matter who opponents slide to or double team, there are three other guys that are on their way, and they can get there pretty quick."
With the next chapter in the "Sack Lake City" series featuring the No. 5 Oregon Ducks, Saturday's matchup at Rice-Eccles Stadium is sure to be highly entertaining. Robert Jackson is the cross platform sports and weather producer for ksl.com and KSL-TV. He has covered the Utes for KSL since 2008. You can catch him and co-host Brian Swinney Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. on the Ute Sports Report 1320 KFAN.
