After struggling early in the season on special teams, the Utes have finally decided on the punt returner for their matchup against Weber State. To the surprise of many fans, it was not the player they expected at the beginning of the season.
The Utes have decided to go with safety Terrell Cole as the return man this week due to his turnover-free performance against Air Force. Highly touted juco transfer Aiona Key, who was brought after weeks of anticipation at the Utah State game, was expected to be one of the potential punt returners but will instead play a different position on special teams.
After the game against Utah State, Key was considered to be a replacement punt returner and did suit up in case he would be needed against Air Force. But with Cole’s performance, Key contributed in another way.
Key was coming off a stellar season playing for Mt. San Antonio College, where he recorded 17 touchdowns and 80 receptions for a total of 1,112 yards. He transferred to Utah because he liked the school and it was a better fit for him.
But the process of Key joining the team had taken longer than expected and he did not officially join the team until the middle of September. As a result of joining the Utes late, Key wasn’t in peak form and had to work to get back in shape.
“It’s been kinda rough,” Key said about the adjustment. “I had to learn a lot and I needed to cram the whole summer into two weeks.”
This week, Key will take the field against Weber State as part of the special teams unit, despite his experience in returning punts. Key, who was a national champion high jumper in high school, blocked four kicks in junior college. It’s likely that he’ll see time in that capacity for the Utes on Saturday.
“I’ll be on the line, trying to jump through the wedge,” Key said. “Offensive-wise, it depends on if the coaches feel the need for me to play.”
Although he is not in the position most fans had thought, Key will still see playing time this week and it could be a big step in finding his way into the starting lineup.