Reader comments
Utah Utes football: Linebacker U. — Team has a squad full of unknown defensive talent
58 comments | Read story
Linebacker WHO?? | 5:20 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
There is a huge typo in this article instead of U of U I think it is USC that is
linebacker U. If it is not a typo then.......ha ha hah ah aha h
Linebacker U?? | 6:59 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Maybe, at leat we know it isn't QB U. Better known as Biggest Bust U for
Alex Smith. Biggest #1 pick in the history of NFL.
Timburriaquito | 7:27 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
I thought Penn State was linebacker U...
Comments continue below
sour grapes, anyone? | 7:34 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
all these zoobs laughing won't be for long.
Re: Sour grapes | 7:57 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
You're right... We're going to be laughing for a REALLY long time.
All I can say is, teams, beginning with Michigan, are going to smash it right up the middle all day long. Frank Summers loves the Ute front 7.
The Ute safeties will be the leading tacklers again, this year, and that's not what you want.
All I can say is, teams, beginning with Michigan, are going to smash it right up the middle all day long. Frank Summers loves the Ute front 7.
The Ute safeties will be the leading tacklers again, this year, and that's not what you want.
What | 7:59 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Miami is LB U, like the story said, who can name their starting LB"s, er,
no one. Same said of TE, OL, DL, who knows and who cares.
Timburriaquito | 8:10 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
You are correct. PENN ST. is "Linebacker U". It shares that title
with TEXAS A&M. It does NOT share that title with USC.
--Ute in Philadelphia
--Ute in Philadelphia
SNEEKEE | 8:36 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Wow, I guess we have some fans in the bubble who are a little nervous, or could
it be a little jealous. I'm excited to see these Lb's fly all over the
field Sat.
andrewute1 | 8:42 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Great article, I am excited to see these linebackers in action. Its funny how
well they compliment each other, you have the fast athletic one in Sly, the
beefy smart one in Wright, and the big-hitter in Fotu, I think they will really
work well togther. If this group can come together and really work well with the
secondary and front four, this could be a special defense.
GO UTES!!
GO UTES!!
First game of season | 8:56 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
I can tell by all of the zoobies posting that the first game of the season is
really keeping their attention. GO NORTHERN IOWA!!
Ted | 9:00 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
The Utes are so loaded at "D" this year!!! They will dominate every
team they paly. They have the potiential to match the 2004 perfect season
AGAIN. Take that zoobies!
Zoobies | 9:07 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Can you even name 3 linebackers in the history of BYU's program?
Didn't think so. I do have to agree that Utah isn't the
"linebacker U" of the nation but it definitely is of the state of
Utah. Hey zoobies, let me remind you of a well known Ute linebacker. Kautai
Olevao. He creamed Ronnie Jenkins in the rivalry game. IF you've forgoten
about that hit just go to you tube and type in Utah Utes the hit.
Dray | 9:31 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
The linebackers are going to be tough this year. Linebacker U is a stretch. BYU
thinks they are Quarterback U, but Miami is actually known as Quarterback U
outside of Provo. The Trolls posting above are nervous about the UTES
linebackers smashing Unga and Hall in the Backfield, and Pitta over the middle.
I would say Collie, but he doesn't dare go over the middle. Can't wait
for Michigan. GO UTES!
CBahr | 9:43 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Please, Penn St. is not Linebacker U. Try Ohio State, we've owned you for
the past few years with AJ Hawk, Bobby Carpenter, and now James Laurinaitis. Go
Utes, beat the Wichigan Wolverines, and Go Bucks, beat the Trojans Sept. 13!
Nice! | 9:44 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
This article just kicked my excitement level up another notch. I'm
redlining with adrenaline for this season to start! I'm so excited to see
football again!
The team sounds great this year! I can't wait to watch 'em.
Go UTES!
The team sounds great this year! I can't wait to watch 'em.
