Ute Scouting Report Part 2: The Defense

7/6/2016 5:10 PM | Football

DEFENSIVE LINE

THE LOWDOWN

Known for its pipeline to the NFL, Utah's defensive line is one of the best in the nation every year and 2016 should be no different. Lewis Powell, in his first year coaching the defensive line and second year on the staff, will work hand-in-hand with newly-promoted defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley.

HEADLINERS RETURNING

First-team All-Pac-12 as a sophomore last year, defensive tackle Lowell Lotulelei (6-2, 310, Jr.) is treading the same path as his brother Star—a former Ute first-team All-America defensive tackle and first-round NFL draft pick now starting for the Carolina Panthers. The younger Lotulelei is one of four preseason honor candidates on the line along with junior tackle Filipo Mokofisi (6-3, 278) and senior ends Kylie Fitts (6-4, 265) and Hunter Dimick (6-3, 272).

NEWCOMER SPOTLIGHT

Utah scored a major coup by keeping coveted four-star defensive end Maxs Tupai (6-2, 245) at home. A Taylorsville, Utah, native who played at Murray High School, Tupai was one of five high school national finalists for the Butkus Award and the No. 1 overall recruit in the state by Rivals.com.

COACH WHITTINGHAM SAYS

"We have built a reputation as a physical, aggressive defensive front and we expect that to continue this year with the outstanding group that we have returning. Lowell Lotulelei is an all-conference performer and one of the best interior defensive linemen in the country and he has a great supporting cast."

LINEBACKER

THE LOWDOWN

Second-year linebackers coach Justin Ena is tasked with the biggest rebuilding job on the defense after his 2015 All-Pac-12 seniors Gionni Paul and Jared Norris headed to the NFL. The Utes have officially moved away from their longtime 4-3 base defense to get an extra defensive back on the field, so they'll have just two holes to fill on the field most of the time.

HEADLINERS RETURNING

Junior Sunia Tauteoli (6-0, 220) and sophomore Cody Barton (6-2, 232) came out of spring camp as the starters at Mac and rover, respectively. While the coaches are high on their potential, neither has much game experience at linebacker, having played primarily on special teams last year—Tauteoli as a JC transfer and Barton as a true freshman.

NEWCOMER SPOTLIGHT

Considered one of the biggest catches in Utah's 2016 recruiting class, heavily recruited four-star JC transfer David Luafatasaga (6-4, 232, Jr.) is expected to play immediately.

COACH WHITTINGHAM SAYS

"With the departure of three outstanding senior linebackers, this position will undergo a complete rebuild this year. We liked what we saw in the spring in terms of speed, athleticism and tackling, but things will really heat up in August when our new recruits join the competition."

CORNERBACK

THE LOWDOWN

Cornerbacks coach Sharrieff Shah's entire two deep is back from a year ago when Utah's 88 passes defended led the Pac-12 and included 38 (43%) by the cornerbacks. They also accounted for half of Utah's league-leading 22 interceptions in 2015.

HEADLINERS RETURNING

Three senior corners are multi-year starters. Dominique Hatfield (5-10, 175) tied for third in the Pac-12 in interceptions last year with four picks. Reginald Porter (5-11, 185) led Utah and tied for second in the Pac-12 with 11 pass breakups. Nickel back Justin Thomas (5-8, 180) had three interceptions and six pass breakups. Senior Brian Allen (6-3, 205) had an exceptional spring and will see significant playing time as well.

NEWCOMER SPOTLIGHT

In a veteran secondary, the addition of three-star recruits Terrell Burgess (6-0, 182, Fr.) and Nygel King (6-0, 169, Fr.) will add to an already talented group.

COACH WHITTINGHAM SAYS

"The cornerbacks are well suited to our style of coverage, which is primarily man to man. They also have the advantage of playing together for several years now. While Dominique Hatfield, Reginald Porter and Justin Thomas are the starters, we have several others who will play significant roles."

SAFETY

THE LOWDOWN

Morgan Scalley's success with the safeties was one factor behind his promotion to defensive coordinator. Both safety positions run at least two deep with returners and are headlined by arguably the best free safety in the Pac-12.

HEADLINER RETURNING

Marcus Williams (6-1, 195, Jr.), first-team All-Pac-12 last year as a sophomore, has started at free safety since he was a true freshman. Williams finished second in the Pac-12 with five interceptions and also batted down five passes in 2015. His 38-inch vertical jump is among the best on the team.

NEWCOMER SPOTLIGHT

Sophomore Chase Hansen (6-3, 212) appeared in two games at quarterback in 2015 before he began splitting his time between quarterback and safety. Still new to the safety position after missing the last four games and spring camp with an injury, Hansen (who remains listed as a two-way player) has tantalizing potential.

COACH WHITTINGHAM SAYS

"Marcus Williams is one of the premier safeties in the Pac-12 and Chase Hansen, Jason Thompson, Casey Hughes and Andre Godfrey should make this a deep and talented position group for us."