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It will be billed as the senior class that's endured Utah's climb from over-its-head Pac-12 newcomer to right-as-rain Pac-12 contender.

Kyle Whittingham called it "the primary group that entered this league with us."

And that's true for some of them.

Sixth-year wideout Kenneth Scott, in fact, predates Utah's Pac-12 membership.

"I've seen the whole evolution of everything, from [gear upgrades], to old facilities, training in trailers to now the new facility," he said. "... From the Mountain West to the Pac-12, it's just a crazy evolution that I've been part of."

Center Siaosi Aiono, defensive tackle Viliseni Fauonuku, linebackers Jared Norris and Jason Whittingham arrived in 2011, when Utah rallied for a shot at an unlikely Pac-12 South title that erred along with Coleman Petersen's last-minute 48-yard field goal try against Colorado.

"It started with us," Aiono said.

A few more of the 19 Utes who will be honored at this Saturday's game against Colorado came the following year, in 2012. But a majority were late arrivals, transferring to the U.

So it's not quite "the group that saw it all." It's the group that saw, at the least, success. A group that will be remembered by Utah fans for back-to-back winning records, establishing a feeling of belonging in the Pac-12.

Those inside the program will remember that, too. But they also say they'll cherish a family atmosphere that belies Utah's unique blend of backgrounds and cultures — 19 men with far-flung starting points who have come to not only share the field, but more than that.

We asked them what they'll remember about each other.

Center Siaosi Aiono • Scott said he's watched Aiono — who has a wife and a son — grow from a "knucklehead freshman" to "a role model for others."

"He's the hype man," Scott said. "When he feels that stuff is low, he gets everybody going."

Aiono's first roommate, Fauonuku, became his best friend.

"I don't know if a lot of the stories are appropriate for the media [laughs], but me and him have pretty much been through it all," Fauonuku said.

Offensive tackle Andrew Albers • Albers walked on at the U. in spring 2011, but he left after he got mono and two of his grandparents were diagnosed with cancer, working as a youth pastor before returning in 2013.

"We call him Juicebox," Fauonuku said. "I don't know what got into him, but no matter what, he's always hyped. He's always jumping around, screaming, whether it's a run in practice or the lift."

Running back Devontae Booker • Teammates describe Booker — as instrumental to Utah's breakthrough as any one player — as quiet around strangers, extremely funny around those he knows well.

Scott saw that side working alongside Booker at a car dealership. Norris, finally, as Utah's other representative at July's Pac-12 Media Days.

Said safety Tevin Carter: "He's the one person I know who can recite a movie from the beginning to the end. Every movie there is."

Cornerback Tevin Carter • Aiono calls him "uncle." Punter Tom Hackett said he's "old, beat-up." Scott said even the head coach calls him "Pops." It's a running joke that the 23-year-old is the team's senior citizen, a gag that Scott relishes.

Scott remembers Carter as the more highly recruited wideout in 2010. "I was pissed off about that," he said. Scott never lets him forget it, Carter sighed.

Fauonuku said he and Carter became close after the latter opened up about his background at a leadership retreat two years ago.

"He's loyal," Fauonuku said. "He's willing to do anything for you."

Cornerback Ahmad Christian • After once showing promise at South Carolina, the junior college transfer tore his Achilles in January and made one appearance as a Ute, against USC.

"But even though he's out, he still helps the team by teaching the younger guys," Fauonuku said.

Defensive end Jason Fanaika • The Utah State transfer has earned a reputation as one of Utah's strongest and most softhearted players.

"If I'll remember anything about Jason, it's that I've seen him hit people and they do backflips," Fauonuku said.

He's also Scott's ride home from practice and father to a baby girl who is not technically Scott's goddaughter, Scott said with a laugh, but "I cling to him as family."

Defensive tackle Viliseni Fauonuku • Hackett said that when he arrived at the U., "a little 160 [pound] Australian city boy," he was "[expletive]-scared" of Fauonuku. He told him as much at this year's leadership retreat, drawing a laugh.

Carter called Fauonuku "a big bully."

"He just knows he can grab me and get his way," he said.

But all described him as one of their most caring and loyal teammates. "He's the true definition of a UGang brother," Scott said. "... If you're running through a fire, he's going to go in there with you."

Punter Tom Hackett • "The funniest dude I've probably met," Scott said. "Like, really."

When he's not winning Ray Guy Awards (he's one of three finalists for what would be his second), Hackett is a reportedly overly competitive "FIFA" video game player who lives with quarterback Travis Wilson and invites Norris over to watch soccer.

And his dry delivery is as reliable as his right leg.

"No matter if he's serious or joking, it's just funny," Carter said.

