This group of seniors has been through a lot during their time at Utah. They have seen a lot of highs, a few lows, and they led the way as Utah moved into the Pac-12 era.
Here is a memory of/tribute to each of them...........
James Aiono: This is a kid who has worked his tail off to be where he is today. Here is a great story on him from Gordon Monson. Our program depends on people like James who work their tail off and stay ready for when they are called upon.
Shawn Asiata: After watching this kid last year, I was so excited when he decided to come back for his senior year. He is a throwback fullback and he is a big reason why John White is so successful. I really think that Shawn is a better pro prospect than his older brother Matt. It has been fun to watch him bulldoze defenders like they are scrap metal.
Tony Bergstrom: I will admit, the first time I really paid attention to Tony Bergstrom, I was mad at him. He was letting Jerry Hughes past him all game long and we were getting killed. But Tony has become a great leader and a great tackle at Utah. I look forward to watching him on Sunday's.
Greg Bird: I think that Greg Bird will have the highest ratio of memories to actual playing time of any Ute in recent history. Greg was a special teams dynamo. Blocking punts, making big tackles, lighting up fools on returns, Greg has done it all.
Conroy Black: Conroy might be the best all-around athlete on the team this year. He is a competitor and does not back away from anyone. I'll always remember when he got that pass interference against AZ, only to turn around the next play and seal the win with an interception.
John Cullen: Ute fans have been critical of Cullen this year, but no one can doubt his love of the game, or his passion for the Utes. I can't tell you how many times I have seen Cullen be the one who is hustling downfield the most. I think he is almost always the first to congratulate someone on a touchdown, and he gets the most excited when the Utes score. Sure, he has made some penalties, but i'll take him on my team all day, every day.
Tevita Finau: Tevita made a name for himself when he tossed the Oregon State quarterback around like a ragdoll this year. He has been very versatile, seeing time at every position along the defensive line. Every team needs a Tevita Finau.
Nai Fotu: Nai is an animal. That guy goes full bore after quarterbacks and it is a blast to watch. Nai has worked hard to overcome his shortcomings and troubles. I am happy for him. I hope he can beat his demons and have a great life. It has been a blast to watch him over these years.
Kenny Golladay: I'll be honest, I had never heard this kid's name until I read that he was a senior in the press release. Hey, he made the roster and can say he was part of a BCS team.
Matt Martinez: Matt has seemingly been on the roster for 10 years. He personifies to me what being a Ute is all about. A walk on, he worked his tail off to become a two-year starter for one of the top programs in the country. He battled injuries, but never let them get him down. He goes 100% all the time. I'll never forget his punt block against Montana State where he blocked it with his foot after being tossed by a blocker.
Dexter Ransom: Dexter does the things that go unnoticed. I have seen him take on more than a few linebackers in his time. He has helped open things up out there for his teammates. By all accounts, he has been a great teammate and example while he has been here.
Mychal Robinson: A lot of you may not have heard his name, but I have heard his praises sung by the coaches. This is a kid who has done whatever he can to help the team. He has been a special teams standout for a couple years now. Coaches can rest assured when he is out there.
Derrick Shelby: One of the most underrated Utes in my mind. As a 6'3", 245 pound redshirt freshman, Shelby came in and gave the team a big boost during the Sugar Bowl run when he started at defensive tackle. Undersized, but never under-hearted, Shelby battled guys much bigger and made the best out of a rough situation. He has since moved back to the end position where he has put fear into the heart of more than one quarterback.
Ben Soliven: Yet again, had never heard his name until I read the press release. Good for him for sticking it on a BCS roster. Something he can always tell his kids and grandkids about.
Tauni Vakapuna: A warrior if ever there was one. Tauni brings the physicality every time he steps onto the field. He has been a leader and a great example of how to work. And you better not mess with one of his teammates, he has everyone's back.
Chaz Walker: Another guy who personifies what Utah is all about. Former walk-on has Pac-12 written all over him. He has a nose for the ball and always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Chaz has meant a lot to this team over the years.
Tyler Whittingham: Another special teams star. Tyler seems to know just where to be to make a big stop on returns. As a coach's son, he has been great in the locker room, and on the field. Guys with a work ethic like that are hard to come by.
JJ Williams: I feel bad that JJ's career was cut short due to injuries. He was a talented linebacker who always played his tail off and made some big plays in his Ute career.
These seniors had a strong work ethic. They were outstanding leaders. They learned from the guys who went before them, and they have passed on the tradition to those who are now coming up. We will miss each of them and as a fanbase, we wish them great success in wherever life takes them. This program would not be the same without these guys.
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