Upcoming Event: Football versus Idaho on September 3, 2026
Football
vs Idaho
.png&width=31&height=31&type=webp)
The University of Utah Athletics
Tauteoli Named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week
9/12/2016 1:10 PM | Football
Ute linebacker played key role in win over BYU
SAN FRANCISCO—Utah junior linebacker Sunia Tauteoli was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week for his role in Utah's 20-19 win over BYU last Saturday. Tauteoli returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown on the game's first play from scrimmage to give Utah a 7-0 lead. He finished the game with two interceptions—the first picks of his career—and six total tackles.
Â
One of his biggest plays came with 18 seconds remaining in the game when he assisted on the tackle that stopped BYU's two-point conversion attempt and secured a Utah victory.
Â
It is the first career Pac-12 Player of the Week award for Tauteoli. He is the second Ute to be honored this season. Punter Mitch Wishnowsky was named Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 5.
Â
Â
One of his biggest plays came with 18 seconds remaining in the game when he assisted on the tackle that stopped BYU's two-point conversion attempt and secured a Utah victory.
Â
It is the first career Pac-12 Player of the Week award for Tauteoli. He is the second Ute to be honored this season. Punter Mitch Wishnowsky was named Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 5.
Â
Players Mentioned
LB
/ Football
P
/ FootballCrimson Corner with Bill Riley - College football analyst Yogi Roth
Wednesday, May 06
Crimson Corner with Bill Riley - Utah Football Head Coach Morgan Scalley
Wednesday, April 29
Crimson Corner with Bill Riley - Utah Football legend Brian Johnson
Friday, February 20
Utah Football Head Coach Morgan Scalley Introductory Press Conference | 1.06.25
Tuesday, January 06