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The University of Utah Athletics
2001 Utes Promise Excitement
7/26/2001 12:00 AM | Football
July 26, 2001
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| Doug Kaufusi is a returning first-team all-MWC offensive lineman. |
OFFENSE
Strengths: Running Backs, Offensive Line
Question Marks: Receivers, Quarterbacks
Change is in the air for Utah's offense this fall. Although there will be new players at several key positions, perhaps the biggest shift will be philosophical. Seasoned college and NFL assistant coach Craig Ver Steeg is Utah's new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, and his coaching resume speaks of a wide open offense. Most recently the quarterbacks coach at Illinois (1997-00), Ver Steeg cut his coaching teeth on the staff of Utah's pass-happy offensive juggernaut of the late '80s.
Other coaching changes could also impact Utah's offensive style. For the first time in two decades, Utah's receivers and running backs will have new coaches. Vincent White, who coached at Arizona State a year ago, is Utah's new receivers and running backs coach. Another move finds Alex Gerke, a former Ute player and graduate assistant, back in the fold as the tackles/tight ends coach. Two first-year graduate assistants were also hired by the offense. Kevin Clune will assist with the running backs and former Ute defensive back Jay Hill will help coach the receivers and tight ends.
The revamped staff will implement a new offense based on flexibility, balance, efficiency and discipline, all Ver Steeg trademarks in his previous stops at Cincinnati, Harvard, the Chicago Bears and Illinois.
Just who will actually run the new offense was still up in the air after spring camp, but whomever the quarterback is, he'll have plenty of time to make decisions thanks to a veteran offensive line. If he chooses to go to the air, he might look first to a running back or tight end under the new scheme. That scenario will allow a green receiving corps some time to grow. And, while fans will like balls flying at virtually every eligible receiver, they'll also get a charge out of the two-back formation that's in store. The man taking the snaps can hand off to one of the league's best halfbacks, or turn to the fullback. With an all-conference halfback vying for time with six other superb runners, the extra position will come in handy.
Head Coach Ron McBride has trouble reigning in his excitement over the retooled Ute offense. "This is the biggest philosophical change in our program in my 11 years as head coach here," asserts McBride, whose Ute teams have played in five bowl games and won a share of two conference titles (most recently in 1999). "We weren't pleased with our results last season and felt we needed to shake some things up to get better. We made some very good coaching hires that brought lots of new ideas and thoughts into the building. In this passing game, you strive to create mismatches instead of lining up and trying to beat someone one-on-one. We can throw on any down and be effective, but we'll also have more power to our run game because of our two-back set."
McBride isn't the only "returner" enthusiastic about the new game plan. It was clear in spring training that the fullbacks and tight ends reveled in their new roles as part-time receivers and the quarterbacks loved the flexibility of the offense once they got the hang of it.
"The players have really bought into (the new offense)," says McBride. "Players like change, especially if they can identify with it, which they definitely have."
A guide to identifying Utah's offense by position follows:
Offensive Line
If you're looking for something new, skip past the offensive line. Opposing defenses won't be afforded that opportunity, since the Ute line is deep in both experience and talent. Especially fearsome are the tackles: First-team all-conference senior Doug Kaufusi (6-6, 311) returns on the left side and honorable mention all-league junior Jordan Gross (6-5, 306) will anchor the right side. Both players have started since their freshman year at Utah.
Plugging the middle will be one of two "returning" starters. Senior Steve McKane (6-0, 281), who started in 1999 but missed nearly all of last season with a knee injury, has applied for a medical hardship year from the NCAA. Dustin McQuivey (6-3, 254, So.) started last year and did an exceptional job.
At left guard, strong, agile Ed Ta'amu (6-2, 320, Sr.) is no longer in the learning stage. That spells big trouble for opponents, since the burly former defensive lineman's only shortcoming was mastering the mental part of his new position. At right guard, sophomore Sean Souza (6-5, 279) played with the first unit in the spring..
