Utah’s Tight End Duo Brings Full Skillset, Experience To Utes Offense

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utes have a great dynamic duo at tight end that is the total package for Utah’s offense.

Brant Kuithe and Cole Fotheringham are among the top tight end groups in the Pac-12. They will have a major impact on Utah’s offense this season.

The Crimson Corner is previewing each position group leading up to the 2020 college football season. We continue with the tight ends.

Returning Experience

Brant Kuithe had a breakout season as a sophomore in 2019. The second team All-Pac-12 selection played in all 14 games while leading the team with 34 receptions, 602 yards and 6 touchdowns. His versatility and athletic ability was used in the run-game as well with six carries for 102 yards and three scores.

Cole Fotheringham started all 14 games last season. He hauled in 16 catches for 156 yards and one touchdown. Fotheringham is a tremendous blocker for a tight end and can also run great routes that is paired with his great hands. Look for him to have more of an impact offensively under Andy Ludwig’s system.

Ali’i Niumatalolo has been a versatile player for Utah. He played linebacker as a freshman in 2017 before moving over to fullback as a sophomore in 2018 and moved over to tight end in 2019. Niumatalolo was a walk-on last season before being awarded a scholarship during the season. He is the son of Navy head football coach Ken Niumatalolo. Ali’i played in 11 games last year, including six on offense.

"Brant Kuithe is one of the best tight ends in the country then you go to Britain Covey at wide receiver, they are very dangerous there. I think Utah is going to be a potent offense this year despite losing Moss and Huntley." – @philsteele042 #GoUtes https://t.co/7SGNTcRNEi

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) July 22, 2020

Thomas Yassmin joined the Utes in 2018 from Sydney, Australia. He played rugby before joining Utah as a tight end. Yassmin used his redshirt in 2018 while seeing action in 11 games last season, including four games on offense.

Soa Rosales is a walk-on that joined the team during the spring in 2019. He used his redshirt in 2019 after playing high school football at Provo.

Newcomers

Connor O’Toole will look to carry the strong tight end tradition at Utah after Kuithe and Fotheringham. O’Toole is a three-star recruit that is ranked No. 17 in the nation among tight ends and the No. 1 prospect in the state of New Mexico.

Had a great conversation with @philsteele042 about Utah's QB battle, RB spot, new talent on defense and how they stack up against the Pac-12.#GoUtes @kslsports https://t.co/u12leeKMuW

— Trevor Allen (@TrevorASports) July 22, 2020

Joe Ludwig transferred to Utah from Iowa. He is the son of Utah offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig. Joe spent three seasons with the Hawkeyes.

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.