Go UTES!
linebackers on their backsides U | 9:49 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Michigan is going to run over your sweet little linebackers and show them how
this game is played. Of course an out of touch coach like whittingham would say
they're going to do great.
re: zoobies | 10:02 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
i can name three linebackers in the nfl
brady poppinga cameron jensen and kehl. they all happen ed to play for byu and in the last five years
brady poppinga cameron jensen and kehl. they all happen ed to play for byu and in the last five years
Hey Cougs | 10:19 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Next time one of ya'll complains that "Ute fans always come on message
boards because they hate BYU more than they like their own team"...well,
just reference the lead-off comments on this board.
However, in response to naming linebackers from BYU, Rob Morris and Shay Muirbook come to mind. They were legit.
However, in response to naming linebackers from BYU, Rob Morris and Shay Muirbook come to mind. They were legit.
Re: CBahr | 10:21 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Penn State has traditionally been known as Linebacker U with many great
linebackers having come out of that school. There was a dearth of linebacker
talent from Penn State, but they have had some great kids again in recent years
(Posluszny, Connor).
We are Penn State!
Go Utes!!
We are Penn State!
Go Utes!!
Buckeye Ute | 10:27 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Alex Smith has not been that great thus far, but if you remember Steve Young was
considered a bust early in his career. His missed the first six games with the
LA Express. He was 3-16 as a starter for the Bucs and only completed 11 TDS vs
21 INTs with a 55% completion percentage. His first couple of years in San Fran
he was a back-up. It wasn't until late 1987 or 1988 that he even showed
any signs of being an all-pro let alone a hall of famer. Give Alex Smith some
time and the right system and I think he will do great things.
Seld delusional | 10:38 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
With all of the linebackers in the pro's from other schools including BYU,
once you leave the Hill, Utah is a zero.
tommyscout8 | 10:44 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
The one hit I remember was the one Unga laid on the Ute safety last year after
those awesome Ute linebackers got pancaked by the BYU o-line. Live in the now,
Zoobies (Olevao is out of the NFL, remember?).
All we ever hear about is how great the Ute team COULD be. Until they prove on the field that they actually are, quit talking.
And the Utes have no linebackers in the NFL right now, nor have any been drafted for at least two years. BYU has 3 on rosters (Kehl, B. Poppinga, K. Poppinga), with at least two additional having played within the past two years (Morris, Bockwoldt). Utes cannot compare their linebackers with BYU.
All we ever hear about is how great the Ute team COULD be. Until they prove on the field that they actually are, quit talking.
And the Utes have no linebackers in the NFL right now, nor have any been drafted for at least two years. BYU has 3 on rosters (Kehl, B. Poppinga, K. Poppinga), with at least two additional having played within the past two years (Morris, Bockwoldt). Utes cannot compare their linebackers with BYU.
RE: zoobies | 10:48 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Yeah, kind of like how kehl and poppinga stuffed darrel mack like a thanksgiving
turkey last year. He was a do-nothing against our run defense. And your mighty
"linebacker u." held Harvey Unga to a mere 141 rushing yards.
"Linebacker u." give me a break.
Big Daddy | 11:00 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Update on Utah vs Mich score this Sat:
Utah 38
Mich 16
Utah 38
Mich 16
T-Shirt Man | 11:02 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Shouldn't these zoobies be working to come up with a new slogan for after
week 2 vs Washington?
Let's see if I can help you out:
"Quest for a pass deflection?" (reference to BYU's wonderful defensive backfield over the past decade).
"Quest for an election" (edited for content sake. Original post replaces the "l" with two "rr".)
"
Let's see if I can help you out:
"Quest for a pass deflection?" (reference to BYU's wonderful defensive backfield over the past decade).
"Quest for an election" (edited for content sake. Original post replaces the "l" with two "rr".)
"
Ute Fan | 11:07 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Let's face it, neither BYU or Utah should be praised or criticized for
their linebacker play. The MWC may be week in many areas, but LB and D-Line are
usually very strong. Utah, TCU, and BYU consistently send D-Linemen to the NFL
as well.
