DEFENSIVE LINE
The front four was considered a strength going into the spring, but the season-ending injury of senior Marquess Ledbetter has left a major hole at the defensive end position. The absence of Ledbetter, who was second on the team with 4.5 sacks last season, raises major questions about the Utes’ pass rush. New defensive coordinator Gary Andersen will have to rely on youth and raw talent, as speedy sophomore Martail Burnett will start opposite either freshman Pate Moleni or junior college transfer Soli Lefiti.
All-America candidate Steve Fifita, one of the most ferocious interior linemen in the nation and probably the Utes’ most dominant defensive player, anchors the line. Kelly Talavou (who will likely start at nose guard) and Kite Afeaki will join him.
LINEBACKERS
The middle linebacker position seems to change hands every season, and 2005 will be no exception as Grady Marshall, a backup and special-teamer his first three years at the U, will take over inside for the graduated Tommy Hackenbruck. Playing alongside Marshall will be all-conference rover Spencer Toone, and the final starting spot is still up for grabs.
In some minds, sophomore Kyle Brady is the odds-on favorite to replace Corey Dodds, but Malakai Mokofisi, who had a great spring after playing sparingly last season, may push him out of the starting lineup.
Toone, entering his senior campaign, is the heart of the linebacking corps, which has historically been one of the strengths of Utah football. If Marshall can follow in the tradition of the likes of Ray Holdcraft, and either Brady or Mokofisi can step up, that tradition is likely to continue.
SECONDARY
The return of a healthy Eric Weddle is the key to the Utes’ defensive backfield. Weddle, a fast and versatile former cornerback who now mans the strong safety spot, was hampered by injuries last season, limiting his effectiveness. Now back at 100 percent, the 6-foot, 200-lbs. junior is not only one of the hardest hitters in the country, but also a great blitzer and ball hawk who picked off four passes a year ago.
Behind him, a trio of players is competing to replace all-MWC free safety Morgan Scalley with senior Tim Harris, the leading candidate for the job.
At cornerback, Ryan Smith returns after a phenomenal freshman season and is one of the top cover corners in the conference.
Senior Eugene Oates saw only limited experience in his first season at the U but has won the right corner spot for now, although he may be pushed by incoming junior college transfer Eric Shyne.
SPECIAL TEAMS
With David Carroll gone on an LDS mission, Bryan Borreson returns to handle the kicking duties for the Utes. Borreson has had his ups and downs with the U, but has plenty of big-game experience from 2003. However, if he falters, he may be replaced by kicker/punter Dan Beardall, who performed well at both positions during the spring. Beardall could also step in for new punter Lou Sakoda if need be. There should be no changeover in the return game, as Eric Weddle has been a strong punt-returner during his first two years, while senior Justin Walker averaged 32.6 yards per kick return last season.
