College all-star game rosters will feature several Ute players

Several Utah seniors still have a college football game or two left to play.

Safety Morgan Scalley and offensive guard Chris Kemoeatu headline a cast of Utes headed to postseason all-star games. Both Scalley and Kemoeatu are scheduled to participate in the East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 15 and the Hula Bowl on Jan. 22.

"It kind of makes life hectic with school starting up next week. I'll have to go talk to my professors and tell them I won't be there for the first couple of weeks. Hopefully, they'll be understanding," said Scalley, a graduate student who'll join Kemoeatu for the games in Maui and San Francisco. "I'm just trying to get as much exposure as possible and hopefully prove to some scouts that I can play."

Scalley, the Mountain West Conference's co-Defensive Player of the Year, plans to retain an agent by the end of the week as he pursues an NFL career. Scalley is hoping his extensive involvement on Utah's special teams units enhances his pro opportunities.

"I want it bad. I think just because I'm such a competitive individual I want to prove I can play at the next level," he said. "If I didn't go after it I think it would burn inside me for a while."

Scalley and Kemoeatu will be joined in the Hula Bowl by teammates Marty Johnson and Sione Pouha. Paris Warren, the Fiesta Bowl co-Offensive Player of the Game, is slated to play in the Gridiron Classic in Orlando. Jonathan Fanene and Tommy Hackenbruck have been invited to play in Las Vegas.

"I've said this probably 50 times, this is hands down the best senior class that Utah has ever had," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "There's unbelievable talent and leadership in this crew."

THE NEW ERA: Whittingham returned from a recruiting trip to Texas Monday morning. All is well for Utah's new regime.

"It's been very smooth so far," said Whittingham. "No complaints at his point."

Though Urban Meyer served as head coach for the Fiesta Bowl, Whittingham began directing Utah's recruiting efforts when he was named to the top post on Dec. 8.

The Utes' 35-7 win over Pittsburgh in the Bowl Championship Series has, as expected, provided a boost.

"It's been very positive," said Whittingham. "Recruiting is still recruiting. It's still a battle. There's still a hierarchy as far as status of your league and so forth, but it certainly has been great exposure and great publicity for for us."