The area where most mid-majors DESERVE to be criticized is in the defensive backfield. There's little question why the WAC is commonly known to stand for "Where Are Corners?".
That's what makes me so excited to watch Utah's defense play this year. The Utes have 3 legitimate corners that could play for a BCS conference. Brice McCain could arguably start for any team in the nation.
It will be interesting to see if BYU can remain effective on D. Last year the Linebacking crew down south was simply dominating. Kehl and Poppinga hid many of the weaknesses of the secondary by providing great speed in the pass defense with good run support as well. D-Backs could just had to worry about not getting beat deep. With the loss of those two LBs, I think the cougars will take a big step back this season.
Should be a great season to follow.
Go Utes!
The area where most mid-majors DESERVE to be criticized is in the defensive backfield. There's little question why the WAC is commonly known to stand for "Where Are Corners?".
That's what makes me so excited to watch Utah's defense play this year. The Utes have 3 legitimate corners that could play for a BCS conference. Brice McCain could arguably start for any team in the nation.
It will be interesting to see if BYU can remain effective on D. Last year the Linebacking crew down south was simply dominating. Kehl and Poppinga hid many of the weaknesses of the secondary by providing great speed in the pass defense with good run support as well. D-Backs could just had to worry about not getting beat deep. With the loss of those two LBs, I think the cougars will take a big step back this season.
Should be a great season to follow.
Go Utes!
Funny how... | 11:15 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Cewger fans always say that Ute fans should stay off threads on BYU. They say
that BYU fans don't read articles about Utah because they don't care.
What do all these Zoobie posts demonstrate?
Re: Re: Sour grapes | 11:26 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
I'd rather my safeties making tackles than getting beat in coverage every
other play a la BYU vs. Tulsa. Can't you make your mindless comments in
your own team's forum.
Wait...I can hear it now. Forty-year-old man turned four-year old, "I'll stop making comments in your forum when Ute fans stop making comments in ours."
Wait...I can hear it now. Forty-year-old man turned four-year old, "I'll stop making comments in your forum when Ute fans stop making comments in ours."
Kevin | 11:32 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
The Utes are always in high spirits BEFORE a single game has been played. At
least they bring the catchy slogans for that 2 months of Spring hope, Back in
Red.. or back in Crimson.. or back in tinted Burgundy... I mean Ute...No Hawk...
or I am confused. One thing I do know, the Hawks are going to get a BIG
whoopin' smacked down on them at the BIG House. No worries though,
we'll see them come back with false hope before the season begins NEXT
YEAR!
JJ | 11:36 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Who cares who is on a thread. The point is so anyone can give their opinion.
Here is mine.. That pic of Sylvesters hit on Olson is sweet! Nice photo des. news!
Here is mine.. That pic of Sylvesters hit on Olson is sweet! Nice photo des. news!
I hate "u" | 11:42 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Prediction for Saturday: Michigan 56 "u" 9. At the HALF! Go
Wolverines!
JJ | 11:48 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Good post Utefan 11:07, Good luck against Michigan on Saturday! I'll be
splitting time between watching that and USC/Virginia before heading to the BYU
game!
No Man is an Island | 11:53 a.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Saying that Alex Smith is the worst #1 pick is questionable. He hasn't had
a chance to prove himself. The 49ers have a horrible offensive line. He spends
so much time running for his life and injured no one knows what he is capable
of.
Michigan is no better than Louisville was last year, in fact they are probably worse. The Utes will hopefully not have as many injuries to key players this year. You can say a lot of things about the Utes, but they bring it on the road against BCS teams.
Utes 28
Michigan 21
Michigan is no better than Louisville was last year, in fact they are probably worse. The Utes will hopefully not have as many injuries to key players this year. You can say a lot of things about the Utes, but they bring it on the road against BCS teams.
Utes 28
Michigan 21
Trolls | 12:13 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
"The Trolls posting above are nervous about the UTES linebackers smashing
Unga and Hall in the Backfield, and Pitta over the middle."
Linebacker U will be known as backside U after all of the pancakes BYU lays on them in November.
