Two Ute seniors and one junior are garnering attention for some prestigious national awards. Quarterback Alex Smith was named to the Davey O’Brien award watch list, which honors the nations best quarterback.
Safety Morgan Scalley has made the Bronko Nagurski Award watch list. The award is given to the top defensive player at any position in the country. Scalley is no stranger to accolades. The versatile defensive back from Salt Lake City was named a first-team Academic All-American, second-team all-MWC and received the Anson Mount Scholar-Athlete award.
Scalley started all 12 games for the Utes in 2003. He had two tackles in the BYU game despite having knee surgery earlier in the week. Scalley teamed with fellow defensive back Bo Nagahi to lead the nation in kickoff return average. His 74-yard fumble return in the Liberty Bowl sealed the Utes’ victory over Southern Mississippi.
Offensive guard Chris Kemoeatu has been named to the Outland Trophy watch list. That award is given to the best interior lineman on either offense or defense. The Hawaii native is also a preseason candidate for All-America and All-MWC honors.
Kemoeatu has been a starter for two years after having an impact as a true freshman. He was an honorable mention All-MWC player in 2002-2003.
The Utes are no strangers to receiving national award attention. Last season,
Ben Moa was a finalist for the Mackey Award, given to college football’s top tight end. In 2002, offensive guar Jordan Gross was put on the Outland watch list and went on to become the eighth pick in the NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.