From Deseret News archives:
Utah's Mr. Everything: U.'s Weddle is one of nation's top defenders
Current Ute head coach Kyle Whittingham couldn't understand why, yet was thrilled to recruit Weddle to Utah, where Urban Meyer was taking over the program. When the recruits were announced in February of 2003, the ones getting the most attention were Mike Liti, Kyle Brady, Joe Johnson, Tony Castaldi, Joe Jiannoni and receiver Thomas Huff, whom Meyer called the "frosting" on the recruiting class.
Weddle? Practically an afterthought. He was a 5-11, 185-pounder without a real position after playing receiver, running back, quarterback and safety in high school. He was expected to redshirt his first season.
Just look where Weddle is now.
Weddle became a starter in the Ute secondary by his fourth game as a true freshman and was named to two freshman all-America teams. The next year he was a second-team all-Mountain West Conference choice and last year earned MWC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
This year he very well could be on his way to first-team all-America status. He's currently second in the nation in interceptions with five, an average of one per game.
For his outstanding play in September, Weddle is the Deseret Morning News Athlete of the Month.
Weddle hopes October will be just as productive for him and his team, beginning tonight when the Utes take on TCU in a big MWC game at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
However, the Horned Frogs may opt to stay away from Weddle as much as possible just like Utah's first three opponents did when Weddle hardly saw a ball thrown in his direction.
Weddle is back at the cornerback spot after playing safety most of the last two years and the first two games this year. But after an injury to starting cornerback Shaun Harper, Ute coaches decided to switch Weddle back to corner, where he has thrived.
"From the first game he played here, he's been a fixture in the secondary," said Whittingham. "Every year we try to get him freed up to play safety, but every year he seems to gravitate back to corner. He's just too valuable of a commodity."
Comments
- Sports briefs 10:55 p.m.
- Tavernari has matured 10:54 p.m.
- Williams plays despite back and calf... 10:45 p.m.
- Wade honored to join 'Air Jordan' 10:25 p.m.
- PTSD lingers for war veterans 10:25 p.m.
- Veterans event on chopping block? 10:24 p.m.
- Pride Center lauds service from gays 10:20 p.m.
- Historic Armistice Day in Paris 10:19 p.m.
- Obama honors veterans at Arlington 10:17 p.m.
- Hezbollah says Obama shows bias 10:17 p.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
- Utah Jazz have a problem at point
- 'Love story' of crash victim ends
- BYU football recruit turning heads
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- Prep football: Felt's Facts Week
- 12 Utes return to Texas
- Cougars' defensive hoops clinic
- Wyoming writer amazed by BYU
- Gays get Mormon support in SLC
- House passes health care bill
285 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies
241 - TCU showdown has big implications
193 - Senators want food tax restored
157 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
109 - No 'backlash' for pioneers, gays analogy
108 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
100
Utah State hoops coach Stew Morrill took a few minutes to talk about Weber
Think of the bright side ya'll ! If we play okay, then the Miller family...
Your stats are better than San Juans..I think I would rather have the win in...
I wish the fans would cut Bronco some slack. He's a great coach, and I'm glad...
between the private and public sectors. They are set up differently, and...
Federal and State governments own 45% of California. The feds and state need...
Dr. Hill: You are a veterinarian? Yikes. Do you think drilling holes into...
It's about time! Can't wait for the construction to start next summer! What a...
“Lone Peak | 7:07 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009 Its no secret people..... Why...
"Nobody down there speaks Latin. They speak Spanish and Portuguese." ...
Just another cog in the the latest top ranked BYU recruiting class. You'd...


You can be the first to comment on this story.