After much deliberation, the Pac-12 has finally agreed to play football in 2020. Somehow, the Big 12 was a part of the conversation.
After much deliberation, the Pac-12 has finally agreed to play football in 2020. Somehow, the Big 12 was a part of the conversation.
On Thursday, the Pac-12 CEO Group met and voted with the results leading to a shortened season that would begin on Nov. 6. They are set to play seven games before the Pac-12 Championship on Dec. 18. Here is where it gets wild.
According to Tracy Pierson of 247Sports, the meeting was a bit contentious at times with Utah even threatening to leave the Pac-12 for the Big 12 and USC threatening to go independent for the 2020 season.
Stanford, Cal, UCLA, Washington and Colorado were apparently the holdouts on moving forward with the season before the university presidents and chancellors unified and agreed to specific conditions for a 2020 season.
The Big 12 only has 10 teams and many were pushing for BYU to join the Big 12 for a single year. The conference’s grant of rights is not up until 2025, so adding another school would have always been tough, but Utah, apparently, was ready to go.
The Big 12 expanding or collapsing is inevitable come the next round of conference realignment. The Arizona schools and USC have been the topic of conversation for media about joining the Big 12, but hello Utah, join in.
NOTE: Obviously, no one knows what’s going to happen to the 2020 college football season. We’ll take a general look at where each team stands – doing it without spring ball to go by – while crossing our fingers that we’ll all have some well-deserved fun this fall. Hoping you and yours are safe and healthy.
5. College Football News Preview 2020: Utah Utes Offense 3 Things To Know
– The offense doesn’t have as many overhaul problems as the defense, but there’s still a little work to do after losing QB Tyler Huntley and RB Zack Moss from the backfield. Fortunately, the offensive line is returning strong and nasty after paving the way for the Pac-12’s best running game.
Longtime blaster Darrin Paulo is gone at left tackle, but Nick Ford is an all-star talent who’ll likely move from his right guard spot to the outside. Three other starters are in place including 6-7, 305-pound sophomore Simi Moala at one tackle and 6-4, 340-pound senior Orlando Umana at center.
CFN in 60 Video: Utah Utes Preview
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– New Buffalo Bill Zack Moss was a thumper who carried the load, and Tyler Huntley was second on the team in rushing. 218-pound junior Devin Brumfield and 5-8, 206-pound sophomore Jordan Wilmore each got enough work in last year to not be starting from scratch. Behind the phenomenal line up front, they’ll be more than fine, even though neither one is Moss.
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– Huntley was a terrific heart-and-soul leader, but there are some nice options to step in. Drew Lisk threw nine passes last year and has enough time in the system to be ready to go, but in comes South Carolina transfer Jake Bentley to make a big push. Sophomore Cameron Rising is a talented option, too, in the three-way fight. More on this in a moment.
NEXT: College Football News Preview 2020: Utah Utes Defense 3 Things To Know
The Houston Texans had a video conference with former Utah Utes defensive end/outside linebacker Bradlee Anae.
The Houston Texans’ defense finished with 31 sacks, tied with the Cincinnati Bengals for the sixth-fewest in the NFL. Defensive end J.J. Watt will be 31 years old, and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus will be 30.
Anae could be just what the Texans need. The 6-3, 265-pounder collected the Utah football program’s record for sacks, sack yardage (210), and tackles for lost yardage (244). He also has some football pedigree as his father from football pedigree as his father was an All-American at BYU and later played for the Philadelphia Eagles. Additionally, Anae’s grandfather and uncle both played ball at BYU.
The Hawaii native has been around the game long enough to know what comes with excelling as an edge rusher.
Houston has defensive end Charles Omenihu entering his second season after the Texans drafted him in the fifth-round from Texas. Houston also has developing pass rushers in Jacob Martin and Brennan Scarlett.
The Jags are open to trading RB Leonard Fournette which means they may have to find a new No. 1 in Jonathan Taylor, Cam Akers, or Zack Moss.
This past weekend it was revealed that the Jacksonville Jaguars are open to trading one of their top offensive weapons in running back Leonard Fournette, which definitely could mean his chances of returning are bleak. If the Jags already have it in their minds that they are moving on, they likely have a plan to find a replacement for him through the upcoming draft, too.
When looking at the prospects at the running back position, there is a variety of rushers to choose from. Here are some names the Jags could be interested in within the top-3 rounds if they trade Fournette:
Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Round 1 – Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
While the Jags are unlikely to take a running back in round one, what is their not to like about the ultra-productive Jonathan Taylor? He’s pretty much everything fans want in a running back.
Taylor is the definition of a human highlight reel and proved to be a workhorse back while at Wisconsin, accumulating 12 games with 200 yards or more during his career. Part of the reason he was able to do that was because of his size as he is built like an NFL tailback at 5-foot-10, 226-pounds.
