Ryan Bullett, who started at guard for the University of Utah last season, thought his college football career was finished at the end of last season. During the off-season he shed 40 pounds, stopped working out and settled into life as an ex-player.
Then came word on Aug. 4 that he had another year of eligibility after all. Two weeks later he was in training camp."He was in lousy shape," says Utah coach Ron McBride. "But we're just glad he has the opportunity to be on our team."
McBride played a large part in extending Bullett's career. Looking through old records last winter, he noticed that Bullett had played only one game and part of another (14 plays) during his freshman season, then was sidelined the remainder of the year by an injury. But somehow Bullett was never granted a redshirt year.
McBride asked the Western Athletic Conference to give Bullett a fifth year of eligibility. The WAC refused in May, but upon further appeals the league relented in August.
So far Bullett has climbed to No. 2 on the depth chart at both guard positions. He will start in Saturday's season opener if starter Randy Aldridge undergoes minor knee surgery this week.
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AND THE STARTERS ARE . . . : Because of the unusual number of newcomers on the team, Utah coaches have been slow to decide on a starting lineup. With the season opener a week away, they finally produced one this weekend.
On offense (12 positions): quarterback Jason Woods, halfback Steve Abrams, fullback Dean Witkin, tight end Mike Anglesey, slotback Greg Hoffman, flanker Darrel Hicks, split end Bryan Rowley, guards James McKenna and Aldridge (or Bullett), center John Anderson, tackles Mike DeHoog and Mike Murry (or Brian Anderson).
On defense: safeties Sharrieff Shah and Sean Knox, cornerbacks LaVon Edwards and Mark Swanson, linebackers Anthony Davis, Pita Tonga, Mark Walejko and Keith Embray, noseguard Greg Reynolds and defensive tackles Vince Lobendahn and Dave Chaytors.
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OBSERVATIONS: Four junior college transfers will excel on the Ute defense this season, provided they can stay healthy - defensive linemen Vince Lobendahn (6-foot-5, 270 pounds), (Keith Embray (6-6, 250), Jimmy Bellamy (6-3, 245) and Anthony Davis (6-1, 222). All are athletic and fast enough that they could play almost anywhere in the front seven. All of them were unable to report to Utah until this month, so they're still learning the system. Too, Lobendahn missed the entire week of practice because of shin splints . . . Other impressive newcomers: wide receiver Khevin Pratt (a 10.39 sprinter); strong safety Sharrieff Shah (a strong, physical player); slotback Greg Hoffman (a big, tall freshman with good speed); and halfback Charlie Brown (great feet and speed) . . . . The Utes have improved their talent significantly in a matter of months, but they are young and inexperienced . . . The defense seems to be further along than the offense . . . McBride judged the week in Price such a success that he plans to take the Utes there again next year, for an even longer stay . . . .
. . . There have been several confrontations this week between the defensive backs and wide receivers. They need a game soon . . . Heeding the advice of Trainer Bill Bean, McBride stopped practice 25 minutes early Wednesday afternoon and sent the team off the field. "They're just tired," he said. "You can see it in their eyes. You can only push them so far, then you have to back off." . . . Following Thursday morning's practice, halfback Rod Wells made a running dive into a big puddle of water. Moments later, McBride, at the urging of his players, did the same . . . The Utes have their best group of receivers in a decade or more. So many that they probably will redshirt some of them. Why waste a year for prep superstar Vernon Shaver as a third-stringer? . . . Offensive coordinator Dan Henson has been impressed by backup quarterback Richmond: "For him to come back like he has, without spring practice, with a new offense, after shoulder surgery and rehabilitation, has been remarkable."