Though the University of Utah football team was able to secure the long-term services of defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley this week, the immediate news for his defense and the specific unit he oversees is not as peachy.
Safeties Julian Blackmon and R.J. Hubert, the Utes’ top two free safeties, have both been ruled out of the Alamo Bowl for the Utes, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham confirmed during a press conference Thursday morning from San Antonio.
Eleventh-ranked Utah (11-2) will take on Texas (7-5) in the ESPN-televised bowl on New Year’s Eve.
Blackmon and Hubert both sustained season-ending injuries during the Pac-12 Championship last Friday against Oregon. The players were missed in their absence as Utah ended up suffering its worst loss of the season while playing uncharacteristically subpar defense in a 37-15 loss.
“It’s disappointing. We’ll have to figure out a course of action, but unfortunately Julian and R.J. Hubert won’t be available. Beyond that, everyone seems to be in pretty good health.” — Utah coach Kyle Whittingham
Whittingham didn’t disclose the exact injuries, per his personal policy, but he called them “fairly serious injuries.”
Nevada transfer Nephi Sewell made his Ute debut in the 37-15 loss to the Ducks — tallying four tackles — while filling in for the injured safeties. Because of redshirting rules, Sewell will still have two years of eligibility with Utah beginning in 2020.
“It’s disappointing,” Whittingham said. “We’ll have to figure out a course of action, but unfortunately Julian and R.J. Hubert won’t be available. Beyond that, everyone seems to be in pretty good health.”
Blackmon was one of five Utah defensive players to earn first-team Pac-12 honors for a Ute squad that was among the nation’s stingiest defenses. The Layton High product started 12 games at free safety — his first season playing the position — and tied for the Pac-12 lead with four interceptions. The senior standout was fourth on the team with 60 tackles and had two forced fumbles.
Hubert is a weekly special teams contributor, but he also had three starts on defense and played in nine games at safety. The sophomore had 22 tackles, forced a fumble against Washington and had a pass breakup vs. UCLA.