Tag: Brant Kuithe

Utah star tight end Brant Kuithe is out for the season

USC didn’t have to face Oregon State star tight end Luke Musgrave on Sept. 24. It won’t have to face Utah’s star tight end on Oct. 15. The Utes must adjust on offense.

The USC Trojans still face an uphill battle when they play Utah in Salt Lake City on Oct. 15, but one key piece for the Utes will be missing.

Brant Kuithe is out for the season with an injury suffered early in the Utes’ game against Arizona State on Saturday.

In 51 games at Utah, Brant Kuithe was a matchup nightmare for Pac-12 opponents. The 6-foot-2, 219-pound senior from Katy, Texas, has 148 receptions for 1,882 yards and 16 touchdowns. He has also rushed 17 times for 162 yards and four TDs during his career.

A three-time All-Pac-12 performer, Kuithe earned second-team all-conference honors in 2019, 2020 and 2021. His 148 catches are the most by a Utah tight end since at least 1996. He ranks eighth all-time in Utah Utes receptions.

It’s safe to say having Brant Kuithe out for the season is a huge blow to Cameron Rising and the Utes’ offense for 2022.

Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham called loss of Brant Kuithe for season a “big downer.”

“[It’s] is a tough blow for us on offense, he’s a great leader, great teammate, and great person,” Whittingham said.

The Utes two tight end combo was the best in the Pac-12 and separated them amongst others in the conference with TE depth. Dalton Kincaid who was along side Kuithe has 16 receptions for 240 yards and four TDs this season.

This season, Kuithe leads the team in catches through September (19) and is No. 2 in receiving yards (206). He has scored three touchdowns.

Because Kuithe’s injury happened in the fourth game, he could return for another season.

Whittingham told reporters the injury is “a big blow for our offense.” Kuithe qualifies for a redshirt season and could return to the team in 2023.

The No. 12 Utes (3-1, 1-0 Pac-12) host Oregon State on Saturday.

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5 Chargers prospects to watch in Pac-12 Championship Game

Taking a look at five NFL draft prospects who could be on the Chargers’ radar in the Pac-12 Championship Game.

When the Utah Utes and Oregon Ducks meet up in Friday night’s Pac-12 Championship Game, several prospects will be showcasing their talents on a supersized stage, with a handful of NFL evaluators watching closely.

Let’s take a look at five who could be on the Chargers’ radar.

CB Mykael Wright, Oregon: The Chargers will be looking to fill the void left by Chris Harris Jr., a free agent, at the end of the season. While not physically imposing at 5-foot-11 and 182 pounds, Wright possesses elite athleticism, plus speed, good awareness in zone coverage, physicality in man, and solid ball skills. Furthermore, he is an elite kick returner.

TE Brant Kuithe, Utah: Jared Cook has been underwhelming this season, and he is slated to hit the market anyways. Kuithe has the hands and overall receiving ability to be a threat in the passing game. The last time he faced the Ducks, Kuithe went off for five catches for 118 yards.

DB Verone McKinley III, Oregon: Having the versatility to play multiple positions in the secondary is essential in Brandon Staley’s system, which is what McKinley possesses. While underweight, McKinley is a competitor who has the instincts and physicality to play in the box and the speed and range to play deep.

EDGE Mike Tafua, Utah: With Uchenna Nwosu and Kyler Fackrell both free agents, the Bolts should be looking to add reinforcements at the position. Tafua is a talented pass rusher who can also hold his own in the run game and drop into coverage. This season, he leads all defensive linemen in tackles for loss (13) and sacks (9.5), which also is No. 1 in the Pac-12.

OL Nick Ford, Utah: While the Chargers need to prioritize the right side of the offensive line, the team just simply needs more depth all across. In 42 games, Ford has logged snaps at all five positions. Ford has a quality combination of size and length, athleticism, movement skills, and physicality, which shows up in pass protection and as a run blocker.