One of the University of Utah’s greatest players will be honored this year.
Utah defensive back Eric Weddle will become the second Ute player ever, Alex Smith being the other, to be enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Weddle did a little bit of everything during his stellar four-year career at Utah. He primarily played safety and cornerback, but also contributed as a running back and a punt returner.
Weddle’s talent was evident from his first season at Utah, when he started at cornerback as a true freshman, leading the Utes in interceptions and forced fumbles.
He was a key contributor on Utah’s undefeated 2004 team, totaling four interceptions, and also added 210 punt return yards.
In 2005 and 2006, Weddle expanded his role by playing on both sides of the ball, with the latter year being his best at Utah. Weddle picked off opposing quarterbacks seven times in 2006, including two pick-sixes, tallied 65 tackles and forced a fumble.
He also rushed for 203 yards and five touchdowns, returned eight punts for 44 yards, completed two passes for 43 yards, and for good measure, held the ball for kicks.
He was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006 and was a consensus first-team All-American in 2006.
Weddle, selected in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft, went on to a 14-year NFL career that included two All-Pro seasons, six Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl championship with the Rams in 2022.
