Utah Utes Depth at Tight End Dwindling after Loss of Fakailoatonga

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The Utes are one of the best teams in college football, off to a 6-0 start and a No. 3 AP poll ranking with marquee wins over Michigan (24-17), No. 13 Oregon (62-20), and No. 23 Cal (30-24). Utah’s offense is a heavy mix quarterback Travis Wilson and running back Devontae Booker but options in the passing game and run blocking schemes are starting to dwindle with continued losses at tight end. The latest injury setback for the Utes happened over the weekend losing junior Siale Fakailoatonga (6’4”, 254) for the season.

Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham announced Fakailoatonga’s injury on Monday but did not give specifics to the injury or his timeline for a return only stating that his starting tight end would be out for the season.

Fakailoatonga took over the starting tight end position after senior Evan Moeai was injured in the season opener against Michigan. Fakailoatonga was fourth on the team in receiving yards with 120 off 12 receptions before his injury.

The Utes 9-4 season in 2014 was complicated with continued injuries in the wide receiving corps when Dres Anderson and Tim Patrick were injured.

Utah is coming off a 34-18 win against Arizona State and travel to Los Angeles in Week 8 for a Saturday night showdown against USC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

Photo credit: rantsports.com; No. 87 Siale Fakailoatonga.