UTAH UTES

Utah Coaches Hype Former Utes Heading Into NFL Draft With Highlight Video

Apr 20, 2020, 11:58 AM | Updated: 12:38 pm

Utah Utes linebacker Francis Bernard (13) celebrates a stop against the Idaho State Bengals during ...

Utah Utes linebacker Francis Bernard (13) celebrates a stop against the Idaho State Bengals during NCAA football in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019. (Ravell Call, Deseret News)

(Ravell Call, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah coaching staff has put out some great video breakdowns and highlights of their former players that are heading to the NFL Draft.

The coaching staff has released videos on every player that is eligible to be taken in the upcoming NFL Draft which will take place from April 23-25.

Here are some great quotes and videos that the coaching staff have posted on Twitter about each Utah player going into the draft.

At the time of this story, Utah running backs coach Kiel McDonald did the video for Zack Moss, offensive line coach Jim Harding did a breakdown on Darrin Paulo, tight ends coach Fred Whittingham did a video on Hunter Thedford, offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Andy Ludwig did a video on Tyler Huntley while defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley did videos for all of the defensive players.

Zack Moss

“Five-tool running back, three-down workhorse. He can go from power to speed in an instant,” McDonald said.

Tyler Huntley

“His skillset includes the ability to pass with a high degree of accuracy, timing and touch. Great understanding of the offensive system, the receivers in the system and having great sense of anticipation,” Ludwig said.

Darrin Paulo

“Despite him being as big as he is, Darrin has really good athleticism. He has been very durable throughout his career at Utah,” Harding stated.

Hunter Thedford

“Hunter treats his run blocking with conviction. He is going to end up with pancakes, flat-backing the defender,” Whittingham said.

Jaylon Johnson

“Does he check all of the boxes? Can he play the fade? Can he get a hand on early? Can he look, lean and locate the ball to make a pick? Check. Can he move positions on the field to the inside seam? Check. Does he make coach Shah happy? Check,” Scalley said.

Bradlee Anae

“Elite defensive ends are able to stop both elements of the zone read. There were not a lot of tight ends that wanted to block this guy. He is not just a one-trick pony, he has many tools,” Scalley stated.

Leki Fotu

“Leki is 6’5, 330-pounds that has an 80-inch wing span with big paws that will tear your face off,” Scalley said.

John Penisini

“All this kid does is eat double teams for breakfast and come out smiling,” Scalley said.

Francis Bernard

“Any team in this NFL Draft that takes Francis Bernard is going to be happy with their decision. What you want out of your linebackers in contact courage, the willingness to get down and dirty with offensive linemen,” Scalley said.

Terrell Burgess

“This guy can play multiple positions. He can be a strong safety, can play down in the box, play gap assignment football and make plays in the backfield,” Scalley stated.

Julian Blackmon

What makes this kid elite is his tackling ability. What you want to see from a free safety is a guy that does not take any wasted movement. He takes great angles to the football and he erases mistakes made on the front line,” Scalley mentioned.

Javelin Guidry

“Javs 4.29 speed shows up time and time again. That’s the type of speed that NFL coaches and GM’s drool over,” Scalley said.

Josh Nurse

“If I am an NFL defensive back coach or an NFL GM, I am paying attention to this guy. You don’t find 6’3, 200-pound guys that can move the way he moves,” Scalley said.

Tareke Lewis

“When teams would focus on Jaylon Johnson and throwing away from him, teams would go after that opposite corner and Tareke Lewis was up for the challenge,” said Scalley.

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.

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Utah Coaches Hype Former Utes Heading Into NFL Draft With Highlight Video