Reviewing the history of Utah's commitments
by BigBenSportsGuy on Jan 11, 2012 11:30 AM MST
Email
PrintAs we get closer to February 1, I thought it would be fun to look back over the years at the commitments that Utah has received and how they panned out. If you follow this site, you know that I am not a big fan of recruiting websites. In my mind, while this is exciting and recruiting is the lifeblood of the program, I dont get too excited or down when guys who I have never seen decommitt or visit other schools.
Anyway.......here we go!
2007 Commitments:
Reggie Topps: Going to be a senior. Decent player. Might get more time this year.
Westlee Tonga: Went on a mission, has yet to crack rotation in two years since being home.
Justin Taplin-Ross: reserve until his senior year of 2010. Played out of position at FS that year. Signed by Cowboys, did little.
Derrick Shelby: Just finished career as four year starter. On his way to NFL.
Mo Neal: washed out here, currently at Weber.
Jamel King: washed out here, have no idea where he is now.
Nai Fotu: just completed career. injuries and bad decisions plagued him.
Brandon Burton: Left after junior year in 2010, currently on Minnesota Vikings.
Jereme Brooks: had a nice career. contributed all four years.
Matt Asiata: who knew he would have four years to play 2? Sugar bowl year hero.
Damilyn Tanner: was listed as a four star recruit. never cracked rotation.
Thor Salanoa: no memory of him, and that says a lot.
Lei Talamaivo: had an injury-riddled career. Ended up quitting this past season.
Corbin Louks: quit after two years of being the wildcat QB. Finishing career at Nevada.
Eddie Wide: Came on strong in 2009 when we needed him.
Robert Johnson: One of the biggest impact players in Ute history.
DeShawn Richard: picked off Maxine Hall and the SDSU guy a couple times.
Chad Manis: played backup QB. Finally got on the field in 2010 as a linebacker.
Mike Honeycutt: still kicking around on the roster not doing much.
Dallin Rodgers: A solid contributor.
Louis Finner: see Thor Salanoa
Josh Broughton: Who?
James Aiono: just finished after an up and down career.
Griff Robles: Just left the program for the Dixie State Red Storm
2008:
Ray Magee: yeah...........
Ryan Lacy: starter this year.
David Reed: now in the NFL. made some sick catches in his day.
DeVonte Christopher: our top wideout. came as a QB
Aiona Key: athletic freak who showed up big on special teams, and the 09 BYU game.
Sausan Shakerin: forced to retire after too many concussions....would have been great.
David Kruger: could be a starter this year on Dline, or might be forced into relief duty.
Luke Matthews: Still here contributing
Sam Brenner: starter, good player
Derek Tuimauga: no idea who this is.
Sealver Siliga: left early for the NFL.
Siaki Cravens: don't know what happened here.
Kendrick Moeai: came as a WR, now a tight end.
Zach Davila: yet another one i have never heard of.
Lamar Chapman: recovered the blocked kick.
You get the idea. Ill do the others later. It just shows that you can't get too excited about recruits. But you can get fairly excited, because you have to bring in good players.
25 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
good summary
and I agree with your comments and their contribution level to the program.
I am surprised that Robles left. Perhaps the coaching staff was treating him right or he didn’t want to end up like Manis?
That was the path he was on
Plan was to move him back to LB in the spring.
Dolphins and sharks are natural enemies. Dolphins are like, "Quit eating us," and sharks are like, "Stop smiling all the time, you morons."
Sort-of-daily sort-of-funny sort-of-thoughts at danoftheday.com
I wonder if his brother will also leave?
EDIT: in my earlier post, I meant to say:
Perhaps the coaching staff was NOT treating him right or
by Utah-UCLA alum on Jan 11, 2012 4:09 PM MST up reply actions
This should be re-worded:
Sealver Siliga: left early for the NFL.
He was on track for a great senior year, but entered the draft early and failed to make a team.
Dolphins and sharks are natural enemies. Dolphins are like, "Quit eating us," and sharks are like, "Stop smiling all the time, you morons."
Sort-of-daily sort-of-funny sort-of-thoughts at danoftheday.com
Actually, while originally signed and cut by SF
Siliga is currently a member of the Denver Broncos on the Practice Squad
I think practuce squad players make around 100 Grand/year
so I guess it worked out for him.
BTW, I thought he looked terrible against TCU, but so did the whole team.
by Utah-UCLA alum on Jan 11, 2012 4:10 PM MST up reply actions
Judging anyone by that one game is folly.
