This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Two former Utes have signed onto NFL teams in the last two days as training camps get started — even though both were chiefly back-ups at Utah.
Former quarterback Kendall Thompson announced Tuesday evening http://www.redskins.com/news/article-1/Redskins-Sign-Wide-Receivers-Kendal-Thompson-TJ-Thorpe/139a6674-5a01-4ecc-a062-65e64d59a8d1";>he signed a deal with Washington, where he is expected to compete as a receiver. Thompson's speed was a big asset for Utah in games in which he played, gaining 267 rushing yards and three touchdowns in his career, including his time at Oklahoma.
Thompson switched to receiver and returner this spring http://bit.ly/1ZxPtJS";>as he attempted to sell his speed to NFL teams.
Meanwhile, linebacker Jason Whittingham (nephew to Kyle Whittingham)http://min.247sports.com/Bolt/Minnesota-Vikings-sign-OT-Sean-Hickey-LB-Jason-Whittingham-46454128";> announced Wednesday that he had signed a deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Whittingham was Utah's third linebacker last season, and had 26 tackles with 1.5 sacks.
Whittingham didn't usurp starters Jared Norris and Gionni Paul in the depth chart last year, but he impressed at Utah's pro day http://bit.ly/1RkvvR0";>with solid results in field testing.
According to an ESPN list,http://espn.go.com/nfl/college/_/letter/u";> the Utes currently have 32 players on NFL rosters — a number that will surely slim down as roster cut deadlines approach, but sending even back-up talent to the NFL a solid selling point for the Utes on the recruiting trail.
Other Utah items:
• Three Utes were named to the Polynesian college football player of the year award watch list on Wednesday: http://www.polynesianfootballhof.org/releases/2016-polynesian-college-football-player-of-the-year-watch-list";>OL Isaac Asiata, DL Lowell Lotulelei and DL Pita Taumoepenu. Asiata is a longtime starter at guard, Lotulelei is a returning all-conference tackle with high expectations, and Taumoepenu is a pass-rush specialist who has mostly been a third-down player. The two previous winners of the award are Oregon QB Marcus Mariota and Notre Dame OL Ronnie Stanley.
• Broaching into the field of gymnastics, incominghttps://twitter.com/Dana_Era4/status/757785073428987904";> receiver Alec Dana tweeted out a video of himself doing a backflip in the Utah locker room. Not sure the Utes can afford losing a valued junior college addition to injury in that fashion, but it's difficult not to be impressed by the athletic ability.
kgoon@sltrib.com
Twitter: @kylegoon