Upcoming Event: Football versus Idaho on September 3, 2026
Football
vs Idaho
.png&width=31&height=31&type=webp)
The University of Utah Athletics
A Follower No More: Salesi Uhatafe
9/21/2017 1:19 PM | Football
By Mady White
Utah Athletics Communications
Â
As a third grader, Salesi Uhatafe didn't want to be alone after school while all of his friends were off doing something together. So, he reluctantly caved in and followed the crowd.
Â
When Uhatafe finally decided to put on the pads and a helmet and join his friends on the football field, it turned out to be one of the best things they could have ever talked him into doing.
Â
"For a long time, I was just going along with it and I didn't know where it could really take me," Uhatafe recalled. "All of my friends wanted to play D-I football, so I was just kind of following the crowd at that point. I wasn't sure exactly what would happen in the future. Football didn't really get too serious for me until high school ball began. That's when I learned that I really wanted to play at the D-I level."
Â
Uhatafe played at Trinity High School in Euless, Texas. His breakout year came during his senior campaign in 2012, when Uhatafe was named first-team 6-5A All-District. He was impressive, totaling 117 knockdowns and 42 pancakes while not allowing a sack.
Â
"I wasn't a starter in high school too often, so I didn't really get recruited until my senior year. Recruiting was a very slow process because I didn't have many offers, and then my senior year it opened up a little bit," Uhatafe explained.
Â
From starting out as an after-school hobby with his friends, to playing big-time high school ball in Texas, football became one of the most important things in Uhatafe's life. It also provided an opportunity for a college scholarship.
Â
After he weighed his options, Uhatafe decided that Utah would be the place for him. As he adjusted to playing for a major Division I program in the Pac-12 Conference, not only was the importance of football stressed, but also the importance of academics and pursuing a college degree.
Â
While Uhatafe was anxious about the transition, the atmosphere at Utah compared to other schools felt different to Uhatafe. He believes that being a part of the Utah football program pushes you to be your best as an individual, and it isn't just about the team.
Â
"It felt to me that most programs go for the big team accomplishments, or it's about the big-name coaching staffs and everything else that solely revolves around the football team," Uhatafe said. "For me, Utah had a real family atmosphere and that has proven to really help me transition from high school to college. People always say that about their programs but I think it is different here. I knew I was choosing to go to a school where the guys I was with, I knew I could depend on them when times were rough for me. Every single person on the team, they are guys I can lean on."
Â
After redshirting the 2013 season, Uhatafe made an immediate impact the first year he got into game action. Uhatafe has played in all 42Â games during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons while totaling 28 starts. As a junior, he led the offensive line in total plays and started every game. Positioned at right guard the first three years of his career, Uhatafe has switched to right tackle this season.
Â
Known for his consistency, Uhatafe understands what it takes to not only contribute to the team but also do anything it takes to make the team better. With an offensive line that sent four players on to the NFL after last season, Uhatafe is the sole holdover among the starters and will be expected to lead the group this season.
Â
"I think this year we just have to keep the standard as high as it has always been," said Uhatafe. "Just because we are a younger team and will have new guys playing, that doesn't mean we shouldn't have the same expectations as last year, if not higher ones. I think in order to lead these guys, I just have to hold everyone accountable to the best of my ability while also holding the same expectations for myself."
Â
During fall camp, Uhatafe's teammates recognized the leadership he was able to provide and he quickly became somebody that everyone could look up to. He demonstrated his leadership through his strong work ethic, commitment and passion for the game. He was always pushing his teammates to do the best they could, but was also working to improve his own game. After nearly two and a half weeks of fall camp, his teammates rewarded Uhatafe for his dedication and leadership, naming him a team captain for his senior season.
Â
"It meant a lot to me to be named team captain," Uhatafe said with a smile. "I have always looked up to the captains we have had in previous years, and to be named one myself is a real humbling experience. I am really thankful that my teammates respect me enough to vote me as a leader for this team."
Â
With Pac-12 play starting tomorrow and the rest of his senior season ahead of him, Uhatafe wants to give everything he has and leave it all out on the field every game. He wants to make this season very special and finish his collegiate career with his best season yet.
Â
"My senior season means a lot to me," said Uhatafe. "I really want to do well, but mostly I want to relish the memories I have had these past couple of years. I want to make this last one count and not pass up any moments that will last my whole life."
