The depth in Utah’s defensive backfield got a little thinner on Friday afternoon.
Junior nickelback Javelin Guidry announced via Twitter his intention to enter the 2020 NFL Draft. Guidry was twice an All-Pac-12 honorable mention selection as a nickelback for the Utes.
Guidry was earmarked as the lone returning starter on the backend of Utah’s secondary. He would have been a reasonable choice to play outside as a cornerback, potentially across from high-profile 2020 recruit Clark Phillips III. Instead, the nickelback spot is now up for grabs, and a lot of unproven young guys to vie for it.
Aside from Guidry, Utah was already losing a ton in its secondary with Jaylon Johnson, Julian Blackmon, Terrell Burgess, Josh Nurse and Tareke Lewis. Johnson previously declared for the NFL Draft and opted not to play in the Alamo Bowl.
In the Alamo Bowl against Texas, with the secondary banged up, Guidry had a tough time dealing with Longhorns star Devin Duvernay, who finished with three catches for 92 yards and a touchdown.
Postgame, Guidry was asked about the future of the secondary, specifically about the guys returning in 2020. His answer was essentially balking, which may have been a sign that something might be up with his own future.
“I don’t know,” Guidry said. “I’m just going to celebrate with the seniors tonight and just focus on them.”
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