SALT LAKE CITY — As good as running back Devontae Booker is, he’s always in need of a good offensive line ahead of him. The same goes for Utah’s quarterbacks this season.
That puts the pressure on the Utes' offensive line, which comes into the 2015 season with size, athleticism and most importantly, experience.
With the line appeared to be settled as fall camp concluded on Saturday, here’s a quick overview of Utah’s offensive line heading into the upcoming season.
Returning experience: The Utes lost out with Jeremiah Poutasi leaving one year early for the NFL. However, the Utes bring back plenty of familiar names on the offensive line. In fact, co-offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick said he believes the most experience and depth is on the offensive line heading into the season.
“We have a couple of backup guys that are virtually no drop off when they come in,” Roderick said, as fall camp wrapped up on Saturday.
Siaosi Aiono (senior center), Isaac Asiata (junior guard) and J.J. Dielman (junior offensive tackle) each started in at least 12 of 13 total games last season, while Salesi Uhatafe (sophomore guard) started at right guard in five games last season as a redshirt freshman. All four are expected to start this season. Meanwhile, Sam Tevi (junior offensive tackle), played on the offensive line in three games last season. He is expected to also start this season. The former defensive tackle also played in all 13 games when adding in special teams.
Senior offensive tackle Andrew Albers, junior lineman Nick Nowakowski and junior center Hiva Lutui each have lettered in their time with the Utes. Freshman Jackson Barton, who has fought for the left tackle spot, is among those who redshirted last season making the push to play this season. Lo Falemaka, who originally came in as a walk-on and played on the scout team last year, has also found a spot on the two-deep roster in camp.
Key additions: 6-foot-5, 315-pound offensive tackle Darrin Paulo, a three-star recruit from Sacramento, California, highlights the incoming freshmen, though Roderick said it’s unlikely any of the true freshmen will play this season — barring anything happening. Utah also added 6-foot-6, 288-pound lineman Johnny Capra, 6-foot-2, 286-pound lineman Daniel Heller, 6-foot-4, 271-pound lineman Griffin Kemp and 6-foot-4, 272-pound lineman Keven Dixon who also come in as true freshmen.
Dark horse: Hiva Lutui.
While it’s easy to go with the athletic left tackle Sam Tevi, who appears to have landed the job there to start the season, Lutui has been among the most-regarded names on the offensive line when talking with coaches since fall camp began on Aug. 6. At 6-foot-1 and 295 pounds, the junior has pushed for playing time this season, head coach Kyle Whittingham said throughout camp. That would likely only occur if senior Siaosi Aiono is moved anywhere else on the line from center, allowing Lutui to play there.
Whittingham has made one thing clear: The best five will start on the offensive line. Lutui is certainly close to that cut.
General outlook: Of all the position groups in the offense, the Utes' coaching staff appeared happiest with the offensive line at the conclusion of fall camp. There are plenty of returning starters and backups that are making the push to play, which gives a good amount of depth heading into the season.