Â
Â
Utah Athletics Communications
Â
As a third grader, Salesi Uhatafe didn't want to be alone after school while all of his friends were off doing something together. So, he reluctantly caved in and followed the crowd.
Â
When Uhatafe finally decided to put on the pads and a helmet and join his friends on the football field, it turned out to be one of the best things they could have ever talked him into doing.
Â
"For a long time, I was just going along with it and I didn't know where it could really take me," Uhatafe recalled. "All of my friends wanted to play D-I football, so I was just kind of following the crowd at that point. I wasn't sure exactly what would happen in the future. Football didn't really get too serious for me until high school ball began. That's when I learned that I really wanted to play at the D-I level."
Â
Uhatafe played at Trinity High School in Euless, Texas. His breakout year came during his senior campaign in 2012, when Uhatafe was named first-team 6-5A All-District. He was impressive, totaling 117 knockdowns and 42 pancakes while not allowing a sack.
Â
"I wasn't a starter in high school too often, so I didn't really get recruited until my senior year. Recruiting was a very slow process because I didn't have many offers, and then my senior year it opened up a little bit," Uhatafe explained.
Â
From starting out as an after-school hobby with his friends, to playing big-time high school ball in Texas, football became one of the most important things in Uhatafe's life. It also provided an opportunity for a college scholarship.
Â
After he weighed his options, Uhatafe decided that Utah would be the place for him. As he adjusted to playing for a major Division I program in the Pac-12 Conference, not only was the importance of football stressed, but also the importance of academics and pursuing a college degree.
Â
While Uhatafe was anxious about the transition, the atmosphere at Utah compared to other schools felt different to Uhatafe. He believes that being a part of the Utah football program pushes you to be your best as an individual, and it isn't just about the team.
Â
"It felt to me that most programs go for the big team accomplishments, or it's about the big-name coaching staffs and everything else that solely revolves around the football team," Uhatafe said. "For me, Utah had a real family atmosphere and that has proven to really help me transition from high school to college. People always say that about their programs but I think it is different here. I knew I was choosing to go to a school where the guys I was with, I knew I could depend on them when times were rough for me. Every single person on the team, they are guys I can lean on."
Â
After redshirting the 2013 season, Uhatafe made an immediate impact the first year he got into game action. Uhatafe has played in all 42Â games during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons while totaling 28 starts. As a junior, he led the offensive line in total plays and started every game. Positioned at right guard the first three years of his career, Uhatafe has switched to right tackle this season.
Â
Known for his consistency, Uhatafe understands what it takes to not only contribute to the team but also do anything it takes to make the team better. With an offensive line that sent four players on to the NFL after last season, Uhatafe is the sole holdover among the starters and will be expected to lead the group this season.
Â
"I think this year we just have to keep the standard as high as it has always been," said Uhatafe. "Just because we are a younger team and will have new guys playing, that doesn't mean we shouldn't have the same expectations as last year, if not higher ones. I think in order to lead these guys, I just have to hold everyone accountable to the best of my ability while also holding the same expectations for myself."
Â
During fall camp, Uhatafe's teammates recognized the leadership he was able to provide and he quickly became somebody that everyone could look up to. He demonstrated his leadership through his strong work ethic, commitment and passion for the game. He was always pushing his teammates to do the best they could, but was also working to improve his own game. After nearly two and a half weeks of fall camp, his teammates rewarded Uhatafe for his dedication and leadership, naming him a team captain for his senior season.
Â
"It meant a lot to me to be named team captain," Uhatafe said with a smile. "I have always looked up to the captains we have had in previous years, and to be named one myself is a real humbling experience. I am really thankful that my teammates respect me enough to vote me as a leader for this team."
Â
With Pac-12 play starting tomorrow and the rest of his senior season ahead of him, Uhatafe wants to give everything he has and leave it all out on the field every game. He wants to make this season very special and finish his collegiate career with his best season yet.
Â
"My senior season means a lot to me," said Uhatafe. "I really want to do well, but mostly I want to relish the memories I have had these past couple of years. I want to make this last one count and not pass up any moments that will last my whole life."
Â
Â
Players Mentioned
OL
/ 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