Utes Continue To Receive National Recognition In Top 25 Projections

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – With more than three months until the college football season begins, the national media are rolling out their early projections of the upcoming season and the University of Utah continues to receive praise.

Athlon Sports unveiled their Top 25 projections and the University of Utah has a prime position in the rankings.

The organization has already released their annual preview magazine and are on newsstands nationwide.

They have pegged Utah at No. 13 in the country. On the projection piece, Athlon had some great things to say about the Utes.

College Football Top 25 Rankings for 2019:

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1.??? https://t.co/QfZbyIGh4O pic.twitter.com/9ik3H4IOWl

— Athlon Sports (@AthlonSports) May 20, 2019

“Utah crossed an important hurdle in its program history by claiming the first Pac-12 South crown. The next step for coach Kyle Whittingham’s team is clear: Win the Pac-12 title and play in a New Year’s Six bowl. Both goals are attainable for 2019. As expected from a Whittingham-coached team, Utah’s defense ranks among the best in college football. The line is one of the best in the nation, with Bradlee Anae and tackles Leki Fotu and John Penisini poised to challenge for All-America honors. Transfers Manny Bowen (Penn State) and Francis Bernard (BYU) are likely to fill the void left behind by Chase Hansen and Cody Barton at linebacker.”

Athlon talked about Utah needing to fill the void in their secondary after losing safeties Corrion Ballard and Marquise Blair. Utah moved Julian Blackmon from cornerback to safety and early on in the change seems to have adjusted well.

The Utes will be deep at the cornerback position with Jaylon Johnson and Javelin Guidry leading the group. Utah will benefit tremendously if quarterback Tyler Huntley and running back Zack Moss remain healthy throughout the season.

Top 25 Rankings for 2019: No. 13 @Utah_Football crossed an important hurdle in its program history by claiming the first Pac-12 South crown, what's in store for this season? https://t.co/QfZbyIGh4O pic.twitter.com/DcehslHwj5

— Athlon Sports (@AthlonSports) May 20, 2019

Utah is the second-highest rated team in the Pac-12 with Washington one spot ahead and the only other school in the conference to appear on the list is Oregon.

The rest of the Top 25 projections from Athlon Sports includes:

25. Virginia

24. Iowa State

23. Missouri

22. UCF

21. Syracuse

20. Auburn

19. Wisconsin

18. Iowa

17. Nebraska

16. Michigan State

15. Oregon

14. Penn State

13. Utah

12. Washington

11. Texas

10. Texas A&M

9. Notre Dame

8. Florida

7. LSU

6. Oklahoma

5. Ohio State

4. Michigan

3. Georgia

2. Clemson

1. Alabama