Upcoming Event: Soccer versus LSU on September 7, 2025 at 1 p.m.
1 p.m.
Soccer
vs LSU
Ready To Get Noticed
Ready To Get Noticed
 | |
Oct. 24, 2003
For the past decade the Utah football program has made a name for itself with its staggering defense. Comprising that tough "D" have been several astounding athletes and current NFL players. With a lineup of defensive stars, it's probably no surprise that players that are very good could get lost in the shuffle and hype. One of the names possibly slipping through the cracks is defensive end Josh Savage, which is really too bad because this defensive player is one you don't want to miss.
"In the past, Josh has played with a great cast of defensive players," says defensive end coach Kurt Barber. "But this season, we are hopeful that Josh's hard work will earn him all-conference honors. Josh may have been overlooked in the past, but this season I see his name coming up in the forefront."
For the past three seasons, Savage has successfully started at the defensive end position, helping to make Utah's defensive line the best in the Mountain West Conference. The all-conference candidate's reliability and relentless hard work have solidified his starting position on the team. "I have always lived by the motto that if I put all my energy into something, everything will find a way of working out," says Savage. "My mindset is to do what it takes to make plays. I play my hardest and I really don?t worry about people not recognizing me as a player. When I'm in the game, my attitude is to leave everything on the field and forget about the critics."
The senior end is a potent facet of Utah's smothering defense, but modestly credits his early development to his former Ute teammates. "I have had a great opportunity to play with some of the best talent to come through Utah," says Savage. "Early in my career, I learned a tremendous amount from players such as Lauvale Sape, Garrett Smith, Andy Bowers and Ma'ake Kemoeatu. Being on the field with them really helped me improve as a player. It was a huge learning experience with everything from style to technique. I really owe those guys a lot of credit and I was privileged to play with them."
This season, Savage has accounted for 19 total tackles, four tackles for a loss and one sack in the Utes' five games played and is on a steady pace to become one of the tackle leaders on the team. Against No. 19 Oregon last week, Savage recorded seven total tackles, three tackles for a loss, three pass breakups and a sack. The breakout performance earned him Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Against Air Force last year, the Salt Lake City native racked up a season-high six tackles. The defensive end would make short work of in-state rival Brigham Young?s offensive scheme, as he notched five tackles and one sack to help lead the Utes to a 13-6 victory.
Along with being a three-year starter, the defensive end has also been selected to represent the team as a member of the 2003 Utah Football Leadership Committee. Savage's demonstration of exceptional discipline and work ethic has earned him the respect of his fellow teammates. "I'm honored to be named to the committee," says Savage. "I really try making the best decisions for the team and to lead by example. To have my teammates look at me for leadership is a great honor."
With the redshirt decision of Ute standout Jason Kaufusi, Savage has decided to put the d-line's fate on his shoulders, as he strives to keep the defense ranked atop the league. "With Kaufusi out of the lineup, the coaches are really looking at me to make plays," Savage notes. "The coaches are looking at the defensive line to put more pressure on the quarterback, which we have been slacking on with Jason out. Overall, we need to step up our performance to help the secondary."
The 6-4, 276-pound defensive end admits his thorough strength and conditioning regimen is a main focus that has elevated his game this season. "Hard work in the weight room and the coaches' discipline has made the biggest difference," remarks Savage. "The first part of this season was like boot camp. The team owes a lot of thanks to the strength coaches; they have been huge for us." The tough-built Savage recorded a squat max of 530 pounds, fourth on the team, earlier this year.
Savage's great passion and love for the game comes from his father. Joel Savage the proud father of Josh is a former letterman for Utah, competing in both football and wrestling from 1972-74. "I look up to my dad and he had some great years at Utah," says Savage. "My father playing at the U. was one of the main reasons why I chose to come here." While at Utah, Joel was named outstanding offensive lineman of the year.
With a passion for football in his blood, Josh Savage is ready to get noticed. Take note because you won't want to miss a single play.