This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Some of you on Twitter noted that Utah's media guide cover doesn't exactly sizzle. https://twitter.com/kylegoon/status/758724785949904897";>The featured athletes are kicker Andy Phillips, defensive lineman Lowell Lotulelei and offensive lineman J.J. Dielman — all the "sexy" positions, right?

Well, there's a reason for that: Those three players arguably reflect the strongest, deepest units on the team. Dielman, who typically is reluctant to thrust himself in front of media, attended Pac-12 media days because he's a veteran player and leader for a group that's expected to be among the Pac-12's best.

Who should you know? What issues may arise? Let's break it down.

(You'll note that my depth chart is slightly different than the Utes' projected depth chart, based mostly on conversations I've had with those within the program.)

Starters and stats • Senior OT J.J. Dielman (13 starts in 2015); junior G Salesi Uhatafe (7 stars); senior C Nick Nowakowski or junior C Lo Falemaka; senior G Isaac Asiata (13 starts); senior tackle Sam Tevi (13 starts); senior TE Siale Fakailoatonga (12 catches, 120 yards) or senior TE Evan Moeai or junior TE Harrison Handley (21 catches, 286 yards, 4 TDs).

Key performer • Dielman will be crucial one way or another.http://bit.ly/1YspfK2";> He's Utah's top-graded returner according to Pro Football Focus by any position, and was an all-conference honoree last year. He'll either be in charge of holding down the right side once again, which he did well last year (also remember that's Brandon Cox's blindside), or he'll be playing center to compensate for injury. Dielman is seen within the locker room as a key leader vocally and otherwise. Blocking for a new quarterback and running back, the Utes will count on Dielman to set the tone for the offense on and off the field.

Spring rewind • http://bit.ly/1Y0cUdj";>The offensive line started out really, really rough. Not a huge surprise considering Dielman was out for precautionary reasons, and a lot of younger linemen were being broken in, but still it was concerning.http://bit.ly/1NLlWWm";> It improved over the course of spring ball, but the defensive line still looked like it had the upper hand a good chunk of the time. Late in the spring, http://bit.ly/29V3BO7";>presumed starter Hiva Lutui tore his ACL, and midway through summer, we learned he wouldn't be able to return this year and his playing career at Utah was over.

Out the door • Aside from Lutui, the Utes also graduated Saiosi Aiono, a cerebral center who played through some injuries last year and was an experienced starter. So the Utes have lost their top two centers from last year.

New faces • Utah is hoping for big results from Garett Bolles, http://bit.ly/1O4k50V";>a five-star tackle out of Snow College listed at 6-foot-6 and 296 pounds. The former Westlake player is in contention for a starting job, and is expected at the very least to play significant reps.http://bit.ly/1CrITKc";> The Utes also brought in Tucker Scott, son of former Ute Lance Scott, who has some extra polish compared to other freshmen. At tight end, Chad Hekking was a spring surprise: http://www.sltrib.com/home/3811607-155/utah-football-tyler-huntley-stars-as";>He had seven catches and 63 yards in the spring game. He's got a lot of guys to jump on the depth chart, but he may play a special teams role for the upcoming year — and perhaps more if the Utes feel he can contribute in the passing game.

Sleeper • Darrin Paulohttp://bit.ly/1JrJPF7";> had significant buzz last year when fans saw the mature-looking freshman's physique early in fall camp, and while he traveled with the team, he ended up redshirting. He could help this year, especially with Lutui out. Utah sees Paulo as a future star, and there's a good chance he figures into the rotation with Asiata and Uhatafe this year.

Question marks • Center is pressing. It's the one person who touches the ball on every snap, and center-quarterback exchange is not perfected quickly. Between Utah's center uncertainty and quarterback uncertainty, a few fumbles on the exchange seem almost guaranteed this year. There's also concerns about tackle: Is Garett Bolles really ready right away? Many junior college linemen take some time to develop. If that's the case, the Utes will potential start a former walk-on or a guy who missed all of last year at center. The tight end question is always health: http://bit.ly/1OTbqSB";>Moeai has been lost the last two years in the first game of the season, and has to prove he can stay on the field.

Forecast • There's a lot of arrangements the Utes could make for Lutui's absence. The one the team is hoping for is that Bolles is a legitimate starter, backing up his five-star ranking. This would allow him to take over at one of the tackle spots, and Dielman to shift inside to center (where his NFL future may reside). If Bolles is ready to step in, the Utes feel this alignment gives them the best five players on the field, with the ability to rotate Barton and Paulo in for depth. If Bolles doesn't win a starting job, the Utes will likely look to Falemaka to step up at center. This is a long-developing class for the Utes, and they're expecting a big payoff up front this year. At tight end, Utah figures to use far more two-tight end sets — a key element they missed last year when Fakailoatonga went down midseason. It helps the run game, but Handley and Moeai are also solid pass-catchers who can challenge linebackers and force defenses to make difficult match-up decisions. All three should play, because all three play different functions. While uncertainty reigns at the receiver position, tight end could be a major strength assuming everyone can stay healthy.

The Tribune is releasing position previews up through the start of camp on Aug. 4. The schedule for previews are as follows:

July 26 • http://bit.ly/2auIXBM";>Defensive line
July 27 • http://bit.ly/2ay0GYY";>Specialists
July 28 • Offensive line/Tight ends
July 29 • Defensive backs
Aug. 1 • Running backs/Receivers
Aug. 2 • Linebackers
Aug. 3 • Quarterback

kgoon@sltrib.com
Twitter: @kylegoon