Utah's depth at defensive tackle has just gotten a little thinner with an announcement from Utah that sophomore Isley Filiaga has quit the team because of lingering injuries. Filiaga, a 6-foot, 305-pound Timpanogos High graduate who came to Utah via BYU and a mission, started the spring listed No. 1 at nose tackle, but was passed over by Kenape Eliapo by the conclusion of spring practices.
Filiaga had a foot injury that limited his participation, but I know the coaches weren't that happy with his work ethic either, so it's not much of a surprise that he is leaving the program.
When I was going over the depth chart with defensive coordinator Gary Andersen at the end of spring practice he mentioned he could move one or two of his guys outside inside during fall camp, so I wouldn't be surprised if Koa Misi gets some time back at his old spot. I do know the coaches are happy with Lei Talamaivao's development, which will be more important now than ever to help what is turning out to be a very inexperienced looking defensive line.
Don't forget too that the Utes signed Dave Kruger, Paul's younger but not so little brother at 6-5, 265-pounds. He'll be here this season (with plans to go on a mission after 2008) and already is penciled in as the backup to Eliapo at nose tackle. It isn't far fetched to think that the Kruger brothers could be starting alongside one another.
he transferred from BYU? i wonder why. Sometimes i feel like we have lots of unlucky injuries during the offseason and the yewts don't have any (though they do in their openers) I really hope we can make the season without anymore hooks' tonga repeats
Interesting that he came from BYU. Did he commit to the Y before the mish, or did he play/redshirt a year before the mish? Best of luck with getting over the injury; lingering pain sucks!
Also interesting that Dave Kruger has already been penciled in as the backup noseguard. The coaches haven't even seen what he can do playing D-I caliber athletes, and he's already the backup. They must be thin!
...I know the coaches weren't that happy with his work ethic either, so it's not much of a surprise that he is leaving the program.
Anybody else get the impression that this was the reason he left the Y in the first place? Bronco is definitely imposing high expectations, and I can only believe that is a positive.
iirc it had more to do with an available schollie. what i remember is that he came home early from his mission, and byu didn't have one available until the fall. the u had one right then, and away he went. looks like we made out ok in the long run. i wonder what this could mean to his little brother, a 3-star lb recruit both byu and the u are chasing.
i find it interesting that they are looking at kruger inside, i thought he was a de, and siliaga was supposed to be the dt of that class.
