Utah Utes - College Football 2019 Season Preview

The Utah Utes return in 2019 as the defending champions of the Pac-12 South. Utah returns 15 of 22 starters from last season including almost all of their skills position players. The offense will looked nearly the same as last season, while the defense has two key linemen returning but will have new faces at linebacker and in the secondary.

Offense Tyler Huntley’s season was cut short by a broken collarbone last year, but the quarterback returns after a strong spring practice. Huntley can both run and pass giving Utah a true dual-threat under center. The offensive line for Utah will be led by tackle Darrin Paulo. Nick Ford, Braeden Daniels and Orlando Umana are talented linemen ready for the big stage. Bamidele Olaseni is a transfer who plays tackle and should help the line if he becomes eligible in time.

Zack Moss returns at running back as the focal point of the Utes offense. Moss rushed for 1,096 yards and nine TDs last season. Devonta Henry-Cole is a talented backup to Moss. Britain Covey missed spring practice rehabbing his knee, but the junior wide receiver caught 60 passes last season and is expected back for the start of the season. Covey will also be used to run the ball in the Utah offense. Tight ends Brant Kuithe and Cole Fotheringham will play important roles in the Utah offensive system. Defense The Utah defense was given a big boost when linemen Bradlee Anae and Leki Fotu decided to return. The Utes were No. 1 against the run in the Pac-12 and No. 2 overall in 2018. John Penishin compliments both Anae and Fotu on the defensive line. Expect the Utah defense to dominate against the run and likely send at least two and possibly three linemen into the NFL in the 2020 draft.

A big question mark for Utah is at linebacker. Graduate transfer Manny Bowne and Francis Bernard will attempt to fill the spots left by the departed Chase Hansen and Cody Barton. Bernard did not play during the spring but is expected to be ready for the opener, while Devin Lloyd is the defense’s most improved player. Both safeties were lost by Utah therefore Julian Blackmon will move to safety from cornerback. Jaylon Johnson is a cornerback who is expected to play one day in the NFL. Javelin Guidry returns as the starting slot corner. The Utes start five defensive backs and expect the unit to take a game or two to come up to speed with the changes.