BYU FOOTBALL

Stock Up: Six Under-The-Radar Players That Got Better For Utah Football

Aug 16, 2024, 5:38 PM | Updated: Aug 17, 2024, 1:53 pm

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Football program is down to less than two weeks from the 2024 season opener. Kyle Whittingham and his staff are praised for their ability to field a highly competitive team and it’s due in large part to the development of players under their watch.

College football, particularly at Utah, is a player development sport. That process is critical to the success of the program and what allows it to sustain a good level of play.

RELATED: Projecting Utah Football Depth Chart After Two Weeks Of Fall Camp.

Utah has made a lot of exciting additions to the program. A lot of them will play a big role in the team’s success this season. There is also a good number of players who have been here for multiple seasons. Players that have made good progress during their time here.

There’s been a lot of talk about Caleb Lohner, Isaac Wilson, and Mike Mitchell. Those are guys that if you haven’t bought stock on by now, it’s a high price to pay. Here are six under-the-radar players, whose development helped themselves and should benefit the team this fall.

LB Trey Reynolds

After returning from his church mission in January, Trey Reynolds has shown good progress in his time back with the program. Reynolds is religious about working out, so he was able to return to the program in good shape and hit the ground running.

Getting back into football shape is more of an arduous process but it sounds like Reynolds is ahead of the curve as well. His football conditioning is where it needs to be, both physically and mentally. A tenacious, physical presence at linebacker, Reynolds is particularly strong and stout against the run. He’s a solid athlete and showed progress in coverage assignments as well.

DE Kaeo Akana

He redshirted in 2022 and worked special teams in eight games last year, Keao Akana enters year three with the Utes. It’s been a long process getting his body where it needs to be to take the field. He joined the program below 200 pounds and now checks in at around 235.

Akana still has the athleticism that made him a promising pass-rushing prospect out of high school. He relentlessly attacks the backfield and that is his strength. With the physical development he’s made, it seems Akana is trending towards contributing this season.

DL Jonah Leaea

Jonah Leaea is another player who has shown a lot of upside as a defensive lineman. He is currently working with the defensive ends at 6-foot-5, 255 pounds. However, his frame is so big that he can probably get to 280-290 pounds fairly comfortably, which may result in a move inside. He’s a converted basketball player and that athleticism is very apparent on the field. He created a really strong buzz last summer, his first in the program. Though the buzz hasn’t remained, his development and potential have grown.

CB Elijah “Scooby” Davis

Another year three guy, Elijah Davis has also seen significant physical development that has helped him to elevate his game. He’s gone from a freshman at 160 pounds, to a redshirt sophomore checking in 182 pounds. That additional mass has allowed him to be more competitive in the coverage, which has propelled him forward in his game overall.

Davis seems to have taken a good step forward and helps solidify the depth at cornerback. Last season, Davis appeared in 12 games on special teams, so he’s familiar with traveling and has been a good presence on those units.

OL Keith Olson

An offensive lineman that has worked his way into the top eight or so, is redshirt sophomore Keith Olson. He is yet another guy entering year three in the program. Unfortunately, inopportune injuries have gotten in the way of Olson making a move sooner in his career.

At 6-foot-6, 310 pounds, Olson has the barrel-chested build that is synonymous with offensive linemen. He’s a force in the run game and coming along as a pass protector. He has moved into the primary backup spot at right guard. Olson’s emergence helps Utah’s depth along the line, which is strong, but there is never enough good depth in the trenches.

WR Luca Caldarella

There’s been a lot of positivity around the receiver room this camp. For good reason, this group seems to have some serious potential. The group will be led by others, such as Dorian Singer and Money Parks but the progress of a guy like Luca Caldarella should not be disregarded either.

He checks in at 6-foot-3, 196 pounds, so he’s got size to go with solid athleticism. He’s flashed strong ball skills in moments over the last couple of weeks. He’s maximized his opportunities by knowing his alignments and assignments, while also being a reliable pass catcher. The ceiling of the group is high and Caldarella’s progress helps solidify the floor.

Utah Football Schedule

Utah will kick off the season against Southern Utah on August 29. You can find Utah football’s conference schedule here.

Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.

Take us with you, wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

  • Utah Utes Scoreboard

  • Utah Utes Team Leaders

  • Utah Utes Standings

BYU Football

Davis Darts football Bode Sparrow...

Brian Preece

Davis Darts Phenom Bode Sparrow Schedules Official Visits With Utah, BYU

A do-it-all athlete for the Davis Darts, three-star prospect Bode Sparrow is scheduled to visit seven potential colleges this fall, including Utah and BYU.

11 hours ago

BYU Football, True Freshman, Starting Quarterbacks...

Mitch Harper

History Of BYU Football True Freshmen Starting At Quarterback

The history of true freshmen quarterbacks to start for BYU football.

1 day ago

Bear Bachmeier, BYU Football, Social Media Reaction...

Mitch Harper

Social Media Reacts To BYU Naming Bear Bachmeier Starting QB

Reactions poured in to BYU naming Bear Bachmeier the starting quarterback.

1 day ago

Mory Bamba #4 of the BYU Cougars...

Brian Preece

Sitake Believes BYU’s Mory Bamba Has ‘All The Tools’ To Be Big-Time Cornerback

BYU Cougars defensive back Mory Bamba enters his redshirt senior season with something to prove.

1 day ago

BYU Football, Bear Bachmeier, Starting QB...

Mitch Harper

BYU Football Names True Freshman Bear Bachmeier Starting QB

BYU turns to a true freshman quarterback to lead the Cougars into the 2025 season.

1 day ago

parker kingston punt return...

Brian Preece

Parker Kingston Is A ‘Big Play Waiting To Happen’ For BYU Football

Parker Kingston has proven himself to be one of the best playmakers in college football with the ball in his hands, and he'll get more opportunities in 2025 with the BYU Cougars.

6 days ago

Sponsored Articles

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 13

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 12

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 11

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 10

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 9

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

salt lake county player of the week...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 8

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

Page was generated in 0.2250669002533