Utah defensive tackle Lei Talamaivao missed out on a lot of football last season. Two series into his first game as a starter (Sept. 6 against UNLV), the sophomore broke his fibula and was done for the year.
Talamaivao watched from the sidelines as the Utes went on to become the only undefeated team in the nation, winning the Mountain West Conference and Sugar Bowl titles in the process.
"It was a good experience, but I just wish I was out there," Talamaivao said. "Especially after working hard for the starting spot and everything.
"But you know, God has a plan and God is great."
The difficult circumstances, he added, have served as motivation.
"It makes me want to go harder now," Talamaivao said. "It was really tough, especially how last season turned out."
The 6-foot-2, 280-pound Californian is completely healed and has reclaimed his starting position.
"I'm excited to be out here," he said. "I'm 100 percent. I just can't wait for Sept. 3."
It's been almost a complete calendar year since Talamaivao participated in a game.
"It's great to have him back," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "He's playing good football right now. There's some guys behind him who are pushing him, but so far he's done a nice job."
Talamaivao is in a mix inside that includes senior Kenape Eliapo, as well as underclassmen Dave Kruger, Sealver Siliga and Latu Heimuli.
"The future is bright. I can tell you that," Talamaivao said. "Nowadays we've got more depth than ever on the d-line."
As such, he explained, there's plenty of competition and players are pushing each other every day in practice.
"I'm just blessed, totally. I'm happy I got the chance to come back. I'm just blessed to be back out here," Talamaivao said. "I use last year as a motivation because it really does hurt being on the sideline every week watching your teammates make plays. You just wish you were out there making plays, too."
Defensive line coach John Pease expects big things from Talamaivao.
"He's a real superior athlete. He's got a positive, upbeat personality and is fun to coach," Pease said. "He's got speed, quickness and power. And he's pretty smart."
Talamaivao credits his success to good coaching. Before Pease joined the staff full-time, his position coach was new Utah State head coach Gary Andersen.
"Coach A taught me a lot. Of course I miss him," Talamaivao said. "But I wish him the best, and I've got a great coach now."
As for the impending reunion with Andersen in the season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Talamaivao admits it'll be strange.
"It's going to be weird — especially with that blue on," he said. "He said he looks good in blue, but I don't know."
After concluding camp on Saturday, the Utes resume "season-mode" practices this afternoon.
e-mail: dirk@desnews.com