Conroy Black is good evidence of that this season.
But yea, Tap Tap got hurt and was sent home from the Cowboys, but was told to return this upcoming season.
Siliga, Asiata both made practice squads.
Cox got hurt and is on the New England IR.
So other than Burton and Shlauderaff wasn’t a strong year for Utes in the NFL
didn't wide get hurt and sent home by the rams?
or am I thinking of someone else?
by khaostheory117 on Jan 11, 2012 4:45 PM MST up reply actions
the lowlight of that game was when their back-up QB
picked up a fumbled ball 15 yards behind the original line of scrimmage and still scored a TD.
That game was UGLY. I don’t recall if it was Siligia chasing Paschall on that play or not.
by Utah-UCLA alum on Jan 11, 2012 4:51 PM MST up reply actions
I actually saw Tap Tap at Enterprise Rent-A-Car in December
My in-laws were in town for Christmas skiing so rented another SUV and Taplin-Ross was the guy who took us to the rental car. He says he has been working out and was asked to come back to the Cowboys in April. Apparently he got hurt at either the Utah Pro-Day or one of the combine type events.
Best of luck to him.
His Wikipedia Page
Says he joined them officially on the 10th.
Granted it’s wikipedia so not always the most reliable.
He was on track for a great JUNIOR year.
He was a RS Soph when he left for the draft.
Everyone hates a pink-shirt-wearing communist.
by displacedute on Jan 11, 2012 4:43 PM MST up reply actions
As a fan itching for anything....
It is just another form of victory during the off-season.
by notblue19 on Jan 11, 2012 3:26 PM MST via mobile reply actions
And that more than anything is the appeal of recruiting.
Much like the NFL Draft in the middle of April it’s something to bridge the gap between the end of football and the start of football. It’s something to make the 7-8 months in college 6-7 months in pro without real football less torturous.
My assestments to your post
Big Ben Sports guy -
Your post made me want to weigh in with some of these guys and give my assestment -
2007 commits
Reggie Topps: Has starred in special teams since his arrival. Scored a special teams TD in 2010. Was great as the NB in the Defensive secondary this past season. He will be a main fixture in the Ute secondary this 2012 season.
Westlee Tonga: Still a valuable player. Came in multiple times on short yardage situations for blocking purposes. With Moeai, Rogers and Murphy he’ll get fewer reps but still a great asset for the Utes. You never can have too many tightends with the injuries we had at that position this year.
Justin Taplin-Ross: With ROJO manning the position for 3 years how is he supposed to start. Filled in admirably when Joe Dale missed 2 or 3 games in ’08 due to injury. Was a great leader on this team. Did little? Not exactly.
Derrick Shelby: Often undervalued DE, perfect compliment to Star Lotuleilei on the Defensive Line. A true leader for the Utes. Definitely will be playing in the NFL.
Mo Neal: Great as Freshman and Sophmore. Would have been the protypical MLB that Utah would like. Fast, Athletic and can cover. Unfortunately had a run in with the law and so he left the program.
Jamel King: Big time special teams player for the Utes. Saw that his PT would be diminished and so he didn’t return for his Sr. year (Would have been this year)
Nai Fotu: Anytime you have 2 ACL injuries in your career you’ll have problems. Played a ton of minutes as a Freshman in ’07 after Kyle Brady tore his Achilles in the Louisville. Very impactful player for the Utes. Started all of ’08 before the cheapshot he took in the TDS game. Came back strong in ’09 and then played admirably this year after recovering from another ACL injury in 2010. Always was known as a big hitter.
Brandon Burton: Great athletic cover corner that we’ve come accustomed to having here at Utah. He’ll go down in Ute lore as the man who blocked the kick vs TDS. Made the right decision to enter the NFL Draft after a solid career for the Utes.
Jereme Brooks: Extremely quick and talented player. Started as a true freshman in the ’07 season when Brent Casteel got his knee injured vs. AFA. A Great slot receiver during his time and deceptively quick once he received the ball.
Matt Asiata: Great team leader. Formed an amazing tandem with Darrel Mack and a huge reason for the Utes success in ’08. Fought back from 2 possible career ending injuries to put himself in the Ute record books. The Pig-Tailed freight train as dubbed by some ESPN announcers will be remembered for a long time.
