Defensive end Paul Kruger is already providing quite an encore to his first campaign with the Utes. After earning Freshman All-America honors in 2007, Kruger is Utah's leading tackler two games into the season. He's made 14 stops, including four behind the line of scrimmage, in victories against Michigan and UNLV.

Fellow sophomore Nai Fotu is also performing well. The Utes' starting stud linebacker has 11 tackles, 3.5 for loss and a sack.

"They're both very talented kids. They're both very smart kids and two of the staples of our defense. No question," defensive coordinator Gary Andersen said. "Both still have a lot to learn, and I think their best days are ahead of them.

But they're functioning at a pretty high level right now."

Another youngster to watch, he added, is redshirt freshman Derrick Shelby. Kruger's primary backup at right end will likely help out at the injury-depleted tackle position. Shelby got 17 reps last week and has a bright future.

Freshmen and sophomores have also made an impact on offense. Sophomore linemen Caleb Schlauderaff and Zane Taylor have started both games, while freshman Tony Bergstrom filled in for injured left tackle Zane Beadles against UNLV.

Schlauderaff, a left guard, leads Utah with seven pancake blocks; Taylor, the center, tops the team with nine knockdowns; and Bergstrom played 55 snaps last Saturday.

At the skill positions, two sophomores — quarterback Corbin Louks and wide receiver Jereme Brooks — have already scored touchdowns in 2008.

Louks injured his shoulder on his one and only play this season. He fell on it while crossing the goal line on an 8-yard touchdown run in the 25-23 win over Michigan.

Brooks had a 55-yard reception in that game and followed it with a 32-yard touchdown catch from running back Matt Asiata in the UNLV game.

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