Utah football announces some position changes heading into spring ball
by JazzyUte on Feb 17, 2011 5:51 PM MST
in Football
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PrintThe official Facebook page of the athletic department announced some position changes for the football team as they head into spring practice next month.
Those changes:
- Brian Blechen will move to linebacker
- Luke Matthews will move to running back
- Boo Anderson will also move to running back
- Lucky Radley will move to defensive back
I am actually excited to see what Blechen does as a LB. The Utes are certainly stocking up at the running back spot due to the losses of Matt Asiata and Eddie Wide - so they'll be working on depth here during spring. Lucky's move isn't too big of a surprise. I think his speed will help him as a defensive back.
Thoughts?
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Boo Anderson at running back?
Do we have more depth at linebacker than I realize? Seems he’s needed more there than getting no time at running back. Maybe it’s a hidden skill of his I don’t know, but seems like instead of battling for decent time at LB, he’ll be 5th string RB. I thought Luke Matthews was a pretty good WR, too. But again, I trust the coaching staff knows more about these guys’ skill sets than I do.
I agree
Boo Anderson is the main surprise here. He was supposed to be one of our top LBs last year before being hurt most of the year. However, the history of position changes with this staff indicate they know what they’re doing.
Plus, these aren't all set in stone...
It’s possible they are only temporary or could be reversed after spring.
Yeah...
and I really thought Anderson could be a good LBer. Are they looking at running back for him or fullback with Shawn Asiata possibly gone?
I understand moving Blechen, but there’s not a lot of depth right now at the 2 saftey spots. They must have a lot of confidence in the kids they brought in this year.
And I think Luke Mathews could be a Paris Warren/Steve Savoy type guy. I think he could still line up at WR and be fine.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
I like these moves.
I really think that these moves made by the coaching staff are fantastic.
Blechen will be a better LB than he was at S. He is built to play LB and has great speed, which will help.
Boo Anderson will do well in his new position. I envision him playing more of a FB role in the WCO, especially with the departure of Asiata.
Luke Matthews is going to be a stud at RB, I also see him in a Paris Warren type role.
Lucky Radley will definitely help in the defensive backfield.
This is just my 2 cents worth. GO UTES
by Carter Crosland on Feb 17, 2011 9:43 PM MST reply actions
I like the potential of Matthews at RB
I could see him as a fast sweeper, as opposed to more of a shove it up the middle guy. I also like the possibility of running him on passing routes from the RB position. Possibly PA passes to him. It never hurts to have a RB with good hands.
Also, Blechen seems like he’d make a good linebacker.
Mixed Feelings...
I like the move of Blechen to LB (well documented in the blogosphere), though I think he needs to add another 20 pounds. I think he’s a more natural fit at LB than DB and should be a animal in there. Anderson’s move was a necessary given the departures of Asiata and Vakapuna at FB. We should be pretty deep at LB next year with Fotu back, Anderson should be stoked since he likely wouldn’t have cracked the rotation at LB.
I don’t like Radley’s move to DB after burning his redshirt year on the scout team at RB, I’d be kinda pissed if I was him. I assumed (he might have too) that he was going to be John White’s protege at H-Back and number 2 on the the depth chart, but I guess Luke Matthews is going to fill that role now. Obviously we don’t know exactly what WhitChow has up his sleeve, but his move doesn’t make much sense to me. I also don’t like Matthews move to RB. If it was me calling the shots, I would have just moved Matthews to DB and kept Radley at RB. But let’s be honest, what the hell do I know?
by SanFranUte on Feb 18, 2011 12:58 AM MST via mobile reply actions
"What the hell do I know?"
That’s how I feel about it: some of the moves seem odd to me, but I know for a fact that the coaches know more about these players than I do… shit, that’s the obvious understatement of the year. I’m certain they’re doing what needs to be done, and the reasons behind why they’re doing it intrigue me more than whether or not they’re making the right decisions.
by Smoke Bellew on Feb 18, 2011 9:20 AM MST up reply actions
My thoughts
-Boo played his freshman and sophomore years at Cottonwood, where he was the lead blocker for Stanley Havili. I think he would make a good fullback. Additionally, the kid knows the defensive schemes and if there is a bunch of injuries, he can always switch back to linebacker.
-I am not sure about Matthews at RB. I think that John White and Harvey Langi will be able to carry the load with Beau Burton. Still nice to have a guy who can come in and fill that role if need be. I think Matthews can be an explosive player for us in the right position though.
-Hopefully, Lucky Radley can get some solid playing time wherever he ends up. Seems like a real tough kid.
GO UTES!
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From Down Here In Utah County
I am happy to see what changes will bring. And by the way Utes are multiplying in the north of the county where I live. That is a great plus! I am slowly bringing in my family I home teach for the LDS Church. Shhhhh ;)
GO UTES!
The goal of every Ute fan should be to caffeinate Cosmo's punch and watch him self combust.
by Happyvalleyute on Feb 18, 2011 10:01 AM MST reply actions
Good recruiting...hitting BYU right where it hurts!
Also live in Happy Valley. Trying to get my 11 year old primary kids to Choose The Red…
by GodisBrianJohnson on Feb 20, 2011 1:17 PM MST up reply actions
Spring Practice
The beauty of spring ball is that you can put a player in a new position and not have any consequences if it ends up being a bad idea. If it doesn’t work out, put them back where they were. You never know if somebody will be good in a spot unless you try it out, so let’s shake things up a bit and see what we learn!
they moved chad mannis to linebacker and that worked out well.
The University of Utah is off to the Pac-12 Conference and will be in the South Division. Hopefully we will get to the first ever Pac-12 Championship Game. Jon " Bones " Jones gets his chance for the UFC Light Heavyweight Title when he faces off against Shogun Rua. Jon Jones will win.
by wolfmanshowlforever on Feb 18, 2011 3:46 PM MST reply actions
Stoked
I’m excited for these moves. Blechen is freaking beast and Matthews has the typical rb profile. These coaches mold the best kids in these new positions. I’m excited. Is it August yet?
Not only that, but how about that win at the pit tonight? A win is a win!
by Classless Ute on Feb 19, 2011 10:23 PM MST via mobile reply actions
The only move that makes sense to me is Radley
Why move the only starter returning from the defensive backfield? I don’t get it. I guess if he has put on more muscle weight in the offseason or something.
I watched Radley’s high school film and he is going to be an amazing hitter on defense…can’t wait to see him light up recievers.
by GodisBrianJohnson on Feb 20, 2011 1:59 AM MST reply actions
It has been a bad year...
but did anyone watch the last second bank shot for the win at The Pit? May have ended the Lobos tourney hopes there.
Not bad.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
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