Utah’s offensive line has undergone some changes since last season, but coach Kyle Whittingham is confident in the depth and talent of the unit heading into the upcoming season. Three starters from 2022 return and will be pivotal to the offensive success this year.
Left guard Keaton Bills, right guard Michael Mokofisi, and right tackle Sataoa Laumea all played significant minutes last season and will look to lead the way for the Utes in 2023. But the team has additional talented players vying for starting and supporting roles.
Offensive line coach Jim Harding cited the importance of every rep players take, as each one is their “resume.” Mentally and fundamentally sound players who can also maintain their physicality will be highly valued.
With a group that consists of Jaren Kump, Spencer Fano, Soatoa Moeai, Hunter Deuel, Johnny Maea, Keith Olson, and others, Harding feels confident that the coaching staff will be able to identify those that can fulfill their potential.
The Utes have a strong evaluation process that has been developed over time. They want to find players who fit their tough-minded program and who have the ability to develop into high-level players.
“We’re not about chasing stars,” Harding said. “It’s a program-wide compliment in terms of how we go about recruiting. We want to find guys that fit our program that we feel is going to be tough. This program is not for everybody. But they’re going to get better and they’re going to survive and they’re going to develop into offensive linemen that are high-level players. It’s not necessarily me. It’s a collection.”
Utah’s offensive line may not have the biggest names, but they have a process that works. The coaching staff is confident in their unit, and there’s no doubt that the players will work hard to develop into “offensive linemen that are high-level players.”