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The University of Utah Athletics
Welcome Wednesday: LB & DL Newcomers
3/24/2021 3:41 PM | Football
Each week of spring football, UtahUtes.com will introduce newcomers from each position group. This week, meet freshmen linebackers Trey Reynolds and Mason Tufaga, and defensive lineman Jonny Fanaika.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of playing the position that you do?
MT: To be a linebacker, you have to be willing to be physical, but also the smartest player on the field. My favorite aspect though is that being a linebacker, we are the hardest hitters on the field I believe.
TR: My favorite part about playing linebacker is how physical you need to be in tackling and taking on the linemen.
JF: My favorite aspect of playing on the defensive line is getting sacks.
Q: What do you love most about the sport of football?
MT: I love that you can physical. If you have a bad day, you can release it on the football field.
TR: I love hitting and tackling people and how mentally tough you need to be to play.
JF: The life lessons that it teaches me.
Mason Tufaga (52)
Q: Who has influenced you most in your career and why?
MT: Definitely my father. He inspired me to pursue football at this level. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know where I’d be now.
TR: My dad because he has always encouraged and inspired me to work hard in everything that I do.
JF: My brothers, because they paved the path that was set before me.
Q: What was it about Utah that made you want to come here?
MT: Utah has always been a second home for me. I was born here and wanted to come back and experience my birthplace. Also, the culture that Coach Whittingham and Coach Scalley have built over the years has made me want to be a part of that.
TR: The coaching staff as well as the culture we have at Utah is why I wanted to play here.
JF: The family community.
Trey Reynolds (37)
Q: What game are you most looking forward to in the fall?
MT: The BYU game. It has always been a big game for my family back home and to play in it, it will be a game to remember.
TR: I’m looking forward to the first game because I’m looking forward to experiencing my first college game.
JF: BYU because it is our rivalry game!
Jonny Fanaika (11)
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