Utah Releases Depth Chart Ahead Of Florida Season Opener

SALT LAKE CITY- In a bit of a surprising move, Utah released a depth chart ahead of their big season opener against the Florida Gators. Head coach Kyle Whittingham had hinted previously during fall camp that no such information would be released ahead of the Utes’ trip to Gainesville.

In all honesty, there aren’t any actual surprises on the depth chart as this wasn’t a year the Utes had a ton of questions heading into the 2022 season. Most of their open spots weren’t so much about hoping to find an adequate replacement, but more about deciding who was the best choice out of several options.

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— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) August 27, 2022

With that said, here is a breakdown of some of the more “interesting” battles from Utah’s 2022 fall camp.

Quarterback 2 Depth Chart

Former walk-on Bryson Barnes took the prized spot behind starter Cam Rising after a very heated battle through the spring and fall with Ja’Quinden Jackson. The decision, according to Kyle Whittingham at his first press conference of the season came down to who was most comfortable with the system in the event of an emergency. The Utes felt Barnes had more of a leg-up at this moment than Jackson in this area.

Whittingham was very adamant that they love what Jackson brings and believe his best days are ahead of him, but if they can give him a little more time to develop and prepare for next year’s starting quarterback battle, that’s what they prefer to do at this moment.

Offensive Line Depth Chart

One area Whittingham and the Utes stressed all spring and fall was deciding on a starting five at offensive line than they did a season before. From right to left the Utes’ starting line will look like this:

• Right Tackle- Jaren Kump (Sophomore)
• Right Guard- Sataoa Laumea (Sophomore)
• Center- Paul Maile (Junior)
• Left Guard- Keaton Bills (Sophomore)
• Left Tackle- Baeden Daniels (Junior)

Whittingham mentioned about halfway through fall camp that they had 10 guys they thought could play and it was just a matter of deciding on who was a little more ahead at this conjecture. Utah’s second string offensive line features Falcon Kaumatule at right tackle, Tanoa Togiai at right guard, Johnny Maea at center, Michael Mokofisi at left guard, and Zereoue Williams at left tackle.

Linebacker Depth Chart

Perhaps the biggest question mark heading into the 2022 season was who would be tasked with replacing Devin Lloyd and Nephi Sewell. Position coach Colton Swan has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, but picking the right players was going to be very key for the position.

Unsurprisingly, the Utes went with their most experienced players and their prized legacy recruit from the 2022 signing class as the starters.

• Rover Linebacker- Karene Reid (Sophomore)
• Mac Linebacker- Mohamoud Diabate (Senior)
• Stud Linebacker- Lander Barton (Freshman)

The Return Game

It’s going to take two people to replace epic return-man Britain Covey this year on special teams for the Utes. Whittingham said in his press conference that kickoffs have been earned by Micah Bernard due to his speed, vision, and shiftiness, while punt returns are going to Devaughn Vele because of his sure hands.

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