This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

After being injured in spring football, senior center Hiva Lutui's playing career at Utah is over.

The Euless, Texas, native has been removed from Utah football's roster and 2016 media guide. The Tribune has learned that he is expected to stay with the program as a student coaching assistant this fall.

Lutui was penciled in as Utah's starting center this spring after Saiosi Aiono's graduation, but he suffered an ACL injury at the end of camp in April. At the time,http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3809591-155/utah-football-notes-center-hiva-lutui";> coach Kyle Whittingham said the Utes were hoping for his return in October.

When he found out the injury was worse than originally thought, Lutui determined he wouldn't be able to return for the 2016 season. Since he was a voluntary redshirt his freshman year in 2012, he will run out of eligibility after the upcoming year.

The injury likely leads to shuffling on the offensive line. The Utes may move senior tackle J.J. Dielman or senior guard Isaac Asiata to center, depending on positional depth and http://bit.ly/1Y0cUdj";>if Snow College tackle Garett Bolles is ready to start. If Bolles has a strong fall camp, the Utes may move Dielman, the current right tackle, to center which is probably the position he'll be suited for in the NFL.

http://bit.ly/1RSmRs3";>The Utes could also consider junior Lo Falemaka, who had a strong spring, to assume center duties if he plays well enough this fall.

Lutui was one of three of Utah's starting linemen who had played high school football at Euless Trinity, along with tackle Sam Tevi and guard Salesi Uhatafe. Lutui started seven games at guard and center last year, playing in 16 total games during his Utah career.

kgoon@sltrib.com
Twitter: @kylegoon