Additionally, he cuts well, shows great burst as a former track runner, and can garner yards after contact — all of which makes him as the perfect player to place Fournette should the Jags trade him.
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Utah safety prospect Terrell Burgess
Every NFL draft prospect travels their own unique journey to get to the pro ranks, and Utah safety Terrell Burgess is no exception.
Though it took a while for him to get his opportunity as a full-time starter, Burgess made the most of it last season, establishing himself as one of the best players in the country at his position.
Burgess recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his football journey, his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, and what kind of player he’ll be at the next level.
JM: You spent some time playing both wide receiver and defensive back during your freshmen season. You moved full-time to the defensive side of the ball as a senior and started at strong safety in 2019. You went on to make the Honorable Mention All-Pac 12 Team. What a ride it’s been for you. How do you look back on the 2019 season?
TB: Things went very well for me. I was just so excited to finally become a full-time player on our defense. I had started games in the past but it really wasn’t until 2019 that I became an official, full-time starter. I had the support and trust of my teammates and coaching staff. Not that I didn’t have their support before 2019, but it felt great to battle alongside my brothers on a weekly basis. I had a lot of fun. It was a great season despite the fact that if we didn’t finish it off the way that we wanted to. We still had a good season. I had a great time at Utah, and it’s time to look forward now.
JM: You started 14 games in 2019. You made 81 stops, 7.5 tackles for loss and had five pass break-ups as well. You were such a talented guy coming out of high school, but you struggled to find the field during your first three years at Utah. How did it feel to earn that full-time starting role?
TB: It was definitely a great feeling. My freshman year, we had three seniors at my position. That was one thing that kept me off the field. I was also playing on the offensive side of the ball. I was playing multiple positions and there was a lot going on. I was still having a blast out there. I enjoyed those years as well. 2019 was definitely a different feeling though. I loved the season that we were able to put together. We had a lot of seniors this year. We all came in together in 2015. It was a great way to go out. Of course we wanted to win it all, but it was still a special season for us. Everything happens for a reason.
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
TB: It was great. I had never been to Indianapolis before. Visiting a new place for the first time was a lot of fun. I was really excited to get out there and showcase what I can do. Going to the combine has always been a dream of mine. It gave me a chance to compete in front of all 32 teams alongside some guys that I knew all around the country. It was amazing. It was truly nothing short of amazing.
I enjoyed the entire week. I know that some guys complain about the long hours. It’s early mornings and late nights, but I truly enjoyed every second of it. It was a unique experience. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I hope that a lot of young guys around the nation have a chance to experience it.
JM: You had an excellent combine performance. What do you think is the overall impression that you left out there?
TB: I think I left the impression that I have the ability to come in and play multiple positions. I’m a versatile guy and I have more speed to my game than many people thought I did. I was excited about that. A lot of people were questioning my speed. It was a great feeling to put those questions to bed with my 40 time. I showed off a little bit of my explosiveness with my broad jump result (122-inches) as well. Above all, I think my knowledge of the game is what stood out the most. I was excited to get into the meeting rooms and talk ball with these NFL coaches. I think that’s where I separated myself.
JM: What’s your favorite part about playing the safety position?
TB: I really enjoy playing in the box. A lot of people feel that I’m undersized but I’ve never felt at a disadvantage when playing in the box. Safety is one of those positions that gives you a chance to cover both tight ends and wide receivers. It also gives you a chance to move around with the defensive linemen. That’s something that I love doing.
JM: Speaking of your work in coverage, do you approach a bigger, more physical guy differently than you do a smaller, more shiftier one?
TB: I only approach them differently in regards to knowing that I have to get on my high horse and get outside of my frame. Besides that, I try to approach every opponent with the same mindset and strategy. It doesn’t typically matter how big or small they are.
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JM: What can you tell me about Utah’s scheme on defense and what your coaches asked of you?
TB: My coaches always asked me to play fast and smart. My goal was always to portray myself as a smart football player. There’s only way to do that. That was the biggest thing for me. Within our defense, we had to play smart at all times. We put an emphasis on knowing what was coming pre-snap.
JM: Were you able to get in any private visits or workouts before the spread of COVID-19 shut everything down?
TB: I was not. Everybody got pulled off the road before I had a chance to make any visits. I had some things set up but I wasn’t able to go through with anything.
JM: That’s pretty consistent with what I’m hearing from most players. I imagine you’ve moved things to the phones since then. Which teams have you met with via FaceTime?
TB: Out of respect to the teams, I have to keep them private at this time. I will say that I’m very pleased with how they’ve been going. I’ve met with upwards of 15-plus teams over the past few weeks.
Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
JM: Playing at Utah afforded you the opportunity to play against some really strong competition. Who are some of the best guys you’ve gone up against?
TB: We played against a great quarterback in Justin Herbert. He’s gonna be a great quarterback. Brandon Aiyuk, the receiver from Arizona State is pretty good. Michael Pittman from USC is pretty good. I can go on and on. The Pac-12 is loaded with talent. We had a chance to play against all of these guys.
I can name somebody from every team in the Pac-12 if you’d like me to (laughs). J.J. Taylor from Arizona is a great running back. Oregon State had some talent at running back, and the tight end was pretty good as well. I like the tight end from UCLA, Devin Asiasi. There’s so many great players in the Pac-12.
JM: You’ve had so many great teammates throughout your time at Utah, but I’m gonna put you on the spot. If you were going to war tomorrow and could only bring one with you, who would it be and why?
TB: Actual war? Wow (laughs). We’re in the trenches, huh? That’s a great question. Can I pick a former teammate? I’d probably say Cody Barton. He played linebacker for us. He’s with the Seattle Seahawks now. Why Cody? That’s the craziest human being I’ve ever met (laughs).
JM: When a team spends a draft pick on Terrell Burgess, what kind of guy are they getting?
TB: They’re gonna get a guy that’s gonna come in and give 110 percent effort every single day. I’m gonna come in and learn the system from the older guys. I’m excited to meet my new teammates and get to work. I’m gonna do everything I can to help the team win ball games.
His surgically repaired knee checked out, which was a concern for some NFL teams.
The Arizona Cardinals have apparent interest in Utah running back Zack Moss in the NFL draft later this month. They met with him at the combine. They have had a FaceTime visit with him.
With Kenyan Drake signed only to a one-year contract, the Cardinals could target a running back in the draft.
If Moss is the guy they want, there is good news.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Moss was given positive news about his knee.
NFL teams notified Utah RB Zack Moss, who underwent knee surgery in 2018, that his surgically repaired knee checked out well, per his agent Jamal Tooson. Moss’ knee was a concern for teams and the player coming into the process, but this was his best-case scenario.
He had his knee surgically repaired in 2018 and it checked out well. That injury was a concern for some teams.
Moss rushed for over 1,000 each of the last three seasons for the Utes. In 2019, he had 235 carries for 1,416 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the Pac-12 in yards and touchdowns.
He is 5-foot-9 and 223 pounds, runs violently and has good feet, although he is not speedy, clocking in at the combine with a 40 time of 4.65 seconds. He could be a target for the Cardinals with their third-round pick.
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Utah defensive line prospect Leki Fotu
Many athletes play their sport not just for themselves, but for their family, their culture, something bigger.
You can count Utah defensive lineman Leki Fotu among them.
A former rugby player who takes great pride in his heritage and culture, Fotu recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his transition from the rugby pitch to the football field, why his culture is so important to him, and what kind of impact he’ll make at the next level.
JM: Tell me about your transition from rugby to football. Was that a tough transition?
LF: When we first moved out here to Utah, that’s when I started playing football a little more consistently. My mom and I sat down and we had an honest conversation about my future. At the end of the day, football was the sport that I could make a real career out of. I continued to play rugby all throughout high school. I was playing both sports at the same time. Once I went back to football, I fell in love with the game. I’ve been playing it ever since.
JM: As a football player, things really started to click for you as a junior at Utah. What changed for you at that point?
LF: My first two years at Utah can really be classified as learning experiences. I spent a lot of that time learning and developing. I played defensive end in high school at a much lighter weight than I am now. At Utah, I immediately moved inside to play defensive tackle. I spent time putting on weight and learning a new position. The transition really started to pay off during that junior year. That’s when I really started to see a future for myself in football. I realized that I really had some potential.
I spent those first two years laying down the foundation to become the player that I am today. It started to happen for me during my junior year. I came back for my senior season not only to improve my draft stock, but to show NFL teams that I can play football at the highest level.
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
JM: What can you tell me about your background? I know that you’re very proud of your culture.
LF: Both of my parents are from the island of Tonga. I was born and raised in Oakland. I take so much pride in my culture. It’s who I am. It’s how my parents raised me. It plays a big part in my daily life and overall routine. It plays a big role on the field as well. When I’m out there, I feel like I’m playing for my entire family, our culture and everybody back home on the island of Tonga. I know that I have all of their support. When I put that jersey on, it’s bigger than me. I’m playing for the name on the front of my jersey, as well as the family name on the back.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
LF: I had a great experience at the combine. I got a chance to speak with all 32 teams, whether formally or informally. Despite what happened with my hamstring during the 40-yard dash, I was still thankful to meet all of the coaches who took time out to get to know me. It was a really good experience for me. Being around all of the other athletes at the combine was a fun time. It was nice to meet all of the other players within my position group. I spent some time talking to those guys, getting to know them a little bit. The whole process was really great. I don’t have any complaints about my personal experience.
