College football’s top 25 future defense power rankings

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12. Utah Utes

2021 future defense ranking: 16

Scouting the Utes: Every few years, Utah’s defense seemingly has an exodus of NFL prospects, and then manages to reload. The Utes will face the same situation entering 2022 after All-American linebacker Devin Lloyd, first-team All-Pac-12 defensive end Mika Tafua and others move on. Although Utah loses standouts at all three levels, the secondary projects well in the short term with third-year cornerback Clark Phillips III and others returning. Phillips led Utah in forced fumbles (2) and pass breakups (14), tied for third in tackles (63) and ranked second in interceptions (2). Safety Cole Bishop, who had three sacks and nine tackles for loss in 2021, is another non-senior who could anchor the secondary for the next few years, along with cornerback JaTravis Broughton, who has seven career starts but missed most of last season with injury. Sophomore cornerback Faybian Marks, who had 25 tackles last season, is another multiyear building block, along with junior cornerback Malone Mataele. The bottom line is coach Kyle Whittingham and defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley have options in the back end, especially when some cornerbacks return from injuries.

Linebacker is the key group to watch in 2022, as both Lloyd and Nephi Sewell depart. Utah went to the transfer portal for Florida’s Mohamoud Diabate, who started 17 games and recorded 176 tackles, and Stanford‘s Gabe Reid, who had a team-high 10 tackles for loss last season. Sophomore Karene Reid will be a factor for the next few years after a 45-tackle performance in 2021. Utah also has a nice young core as freshmen Justin Medlock and Lander Barton stood out this spring, reflecting the program’s recruiting uptick at the position. The line projects well for the next few seasons with sophomore end Van Fillinger and sophomore tackle Junior Tafuna, who combined for 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss last season. Senior tackle Devin Kaufusi has started two games in each of the past two seasons. Utah’s depth hinges on the development of several sophomores, including end Miki Suguturaga and tackle Aliki Vimahi. Three of Utah’s top four 2022 recruits are defenders, including Barton, an ESPN 300 prospect.

espn.com article