"We have three guys-Gross, Kaufusi and Ta'amu-who are the cream of the crop in this league," crows McBride. "I expect them to play beyond college. They're great players who have taken a ton of reps. Doug (Kaufusi) is a big, physical guy with great feet. He's good enough to play left tackle against a speed rusher in the pros. Eddie (Ta'amu) is just a physical phenom. He (power) cleans the world, squats the world, benches the world, has a 34 inch vertical jump and weighs 320 pounds. Jordan (Gross) is probably our best offensive lineman. He has power, toughness and experience."
Backups have played a critical role on the line in recent years due to a spate of injuries. If that happens this year, the Utes are in good shape. The play of freshmen Sione Pouha (6-3, 275) and Max Petersen (6-2, 276) in the spring belied their youth. Senior Kevin Wilson (6-7, 309) has proved himself as a solid replacement at both tackle positions and converted defensive lineman Tevita Vakalahi (6-1, 299) will see time at right guard. Redshirt freshman Makai Aalona (6-5, 283) will play behind Kaufusi at left tackle.
Tight Ends
These guys won't blend in with the offensive linemen so well this year with a new game plan that calls for lots of passes to the tight ends. That's a major a switch from years past, when the tight ends spent the lion's share of the game blocking.
"Our tight ends need to be more versatile now," affirms McBride, who fingers Dennis Smith (6-3, 217, Sr.), Matt Hansen (6-5, 251, So.) and Scott Price (6-4, 251, Sr.) as his top receiving tight ends. But the complete package at tight end might be handyman Michael Richardson (6-2, 271, Sr.). "He can do anything we need from a tight end," says McBride of Richardson, who has started at tight end, guard and center during his Ute career.
Quarterbacks
Although this position was still up for grabs after spring ball, a gifted young player will eventually occupy it. Sophomore Lance Rice (6-2, 193), who has the advantage of NCAA game experience, couldn't shake loose of Purdue transfer Ryan Breska (6-4, 209, So.) and redshirt freshman Brett Elliott (6-3, 193) in the spring.
"We like all three quarterbacks a lot," says McBride. "Rice will be No. 1 when the team reports in August, but Breska and Elliott both came on so strong at the end of spring that nothing is cast in stone."
Rice was 2-1 as the starter last year and played in four games total, completing nearly 50 percent of his pass attempts and throwing for four TDs. He began the year as the third string QB behind two senior co-starters before wresting away the starting spot with three games left.
While Rice was getting game time, Breska and Elliott were directing the scout teams. Breska, scheduled to be one of Drew Brees' backups at Purdue after redshirting in 1999, instead transferred to Utah last fall. Bound by NCAA transfer rules, he could not play in any games, although he could practice. As for Elliott, with two senior quarterbacks and Rice ahead of him on the depth chart, redshirting made the most sense.
This much is certain: While the three offer different strengths, the quarterback situation looks better than it has for years. Rice is athletic, poised, intelligent and makes good decisions. His biggest bonus may be his game experience. Breska is a big, strong-armed, drop back style quarterback with a very quick release. The southpaw's edge might be how well his style is suited to the new offense. Elliott, heavily recruited out of high school, is a hybrid of the other two. He could make his claim to the starting spot on the grounds that he is the complete package.
"Lance has proven in game situations to be a very intelligent decision maker," says McBride. "We really like Breska's arm strength, and at 6-foot-4, he sees the field well. Elliott is a play-maker. He has confidence that when he's behind the center something good will happen.
"All three have learned our new system, which requires more mental responsibilities than before. The quarterbacks have built in audibles, they know what to look for and what calls to make."
They will also be charged with changing cadences during the game. "We worked a lot on that in the spring so that our players are used to going on different cadences. Defenders can't get set and tee off on you if you mix up your cadence," explains McBride.
Wide Receivers
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| WR Cliff Russell is the fastest player ever at Utah. |
This was a critical recruiting area for the Utes in the off-season, since only senior Cliff Russell and junior walk-on Josh Lyman have any measurable NCAA D-I experience. Fortunately, new receivers coach Vincent White will be greeted with a recruiting class that boasts six quality wideouts. Four of those are considered blue chip catches: freshmen Lynzell Jackson and Jaun McNutt and juco transfers Paris Jackson and Devin Houston. (Lynzell Jackson will not be able to participate this year while completing his NCAA academic requirements).
