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WHAT IT MEANS: Pouha is a Ute

Viliami Pouha
Viliami Pouha


The Pouha legacy is alive and well at the University of Utah, as Bingham HS three-star defensive end, Viliami Pouha, has committed to the Utes. The son of Ute legend and current defensive tackles coach, Sione Pouha, Viliami’s commitment seemed to be a foregone conclusion and he made it official on Monday night. He chose the Utes over an offer from Washington State and his offer list would have surely been larger, had his dad not been coaching at the Pac-12 heavyweight.



What Utah is getting

Pouha is an intriguing prospect as he checks in at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds and flashes a solid level of athleticism on that outside defensive edge rush position. Pouha’s endless motor to make a play on the football, fits in perfectly with the program’s history at defensive end. He also does a great job of using violent hands at the point of attack against opposing lineman. Pouha shows an explosive “get off” out of his stance to really pursue the backfield quicker than his opposing lineman can block him. He’s definitely a guy that makes his presence known to the opposition.

What would really improve Pouha’s game at the defensive end position is to be able to stay low out of his “get off”. At times Pouha can be seen popping up a bit out of his “get off” which can surely pass at the high school level, but in the Pac-12 that part of his game will need to be improved—something that definitely will improve in Utah’s system.

With some time in a Pac-12 weight room and the guidance of his father to help coach him, you can expect to see Pouha making a difference in Salt Lake City sooner than later. This is ultimately a great pick up for the staff as they are able to keep Pouha home over Wazzu.

One additional thing to note, don’t be surprised to see him put on enough weight and ultimately end up at the defensive tackle position.


What this means for the class

The defensive end position isn’t a huge need for the Utes in 2021, after signing two Rivals 250 ends in 2020, Van Fillinger and Xavier Carlton. Pouha will most likely go on an LDS mission before enrolling at Utah. From this point on, don’t expect Utah to sign another defensive end in 2021, unless it’s a “can’t miss” prospect or unless the hyped 2020 doesn’t develop fast, like anticipated.


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