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SALT LAKE CITY — Van Fillinger had a stoic look on his face. He was all business on a Tuesday afternoon as he spoke about the upcoming season.
That focus was an outward expression to how the veteran defensive end is now approaching a season in which he's finally healthy. For the last couple years, Fillinger has been plagued by nagging injuries that have limited what he's been able to do on the field.
And for him, it limited his potential on the field.
He saw the 2023 season through, even as his injury caused him immense pain. But as one of the only experienced guys left amid a decimated defense to injuries, Fillinger felt the obligation to play the full season.
"This time last year, man, he was limping around," defensive end coach Lewis Powell said. "He was doing everything he could do to help the team, and I appreciate him for that."
In short, it was taxing on the former Corner Canyon High star who began his career at Utah in 2020.
"Mentally, it was terrible, just because I felt like I knew what I had to do, and I couldn't do it physically," Fillinger said. "And so it really took a hit on me mentally. I'd come to practice, and I wouldn't really get much better; like, I was just trying to get by. Now, going through that, I feel very grateful where I am now. I feel like I can be really intentional with what I do, and I'm actually getting better in practice and working on my craft.
"I'm really excited to actually get better and improve and see how far it can go."
Now healthy, Fillinger remains a key asset and leader to a veteran defensive line that is arguably the deepest in Utah history. At his position alone, there are several defensive ends who have starting potential, and many may not see much of the field this season — if at all.
Powell said he currently has about eight players that he feels confident in being able to play for Utah this season, though many won't get the chance.
"Man, it's good, but at the same time it's kind of sad, because at some point we're going to have to divide the guys and say, 'Hey, you guys are going to scout team.' ... Unfortunately, we've got some guys that's going to go to scout team that probably start at any other university," Powell said. "We have a really good group, and the competition's still really alive right now, and I'm excited."
Fillinger remains one of three veterans that will get the bulk of the playing time this season, splitting that with Connor O'Toole and Logan Fano, who is coming off his third ACL injury. Fano has worked without limits in fall camp, but the coaching staff will likely ease him back into playing time in games — even if he is back to full form.
"He is a guy that we've been careful with how we've used him in the process of coming back," defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley said about Fano. "But he doesn't look like he's missing anything."
As such, it's Fillinger and O'Toole leading the way on opposite ends of the line.
And with both players healthy — O'Toole missed several games last season due to injury — Powell is seeing a defensive end room that finally has the potential to create havoc plays without limitations.
"It's been night and day from the last couple years. ... And the biggest surprise was Van and how he's attacking camp this year. He's matured up a lot, and I'm really excited about him and the season that he's going to have."
O'Toole, Powell said, has been "probably my most consistent" player and the one that many at Utah consider to be the team's most dynamic pass rushers.
"As a pass rusher, he's developed different types of moves," Powell said. "He's always been solid in the run game, his leadership has stepped up — and not only by example, but more vocal. But just overall, he's done some really good things, and he's probably my most consistent, and I love him overall. He's up there with my favorite guys out of camp."
Behind the veteran three remains a tight battle, Powell said, with several players still jockeying for position — guys like Kip Akana, Utah State transfer Paul Fitzgerald, BYU transfer John Henry Daly, Vili Taufatofua, Jonah Lea'ea and freshman Kash Dillon.
Dillon, Powell said, was "a huge surprise" and is someone that is "doing really well." Over the summer period, Dillon tested as a senior in their preseason workouts and continues to show development on the field. Whether he's ready this season remains to be seen.
"Kash Dillon is a freshman, my goodness; he's going to be special," Scalley said.
But much like others in the room — like Fitzgerald who finished his freshman season at Utah State last year with eight sacks, two QB hurries, one forced fumble and one pass breakup — playing time will come at a premium.
"All those guys can play at a high level, and I feel bad because I can't play all of them," Powell said. "Shoot, scout team is going to have some guys that can start at any other university, and it's going to be probably the best scout defensive line group that we've had here in a long time. But there's a good understanding, and those guys all understand and respect the process, and they just got to continue to put their head down and work."
It's a luxury for Utah that there's depth and talent behind the starters, but there are likely several budding stars who may be hidden for the time being.
"I think we've got a lot of skill and talent, and I think our returners have been doing this for a while, and they know what they're doing, and they're only getting better," Fillinger said. "So I think, yeah, we have a very talented group this year."
