This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Brian Blechen was recruited to the University of Utah as a 200-pound quarterback.
Last season, he became a freshman All-American as a nose-for-the-football, 210-pound strong safety.
Today, the transformation continues.
Blechen weighs 220 pounds — with an eye on 230.
During the first week of spring practice, he is working at another new position — linebacker.
According to coach Kyle Whittingham, the decision to move Blechen was an easy one, despite his success and accomplishments last season.
"He's outgrowing the safety position," Whittingham said, "[and] it's definitely a way to upgrade the speed and athleticisim at the linebacker spot."
Blechen's experience from a year ago makes the transition easier.
"He spent a great deal of time in the box — in a linebacker-responsibility role — even though he was labeled a safety," Whittingham said.
"He did such a good job, it just seemed like a natural to put him there full-time."
Blechen started 13 games for the Utes during his freshman season, when many compared him to former star Eric Weddle, who now plays for the NFL's San Diego Chargers.
Blechen finished with 52 tackles and four interceptions.
His best game?
Blechen was named the Mountain West Conference Player of the Week after having nine tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception in a 28-23 win at Air Force.
Asked about his position change, Blechen said, "So far, I like it. They've put a little weight on me, so I feel stronger. But I feel faster, too."
Like Whittingham, Blechen believes his role last season will help the transition from the secondary to linebacker.
"Playing safety last year, I already know some of the linebacker stuff," he said. "So I'm just trying to learn all the details right now."
The difference between the two positions involves their proximity to the line of scrummage.
As a linebacker, Blechen said, "I have a responsibility for the run. At safety, I kind of had to show up if the ball got through.
"So there's a little bit more run involvement — taking on tights ends and those bigger guys. You have to be a little bit more physical."
During its final season in the Mountain West, Pac-12-bound Utah lost three of its last five games to TCU, Notre Dame and Boise State, partly because the defense allowed an average of 32 points.
The Utes managed late-season wins over BYU and San Diego State, even though the Aztecs scored 34 points against their defense.
"We want to be the strong point of this team," Blechen said. "Everybody has worked hard to get in great shape so, in the fourth quarter [and] at the end of the season, we don't wear down at all."
After Saturday afternoon's practice at Rice Eccles Stadium, Whittingham sounded optimistic about his defense.
"Offensively," Whittingham said, "we have a long ways to go." —
Spring schedule
Utes' remaining spring football schedule:
Tuesday • 3 p.m.
Thursday • 3 p.m.
Spring break
March 28 • 3 p.m.
March 30 • 3 p.m.
April 1 • Scrimmage, 4 p.m.*
April 5 • 3 p.m.
April 7 • 3 p.m.
April 8 • 3 p.m.
April 9 • Scrimmage, 10 a.m.*
April 12 • 3 p.m.
April 14 • 3 p.m.
April 15 • 4:30 p.m.
April 16 • Red-White game, 1 p.m.*
*At Rice-Eccles Stadium
Note • All practices at McCarthey practice fields, unless otherwise noted.