The NFL's preseason is off to a bustling start with a slew of University of Utah alumni making their presence felt across several rosters. In all, 32 former Utes are suiting up for the big leagues this week, according to UtahUtes.com. Among them, six rookies are initiating their professional paths, featuring names such as Caleb Lohner with Denver and Connor O'Toole taking the field for Seattle.
For fans eager to follow their favorite collegiate players, the preseason offers a buffet of games broadcast across various networks. A notable matchup includes the Las Vegas Raiders challenging the Seattle Seahawks, where three Utes alums will grace the gridiron on Thursday. It's worth mentioning that clubs have to trim down their rosters to 53 players by August 26, so every play counts if these young guns are to seriously continue to wear their respective team colors.
Names like Tyler Huntley and Sione Vaki, who both stood out during their time at Utah, are now representing Cleveland and Detroit, respectively, in the professional arena. While Huntley is the lone quarterback of the Utes battalion in the NFL, Vaki has transitioned from college running back to a pro wide receiver position. Their developments will surely be scrutinized by eagle-eyed scouts and coaches alike.
Alongside the newbies, several other Utes are seasoned in the league, marking their territories across the football map, from Matt Gay swinging the boot as a kicker for Washington to Clark Phillips III defending the secondary for Atlanta. Each player is set to bring an infusion of college-honed talent to their team's preseason ambitions. Inevitably, affiliations might have long been forged, but outings this August might just break or solidify fans' adoration for these Utes-turned-pros in the punishing furnace of professional football.
