SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s offensive line has come of age this season — quite literally, as a matter of fact. The Utes have started three different freshmen — left guard Braeden Daniels, right tackle Simi Moala and right guard Johnny Maea — this season.
The newcomers have joined veterans like senior left tackle Darrin Paulo, junior center Orlando Umana, sophomore right tackle Nick Ford and center Paul Toala in a starting lineup — which included highly touted junior college transfer Bamidele Olaseni at right tackle in the Washington game — that has helped Utah’s offense lead the Pac-12 in rushing (207.1 ypg) and has been intercepted just once. The Utes rank among the national leaders in time of possession (34:36) and have had 22 drives over greater than five minutes this season.
Running back Zack Moss and quarterback Tyler Huntley are putting up impressive numbers.
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said the freshmen on the line are distinguished by their physical play and progress. He added that they are strong in the weight room, athletic, light on their feet and very agile.
“We think we hit the jackpot on this group of young O-linemen,” Whittingham said.
Offensive line coach Jim Harding is also pleased.
“I think they’ve come along at a pretty nice pace,” he said. “I think the kids are playing hard, but we definitely need to do a better job of playing with technique and fundamentally be sound. Be a little bit more disciplined in terms of penalties and things like that.”
Harding added that the offensive line has progressed nicely. However, he said there are definitely things to improve upon.
The next opportunity comes Saturday when seventh-ranked Utah (9-1, 6-1) visits Arizona (4-6, 2-5).