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The Lowdown: Linebackers
6/20/2018 9:49 AM | Football
This summer, UtahUtes.com will feature "The Lowdown" on each position group on the field. The Utes will have three players at the linebacker position who finished in the top-10 in tackles in 2017, giving the group experience and skill.
THE LOWDOWN: LINEBACKER
The veteran linebacker corps will feature size, speed and athleticism in returners Cody Barton (6-2, 230) and Donavan Thompson (5-10, 219). Throw in Chase Hansen (6-3, 230), who has made a seamless transition from safety, and the linebackers will not miss a beat.
"Chase Hansen is one of the best defenders in the Pac-12 and his move to linebacker should allow him to be even more productive this year," head coach Kyle Whittingham said. "Cody Barton and Donavan Thompson are experienced players that have given us quality reps over the past couple of seasons."
Hansen, a senior All-Pac-12 safety out of Highland, Utah, was second on the team in tackles per game (6.38) and third in total tackles (51) in 2017. He has 30 career games under his belt with the Utes and 22 starts.
Barton, a senior from Salt Lake City, played in all 13 games in 2017 with four starts, finishing with 45 tackles. He has finished in the top-10 in tackles on the team in back-to-back seasons, including his 66 stop as a sophomore in 2016.
Thompson was a part time starter in 2017, getting the starting nod in five games while playing in all 13. The Miami, Fla., native had 38 tackles (2.0 TFL) along with three pass breakups.
Redshirt freshman Devin Lloyd (6-3, 230) will look to get playing time this season after cracking the two-deep in spring camp. The Chula Vista, Calif., native was a standout for Otay Ranch High School, racking up 52 tackles and eight interceptions (three returns for TDs) as senior to earn All-CIF San Diego Section defense.
Junior college transfer Bryant Pirtle will also look to make an immediate impact for the Utes at linebacker after earning all-conference honors at Pima Community College in 2017. He notched 72 tackles with six tackles for loss (3.5 sacks).
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THE LOWDOWN: LINEBACKER
The veteran linebacker corps will feature size, speed and athleticism in returners Cody Barton (6-2, 230) and Donavan Thompson (5-10, 219). Throw in Chase Hansen (6-3, 230), who has made a seamless transition from safety, and the linebackers will not miss a beat.
"Chase Hansen is one of the best defenders in the Pac-12 and his move to linebacker should allow him to be even more productive this year," head coach Kyle Whittingham said. "Cody Barton and Donavan Thompson are experienced players that have given us quality reps over the past couple of seasons."
Hansen, a senior All-Pac-12 safety out of Highland, Utah, was second on the team in tackles per game (6.38) and third in total tackles (51) in 2017. He has 30 career games under his belt with the Utes and 22 starts.
Barton, a senior from Salt Lake City, played in all 13 games in 2017 with four starts, finishing with 45 tackles. He has finished in the top-10 in tackles on the team in back-to-back seasons, including his 66 stop as a sophomore in 2016.
Thompson was a part time starter in 2017, getting the starting nod in five games while playing in all 13. The Miami, Fla., native had 38 tackles (2.0 TFL) along with three pass breakups.
Redshirt freshman Devin Lloyd (6-3, 230) will look to get playing time this season after cracking the two-deep in spring camp. The Chula Vista, Calif., native was a standout for Otay Ranch High School, racking up 52 tackles and eight interceptions (three returns for TDs) as senior to earn All-CIF San Diego Section defense.
Junior college transfer Bryant Pirtle will also look to make an immediate impact for the Utes at linebacker after earning all-conference honors at Pima Community College in 2017. He notched 72 tackles with six tackles for loss (3.5 sacks).
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