Damilyn Tanner: Was a great NB backup to Terrel Cole on the ‘08 Utes. He was part of what I consider the greatest Defensive backfield in Ute history. Grades derailed D-Tan’s Senior season.
Thor Salanoa: Redshirted in ’08 and eventually transferred to Univ. of Hawaii. His dad had played football with Kyle @ BYU. Had an uncle play for the Minnesota Vikings.
Lei Talamaivo: Very talented D-End for the Utes. Broke his leg twice in ‘08 and actually came back to finish the season. Was a big contributor when healthy. He didn’t quit the team. He was medically disqualified by team doctors.
Corbin Louks: Transferred to Nevada after the ’08 season. Contributed as true freshman in ’07 and a huge playmaker for the Utes in the magical ’08 season.
Eddie Wide: One of the most under the radar RB’s in Ute history. After Asiata was injured in the ’09 Louisville game still managed to rush for 1,000 yards. Formed a terrific duo with Asiata in the ’10 campaign.
Robert Johnson: Might be the best Ute safety in history. ROJO was the ultimate true Free Safety as he had the knack to roam all over the field. His 3 Interception performance in ’09 in Ft. Collins was one for the ages. Great team leader and true Ute. In his 1st collegiate start in ’07 vs. UCLA he was named National Player of the week.
DeShawn Richard: Similar to Tap-Tap in that he had to back up ROJO. Huge hitter that would have started on any other Ute team. Extremely athletic and only player in Ute history to have interceptions on back to back plays – see SDSU game in ’08. Was a huge contributor on Special teams.
Chad Manis: Mostly a QB during his career. When given the chance he played real well at LB. Had a great game in ’10 @ AFA. Probably would have been better suited @ LB but a solid contributor.
Mike Honeycutt: Played a great deal on special teams and always around the ballcarrier even if he didn’t always make the tackle. Has played spot duty at DB and look for him to be in the rotation at NB with Reggie Topps this upcoming season.
Dallin Rodgers: Played as a true freshman in ’07. Had that memorable catch in the UCLA blowout game that year on the throwback from Louks. Injured during the Pitt game this year with an ACL tear. Will be a great player for us in 2012. Very versatile as a catching and blocking tightend.
Louis Finner: Played 2 seasons for the Utes and then transferred to a CC back in Texas after having some family issues to deal with.
Josh Broughton: Played one season for the Utes on special teams. Was a very highly touted DB prospect that just didn’t pan out.
James Aiono: Highly touted out of Snow College. Acutally part of the ‘09 class due to academics. Really came into his own this year as part of the great 3 man rotation this year with Star and Tevita Finau @ D-Tackle. Didn’t get the headlines like Star but still very solid contributor and player for the Utes.
Griff Robles: Had some memorable games in 2010. Would have liked to see him more involved in the running portion of our offense. Ala the wildcat.
Koa Misi: You didn’t even mention this guy. Current Starter for the Miami Dolphins. Tremendous D-End when he played for the Utes. Always active and got after the QB. When paired with Paul Kruger, they formed the best D-End combo in the MWC and probably top 5 in the country. Played all 3 years while @ Utah. He’ll have a great career in the pros.
2008 commits
Ray Magee: 6’4" JUCO WR – transferred to West Texas A&M in 2010
Ryan Lacy: In my opinion, our best cover corner in the program. Converted WR has made a name for himself @ DB. Big hitter, has some swagger and plays bigger than he is.
David Reed: One of the most electrifying WR since Stevonne Smith donned the Crimson and White. The go-to WR in ’09 and a definite game changer. Going to play in the NFL for a long time.
DeVonte Christopher: Fabulous WR, undisbuted leader of the WR corp.
Should have a big Sr. campaign coming up in 2012. Has made some game saving receptions during his time on the hill. The 2 that come to mind are – TDS game in ’10 when he jumped over Brian Logan to bring the Utes back from the dead and this year on 4 and 14 to tie the game vs. G-tech.
Aiona Key: Huge Special Teams star that had many game changing plays in his initial season with the Utes. Blocked FG’s vs. UNM in ’08 preserved the victory. Blocked punt and scoop and score vs. WY and overall athleticism helped the Utes to win many games. Should have been nicknamed “HOPS” due to his out of this world leaping ability.
Sausan Shakerin: Medically disqualifed due to the NCAA concussion ruling. A very unique upright running style which was hard for opposing teams to tackle.
David Kruger: Big contributor on the D-Line since his arrival @ Utah. Will be big reason Utah has lots of depth next year. Very underrated and could be a real leader on defense in 2012.
