Utah Utes football: Underclassmen may test NFL waters

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham isn't surprised that sophomore defensive end Paul Kruger, junior cornerback Sean Smith and junior offensive tackle Zane Beadles have each submitted the necessary paperwork to the NFL's draft advisory board to receive evaluations.

"Our underclassmen are so talented," Whittingham said. "I would expect this to be a yearly event."

It's a situation that doesn't worry the coach.

"We always want what's best for the players and what's in their best interest in the entire equation. You cannot undervalue the academic aspect. Getting that degree is a big, big part of the equation," Whittingham said. "So we'll make good decisions. All three of them will make good decisions and educated decisions.

"Of course, we'd love to have them back on our football team. We've got to weigh all the factors and then make a decision based on what's best for the individual player," he said.

The NFL evaluations, which give players an idea of where they might be drafted if the decision is made to come out of college early, provide valuable feedback.

Kruger said he's been talking to Whittingham a lot and filed his papers to see where he was at and what to improve on.

"It's all about just getting better and they can give you a real good idea of where you stand," said Kruger, who couldn't pinpoint a scenario that would lead to an early departure to the NFL.

"I don't really know what to say about it. But it would have to be something pretty significant and pretty attractive," he said. "So right now, I'm all about beating Alabama, getting to that Sugar Bowl. But there has been thought about it."

Kruger emphasized that he's been real open and honest with Whittingham about the situation. They've had good conversations.

The first-team, all-conference honoree said his mindset is geared toward returning to the Utes.

"I think we'll have a great team," Kruger said. "I'm 100 percent ready to come back next year."

And what about Smith and Beadles?

"I think they've got the same mindset. They want to come back," Kruger said. "They just want to get some feedback, see where they're at and just consider the option.

SPECIAL TRIBUTE: Approximately 75 members of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin's family watched the end of practice Saturday and were on hand when the helmet decal bearing the late apostle's initials "JBW" was unveiled. The Utes will wear the sticker during their upcoming Sugar Bowl game against Alabama. Wirthlin, a former Utah football star, passed away on Dec. 1 at the age of 91.