Pac-12 Teams Should Learn From Utah’s Newest Defensive Brain

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The newest coach on the University of Utah defensive staff Colton Swan is having his way luring recruits to the hill.

Swan joined Kyle Whittingham and the Utes on January 7, 2019.

For as long as most fans can remember, Utah’s defensive staff has been very good.

Whittingham and company have produced a number of NFL standouts on the defensive side of the ball. Names such as Star Lotuleilei, Nate Orchard, Marcus Williams, Cody Barton and Marquise Blair – just to name a few.

Success With Coach Colton Swan

Recently, Coach Swan picked up three-star outside linebacker recruit, Graham Faloona, out of Southlake Texas. Faloona stands at 6 ft 3 inches and weighs 205 pounds.

After watching Graham Faloona’s tape, it is evident he does a nice job reading the play prior to the snap, shedding blocks and setting his feet to lower his shoulders, wrap up and finally make a tackle.

Faloona is not a highly sought after recruit. He has interest from schools such as Air Force, Incarnate Word, Navy and New Mexico State.

However, given the success Utah has had both on the defensive side of the ball and more specifically the linebacking position, other power-five conference teams may follow Utah and coach Swan in the wake of their latest commit.

COMMITTED‼️🔴⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/NHfRa1PDmP

— Graham Faloona (@faloona_graham) June 27, 2019

Will Pac-12 Schools Follow Utah’s Lead?

Put yourself in the shoes of say, Oregon State, who for years have been at the bottom of the Pac-12. The Beavers have struggled to keep up on both a recruiting front and a standings front with the likes of Utah, Washinton and USC.

If the Beaver’s staff were to start following and attempting to poach recruits that have committed or at least drawn interest from Utah, trusting the minds within the Utah Football program, it may benefit the team. They will likely start winning more games.

Oregon State finished 2018 with a  2-10 record. One of those wins coming against FCS opponent Portland State.

This week’s episode includes conversations surrounding ⁦@AndyDPhillips⁩ recent trip to Houston. The latest on Utah’s recruiting front and how ⁦@UtahCoachWhitt⁩ handles the hype surrounding the upcoming football season. https://t.co/RQmnr9JOA0 https://t.co/fTNprjiR10

— Special Forces Gang (@SFGksl) July 2, 2019

Myself, Tom Hacket, and Andy Phillips spoke about this subject during our latest Special Forces Gang podcast. Listen to the full conversation below and subscribe wherever you find podcasts or on the KSL Sports app.

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