Kicker Jon Halliday • Backup to Andy Phillips, Halliday's exploits have been limited to five kickoffs.

"He's a really good kicker," Hackett said. "He could kick at 90, 95 percent of Division I schools. He just happens to be married and kind of trapped in Salt Lake City."

Linebacker Norris • A linebacker with a halfpipe in his backyard and a tomahawk tattooed into his head, Norris is roundly summarized through wide smiles as "crazy."

"Star Lotulelei almost killed him," Fauonuku said.

Tussling with Utah's defensive line — in good fun — a freshman Norris struck Lotulelei in the back of the head, Fauonuku said, causing Lotulelei to "black out."

Balled up in a locker with Lotulelei's hands around his throat, "Jared's starting to go purple and we're like 'Oh, shoot!' A bunch of us have to put Star in a headlock and grab both of his arms and rip him off, and Jared just gets up teary-eyed, like 'Man, I thought I was going to die!'"

Linebacker Gionni Paul • Known to teammates as "G-Bo," Paul is described by Hackett as "fearless," and as having "arguably the worst tattoos on the team."

Scott, laughing, said he sometimes can't decipher Paul's words through his thick Florida accent. "He's a funny dude, man. He's another person that always looks out for you, no matter what."

Added Norris: "I don't think I've ever played next to anybody that has the same fire that he has."

Running back/receiver Bubba Poole • A Vegas native who had a famous hot streak on the tables before last year's bowl game, Faunouku said Poole is "the hustler on our team."

He's a man of few words, Scott said, unless he's talking to family back home. "He doesn't really showboat or anything. He's very humble."

Receiver Kenneth Scott • His joke that it's "about time" for his senior game is characteristic of the sixth-year, no-punch-pulling captain.

"He's a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve," Fauonuku said.

When Utah had a lackluster practice, Scott would dress the team down. He messaged Carter to keep him in the loop when he was inbound from junior college. He knows all the best places to eat, and he might be Wilson's closest friend.

Aiono called him "a perfect example of what you want as a leader. You talk about a guy who wants to do everything right, that's KScott."

Quarterback Kendal Thompson • A father who came to Utah with a degree in hand, "it seems like he's older than what he is," Scott said of Thompson.

Said Fauonuku: "At first, we were like, 'Man, this guy's from Oklahoma. He's only going to be here for two years.' And then he just like blew our minds. He's just such an easy person to talk to."

Punter Chris Van Orden • Like Halliday, Van Orden had the bad luck to back up one of the nation's best.

"I feel really bad when I think about what I've done to the man, but at the same time, he came here trying to beat me out, so bugger him," Hackett said, adding in seriousness: "He's got a big leg. I might see if coach can let him in for a play or two and see what he's made of and make his old man happy."

Linebacker Jason Whittingham • Everyone, at some point, seems to have assumed by his facial expression that Whittingham is very serious.

Actually "it's nonstop jokes with him," Carter said, learning as much only recently, after practicing with the linebackers.

"He's a funny guy," said Scott, "especially when him and [linebacker/cousin] Alex Whittingham get together. They'll be dancing in the locker room."

Quarterback Travis Wilson • Quiet as a mouse when he moved in with Fauonuku and Aiono at the dorms as a true freshman, Wilson's goofy side has become known to all.

Carter said they pretend to hide when they see each other in the hallway and shout "Ha!" as the other walks past.

And at least among seniors, he is very admired. Aiono said Wilson has overcome more than fans know. Scott, who has long bristled at criticisms of Wilson, said "If I'd have went through [what he went through], I probably would have snapped."

Hackett said he looks forward to talking about the good old days together. Saturday, and then during the bowl game, "hopefully, he can put one last show on and hang the boots up a happy man."

Twitter: @matthew_piper

Reporter Kyle Goon contributed to this story —

Colorado at Utah

P Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

Pac-12 Network

Radio • 700 AM

Series history • Colorado leads 31-27-3

Last meeting • Utah 38, Colorado 34 (Nov. 29, 2014)

About the Utes • A sixth Pac-12 win would be the most since Utah joined the new conference and potentially improve its chances of going to a bowl higher in the Pac-12 selection order. The Utes will be without true freshman wideout Britain Covey, but cornerback Reginald Porter and safety Tevin Carter may return to the fold against the Buffs. Utah has won the last three in the series, but all four games have been decided by one score since Utah entered the Pac-12 in 2011.

About the Buffaloes • True freshman quarterback Cade Apsay will make his second career start, taking the place of injured three-year starter Sefo Liufau. Colorado's defense has improved since allowing 39 points per game last season, allowing just 28.1 this season, and has been competitive into the second half against Oregon, Arizona, UCLA and USC. That aside, it's won just five conference games since entering the Pac-12 in 2011.