Three Utah Players to Look Out For Against Southern Utah University

The first Utah football depth chart of the 2024 season has officially released ahead of Game 1 against Southern Utah University, and while there are some obvious household names in starting roles such as Cam Rising, Brant Kuithe, and Junior Tafuna, there are also some newcomers and fall camp risers who could further their case against the Thunderbirds.

Kenan Johnson - CB

Georgia Tech transfer Kenan Johnson is entering his first season with Utah after coming off the best campaign of his career with the Yellowjackets. The 6'0" 178-pound senior defensive back tallied 29 total tackles, 3 passes defended, two forced fumbles, and one interception in 2023 and will look to carry that momentum into the 2024 campaign. Coach Kyle Whittingham said that the cornerback room is the thinnest on the team in terms of depth, and with Michigan transfer Cam Calhoun out for a few weeks with an injury, Johnson will look to make a name for himself alongside Zemaiah Vaughn and Smith Snowden in the meantime.

Sione Fotu - LB

Another position group with little depth is the linebacker room, and behind Lander Barton and Karene Reid, there is little to no proven experience, which is a cause for concern. However, the most likely candidate to be called upon as a third LB is Sione Fotu. Named the starting MAC Linebacker, Fotu tallied 18 total tackles and one pass defended in his first season back from his mission in 2023. Standing at 6'0" 226 pounds, Fotu is a compact force in the middle of the defense, and with a proper season now under his belt, he is primed to entrench himself as a solid linebacking option for the Utes in 2024.

Alaka'i Gilman - SS

Fifth-year senior Alaka'i Gilman transferred to Utah during the offseason after spending four years with Stanford. Much like Johnson, Gilman is coming off the best season of his collegiate career in which he tallied 50 total tackles, three passes defended, and one interception. The 5'10" 194-pound safety has the perfect build for a strong safety, and Karene Reid praised the former Cardinal in the last interview session before kickoff. "I've been impressed by Alaka'i Gilman," Reid said when asked who on the defense has stood out to him during fall camp. Gilman will be following in the shoes of Buffalo Bills rookie Cole Bishop, and fans should keep an eye out to see how he is used in Morgan Scalley's new turnover-focused defensive setup.