Utes' Kemoeatu changes attitude

HENDERSON, Nev. — Chris Kemoeatu isn't much of a talker. The 6-foot-4, 338-pound offensive lineman is more of a physical communicator. Last season, a pair of kicking incidents led to suspensions and anger management counseling.

The senior doesn't give pregame speeches and admits he's not a "rah, rah" kind of guy."

That, in part, explains Utah coach Urban Meyer, is why he chose the soft-spoken Kemoeatu to join the well-versed Morgan Scalley as the Utes' player representatives at today's Mountain West Conference Media Day at the Lake Las Vegas Resort.

"Chris has trained better than he ever has and his mind is right, better than it ever has been. He's grown up, and part of this growing up process is bringing him here to media day," said Meyer. "I very well could have brought Alex Smith or someone else, but Alex doesn't need this.

"Chris needs to understand that it's time. No longer are you a 7-year-old that can push a guy or punch a guy. It's time to become a great player," continued Meyer. "If he figures it out he can be one of the most dominant linemen in Utah football history."

Kemoeatu is determined to put the past behind him. He's learning to control his emotions and hopes to avoid any more problems in the future.

"I had some issues," he admits. "Hopefully I've learned from it and will not do it again."

Kemoeatu said an incident against San Diego State came in the heat of battle and was unintentional. It led to a first-half suspension against UNLV the next week. Six plays into his reinstatement in the third quarter, Kemoeatu kicked UNLV's Howie Fuimaono, who wasn't wearing his helmet, in the face.

"I was just too pumped up," Kemoeatu said while expressing regret for his inappropriate behavior. "I kind of overreacted."

Meyer suspended Kemoeatu for the New Mexico game and demanded more maturity.

Now comes leadership.

As the most experienced player on Utah's offensive line, Kemoeatu has plenty of responsibility on his plate.

"I've got to help the younger guys that play next to me," he said. "I've got to make sure to set the pace and set the tone."

Meyer said it's imperative that Kemoeatu take football more seriously. His college career has been has yet to match expectations.