Utah Utes
On offense we like what we’ve seen from tackle Jordan Gross the
past two seasons. A big physical blocker, Gross plays with solid fundamentals
and destroys opponents, blowing them off the line of scrimmage run blocking
while not giving up an inch of ground in pass protection. He’s heady, nasty
and fights hard, usually winning out in battles but his footwork and lateral
range are below par making him a right side player at the next level and likely
a middle round draft selection. Receiver Josh Lyman, who’s shown a lot
of flashes in the past, now takes over the duties as the Utes primary wide out
and a big senior campaign could push him into the late frames.
Their top prospect could well be linebacker Sheldon Deckert, "the
rover" (great Zeppelin song for those in the know) in Utah's defense who projects to
the weak-side at the next level. Deckert combines brain and brawn to get the job
done, reading or anticipating the action and quickly getting to the spot in
order to make the tackle. Effective in either pass or run defense, Deckert flies
around the field making tons of plays but is always under control. The
difference between Deckert being a top sixty pick and an early second day
selection? About two inches, which may move him down an equal amount of rounds,
as he tips the scales around 6-foot 1-inch. Garrett Smith is a quick
inside plugger that clogs the middle but a defensive lineman who must improve
his techniques and ability to play with leverage. Still; his size/strength combo
are enough to get him middle round consideration. Utah has never been at a loss
for speed on its’ roster and the next burner that could move up draft boards
is Antwoine Savage, a versatile defensive back that can be used at either
corner or safety and a prospect with a high upside. Lastly keep an eye on
another pair of juniors; defensive ends Josh Savage and yet another
Kafusi making his way through Utah, Jason Kafusi, as both are fierce off
the edge and offer a lot of upfield penetration.
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