Utes football: Star Lotulelei putting NFL on hold

"The most important part is he's a great teammate to our guys and a good young man," Sitake noted. "It's good for our young guys to see a guy like that stay in the program."

The decision to do so, he added, was all up to Lotulelei. Sitake said everyone is obviously happy about it.

Kauha'aha'a is appreciative of Lotulelei's work ethic and leadership by example.

"He's just a hard-working kid. He doesn't take anything for granted," said Kauha'aha'a, who pointed out that Lotulelei competes everyday like someone is trying to take his job. "He doesn't take any days off."

Lotulelei, he continued, is a natural athlete who takes advantage of his athletic ability by working extra hard.

Getting him back for another season is exciting for those he works with on a defense that ranks among the best in the Pac-12.

"It's a big deal for us. I love playing with Star. We've got pretty good chemistry I would say," said junior tackle Dave Kruger. "Star's the anchor of our d-line and it's going to be exciting next year."

Email: dirk@desnews.com

Twitter: @DirkFacer

HYUNDAI SUN BOWL

Utah (7-5) vs. Georgia Tech (8-4)

El Paso, Texas

Dec. 31, noon (MT)

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