Utah Utes football: Weddle gets a charge watching Ute game

ALBUQUERQUE — Utah had a little extra help on the sideline Saturday at University Stadium. Ex-Ute Eric Weddle of the San Diego Chargers opted to spend part of his NFL bye weekend with his former teammates.

"I think this team is special. They've just got to keep it up and not get ahead of themselves," said Weddle, who has kept in touch with several of the Utes and coaches since moving on to the NFL two years ago. "Like Coach Whit says, just play for each other and give it all every play."

Weddle, who was a key contributor on Utah's undefeated BCS- busting season of 2004, is well aware this year's team if following a similar path.

"It's crazy. I've been following them every game. They are right their with it," Weddle said. "They've just got to take it one game at a time, follow Coach Whit's leadership and they'll be fine."

Everything can go down the drain, he added, if they look past anyone.

Weddle noted that the Utes haven't done so all season long and he sees no reason why that would change — especially after hanging out at the team hotel with the guys before heading over to the stadium with them.

"It's a loose group. They're focused but not tight. They know that when they come to play they're a good football team," Weddle said. "But they also don't underestimate their opponent. They respect their opponent and know that they have to play great each week to win."

Weddle isn't an outside observer. He frequently exchanges text messages with Brian Johnson and many players on defense.

Making the trip to Albuquerque wasn't a total surprise. Weddle spent time with his former college team during last year's Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego as well.

"I let them know I'm still here for them, supporting them and I always will be," Weddle said.

As for his pro career, things could be better. The Chargers are off to an unexpectedly slow start.

"It's been frustrating. I've been playing a lot, starting and stuff, but it still stinks because we are 3-5 right now and not playing well," Weddle said. "But there's still a lot of season left."

It's not out of the realm of possibility, he noted, to reach the playoffs with five losses.

Despite the challenges, Weddle remains positive.

"I'm always having fun playing football," he said.