Utah linebacker Sione Fotu (12) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Tucson, Ariz. | Rick Scuteri
Utah was dealt a blow this week, as coach Kyle Whittingham said that senior linebacker Levani Damuni suffered a lower leg injury that will impact his fall.
Damuni is expected to be on the sidelines for the vast majority, if not all, of the 2024 season — a loss Utah will certainly feel.
“Losing Levani is a horrible thing for us. Levani is a great leader and a great linebacker,” senior linebacker Josh Calvert said.
In his first season at Utah last year, the Sanford transfer played a huge role, especially after Lander Barton was lost for the season in October. Damuni was Utah’s leading tackler last year, totaling 87, and added 2.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks. He was especially effective against the run and played a big part in Utah’s fourth-ranked rushing defense, which allowed just 82.8 yards per game.
Even with the loss of Damuni, with starters Barton and Karene Reid back, Utah is still well-positioned at linebacker.
“They’re two great players, great leaders, great guys,” Calvert said.
Both were among Utah’s highest-rated defensive players, per Pro Football Focus, with Barton especially standing out in the seven games he played. The sophomore was all over the field making plays — punching the ball loose, delivering big hits, breaking up passes and even extending Utah’s pick-six streak to 20 consecutive seasons. He contributed 34 tackles, two interceptions (including a pick-six), two pass breakups and a forced fumble in just seven games.
In Reid, the Utes have a steady veteran who had 67 tackles, an interception and four pass breakups (third-most on the team).
Those two returning starters form what will likely be Utah’s best position group…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/step-utes-wake-levani-damuni-230820075.html
Author : Deseret News
Publish date : 2024-04-05 23:08:20
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