Phil Steele ranks Utah d-line as a top 5 group

I think it’s far to say that Utah may be Dline-U with the amount of success they’ve had over the last 25 years, and it’s really seemingly picked up over the last handful of seasons. Everyone around the west has known about Utah’s defensive line prowess, and it’s been talked about a bit around the country, but one prominent writer is given Utah’s defensive line some due.

Phil Steele writes what may be the college football preview bible each year, and he’s doing his preseason prep, and he tweeted out the the Utes are a top five defensive line. Coach Whittingham said that this may be the best defense he has ever had, which is saying something. As always with the Utes, it all starts up front and it will be anchored by Bradlee Anae. The senior to-be has a chance to join a pantheon of Mayors of Sack Lake City, and was a possibility to leave for the NFL Draft early. I can’t wait to see what he does with his senior season. Leki Fotu should also have a monster season on the inside. I’m not sure teams will have to double team, either Fotu or Anae. Basically, offensive lines will not have enough bodies to keep Utah’s top two studs at bay. Maxs Tupai also deserves in the conversation, as he really came on strong as the season came along last year, and really valued himself into the conversation as an elite defensive end. Pita Tonga, Hauati Pututau and John Pensisi are also dudes that can wreck shop.

The group is super talent, and very deep, and they should allow this new group of linebackers behind them to make all of the plays that they want. This could end up being one of the best defensive lines in Utah history, and I can’t wait to see what they do this fall.