Not only must White wait until August to evaluate the new class, that is also when he'll get his first "live" look at Russell and Lyman. The duo, which is scheduled to start at flanker and split end, respectively, missed spring camp with hamstring pulls.
At least Russell's skills are well documented. He was honorable mention all-league in 2000 despite missing all of three and most of four games with a broken arm. Believed to be the fastest player ever to compete for Utah (he was once clocked at 4.25 in the 40), Russell led Utah with 37 receptions and was second in receiving yards (517) and touchdowns (3) in a shortened season.
"Cliff has unbelievable speed to where he can bust loose for a long gain at any time," warns McBride. "If he has gets by someone, they'll never catch him."
Lyman's hopes of solidifying his hold on split end in spring ball were dashed when he pulled a hamstring, but his numbers from last year speak to his abilities. As a sophomore, Lyman averaged 14.4 yards per catch, second best on the team, and caught 17 balls for 245 yards and 1 TD.
"Josh did not lose his starting spot because he was injured in the spring," says McBride. "He has good hands and runs good routes."
Taking advantage of the starters' injuries was incoming freshman Morgan Scalley, who registered for classes spring semester. "Morgan reminds me of (former Ute All-American) Bryan Rowley," raves McBride. "He will definitely play this fall. Even right off a (Mormon church) mission, he showed great speed and an ability to break tackles. He'll just keep getting faster and better as he gets in shape."
Redshirt freshman Justin Walterscheid also entered the picture in spring ball. He will try to beat out newcomers Paris Jackson, McNutt and Houston when the real season starts.
"The JC guys (Jackson and Houston) have to play," flatly states McBride. "Jackson is a big, athletic receiver with good hands. Houston is an exciting player and a deep threat. I also expect McNutt, who is a speed receiver, to play his first year."
On paper, it appears there are enough quality receivers to keep defenses from loading up on Russell, but McBride needs to see them in action before he'll rest easy. "I'm not comfortable with this position yet because Cliff and Josh didn't take a single rep in the spring and we'll be depending on new players a lot," says McBride. "It makes you a little nervous."
Running Backs
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| Adam Tate is a returning all-league running back. |
While a power run game remains a Ute trademark, the way it is executed will create a dramatically different look this fall. The Utes will rely on a lead back, but they'll also utilize a fullback. The key to the new run game is taking plays that are simple for the offense to run and using balance and execution to force teams to defend multiple formations.
It was wildly successful in the spring, when seven players took turns shining in a game plan that mixed off-tackle, inside and perimeter runs with pass receptions.
Not a tremendously productive position last year, the move to a two-back set has revealed budding stars once buried deep on the depth chart. Well known is senior Adam Tate (6-1, 229), second-team all-conference in 2000 and a big, powerful back in the mold of former Utah and current NFL stars Jamal Anderson and Mike Anderson. Tate got a late start last year, arriving after the August training camp due to some late academic paperwork issues. Behind from the outset, Tate didn't crack the lineup full-time until the fourth game of the season. Yet in nine games, he became the Mountain West Conference's third-leading rusher, netting 660 yards (73.3 yards per game) and a team-best seven touchdowns.
Anointed the starter at halfback, Tate learned he has some serious competition while sitting out the latter half of spring ball with an ankle injury. Dameon Hunter (5-11, 236, Sr.), J.R. Peroulis (6-1, 205, Jr.) and Edwin Benton (5-10, 203, So.) all turned heads in his absence and their play will make for some hard coaching decisions.
"We feel like we need four guys at halfback, but they're all deserving of playing time, so it won't be easy keeping them all happy," concedes McBride, who adds, "It's a good problem to have."
