The All-Ute football team

               The University of Utah has become a pipeline to the NFL in recent seasons.  I am going to go through and take a look at what an all-Ute NFL team would look like.

                Defense:

                Safeties-Eric Weddle,  Robert Johnson. 

Weddle has adjusted well to playing Strong Safety for the Chargers.  Johnson has yet to appear in a game for the Titans, but he was a menace when he played for the Utes.  If he can add weight, he can contribute in the NFL.

                Corners: Brandon Burton, Sean Smith, Bryce McCain. 

Ok, so for the sake of making this work, we have to assume that this team plays in the nickel formation constantly.  These three provide a lot of speed and range to the secondary. 

                Linebackers: Koa Misi, Stevenson Sylvester. 

                Sly can play anywhere, so he gets put in the middle.  Koa showed some signs in his first year with Miami.  Should be a good combo.

                Defensive line:  Paul Kruger, Paul Soliai, Sione Pouha, and Martail Burnett.

                The DT’s are both underrated and are both beasts.  Kruger could be awesome in a 4-3 scheme.  Burnett has technically been on a roster for a while, though I don’t think he has ever dressed for a game.  Still, I love the guy and want him on this team.

                Offense:

                Line: Jordan Gross, Chris Kemoeatu, Zane Taylor, Caleb Schlauderoff, Zane Beadles. 

                Technically, Zane Taylor is not in the NFL.  However, I had to stretch here.  I could have put Barry Sims in, but he doesn’t play center.  Should I have put Kyle Gunther in instead?  At any rate, Jordan Gross and Chris K are two of the best at their positions. The others are young and have promise.

                Quarterback: Alex Smith

                Duh.  Not many options here and I refuse to put Brett Ratliff in.  Speaking of Ute QB’s, has anyone else noticed that Tommy Grady is one of the best QB’s in the AFL?  That speaks volumes to me about the AFL……..

                Receivers: Steve Smith, Freddie Brown.

                Smith was a top five at his position three years ago, Brown is on the roster.  Anyone else? 

                Running backs:  Uhhhhh………Quinton Ganther and Matt Asiata? 

                Tight End: Ben Moa………had to do some stretching here. 

                Any changes you’d make?  This team’s defense would be decent, the offense would be abysmal.  But it’s fun to think about!