The UteNation countdown to kickoff continues today with 94 days until the season opener against the Florida Gators and we discuss no. 94, Tevita Fotu. The redshirt sophomore has not seen any game action for the Utes yet. In 2022, Fotu was in a battle for backup reps at defensive tackle, but he took time away from the team just before Utah left to open the season at Florida.

That time away did Tevita good, as he seems to be recommitted. He met with Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham towards the end of the 2022 season and rejoined the team.

Similar to his older brother, former Ute Leki Fotu, Tevita is a tall, athletic and imposing tackle at 6-foot-5. While he has yet to play a down, his talent isn’t questioned. Now it’s time to put it all together and become what so many believe he can be: a dominant disruptor up the middle.

UteNation Take

Defensive tackles coach Luther Elliss was high on Fotu’s spring performance, and now it’s just about being consistent. When Fotu is locked in, he’s a difficult assignment for an offensive lineman. Now, those plays need to be more frequent than just flashes during practices.

Utah has established commodities in Junior Tafuna, Simote Pepa, and Aliki Vimahi. However, the position is typically much deeper. Despite the unexpected losses among the group last year, there’s little doubt that the defensive tackles will once again be a team strength. If Fotu can show he’s ready to add quality depth, defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley will find ways to get him on the field.

Remembering Fotu’s Recruitment

A former Utah pledge in their 2018 class, his destination was never really in question. However, the 4-star recruit had to go the JuCo route in 2019 before serving an LDS mission. Colleges typically stash guys that need to improve their academics at JuCo programs they trust, which is exactly what happened with Fotu.