Powerfully built Hunter has deceptive speed and hits the crease hard. Peroulis, a transfer from Arizona State, was one of ASU's fastest players before transferring to Utah, where he sat out last fall. Peroulis clocked a 4.41 in the 40-yard sprint in March testing, third best on the team and fastest of the running backs. "Peroulis is so fast, if he gets past the line of scrimmage, he can take it all the way to the house," claims McBride. Benton, a forgotten man his first two years on campus, burst into the spotlight in the spring. "Edwin Benton was the surprise of the spring. He showed the ability and toughness we saw when we recruited him."
The fortunes of senior Thomas Fortune (6-3, 253) also changed when Utah added a fullback to its arsenal. He's the starter going into the fall, though freshman Rob Sirstins (6-2, 208) and sophomore Brandon Bliss (5-11, 205) not only impressed with their running skills, but at catching the ball as well.
"If we went back to a one-back set, we'd have an awful lot of good players on the sidelines," acknowledges McBride. "Four tailbacks and three fullbacks took a ton of reps in the spring and we loved them all."
DEFENSE
Strengths: Defensive Line, Linebackers
Question Marks: Corners, Safeties
Change isn't always a good thing. For instance, defensive coordinator Kyle Whittingham is a firm believer in the status quo. That's because his defense was the best in the Mountain West Conference last year and ranks among the league leaders, year in and year out.
While wholesale changes are not necessary, or even welcomed, on the defensive side, the game plan was definitely juiced in the spring.
"We worked more on pressure stuff than we ever have," says McBride. "We not only broadened the scope of the defense, we added excitement to it."
Some of the rush comes from off-season movement in the coaching staff. Whittingham couldn't pass on an opportunity to hire energetic young Bill Busch to coach the U. safeties. The safeties were Whittingham's domain, so he in turn, shifted his attention to the linebackers.
But most of the exuberance in April and May had to do with young players pulling out all the stops in hopes of getting noticed by their coaches. It was a good time to do so, since the defense as a whole was hit hard by graduation. Most conspicuous in their absence were two first-team all-conference defenders: cornerback Andre Dyson and linebacker Kautai Olevao. Dyson was taken in the second round of the NFL draft by Tennessee and Olevao earned a free agent invitation.
The Dyson-led backfield was particularly decimated by senior departures. None of the three rotating starters at safety returns and the top three corners must also be replaced.
Not surprisingly, two thirds of Utah's incoming recruiting class plays on the defensive side of the ball. They will join a unit that, while lacking upperclassmen in places, has plenty of potential.
Here's an idea of who will contribute defensively for Utah:
Defensive Line
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| Garrett Smith led Utah and ranked fourth in the MWC in sacks as a sophomore. |
Opposing offenses are going to hate playing Utah, whose defensive line was the area least affected by graduation. In fact, the biggest shift down the line actually comes from the underclass. Jason Kaufusi (6-3, 249, So.), the 2000 MWC Freshman of the Year at rush end, took up residency at "stud" linebacker in the spring. Not to worry. Kaufusi, honorable mention all-league his rookie year after averaging 7.0 tackles per game, along with 16 tackles for loss and eight sacks, will return to his old post up front in the nickel package. When the Utes line up in a 4-3 formation, talented Marcus Jones (6-2, 243, Jr.) will take Kaufusi's place at end.
Why tinker with a good thing? "We had to find a way to get Marcus on the field," explains McBride, "without taking Jason out of the lineup."
The defensive staff experimented with a lot of new combinations in the spring before settling on a line loaded with size and speed. Ma'ake Kemoeatu (6-5, 309, Sr.) and Garrett Smith (6-3, 270, Jr.) are nearly impenetrable obstacles. Kemoeatu, leaner and quicker than a year ago, tried out at "base" end in the spring before returning to nose guard, where he was honorable mention all-MWC in 2000. Smith slid over to base end from 3-technique tackle, where he was also an honorable mention all-league pick a year ago. His speed and cutthroat mentality led to 10 sacks and 10 QB hurries as a sophomore. Watch these two players rocket from HM to first-team all-conference this season.
While Kemoeatu was sampling the action outside, senior Lauvale Sape (6-2, 290) stepped in at nose guard. He did well, but when Kemoeatu reclaimed his position, Sape moved over to right tackle, where he blossomed.
