Moments before the team began its final scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday, Utah football announced team captains for the 2019 season. The captains are voted on by teammates and are comprised of representatives of the offense, defense, and special teams units. Today, we take a look at each of the captains and what is expected of them this season.

OFFENSE

Tyler Huntley - Senior - Quarterback

Make no mistake about it, this is Tyler Huntley’s team. And for better or worse, many of this Utah team’s wildest dreams and aspirations rest squarely on Huntley’s shoulders. The good news is that by all accounts, Huntley has stepped up as a player and a leader since his 2018 campaign ended with a broken collar bone. He’s reportedly motivated to silence his detractors and take his team places it has never before seen. Utah is going to need Huntley to be outstanding both on and off the field if they want to accomplish goals as lofty as a Pac-12 title or college football playoff appearance. Utah fans hope he is up to the task.

Darrin Paulo - Senior - Offensive Lineman

There are two truths about Darrin Paulo. First, he’s massive. Utah’s giant left tackle casts an impressive and imposing shadow. Second, he’s quiet. Paulo isn’t the “rah rah, look at me” type. He quietly goes about his work with purpose. He’s always been the guy that leads by example, but this off-season, he’s been more vocal than he’s ever been to help a young offensive line work to gel.

DEFENSE

Bradlee Anae - Senior - Defensive End

There was a time where Anae considered testing NFL waters after last season. But that didn’t last. Anae came back to Utah with unfinished business and has been one of the defense’s core leaders in the off-season. Anae has been the top returning sack man in the Pac-12 for the past two consecutive seasons. He knows a big year can propel him to fantastic professional opportunities, and he’s put in the work to get ready for just that.

Leki Fotu - Senior - Defensive Tackle

The big senior isn’t the most vocal of Utah’s defenders, but he can make a huge impact on the field. Like Anae, Fotu toyed with the idea of leaving a year early for the NFL. He came back motivated and ready to take his game to the next level. Not only is Fotu getting recognition as a pre-season All-American candidate, he’s also been recognized by teammates as a leader they want to emulate. That’s a good sign for Utah’s talented giant in the middle.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Ben Lennon - Freshman - Punter

In what might be an all-time first at Utah, a true freshman was named special teams captain at Utah. Ben Lennon isn’t exactly your typical freshman. The former professional Aussie rules football player arrived at Utah this spring older and more mature than a vast majority of his teammates. He’s already shown signs that he can handle his business on the field. He’s apparently gained the respect of his teammates off the field as well.

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

In addition to the five captains, Utah football named a 13 member leadership council. The group is tasked with helping set the tone for the entire team in terms of behavior and attitude as well as determining disciplinary action for player infractions. In addition to each of the captains, this year’s leadership council includes the following players: