This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Julian Blackmon's stat sheet looks mostly like binary code: The defensive back has a few ones, and a whole lot of zeroes to his name in his rookie season.
But the freshman from Layton has been working feverishly these past few weeks of bowl prep — not necessarily because he's going to add to his totals this year, but because once the Foster Farms Bowl is over, Utah's cornerbacks room is going to be empty.
Count the seniors: Dominique Hatfield, Brian Allen, Reggie Porter, and Justin Thomas. A player like Blackmon could see his time coming, and bowl practices are invaluable for that step.
"It's a lot like fall camp, because we're now coming back to learning the technique," he said. "We don't have to spend as much of our time learning what the other team does. We can actually focus on our actual playbook. We're starting to get a lot more confidence, and hopefully it shows."
Yes, Utah has this saying: One game at a time. Many football teams do. But there's an inescapable pivot toward the future for most programs in December.
Blackmon is close with fellow freshmen Terrell Burgess and Nygel King, and the trio have taken some lumps this year: While Blackmon and Burgess played in games, both were injured late in the season, forcing Utah to resort to playing receiver Tyrone Smith on defense against Colorado.
Now healthy, Blackmon hopes he can gather as many tips and tricks of the trade from the graduates as possible.
"Focusing on the bowl game is mostly what we can do to get better, so we can teach the next generation of DBs," he said. "Me and Terrell have been just after it in practice, learning the technique to get it right for next year."
Corner isn't the only position that should be decimated by graduation next season. The offensive line has three starting seniors (Isaac Asiata, Nick Nowakowski, Sam Tevi), along with junior tackle Garett Bolles, who will have an option to go to the NFL.
Asiata called guard Salesi Uhatafe, potentially the only returning starter next year, the next "headline guy" on the O-block. Lo Falemaka, who had a start before injury, and Jackson Barton, who had a few starts, also look to be in line to gain more time. He also called redshirt freshmen Johnny Capra and Darrin Paulo "the next big thing" in the trenches.
"Being an older guy, it feels like the O-line has kind of been my child," he said. "It feels weird that I'm leaving and not going to have any say in what happens. But I'm excited to see who steps up. They're in good hands."
There's also a pro decision facing Lowell Lotulelei on the defensive line, who could join Pasoni Tasini, Hunter Dimick and Pita Taumoepenu among key graduates.
Utah has worked in significant reps for true freshmen Bradlee Anae (two sacks) and Leki Fotu (one tackle), who with Maxs Tupai were among the most heralded recruits Utah signed last year. Fotu said there's been no dropoff into the pace of bowl practices.
"I think it's more intense," he said. "We're more known for not losing bowl games. So far, after the season, we've been practicing harder, more lifting, more everything."
Other positions lose their top producer: Tim Patrick at receiver, and Joe Williams at running back. Utah feels confident, however, at the depth behind those players.
So does Williams. Both Armand Shyne and Zack Moss had over 300 yards rushing this year, and Troy McCormick and Devonta'e Henry-Cole are slated to return. While Shyne is coming off season-ending knee injury, Williams will be at peace when he leaves the Utes — this time, for good.
"I haven't had a look at all the guys coming in the recruiting class or whatever," he said. "But you know if they're coming to Utah, they're ready to carry the torch."
Twitter: @kylegoon —
Positions of need
• Offensive line loses G Isaac Asiata, C JJ Dielman, C Nick Nowakowski, T Sam Tevi
• Defensive line loses DE Hunter Dimick, DE Pita Taumoepenu, DT Pasoni Tasini
• Secondary loses CB Dominique Hatfield, CB Brian Allen, CB Reggie Porter, NB Justin Thomas