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The University of Utah Athletics
Preseason Publications Picking Utes To Fare Well In 2000.
6/26/2000 12:00 AM | Football
June 26, 2000
SALT LAKE CITY -
The University of Utah football team is faring well in the preseason publications, with some picking the Utes to defend their 1999 Mountain West Conference Championship and others ranking them in the Top 25.
Below are some of the more notable preseason predictions for the 2000 Utes.
Athlon Sports
Athlon ranked Utah No. 24 in its preseason poll and calls senior receiver/returner Steve Smith, "one of the nation's most dangerous punt returners." Athlon also rated senior Kautai Olevao as the MWC's best linebacker and says senior DB Andre Dyson is the league's top cover man. Named to Athlon's preseason all-MWC team were: Olevao and Dyson for the defense and Smith as the punt returner. The magazine picked Utah to win the MWC in 2000, followed by Colorado State, Brigham Young, Wyoming, Air Force, New Mexico, UNLV and San Diego State.
The Sporting News
The Sporting News likes senior wide receiver Steve Smith as its preseason MWC Offensive Player of the Year. Joining Smith on TSN's all-MWC first team is senior offensive guard Sam White, junior offensive tackle Doug Kaufusi, senior linebacker Kautai Olevao and senior defensive back Andre Dyson. Smith was also named the first team return specialist. Noseguard Ma'ake Kemoeautu was named to the all-MWC second team. TSN picks Utah to finish second behind Colorado State in the MWC. In third is BYU, followed by Wyoming, UNLV, Air Force, San Diego State and New Mexico. It ranks Utah No. 35 nationally. Individually, TSN says Olevao is the nation's eighth-best linebacker. It ranks Steve Smith No. 16 among the wide receivers and Dyson No. 17 among the cornerbacks.
Lindy's
Lindy's picked Utah to win the 2000 Mountain West Conference title, followed by Brigham Young, Colorado State, UNLV, Air Force, Wyoming, San Diego State and New Mexico. Lindy's MWC Defensive Player of the Year is senior defensive back Andre Dyson, who is also ranked as its No. 1"Top Ten Talent." Wide receiver/return specialist Steve Smith was cited as the No. 4 talent. Lindy's all-conference first team contains offensive lineman Sam White, wide receiver/returner Smith (all-purpose), linebacker Kautai Olevao and defensive back Dyson. Utes on Lindy's second team: junior wide receiver Cliff Russell, junior offensive lineman Doug Kaufusi, senior defensive lineman Ma'ake Kemoeatu and senior defensive back Jason Potter.
Internet Sites
College Football Poll.com
Ranked Utah No. 21 in its June 21 poll, based on strength of schedule, on-field performance and won-loss record.
Colllegefootballnews.com
Picked Steve Smith as its second-team All-America return specialist.
Rivals.com
Its preseason all-MWC first team includes Steve Smith at wide receiver, offensive lineman Sam White, linebacker Kautai Olevao and cornerback Andre Dyson. Making its all-MWC second team were offensive lineman Jordan Gross and defensive end Andy Bowers.
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