"Jason Kaufusi, Marcus Jones, Ma'ake Kemoeatu, Lauvale Sape and Garrett Smith make the 'D' line a huge strength for us," says McBride. "I call Garrett the 'rabbit' because he's a hustler who never stays on the ground and makes plays sideline to sideline. As for Ma'ake, no one wants to play against him. He is incredibly big and strong and he's a great 'bender.' He moves well at pad level, unlike a lot of tall guys who tend to stand. Sape was our most improved defensive player in the spring. Jason makes all the plays, whether he's at end or linebacker. He could come out of here as our best defender ever. Marcus is extremely athletic and we need him on the field as much as possible."
More bad news for opponents waits in the wings. Especially watch for these newcomers to make an impact: transfer Kasey Jackson (6-3, 281, Jr.), most recently on Cal's roster, juco transfer Elia Laeli (6-3, 275, Jr.) and freshmen Steve Fifita (5-11, 274) and Chris Kemoeatu (6-4, 315).
"Kasey Jackson missed spring ball with an injury, but with his strength and size, he'll be competitive come fall," says McBride. "The coach at Santa Ana JC says Elia (Laeli) is the best player ever to come out of there. We loved Steve Fifita in the spring and he won the backup job at nose guard. Chris Kemoeatu will line up and kick your tail. He's a lot nastier than (brother) Ma'ake and if he comes here in any kind of shape, which I'm sure he will, he's going to play this year," promises McBride.
Others in the mix sophomores Lewis Powell (6-3, 290) and Josh Savage (6-5, 245).
Defensive Backs
A grateful beneficiary of Utah's heralded defensive line will be the backfield, where experience is in short supply and pressure on the quarterback will be welcomed. Teams will certainly test Utah deep, although they may fail against the posse of determined young players anxious to prove themselves.
One who has already passed with flying colors is physically gifted and hard working Arnold Parker. Parker, who played nickel, corner and safety a year ago, will stick primarily to strong safety this fall. A tremendous talent, Parker toiled in the shadows of seniors last year, playing wherever he was needed. He'll be the one to cast the shadow this year.
"I expect Arnold Parker to be the best safety in the league," states McBride. "He's big (6-2, 210), tough and is a former Nevada sprint champion who can flat out run (4.32 speed in the 40-yard sprint).
At free safety is sophomore Anthony White, who mostly played special teams as a freshman but made a defensive statement in the spring. "Anthony really surprised us," admits McBride of the former high school Heisman winner. "He is a smart, self-made guy who is always in the right spot."
Walk-ons Dave Revill and Aaron Bryant will be the backup safeties when practice resumes in August, but they'll be looking over their shoulders at highly sought juco transfer Antwoine Sanders (6-3, 200).
The corner and nickel positions will be much more fluid, at least at first, with as many as seven players flowing in and out. Right now, it looks like the starters will be junior Airabin Justin and senior Yohance Scott at left and right corner, respectively, and redshirt freshman Bo Nagahi at nickel back. Watch for former running back D'Shaun Crockett, with his exceptional quickness and explosiveness, to force the issue as he continues to master the position.
"Bo (Nagahi) is tremendously gifted and has a real desire to win," offers McBride. "It's just a matter of time before he becomes a star. I also really like D'Shaun Crockett. He and Bo are the most athletic of the cornerbacks and D'Shaun is a well built, aggressive kid."
Of his likely starters, McBride says, "Yohance (Scott) is three times better than he was as a JC transfer last fall. Airabin (Justin) is our most sound corner in terms of technique and back pedaling."
Incoming freshman Antonio Young, considered one of the top high school defensive backs available this year, "will figure in right away," pledges McBride. "He is like Arnold Parker-tall, rangy and athletic." Also in the running are juniors Cody Weight and Desmond Davis.
"We need to get some separation at cornerback," notes McBride. "This position scares me because we still don't know who are four best guys are."