Linebacker U will be known as backside U after all of the pancakes BYU lays on them in November.
QB U | 12:26 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
TDS has done a fine job as QB U. Just look at the NFL careers of TY Detmer and
John Beck. But, let's not forget Steve Young and Jim MacMahon. Well your
2-2.You do remember Jim MacMahon don't you?
True Ute Fan | 12:29 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
I don't think Alex Smith is the worst #1 pick ever. I'm pretty sure
he's only about the 3rd or 4th worst #1 pick ever.
harumi | 12:34 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Time will tell the outcome of the Ute's linebackers. They are humble in
heart and can and will be dangerous on the field. Patience and indurance will
overcome. Go Ute's LINEBACKERS!! You three are great compliments of one
another, keep up the daily gain!
Ute Corners | 12:54 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Ute Corners are awesome. All they have to do is figure out what defensive
scheme works best on 4 and 18. There are a lot of options an offense can go
with in that situation.
Dmack | 1:20 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
BYU didn't shut down Darell Mack last year, Utah simply didn't use him
enough. He only carried the ball 14 times and averaged 4 yards a carry. That
isn't shutting him down. He was effective when they used him.
Cool Pic | 1:53 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
That's a great action shot. If I was Sylvester I'd probably frame
that thing.
Kingdread | 2:04 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Here are few names for BYU linebackers, KURT GOUVEIA, LEON WHITE, ROB MORRIS,
TODD SHELL, and one KYLE WHITTINGHAM. Is that enough for you?
Kingdread | 2:21 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Here some more LINEBACKERS FOR BYU. BRYAN KEHL, COLBY BUCKWOLDT, K.POPPINGA, K.
POPPINGA, ALEMA FITISIMANU, LADD AKEO, ROCKY BEIGEL.
notty dread | 2:48 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
maybe you should learn how to spell you corps names correctly first before you
start playing a zoobathon name game. And only one of those athletes ever made a
All-american team
Steve N. | 2:53 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
I'm a BYU fan but I hope Utah wins big at Michigan. The MWC needs all the
support it can get from the best sports programs (BYU & UTAH) in the
conference.
Go UTES!
Go UTES!
re: Kingdread | 2:55 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Out of all those linebacker's, I've only heard of 3 of them. Are you
making those other's up or did they not play much? I know in cougar town
you might know who these people are because they work at your local burger joint
but we've never heard of them.
Richard | 3:03 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Utah looks tough this year.
I know that the BYU fans have a hard time accepting that Utah can be good, but that just shows their maturity level.
I can admit that BYU has a good shot at the conference, but if I were a BYU fan I would be worried about the depth of Bronco's team. He has been there for 4 years now and has yet to secure a good QB to replace Hall. Make no mistake that if Hall goes down, so does the program, and getting offensive players is very tough to do without promise of a good QB.
All in all I hope the Mnt West does great this year!
I know that the BYU fans have a hard time accepting that Utah can be good, but that just shows their maturity level.
I can admit that BYU has a good shot at the conference, but if I were a BYU fan I would be worried about the depth of Bronco's team. He has been there for 4 years now and has yet to secure a good QB to replace Hall. Make no mistake that if Hall goes down, so does the program, and getting offensive players is very tough to do without promise of a good QB.
All in all I hope the Mnt West does great this year!
BYU American Linebackers | 3:25 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Leon White 1984
Bob Davis 1989
Rob Morris 1999
Bob Davis 1989
Rob Morris 1999
Clueless Utah Fan | 3:39 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Candidate for clueless post of the day.
"...if I were a BYU fan I would be worried about the depth of Bronco's team. He has been there for 4 years now and has yet to secure a good QB to replace Hall."
Hall is only a junior and this is only his second year as a starter.
Christian Stewart, Riley Nelson, Kurt McEuen, Stephen Covey and others are waiting in the wings.
Utah fans predicted the demise of BYU football last year when BYU had to replace Beck, Harline and Brown. Even the media picked another team to win the MWC championship because BYU lost so many of their skill position players to graduation.