Luke Matthews: Great team captain and quiet leader for the Utes receiving corp. Always goes about his business. Could play FB or WR, wherever he’s needed.
Sam Brenner: Great Oline player for the Utes. Should be one of the starters on the ’12 team and an anchor for the line. Had that scary moment in the Colorado game where he was carted off the field in an ambulance.
Derek Tuimauga: Currently on a mission and set to return for this season. He could factor in the 2 deep at O-Line for the 2012 season.
Sealver Siliga: Would have been a beast in the middle with Star this past season but opted for the NFL after a very good 2010 campaign. Very valuable contributor during his time here. The protypical player when you think of a run-stopper at Utah. Big, can eat of space and athletic for his size.
Siaki Cravens: Redshirted his freshman season and then transferred to USC. A freak athlete that most likely would have played H-back or tight-end for the Utes.
Kendrick Moeai: Huge playmaker for the Utes. Had a Huge ‘09 Poinsettia Bowl with 3 TD’s and is a big contributor to the offense. Great 4th down TD catch in the Sun Bowl. The #1 tightend in the rotation for the Utes. Due to his quickness, he can play WR as well.
Zach Davila: Due to academic issues he never showed up on campus.
Lamar Chapman: Great DB and even though he was undersized, he was a ferocious hitter, who had many sacks coming off the edge in blitzing situations. He formed a great tandem with Burton at the corner position. A great 2 year player, who continued the tradition of El Camino College Divison 1 players.
by clarkmon on Jan 11, 2012 4:17 PM MST reply actions 2 recs
Might! That was the key word.
If you prefer the best “ball hawking safety ever” because even as great as Weddle was he couldn’t cover sideline to sideline like ROJO.
I am as big a fan as Weddle as anyone. Heck I even made Weddle t-shirts his Sr. season 2006 listing every position that he played, because he played almost everything that season.
Very good. Loved your positive, detailed analysis on every player.
You obviously follow the program VERY closely.
by Utah-UCLA alum on Jan 11, 2012 4:47 PM MST up reply actions
Weddle played a lot of corner also!
I would say that RoJo was the best safety but Weddle was the best defensive back. But I also want to throw Morgan Scalley into that group! And Dave Revill. He was a HUGE hitter!
by taggert.butler on Jan 11, 2012 4:48 PM MST up reply actions
We may never really know
But, I don’t think Shak would have made it as a “Pac-12” RB. Sure he had some flashes, but they were against weaker MWC opponents. Had the Utes stayed in the MWC, I only think Shak would have been serviceable but not the feature back. While were on the RB topic, clarkmon, what’s your assessment on ol’ Poston?
Shak and Poston
I agree with you about Shak. He could have played spot duty such as short yardage or been a RB option inside the redzone say the 10 yard line and closer but he was just bitten by the injury bug.
Regarding Poston – I will remember Poston as having the golden ticket to the NCAA medical redshirt process. Obviously he was injury prone but 7 years is a long time to play. As a side note, I remember Marquess Ledbetter tearing his quad in Spring ‘05 in a weightlifting accident and he never even got a glance from the NCAA redshirt office but that’s another topic.
Poston’s first healthy season for the Utes was ‘06 and he showed signs of what made him a highly touted back out of H.S. but I feel that he was overshadowed by the ability of Weddle, Casteel and even Ratliff at times to run the ball. So Probably his best game that season was vs. New Mexico but we lost the game in heartbraking fashion. He had an average but serviceable season as we went 8-5 and he rushed for over 600 yards.
So going into ’07 I had high hopes that he would be a good compliment to Matt Asiata as more of a speed type back but then Matt breaks his leg in the season opener. Now Daryl gets the keys to the Ute backfield as the feature back and he blows his one chance to step up and lead the team while getting stopped on 4th down at the goal line vs. AFA (still one of the most painful Ute loses I’ve ever witnessed). He somehow completely missed the hole that had been created by the Oline. After that Poston was relegated to special teams for the rest of the season and fortunately for Ute fans Darrel Mack was waiting in the wings and he went on to rush for over 1,000 yards. Poston kind of became an afterthought to most Ute fans which was probably a good thing because it opened the door for Mack.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
- Urban Meyer
"Wow. Wow. Wow."
- Daryl Johnston after Utah took a 21-0 lead on Alabama in the 2009 Sugar Bowl
Related FanPosts on Block U
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
