Best Launches Of Utah Utes Heroes Into The National Scene

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The University of Utah have had many heroes that have launched into the national scene and have impacted the entire country with the way they perform on and off the court or field.

In honor of the SpaceX launch on Wednesday, the KSL Sports team is highlighting the best launches from Utah Utes heroes into the national scene.

Here is some of the best examples.

Alex Smith

After a solid sophomore campaign in 2003 where he threw for 2,247 yards, 15 touchdowns and 3 interceptions, former Utah quarterback Alex Smith arrived in a big way in 2004. In Utah’s undefeated season, Smith threw for 2,952 yards, 32 touchdowns and 4 interceptions along with 631 rushing yards and 10 scores. He was named a Heisman Finalist and led the Utes to becoming the first non-BCS school to win a BCS Bowl game when they dominated Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl.

That season launched Smith head-first into the NFL where he was the number one overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in the 2005 NFL Draft. Smith has now played 13 seasons in the NFL with three different teams and is a three-time Pro Bowler. The former Ute is attempting a huge comeback after suffering a gruesome injury in 2018.

After ESPN released their E:60 documentary on Smith called “Project 11,” the respect from fans and media only grew larger, making him an even bigger hero.

15 years ago, Alex Smith was the #1 overall NFL draft pick. Now, he is trying to do the impossible. E60 brings you inside the life and near death story. pic.twitter.com/JhZsl1V2jC

— E60 (@E60) April 22, 2020

Eric Weddle

In four seasons with the Utes, Eric Weddle quickly became a fan favorite and a Utah Utes hero for the way he played on the football field. Weddle had a decorated college career, winning Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year twice as well as two-time first team all-conference and a consensus All-American in 2006.

Weddle launched onto the NFL scene after being a second round draft pick to the San Diego Chargers in the 2007 NFL Draft. The former Utah defensive back recently retired after 13-seasons in the league with three teams. Weddle finished his legendary career as a six-time Pro Bowler, two-time first team All-Pro, three-time second team All-Pro, the 2011 interceptions leader and was named a member of the NFL’s all-decade team.

Many will remember Weddle after games when they would win that he would enjoy a big bowl of ice cream.

It's been REAL @NFL @Chargers @Ravens @RamsNFL! TEAMMATES, COACHES and others I LOVE y'all. We had a GREAT RUN!!!!! ✌✌#BEARDOUT 🎤 pic.twitter.com/C3VGwnMCc7

— Eric Weddle (@weddlesbeard) February 6, 2020

Andre Miller

From 1997-99, Andre Miller separated himself from a basketball player to a legend. He helped the Runnin’ Utes to two deep runs in the NCAA Tournament, including a trip to the National Championship game.

Miller finished his legendary college career as a consensus first team All-American, two-time first team All-WAC and the WAC Player of the Year. He launched into the NBA as the eighth overall pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1999 NBA Draft.

The former Utah guard played 17 seasons in the NBA with nine teams. He gained the respect of his teammates and opponents at every stop with the way he played the game. Miller was a great floor general and defender.

Urban Meyer

When Urban Meyer became the head coach of the Utes in 2003, he came to Salt Lake City off of his first college football head coaching job at Bowling Green. He took the Utes from a 5-6 record in 2002 to 10-2 in 2003. That raised the eye brows of Utah fans but that was only the beginning of the Utes’ rise.

In the second and final year under Meyer, the Utes had a historic undefeated season. That was when Meyer launched on the national scene as one of the top college football coaches to watch. That led to Meyer leaving Utah to go to Florida for five years and Ohio State for six years. Meyer ended his career with 3 National Championships. He has also won 3 Big Ten Championships, 2 SEC titles and 2 Mountain West Championships.

🎥 Reviewed the 2005 Fiesta Bowl

• Utah: 1st ever BCS buster (35-7 W)
• HC: Urban Meyer
• DC: Kyle Whittingham
• OC: Dan Mullen
• QB: Alex Smith
• DB: Morgan Scalley
• Gary Danielson: "Meyer's offense won't work in the SEC — too much speed there!" https://t.co/I6Bm13iEu2 pic.twitter.com/d5pzO4v3Z9

— Pick Six Previews (@PickSixPreviews) March 17, 2020

Kyle Whittingham

Coach Whittingham has gone through a roller coaster ride through his tenure as the head coach of the Utes. After taking over for Urban Meyer, Whittingham ended Utah’s time in the Mountain West with another historic BCS-busting season. In 2008, they went undefeated and knocked off Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.

That season solidified Utah’s move to a power-five conference in the Pac-12. Transitioning from a group of five conference to a power-five is difficult for any coach. But, Whittingham took the small victories along with the lumps and has turned Utah into a Pac-12 contender.

As one of the longest-tenured coaches in all of FBS, Whittingham has established Utah as a hard-working and physical program. That’s something the entire country has taken notice of. Whittingham has launched Utah further into conversation of a competitive football program and a staff that will help student-athletes achieve their dreams of playing in the NFL.

7 guys drafted and a bunch of signed free agents. This class was something special and I can’t wait to see what they do at the next level. #goutes pic.twitter.com/hnVcwyLiYh

— Kyle Whittingham (@UtahCoachWhitt) April 26, 2020

Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports. You can download and listen to the podcast, here.