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The University of Utah Athletics
The Lowdown: Offensive Line/Tight Ends
7/3/2018 2:55 PM | Football
This summer, UtahUtes.com will feature "The Lowdown" on each position group on the field. Despite losing notable staples at both the offensive line and tight end positions, the Utes will return four starters to the line and a group of tight ends ready to step into the spotlight.
THE LOWDOWN: OFFENSIVE LINE
In 2017, the Utes had the task of replacing four NFL draft picks in Garrett Bolles, Isaac Asiata, J.J. Dielman and Sam Tevi, but with four starters returning in 2018, the Utah offensive line is bringing back a wealth of experience.
Senior all-conference candidates in left tackle Jackson Barton (6-7, 308) and center Lo Falemaka (6-5, 295) will return to the gridiron along with second-year starters Jordan Agasiva (6-3, 320) and right tackle Darrin Paulo (6-5, 313) to headline the offensive line. Paulo led the team in snaps last season with Barton turning in a team-best eight cuts.
"Last year we had a lot of new faces up front on the offensive line," head coach Kyle Whittingham said. "This year we return an experienced group that is physical and well versed in the blocking schemes suited to coach Troy Taylor's offense."
In addition to the returning starters, Utah had several offensive linemen get in quality playing time in 2017 with Paul Toala (6-4, 319), Johnny Capra (6-6, 301) and Alani Havili-Katoa (6-3, 305) all showing that they have the skill set to earn minutes this season.
Nick Ford's (6-5, 315) redshirt season last year has proven to be effective as he battled for a starting position during the spring with true freshman Simi Moala (6-7, 294) also turning some heads in spring practice. Ford earned CIF-LA City Section Division I Offensive Lineman of the Year at San Pedro High School while Moala was a highly recruited defensive end that will make the switch to offense after returning from his church mission. Â
THE LOWDOWN: TIGHT END
After losing Harrison Handley and Siale Fakailoatonga to graduation, it was time to revamp the tight end group. With both Jake Jackson (6-3, 245) and Bapa Falemaka (6-3, 248) having successful spring seasons, the Utes look to be in good hands.
"In addition to the four tight ends already in the program (two on scholarship), we have three new recruits coming in, which should make for intense competition during fall camp for this group," Whittingham said. "
Onetime linebacker Jackson is the heir apparent to the starting job. He appeared in nine games at tight end in 2017 with one start and three catches with Falemaka playing in four games at tight end.
Connor Haller, who played linebacker last season, made the move to tight end this spring and cracked the two-deep thanks to his length and athleticism.
The Utes will have several fresh faces at the position as well, including newcomer Thomas Yassmin (6-5, 242). The Australian rugby player is an exceptional athlete and will make his American football debut this fall.
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THE LOWDOWN: OFFENSIVE LINE
In 2017, the Utes had the task of replacing four NFL draft picks in Garrett Bolles, Isaac Asiata, J.J. Dielman and Sam Tevi, but with four starters returning in 2018, the Utah offensive line is bringing back a wealth of experience.
Senior all-conference candidates in left tackle Jackson Barton (6-7, 308) and center Lo Falemaka (6-5, 295) will return to the gridiron along with second-year starters Jordan Agasiva (6-3, 320) and right tackle Darrin Paulo (6-5, 313) to headline the offensive line. Paulo led the team in snaps last season with Barton turning in a team-best eight cuts.
"Last year we had a lot of new faces up front on the offensive line," head coach Kyle Whittingham said. "This year we return an experienced group that is physical and well versed in the blocking schemes suited to coach Troy Taylor's offense."
In addition to the returning starters, Utah had several offensive linemen get in quality playing time in 2017 with Paul Toala (6-4, 319), Johnny Capra (6-6, 301) and Alani Havili-Katoa (6-3, 305) all showing that they have the skill set to earn minutes this season.
Nick Ford's (6-5, 315) redshirt season last year has proven to be effective as he battled for a starting position during the spring with true freshman Simi Moala (6-7, 294) also turning some heads in spring practice. Ford earned CIF-LA City Section Division I Offensive Lineman of the Year at San Pedro High School while Moala was a highly recruited defensive end that will make the switch to offense after returning from his church mission. Â
THE LOWDOWN: TIGHT END
After losing Harrison Handley and Siale Fakailoatonga to graduation, it was time to revamp the tight end group. With both Jake Jackson (6-3, 245) and Bapa Falemaka (6-3, 248) having successful spring seasons, the Utes look to be in good hands.
"In addition to the four tight ends already in the program (two on scholarship), we have three new recruits coming in, which should make for intense competition during fall camp for this group," Whittingham said. "
Onetime linebacker Jackson is the heir apparent to the starting job. He appeared in nine games at tight end in 2017 with one start and three catches with Falemaka playing in four games at tight end.
Connor Haller, who played linebacker last season, made the move to tight end this spring and cracked the two-deep thanks to his length and athleticism.
The Utes will have several fresh faces at the position as well, including newcomer Thomas Yassmin (6-5, 242). The Australian rugby player is an exceptional athlete and will make his American football debut this fall.
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