This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
At 6-foot-4, 330 pounds, sophomore Star Lotulelei is a commanding presence on Utah's practice field.
You should have seen him 30 pounds ago.
Lotulelei, the defensive lineman who joined the Utes late in camp after finalizing his academic paperwork, worked hard on the football field as well, dropping the 30 pounds so he could be at an ideal playing weight for the Utes.
Now he is already on the depth chart, despite sitting out the 2009 season while he caught up on academic work at Salt Lake Community College.
"It has been an adjustment, getting back into shape," he said. "It's coming slowly, but I'll get there."
Lotulelei, who played at Snow College along with fellow defensive lineman James Aiono, is listed second behind junior Sealver Siliga along with senior Neli A'asa at tackle.
However, Utah defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake said Lotulelei is doing well and probably will play against Pitt, particularly since the Utes like to use so many defensive linemen.
"We have about 10 defensive linemen we can use and you might see all of them in that game," he said.
Lotulelei isn't too worried about how much playing time he'll get. For now, he is just concentrating on finding his game again.
"I still have to do my part and get in shape and get reps," he said.
Moving up
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said he had never had any interaction with Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt, but had followed his career and said he has improved the Panthers since the teams met in the Fiesta Bowl.
"He has done a lot of good things, and the NFL flavor spills over at Pitt," he said. "He has done a great job with the personnel and they are a much more talented team than they were, there is no comparison.
"It's all about recruiting and that is where he has done an excellent job."
For the fans
The Utes are once again offering sideline passes for fans this year. The BYU passes are sold out, but passes for other games remain available. The passes are being sold through the Crimson Club office (801) 585-UTES. … The Utah-Pitt game is sold out, including standing room only tickets.