Jacobsen finally sees chance to contribute

Chad Jacobsen didn't just climb Utah's depth chart. He willed his way to the top.

The Utah senior, whose collegiate career had been slowed by a fractured knee cap two years ago, is now listed as the Utes' No. 1 tight end — a position expected to see more action this fall after two years of dormancy.

"It's been a long journey. I've been waiting for this time after getting injured and everything," Jacobsen said. "I've been working hard trying to get back. I'm just trying to take advantage of the opportunity of having the tight end back in the offense again."

Jacobsen has moved ahead of fellow senior Willie Sao on the depth chart as the final week of camp approaches. The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder, who still has a screw holding his kneecap together, said it's a dream come true.

"He's a fifth-year senior. He's paid his dues in this program, and we're hoping that this is the year he stays healthy," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "And we're planning, right now, on him being a contributing part of our offense."

Before and after the injury, Jacobsen saw a lot of duty on scout teams. He lettered last season, but didn't play much because of a cartilage problem and the simple fact that Urban Meyer's offense didn't utilize tight ends very often. New head coach Kyle Whittingham and offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig have a different plan and proved it by including two tight ends (Chris Joppru, Lance Bordeleau) in their first recruiting class.

"Last year you were hoping to maybe get two or three plays in a game," Jacobsen said. "Now, if we keep working hard and are able to prove ourselves, we'll have a lot of opportunities to be on the field and help our team win."

Jacobsen and Utah's other tight ends spent the offseason improving their footwork and getting better. In camp, they've even been included in some deep routes.

"I'm looking forward to it. I feel like it's going to be a good situation. I'm glad the tight end is back in the offense," Jacobsen said. "We just need to work hard every day and improve ourselves so we can be on the field."

Getting there, however, hasn't been easy. Jacobsen admits there were tough times along the way. Recovering from a serious injury isn't easy.

"You feel like it's a difficult situation, and you wonder if you're ever going to get healthy," Jacobsen said. "But you just fight through it. I feel like it's made me tougher mentally to be able to overcome a lot of things."