This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
This year, in this state in particular, there have been plenty of Big Sky-to-NFL success stories.
But instead of grinding out a career at Weber State, redshirt sophomore linebacker Karsen Liljenquist is taking a risk that could lead to a bigger reward.
The Lone Peak alum intends to transfer to Utah, pending his admission into the university. If he makes it in, he'll sit out a year and be able to play next fall. If he doesn't make it, he'll head to Snow College for the 2016 season with hopes of playing his way into FBS football.
He believes he has the potential to shine on that stage — if he can only get there.
"It was hard, I mean, I just had to make a decision for what would be best for me," he said in an interview with The Tribune. "I've always had a plan to play big time football. It gives me more exposure."
Liljenquist was a standout as a redshirt freshman last year, ranking second on the team with 70 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, two pass break-ups and a forced fumble.
But he said the season tailed off for him a bit after the opener, when the Wildcats took on Oregon State. He had nine tackles in the 26-7 loss, and afterward found it hard to get as excited about Big Sky conference games.
It so happens the Utes are thin on linebackers after graduating Gionni Paul, Jared Norris and Jason Whittingham this past year. The Utes addressed the void in this past signing class, particularly with junior college 'backers, but could use more depth.
While Liljenquist waits, he's been raising eyebrows on the Internet with videos of high-weight, high-rep lifts. Training under former Utah standout John Madsen since his junior year in high school, the 6-foot-2, 235-pound Liljenquist recently recorded a video of him punching out 38 bench press reps of 225 pounds — more than anyone at this year's NFL Combine.
Madsen said he "begged" the Utes to take Liljenquist two years ago when he was an All-State honorable mention at Lone Peak, but he was just a late bloomer.
"He was always a strong, explosive kid, but his work ethic sets him apart," Madsen said. "He loves the training, loves to get better, loves to push himself. Weber State did a great job with him."
His departure from Weber State was uncomfortable, Liljenquist admits. The Wildcats, coached by former Utah assistant Jay Hill, don't want to be seen as a farm system for other schools. But he said the program has granted him his release from his scholarship.
He said Utah has not yet promised him a scholarship for the upcoming school year. Since he has not yet been admitted to the university, Utah coaches are unable to comment due to NCAA rules.
Liljenquist said many of his former teammates are understanding, if not outright supportive. And what he's been able to do in the gym is the most encouraging thing of all.
"I just feel like every day like it's my last," he said. "I try to be better than my competition and work my hardest, every single rep."
Football construction projects on track
Like most commuters coming up Foothill Road, coach Kyle Whittingham has been able to appreciate the gradual rising of a gigantic "U" logo on the back of a new scoreboard next to the football stadium.
The $13.5 million project, which also includes a state-of-the-art sound system upgrade, might be the most exciting project for gamedays. But the Utes' day-to-day schedule will be more affected by another project: a $2.7 million artificial turf field being constructed directly south of Utah's current practice field at the football complex.
Approved by the University Board of Trustees in May, the project will add an 80-yard field where there once was equipment and salt storage (which will be relocated to a site near Fort Douglas). Whittingham said the additional space will prevent the Utes from heading to Rice-Eccles Stadium when the grass field is wet or torn up (although the Utes also have an indoor facility for adverse weather conditions).
The construction is in progress, and expected to finish by mid-July. Whittingham said he expects turf will start going down in the next week.
"It will expand to almost double our practice area," he said. "It's going to enable us to do a lot more, and we'll be able to stay near the facility, which is a big plus for us."
The scoreboard and sound system should be finished within the month. Whittingham said he is scheduled to attend a demo of the system on June 22.
"I can see it right out my window: It's magnificent," he said. "It's going to be a huge addition for our fans."
Twitter: @kylegoon