Linebackers
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| Jason Kaufusi was the MWC Freshman of the Year in 2000. |
Kautai who? Faced with a giant hole left by four-year starter and three-time all-leaguer Kautai Olevao, Whittingham plucked Jason Kaufusi (6-3, 249, So.) from defensive end and planted him at 'stud' linebacker in the spring. Kaufusi, the MWC Freshman of the Year in 2000, could develop into the best defender in the league, regardless of class in school (see "Defensive Line").
Another position change has Sheldon Deckart (6-2, 239, Jr.) starting at rover instead of playing middle linebacker, as he did his sophomore year. He was Utah's second-leading tackler in 2000 (73 total) and those numbers should jump this fall. The Ute coaches started pitching Deckart for postseason honors months before the season even began.
"Sheldon is the guy," stresses McBride. "He has great speed and lateral movement and is the team leader on defense, along with Ma'ake (Kemoeatu)."
Replacing Deckart in the middle will likely be CR Dwinell (6-1, 228, Sr.). Dwinell's aggressive style earned him playing time as a walk-on last year. McBride likes his smarts and his "linebacker personality."
The backup 'backers are Utah's secret weapon. For now. "We have some real depth, even if only we (coaches and players) know it right now," says McBride. One who really improved his lot was redshirt freshman Zach Tune (6-3, 247), who will open his rookie campaign as the backup in the middle but plans to make the coaches rethink that placing. "Zach is a big, mean kid, who runs well and is tough," says McBride. "He is perfect for the 'mac' position and we're very excited about his future."
The staff is counting on a healthy Brooks Bahr (6-3, 219, Jr.) and Stan Moleni (6-2, 254, Sr.), as well as ever-improving Jeremy Lyman (6-2, 230, Jr.), to pitch in as well.
The Utes improved their depth in February on signing day. Juco transfer Dominic Payne (6-4, 205, Jr.), considered a major catch, is tall and rangy and can cover a lot of ground. Freshman Steven Thompson (5-10, 212) already has such good skills he could force his way into the lineup immediately, rather than taking a redshirt year.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Strengths: Kickers/Punters
Question Marks: Returners
For the first time in a quarter of a century, Utah's special teams are under new leadership. Assistant head coach Gary Andersen, in his fifth year as coach of the defensive tackles and strong side defensive ends, has added special teams to his duties. The good news for Andersen is that he was handed a full complement of kickers in his first year on the job. The returners, on the other hand, are an enigma.
Andersen already knew he had two proven senior kickers taking aim at the uprights. But he didn't expect a third kicker joined the fray. Oklahoma transfer Brian Lewis did just that and he edged in front by the end of spring drills. It proved fortuitous, since senior Golden Whetman, the starting punter last year, left the team in the summer. Recognized as was a top-flight punter, Lewis' successful foray into field goal kicking does not mean senior Ryan Kaneshiro won't get a hard look. He has the advantage of experience, which could ultimately play a role in the final decision.
Kaneshiro, the starter as a freshman in 1998, found himself third on depth chart in '99. Last year, he won his starting spot back in the fourth game, replacing Whetman. Kaneshiro did a nice job, making all 22 of his PATs and 6 of 8 field goal attempts in 2000.
Says McBride of the kicking game, "Brian Lewis was our best field goal kicker and punter in the spring and he was right there on kickoffs. Ryan's (field goal) range is limited, but he is very consistent in pressure situations inside the 25-yard line."
Lewis was Oklahoma's starting punter in 1995 before leaving on an LDS church mission. He finished 21st in the nation in punting average as a freshman (41.92 ypp) and his long punt went for 78 yards.
Heated competition is anticipated at returner, too, but the candidates are collegiate novices for the most part. Whoever wins the job will have some giant shoes to fill. Steve Smith, one of the greatest returners in school history, and Patrick Dyson, the MWC's second-leading kickoff returner in 2000, have both moved on.
The top two replacements out of the shoot are freshman Bo Nagahi and junior D'Shaun Crockett (who returned two kickoffs for 52 yards last year). Nagahi averaged 35 yards per punt return as a high school senior and should lend pizzaz to the position.
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