The worst mistake Utah fans could make would be to underestimate Bronco's ability to replace quality players with quality players.
"...if I were a BYU fan I would be worried about the depth of Bronco's team. He has been there for 4 years now and has yet to secure a good QB to replace Hall."
Hall is only a junior and this is only his second year as a starter.
Christian Stewart, Riley Nelson, Kurt McEuen, Stephen Covey and others are waiting in the wings.
Utah fans predicted the demise of BYU football last year when BYU had to replace Beck, Harline and Brown. Even the media picked another team to win the MWC championship because BYU lost so many of their skill position players to graduation.
The worst mistake Utah fans could make would be to underestimate Bronco's ability to replace quality players with quality players.
utahcountycougs | 3:43 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Once again, the utes have to pretend they are something they really are not.
Wright went on a mission for less than four months, changed his mind and came
home. Maybe he will see the "light" again and turn from red to
blue!!!
Penn State My Friends | 6:13 p.m. Aug. 28, 2008
Sorry my western college football friends........
Penn State is Linebacker U.
The University of Utah???? Get real......
And I actually thought those writing for the Des news actually knew something about college football.
Looks like the Des News is making something out of nothing.....
Penn State is Linebacker U.
The University of Utah???? Get real......
And I actually thought those writing for the Des news actually knew something about college football.
Looks like the Des News is making something out of nothing.....
Add your comment
Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.
Words Remaining
E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.
Utah linebacker Stevenson Sylvester sacks UCLA's quarterback Ben Olson. Sylvester is part of a tremendous linebacking squad.
Related content
- Prepare kids for a leaner holiday 11:50 a.m.
- Doing right is the right thing to do 11:49 a.m.
- Doc's charges not linked to Tiger 11:41 a.m.
- Bryce visitor center closed for holiday 11:41 a.m.
- Obama scrambles at summit 11:37 a.m.
- Interiors: Tablescaping for holidays 11:20 a.m.
- Blog: Seen and reviewed (Dec. 18) 11:02 a.m.
- Police: 2 stabbed in hardware store 11:01 a.m.
- Blog: 2009 Utah Film Critics... 10:43 a.m.
- 5 ways to save on gift wrap 10:36 a.m.
- Susan Powell's family saddened
- 4 people found slain in W. Jordan
- It's official; Heaps signs with BYU
- Here are Max Hall's Top 10 wins
- 'Avatar' a visual feast, but plot fails
- Frances Monson recovering well
- Police: Murder/suicide premeditated
- Oregon State helped refine Bronco
- Football forecast as predicted
- Cleopatra relic lifted from sea
- Here are Max Hall's Top 10 wins
169 - It's official; Heaps signs with BYU164
- Conan mocks Orrin Hatch, Mormons152
- Letters: 'Liberal conceit'138
- Susan Powell's family saddened137
- Jazz stunned by Timberwolves114
- TV mom gives birth to 19th child114
- Susan Powell notebook seized114
- Josh Powell meets with WVC police109
- Letters: Explaining Palin102
Here are a few quick-hits from BYU's 77-61 victory over Wagner in the...
The crowd was so sparse, the building so empty, fans sitting on one side...
Latest comments
"...BYU had better never retaliate, because they have the honor code."...
This is another trial by Media . No body no case The same happend in the...
CJ played 9 minutes last game...HMMMMMM.... I wonder why??? could it be that...
Some great and intelligent comments and some - WOW! Omit the obvious "Memo's...
If the MWC doesn't get out of this STUPID contract with the MNT, I'am staying...
"You can push and push and push all you want, and you never expect BYU fans...
Who is this Max guy? I've already forgotten him. Was he that Hatter-QB...
Long Beach is a legitimate team. They beat UCLA. I hope my Aggies can pull...
"As I didn't seen any of this behavior", - This is from a teacher? Our...
I've never cried so hard as I did when I heard Miley Cyrus sing for the first...
Advertisements