Three Utah Players To Watch You Might Not Know About
Aug 29, 2019, 9:35 AM | Updated: 9:50 am
(Photo courtesy of Utah Athletics)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Utes and the BYU Cougars will square off on Thursday in Provo to begin the 2019 season. Here are three unexpected players who may become a large factor in the game.
There are three players who have earned their starting spots for the Utes during fall camp and are not being talked about.
Utah’s stars that are expected to have big seasons include defensive end Bradlee Anae, defensive tackle Leki Fotu, safety Julian Blackmon, defensive tackle John Penisini, cornerback Jaylon Johnson and linebacker Francis Bernard on defense.
For the offense, the attention surrounds quarterback Tyler Huntley, running back Zack Moss and wide receiver Britain Covey.
Here are three players for Utah fans to watch for that are not being talked about:
Devin Lloyd, Sophomore Linebacker
The redshirt sophomore has been sprung into a starting role at rover linebacker next to Francis Bernard. He was expected to be a backup prior to the start of fall camp but with the exit of graduate transfer Manny Bowen, Lloyd is the next man up.
He has played in 14 games throughout his career but will make his first college start on Thursday against BYU.
Terrell Burgess, Senior Safety
The San Marcos, California native has been with the Utah program for the last four years but has never been a regular starter. Burgess was always asked to step in for the starter when they were injured or for other reasons.
This season is the year for Burgess to show what he can do as he is the starter at strong safety next to Julian Blackmon. Burgess has played 31 career games with Utah and has started in just 2 games.
Cole Fotheringham, Sophomore Tight End
The tight end position will have a big role in Utah’s offense this season under new offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, who has said that the tight ends will be utilized in the offense. Previous OC Troy Taylor did not use the tight ends often. Fotheringham has some big expectations set for him this season. He played in all 14 games last season and started 9 games.
He recorded 17 catches for 190 yards and two touchdowns in 2018.
The Utes and Cougars will face off at 8:15 p.m. on Thursday. The game will be televised on ESPN and broadcast on KSL Newsradio.