JM: How’s your hamstring feeling now?
LF: My hammy is good. I’ve been doing a lot of treatment. I’m still working out and staying in great shape. Whenever my number gets called, I’ll be ready to go. We were supposed to have our pro day this week (March 26th). I feel like I would have been able to do everything out there. I’m just working out and staying in shape. I’ll be ready to go.
JM: Of course, the pro day was canceled due to COVID-19. Were you able to get in any private visits or workouts before the shutdown?
LF: I was able to get one in before the spread of the virus got out of hand. I had multiple visits planned for after the pro day that obviously need to be re-worked now. We’ve been moving everything to the phone lines. We’re trying our best to make it work. All we can do is make the best of this situation. We’re still speaking with different teams weekly.
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
JM: That meeting you were able to get in before the shutdown, who was that with?
LF: I made a visit to the Philadelphia Eagles. It was a top-30 visit. I didn’t work out for them.
JM: You mentioned moving everything to the phone lines. Which teams did you have private visits scheduled with that you now have to conduct via telephone?
LF: I’ve spoken to a few teams already. Some of those meetings have already taken place via FaceTime and what not. I had a few other top-30 visits scheduled with the Seahawks, Rams, Broncos, Chargers and Cardinals. Those were some of the teams that were planning to fly me out to them after the pro day. There’s a new way that we’re doing things now. I’ll be speaking to them via telephone or FaceTime.
JM: Are you more comfortable as a pass rusher or run stopper at this point in time?
LF: This is a question that I’ve been asked by a lot of coaches. I’m currently more comfortable in the run game, but I know the type of player that I truly am, and I know what I can bring to the table as a pass rusher. My potential as a pass rusher hasn’t been fully realized as of right now. I know that I can be a great pass rusher.
Despite what my film shows, I know I can be as disruptive in the passing game as any other defensive tackle in this draft class. The way our scheme was set up at Utah and the job that they asked of me, it didn’t really exploit my potential as a pass rusher. I feel very confident in the run game, and I’m excited to continue to develop my skills as a pass rusher.
(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)
JM: Generally speaking, just because a player didn’t do something doesn’t mean that he can’t do it. For all we know, your coaches at Utah asked you to eat up space as a big body in the middle.
LF: Yes sir, that’s exactly it. That’s basically what I’ve been explaining to coaches when that gets brought up in one of my meetings. The way the game is played right now, everybody is looking for those interior pass rushers. I understand that. My experience at Utah, I feel like the way opposing offenses game-planned for me played a huge role. I was able to take on those double teams and free up my teammates behind me to make plays. I was taking up blocks and putting them in 1-on-1 situations. I would have loved to have had more 1-on-1 opportunities myself, but that’s not what the job entailed. That’s not what was asked of me. I feel like I did my job at an extremely high level.
As for what’s next, I know that if I land with the right team and the right coaching staff, we can continue to develop my skills as a pass rusher. I have a lot of untapped potential in that area. I feel like I’m gonna be a lot more disruptive than anyone else in this defensive tackle class.
JM: What kind of impact is Leki Fotu going to make at the next level?
LF: I’m excited to make a huge impact at the next level. Whichever team drafts me, their defensive line just got a whole lot bigger (laughs). I’m a big man that plays the defensive tackle position at a high level. You don’t really see a defensive tackle with my movement skills come around too often. I have a lot of confidence in my game. I’m gonna do my job and make my mark felt at the next level.
The Houston Texans have met virtually with former Utah Utes defensive tackle Leki Fotu as they look to replace D.J. Reader.
The Houston Texans continue their draft “visits” via their cell phones with Utah defensive tackle Leki Fotu one of the latest to add to the list.
The 6-5, 330-pound former U.S. National rugby player, Fotu is a surprisingly agile player for his size. Named first-team All-Pac 12 after both of his final two seasons with the Utes, these were the only seasons in which he was actually named the starter after coming to the game relatively late in life.
Fotu would need some refinement and likely wouldn’t be a day one starter, but his excellent size and strength, along with his clear coachability make him an extremely intriguing prospect.
The Texans are left with a big hole to fill up front after the departure of D.J. Reader to the Cincinnati Bengals in this year’s free agency. Currently, Brandon Dunn, Carlos Watkins, and the incumbent Tim Jernigan the options to replace the NFL’s now highest-paid nose tackle. Fotu is an option to sit behind the likes of Jernigan this season and develop as Reader did with Vince Wilfork.
