SALT LAKE CITY — What’s a mayor to do? After capping a stellar career at the University of Utah, defensive end Bradlee Anae is headed home to Laie, Hawaii, for the NFL draft. The so-called “Mayor of Sack Lake City” plans to be sitting on a beach — that’s just a one-minute walk from his family home — to take his official call from the NFL.
“I didn’t want to be glued on the TV when I’m in Hawaii,” said Anae, who added that some buddies and cousins may join him on the beach. He has also given thought to quarantining himself in the picturesque surroundings.
The 6-foot-3, 257-pound Anae led Utah in sacks for three consecutive seasons. He concluded his career with a school-record 30 to earn the mayor moniker. Anae also set program marks for career tackles for loss (245) and sack yardage (210).
“The guy plays every snap like it’s his last one. He’s got a great get-off, a great first step,” said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. “He’s relentless as a pass rusher and I think he’s a force off the edge. I know he is.”
Anae became the ninth consensus All-American in Utah history. He earned first-team All-America honors from the AFCA, FWAA, Sporting News and Walter Camp, as well as third-team recognition from The Associated Press.
“He is, in my opinion, a complete pass rusher. He’s not just a one-trick pony,” said defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley. “He’s got multiple tools in his pass rush tool belt and he utilizes every single one of them.”
Over 47 career games at Utah, Anae netted 135 tackles (including 41.5 for loss) with six forced fumbles and two recoveries — 27 of his sacks were solo takedowns.
“I didn’t just want to be another guy,” Anae said. “I wanted to be the best.”