Garett Bolles , former offensive tackle for the University of Utah football team had a dream come true Thursday evening. The 6-foot-5 and almost three hundred pound athlete was selected as the No. 20 overall pick by the Denver Broncos in the 2017 National Football League Draft.
Bolles was the first offensive linemen of the night to hear his name called and when it was announced, he had somebody special he wanted to bring to the stage. With his four-month old baby boy Kingston cradled in his arms, Bolles walked down the steps to meet NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
“[Kingston is] going to remember this for the rest of his life, and so will I and so will my family,” Bolles said on the ESPN broadcast. “This is just a dream come true.”
Bolles was the first Ute selected in this year’s draft, and he was the eighth first-round draft pick in the school’s history.
What makes this achievement all the more special for him and his family is the long haul the 24-year-old had to go through to get to where he is now. Not only did Bolles move schools multiple times, but he also saw time in jail, and he was kicked out of the house before taken in by his lacrosse coach’s family. Bolles began to change his ways, and he went on to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Colorado Springs, Colo. After attending Snow College for two years, Bolles transferred to the U where he played one final season of college ball.
“It does not matter where you start, it matters how you finish,” Bolles said on the ESPN broadcast. “Find what you want, find what you believe in, dig deep, and get through it.”
Now on the field, Bolles will join former Utah running back and current Bronco, Devontae Booker, who was drafted in 2016 as a fourth round pick.
I still can't believe I am a Denver Bronco! I can't wait to get to work. Thank you for all your support Bronco Country! #Broncos
— Garett Bolles (@gbolles72) April 30, 2017
Seven more Utes over the next two days were drafted, bringing the total to eight – a new Utah record. The previous record was established in 2010 when Utah had six draft picks. This year, Utah had the most picks selected from the Pac-12, and they had the fourth highest amount of draft picks in all of college football.
Friday evening, the New Orleans Saints selected safety Marcus Williams as the No. 42 overall pick. Williams was the 10th pick in the second round and the 13th Ute to be drafted in the second round in school history.
Williams played three seasons at Utah, and he racked up 11 interceptions over his college career.
WHO DAT NATION STAND UP!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽💯💯 EXCITED TO BE A SAINT!!! #WhoDat pic.twitter.com/W379sFLzVH
— Marcus Williams (@MarcusWilliams) April 29, 2017
On the final day of the draft running back Joe Williams was selected in the fourth round. Offensive guard Isaac Asiata, cornerback Brian Allen and center J.J. Dielman were taken in the fifth round. Offensive tackle Sam Tevi, and outside linebacker Pita Taumoepenu went in round six.
Joe was the 15th pick of the fourth round and the No. 121 overall by the San Francisco 49ers. After retiring for one month from football during his senior year, Joe Williams came out of retirement and put on a show. The 5-foot-11 speed machine set a school record for rushing yards per game with 156.3. During the 2017 NFL Combine, Joe Williams ran a 40 in 4.41 seconds — the second-fastest time amongst the running backs.
I just want to thank the @49ers from the bottom of my heart this is unbelievable can't wait to get there and go to work!!! #SanFran49ers
— Joseph Williams (@JWills_28) April 29, 2017
Four-year starter Asiata is heading to the Miami Dolphins after being selected 20th in the fifth round and 164 overall. He will join linebacker and former Ute, Koa Misi, who was drafted in 2010.
https://twitter.com/AsiataFive4/status/858478905820274688
Allen was chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 30th pick of the fifth round and No. 173 overall. Allen had four interceptions and six pass breakups to his name his senior year.
Just wanna thank god and @steelers for the opportunity.
— Brian Allen (@B_ALLO_14) April 29, 2017
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Dielman as the 33rd pick in the fifth and No. 176 overall. Dielman, who previously played two years at right tackle, had started in 31 games straight before a season-ending injury took place his senior year, five games into the season.
@Utah_Football What an ultimate team player the Bengals are getting. Congratulations to JJ Dielman! #OBLOCK
— Jim Harding (@coachjharding) April 29, 2017
Tevi was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers as the sixth pick of the sixth round and No. 190 overall. Tevi not only has experience on the offensive side as a tackle, but he also played on the defensive line his freshman season.
Welcome to the fam, Sam Tevi! #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/JyLVuQBQDA
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) April 29, 2017
Taumoepenu is also headed to the San Francisco 49ers after being selected as the 18th pick of the round and No. 202 overall. At Utah, Taumoepenu had 21.5 sacks, the fifth-most in school history.
Super excited to be a part of San Francisco 49ers organization! Just can't wait..
— Pita Taumoepenu jr (@PitaTaumoepenu) April 30, 2017
By Saturday evening, seven other Utes who went undrafted were able to take part in free agent deals.
@Britt_Colindres