SALT LAKE CITY — It isn’t easy for a man who’s 6-foot-2 and 333 pounds to get overlooked, but that often happened to University of Utah defensive lineman John Penisini.
Regardless of his stature, that’s somewhat understandable when you play on the same line as two likely NFL draft picks in defensive end Bradlee Anae and defensive tackle Leki Fotu.
The Utes and their opponents certainly knew how big of a contribution Penisini (pronounced pen-ih-see-nee) made for one of the toughest defensive fronts in the nation. Penisini compiled 38 tackles, including seven behind the line of scrimmage, and two forced fumbles in 2019. He was a two-time second-team All-Pac-12 honoree.
“He was outstanding for us,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. “John Penisini is fundamentally and technique sound, unselfish, and has one of the best attitudes I’ve ever been around.”
Fotu considered Penisini to be his “right-hand man.” The two became best friends after Penisini, a West Jordan High alumnus, joined the Utes in 2017 following one season at Snow College.
“On the field, he’s super smart football-wise. He helps me with any questions that I have with my technique or the formations or the offense,” Fotu said. “John is one of the hardest workers on the team. He doesn’t get the recognition as some of us on the defense do, but if you sit down and watch tape and just watch him you’ll see how explosive and how great of a player he really is. Every day we compete, we joke around and stuff. We grow as a player and just men in general, to be better at life.”
Penisini received the 19th-highest grade by NFL analysts after the combine in March. He received a 5.66 grade, which falls in the “chance to make end of roster or practice squad” category. The perfect prospect receives an 8.0.
Defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley told the Deseret News that NFL scouts are intrigued by Penisini’s work ethic.
“He is a guy that doesn’t have the length that’s going to wow you or the size, he just has that motor and that will to win,” Scalley said. “He’s a guy that loves the game and he’s a fairly efficient pass rusher.”