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Now for a feature that is completely new and innovative: position-by-position previews for fall camp.

OK, so you can't reinvent the wheel. But let's face it: We're all a bit rusty headed into the fall after a long, football-less, sun-soaked summer. So based on observations from the spring and conversations with people close to the team, the Tribune will be rolling out a couple previews of positions groups as we get closer to fall camp (beginning on August 4).

We'll be filing these previews in a completely subjective order, based roughly on how interesting each position group should be headed into fall camp in terms of how many question marks and battles there are.

We start with the unit most consider the strongest on the team (and maybe the best of its position throughout the Pac-12) on defensive line.

Starters and stats • Senior DE Kylie Fitts (41 tackles, 7 sacks, 10 pass break-ups in 2015); junior DT Filipo Mokofisi (21 tackles, 3.5 for a loss); junior DT Lowell Lotulelei (26 tackles, 5.0 for a loss); senior DE Hunter Dimick (14 tackles, 7.0 for a loss).

Spring rewind • Assistant Lewis Powell switched sides of the ball to take over the position where he played at Utah.http://bit.ly/25YESfy";> Hunter Dimick was healthy once again.http://bit.ly/1Y0cUdj";> The defensive line mostly dominated the spring, as was expected.

Key performer • It seems the world discovered Lotulelei in the last four months. In NFL Draft highlight videos, he could be seen flattening Pac-12 linemen who went on to be selected. Star's little brother is no secret to other Pac-12 coaches, but http://bit.ly/29EimCh";>he's appeared on several watch lists this preseason in anticipation of a breakout season that could vault him into high draft pick status next spring. http://bit.ly/1OtKBCI";>No one has ever questioned Lotulelei's brute strength and talent, but he needs consistency to make the leap many expect.

Out the door • The Utes graduated starting tackle Viliseni Fauonuku and defensive end Jason Fanaika. http://bit.ly/1UAzsm6";>Senior Stevie Tu'ikolovatu left for Pac-12 South rival USC in search of playing time. That's a lot of experience walking out the door for many position groups, but the starters who remain are all veterans.

New faces • The best unit on the team may also have gotten the best additions. The coaching staff is extremely excited about three incoming freshmen from high school:http://bit.ly/1oIxPqt";> Herriman's Leki Fotu, Murray's Maxs Tupai, and Bradlee Anae from Hawaii. The early take on all three is they've come into the program with impressive physiques, both in the weight room and in agility and speed testing. Tupai and Anae may have chances to play on special teams and rotate in as well. Fotu may be the most physically ready at 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, but is still grasping scheme. Returned missionaries Howard Pututau and Pita Tonga are expected to be contributors eventually, but perhaps not this season.

Sleeper • While fans were wringing their hands over losing Tu'ikolovatu to a division rival, it might be worth wondering why he transferred in the first place. Coaches have been impressed withhttp://www.sltrib.com/home/2841659-155/utah-football-notes-better-late-than";> Pasoni Tasini, an imposing defensive lineman from Snow College whom Kyle Whittingham praised even last fall but didn't see much time. He figures to be a strong rotational player behind Lotulelei and Mokofisi. It also might be a year to look out for Pita Taumoepenu, whom Whittingham has said was "underutilized" last year. He has always been a sack machine when he can get on the field (12.5 career sacks).

Question marks • The biggest concern of the unit is probably staying healthy. Dimick sitting out much of last year was a challenge. Losing any of the starters for an extended time would be difficult because their talents are so unique (i.e. Lotulelei's strength, or Fitts' ability to bat passes). While it might be nitpicking, it's also worth wondering if Utah's pass rush can be consistent. The Utes started out very slowly last year in sack totals, and were a bit up-and-down throughout the season only a year after being among the nation's best sacking-teams. Third in the Pac-12 isn't bad, but the Utes have more hype than that at the moment.

Forecast • The defensive line looks poised once again to lead the team, getting sacks and making quarterbacks throw under pressure. Under new defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley, the Utes defense will aim to turn up the pressure a little more than they did under John Pease. The stout defensive tackles also should help the team's run defense, which will be tested with new linebackers playing key roles. Lotulelei is hoping to have a Pac-12 defensive player of the year-class season, and he'll have to deliver. Dimick's return should play a huge role in the unit's performance and leadership. Look for younger and newer faces to rotate in and make key plays: Tupai and Anae may rotate between end and linebacker this year depending on team needs.

The schedule for football previews are as follows:

July 26 • Defensive line
July 27 • 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