Athlon Sports Releases Preseason All-Pac-12 List
Jun 2, 2022, 6:51 PM
Utah Utes players pay tribute to Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe during the fourth quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2022 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY- Another day, more recognition for the 2022 Utah football team. This time the compliments come from Athlon Sports who released their preseason All-Pac-12 list late Thursday evening. In total 12 Utes were recognized by Athlon with five being named to the first team, two to the second team, three to the third team and two to the fourth team.
.@AthlonSports Preseason All-Pac-12 Team
Read: https://t.co/zVrUlFKSuw pic.twitter.com/uxYtN61VAA
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) June 2, 2022
It’s been a big week of recognition for the Utes who earlier in the week were predicted to face-off with Alabama by 247 Sports in the Peach Bowl semi-final of the College Football Playoff. ESPN showed quarterback Cam Rising some love as well placing him in their “tier two” for the Heisman Trophy.
First Teamers
Leading the charge for the Utes in the first-team All-Pac-12 category is running back Tavion Thomas, tight end Brant Kuithe, offensive lineman Braeden Daniels, cornerback Clark Phillips III, and safety Cole Bishop.
Second Teamers
Quarterback Cam Rising and defensive end Van Fillinger made Athlon’s preseason Pac-12 second team.
Third Teamers
Tight end Dalton Kincaid, defensive lineman Junior Tafuna, and linebacker Karene Reid were all good enough to be recognized in Athlon’s third team lineup for the Pac-12.
Fourth Teamers
Last, but certainly not least, Athlon Sports recognized offensive lineman Keaton Bills and defensive end Gabe Reid as preseason fourth-team All-Pac-12.
Last Year
The Utes had a historic season in 2021 winning their first ever Pac-12 Championship and going toe-to-toe with Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Because of their performance last year in the face of major adversity and the talent they are returning in 2022 many national media are predicting big things for the Utes in 2022.
How much of what is being predicted for Utah to accomplish this year is up for debate and won’t be know till they start playing games. However, it’s hard to deny between the returning roster and marquee games against Florida, USC, and Oregon that will garner eyeballs could set up the Utes for a big year if they handle business.
