Paul Soliai has switched sides.
Though he came to Utah as a highly touted offensive lineman who had earned first-team junior college All-America honors, Soliai is now making a name for himself as a defensive tackle.
The switch was his idea.
"I just came in and asked (defensive coordinator Gary Andersen) if he'd give me a chance to play 'D' line," said Soliai, who was a linebacker in little league and high school in American Samoa. His first experience on offense came at Coffeyville Community College. Two years later, Soliai landed in Utah and was a redshirt when the Utes went 12-0.
"It was hard sitting out," Soliai said. "I'm getting my chance this year, and I've been working hard."
Twice as hard as a year ago, he added, because of the excitement associated with switching positions.
Soliai loves to run, and it's one of the main reasons he enjoys playing defense. Hitting and tackling are other enjoyable aspects.
"Since he's been here he has really been quiet," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "As of late, he's got that look in his eye, and right now he's a guy that we are going to count on playing Sept. 2. He's going to be in the rotation."
Soliai, who stands 6-feet-4 and weighs approximately 320 pounds, will most likely open the season as the backup to Fiesta Bowl MVP Steve Fifita at defensive tackle.
"I think he's excited. I think it was his time," Andersen said. "I think the kid saw an opportunity."
Soliai is incorporating all of the techniques he learned growing up with the things Andersen is teaching him.
"I'm still learning," said Soliai, who has risen up the depth chart quickly — something he never really did as an offensive lineman with the Utes.
"It's a breath of fresh air for Paul," Whittingham said. "This has really rejuvenated him, and Coach Andersen is doing a great job with him."
Andersen envisions Soliai filling the role Tevita Kemoeatu held last season. Soliai, he continued, is big, physical and fits into Utah's scheme.
Charlie Dickey, Utah's offensive line coach, believes Soliai was hindered by the various protection schemes and other line duties on offense. Now he's able to just go out and play football, added Dickey.
"He's doing a real nice job. It's nice to see him do that. He's able to put his hand down and go," Dickey said. "They're asking him to make penetration and punch a hole in that offensive line, which he can do. He's big and fast and strong."
And, as the coaching staff will attest, extremely valuable.
"It's been maybe the most pleasant surprise of fall camp because those defensive tackles are hard to come by," Whittingham said. "To have one just pop up out of nowhere, that's a big plus for us."
E-mail: dirk@desnews.com