Why Utah's offense could be WORSE this year than it was last year:
-Running of the Bulls: Can Harvey Langi, Thretton Palamo, and John White carry the load? Will Lucky Radley get any playing time? All question marks at a critical position. How well these guys do will have a MAJOR impact on how well this team does. Potentially, this group could be better than their predecessors eventually, but until further notice, this is a question mark.
-Replacing of the Guard: Our starting guards will be new this year. Caleb “Slaughterhouse” Schlauderoff will be playing in the NFL. Zane Taylor’s departure has caused right guard Tevita Stevens to move over to center. A mix of Jeremiah Tofeaono, Percy Taemoelau, Isaac Asiata, Sam Brenner, Benji Kemoeatu, and Po'u Palelei.
-Better to give than to receive: Jereme Brooks and Shaky Smithson have moved on. DeVonte Christopher is the lone returning receiver with significant experience. We know he is talented, and it appears that he has now fully embraced his position. What we don’t know is how he’ll react to being the number one guy. Behind him is guys full of inexperience. Dres Anderson, Kenneth Scott, Anthony Denham and Dexter Ransom will be asked to contribute this year.
-Put your shoulder to the wheel: We have no idea how Jordan Wynn’s shoulder will hold up. We do know that it will be a target of opposing defenses. Jordan has never been terribly accurate on his long balls, and it will be interesting to see how this shoulder problem affects that. If Wynn goes down, the team could be in trouble.
Why Utah could be BETTER on offense this year……….
-You can’t teach an old dog new tricks: But do you have to when you have Norm Chow? Some say the game has passed Chow by. Some say his struggles at UCLA were not his fault. At any rate, his offense is far better suited to the strengths of Jordan Wynn than the spread was. Wynn will not be asked to run the option anymore (thank goodness!).
-Paying the Ransom: Dexter Ransom came to the team toward the end of fall camp last season. As such, he never quite caught his stride. This season, he enters camp having gone through a full season and spring ball. He knows the playbook better and will be able to contribute more. Ransom was a highly-sought player. He has great value to a team like Utah in a pro-style offense. He is bigger and stronger (6’3”, 221) than almost all corners/safeties. He is a guy who you can throw the ball to and he can use that size and strength to beat defenders for the ball. Every offense needs the “possession guy” to open the field for the playmakers. Additionally, look for his blocking to be a great addition in the open field.
-Dude, that is so tight!: For the last two years, we have been hearing about how Kendrick Moeai and the tight ends are going to be more utilized, and it really hasn’t been the case. This year, look for a more experienced Moeai to thrive. He has the physical tools to be dominant. In the pro-style system, he will be used more. If he can add that dimension, he will take pressure off of everyone.
In all, this offense has potential. A lot will have to come together, but this offense can really grow this year and be absolutely dominant next year if the pieces come together. While the experience is not there across the board, the talent level is high. Look for progress to be made throughout the year. Also look for some early season rough patches.
All told, this is an exciting part of the Ute football team.
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