This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The Salt Lake Tribune has confirmed reports that junior offensive lineman Jeremiah Poutasi is planning to forego his senior season and enter the 2015 NFL Draft.

Poutasi, a 6-foot-6, 320-pound tackle, has not yet hired an agent, a source close to Poutasi told The Tribune there is a "zero percent chance" that he would return to the Utes after a 9-4 season. The program's recent coaching staff changes, including the loss of both offensive and defensive coordinators, have helped solidify his decision, The Tribune has learned.

NFL Draft analyst Tony Pauline was first to report that Poutasi would enter the draft this year.

A second-team all-Pac-12 selection this year, Poutasi anchored the left side of the offensive line while Utah rushed for more than 190 yards per game this year. According to Utah athletics, he only allowed three sacks during the season. Poutasi earned Offensive Outperformer of the Game in the Las Vegas Bowl after not allowing a sack against Colorado State and helping the Utes run for a bowl-record 359 yards.

Asked after the Las Vegas Bowl if he planned to return for his senior year, Poutasi declined to comment.

Poutasi played in 36 games over the course of his three-year career with 35 starts. He was an all-Pac-12 honorable mention as a freshman.

Speculation that Poutasi, 20, might enter the draft increased toward the end of the season. Coaches said in the spring that Poutasi's NFL future might be at guard.

A four-star prospect out of Desert Pines High in Las Vegas, Poutasi was recruited by and is close to defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake, who left this week to take the same role at Oregon State.

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