Stock Up: Six Under-The-Radar Players That Got Better For Utah Football

Aug 16, 2024, 5:38 PM | Updated: Aug 17, 2024, 1:53 pm

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Football program is down to less than two weeks from the 2024 season opener. Kyle Whittingham and his staff are praised for their ability to field a highly competitive team and it’s due in large part to the development of players under their watch.

College football, particularly at Utah, is a player development sport. That process is critical to the success of the program and what allows it to sustain a good level of play.

Utah has made a lot of exciting additions to the program. A lot of them will play a big role in the team’s success this season. There is also a good number of players who have been here for multiple seasons. Players that have made good progress during their time here.

There’s been a lot of talk about Caleb Lohner, Isaac Wilson, and Mike Mitchell. Those are guys that if you haven’t bought stock on by now, it’s a high price to pay. Here are six under-the-radar players, whose development helped themselves and should benefit the team this fall.

LB Trey Reynolds

After returning from his church mission in January, Trey Reynolds has shown good progress in his time back with the program. Reynolds is religious about working out, so he was able to return to the program in good shape and hit the ground running.

Getting back into football shape is more of an arduous process but it sounds like Reynolds is ahead of the curve as well. His football conditioning is where it needs to be, both physically and mentally. A tenacious, physical presence at linebacker, Reynolds is particularly strong and stout against the run. He’s a solid athlete and showed progress in coverage assignments as well.

DE Kaeo Akana

He redshirted in 2022 and worked special teams in eight games last year, Keao Akana enters year three with the Utes. It’s been a long process getting his body where it needs to be to take the field. He joined the program below 200 pounds and now checks in at around 235.

Akana still has the athleticism that made him a promising pass-rushing prospect out of high school. He relentlessly attacks the backfield and that is his strength. With the physical development he’s made, it seems Akana is trending towards contributing this season.

A lot of confidence in the defensive line, this group will be vital to defensive success this year (much like every year). pic.twitter.com/SKEkBANdAu

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) August 16, 2024

DL Jonah Leaea

Jonah Leaea is another player who has shown a lot of upside as a defensive lineman. He is currently working with the defensive ends at 6-foot-5, 255 pounds. However, his frame is so big that he can probably get to 280-290 pounds fairly comfortably, which may result in a move inside. He’s a converted basketball player and that athleticism is very apparent on the field. He created a really strong buzz last summer, his first in the program. Though the buzz hasn’t remained, his development and potential have grown.

CB Elijah “Scooby” Davis

Another year three guy, Elijah Davis has also seen significant physical development that has helped him to elevate his game. He’s gone from a freshman at 160 pounds, to a redshirt sophomore checking in 182 pounds. That additional mass has allowed him to be more competitive in the coverage, which has propelled him forward in his game overall.

Davis seems to have taken a good step forward and helps solidify the depth at cornerback. Last season, Davis appeared in 12 games on special teams, so he’s familiar with traveling and has been a good presence on those units.

OL Keith Olson

An offensive lineman that has worked his way into the top eight or so, is redshirt sophomore Keith Olson. He is yet another guy entering year three in the program. Unfortunately, inopportune injuries have gotten in the way of Olson making a move sooner in his career.

At 6-foot-6, 310 pounds, Olson has the barrel-chested build that is synonymous with offensive linemen. He’s a force in the run game and coming along as a pass protector. He has moved into the primary backup spot at right guard. Olson’s emergence helps Utah’s depth along the line, which is strong, but there is never enough good depth in the trenches.

WR Luca Caldarella

There’s been a lot of positivity around the receiver room this camp. For good reason, this group seems to have some serious potential. The group will be led by others, such as Dorian Singer and Money Parks but the progress of a guy like Luca Caldarella should not be disregarded either.

He checks in at 6-foot-3, 196 pounds, so he’s got size to go with solid athleticism. He’s flashed strong ball skills in moments over the last couple of weeks. He’s maximized his opportunities by knowing his alignments and assignments, while also being a reliable pass catcher. The ceiling of the group is high and Caldarella’s progress helps solidify the floor.