Utah’s Other All-American Offensive Tackle, Freshman Caleb Lomu
Dec 31, 2024, 11:48 AM | Updated: 11:59 am
Utah football's freshman left tackle Caleb Lomu. Photo by Joel Davidson
SALT LAKE CITY — It was a season that didn’t meet expectations for Utah. Despite the overall disappointment and a hectic month of December, there were still bright spots that deserve recognition.
Chief among them are Utah’s bookend tackles, especially redshirt freshman left tackle, Caleb Lomu.
Spencer Fano was elite in year two for Utah. His move to right tackle not only benefitted him but gave way for Lomu to step in at left tackle. Both earned accolades and honors throughout the season, Lomu was named to The Athletic’s Freshman All-American Team.
The Athletic Freshman All-American, Caleb Lomu
In his first season as a starter, Lomu looked like a natural. He earned a 75.0 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus, which was the fourth-highest mark on the offensive side of the ball. He registered a pass-blocking efficiency rating of 97.7, good for 19th among 43 qualified offensive tackles in the Big 12. His pass-blocking grade of 75.4 was the 20th best grade among the same 43 tackles. Lomu allowed just two sacks and 17 pressures in 425 pass-blocking snaps.
“A redshirt freshman from Arizona, Lomu started all 12 games at left tackle and was one of the bright spots for the Utes in a down season. He allowed only two sacks and 17 pressures on 425 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.” – The Athletic
His run blocking grade of 69.6 was the 13th highest grade among those same 43 tackles. Fano registered an elite 92.3 run blocking grade which was tops among all tackles. Perhaps this offers a bit of a blueprint for Lomu to follow.
Lomu provided steady play all season long and has plenty of room for improvement. As he begins preparations for his second season as a starter, Lomu can make a similar leap that his counterpart did this past season.
Hanging onto Lomu and Fano was the big focus for Utah entering the offseason. These two will serve as the foundational pieces to Utah’s offense in 2025. Assuming these two continue on their upward trajectory, offensive line play will be a big strength for the Utes.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham raved about his two tackles
“When you’re good on the edges, which is the most demanding offensive line spot where you’re out on an island, you have a chance to really be good. Both Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu have done an excellent job out there. They’re both only second year in the program and Spencer is playing at an elite level. He’s just getting better and better. So is Caleb, which has been a big plus.” Head coach Kyle Whittingham previously said of his offensive tackles.
