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Syracuse's Hunter Dimick is an intimidating figure. Standing 6'4" and 250 pounds, he has the body of a Division I athlete — which he soon enough will be — and he's only just finished his junior year as the Titans' star defensive end.

According to Syracuse defensive coordinator Dayne Faerber, though, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Or, in this case, a young man by his mass.

"He's a humble kid, a 'yes, sir, no, sir' kind of a kid. He's definitely a leader by example, for sure," Faerber said.

It's that entire package that led the University of Utah to offer Dimick a scholarship to play for the Utes, who will be starting their first year in the Pac-12 this fall. This spring, Dimick accepted the offer to become a Ute.

He had a tough choice. After leading the state with 14 sacks last season, he started attracting a lot of attention. He received an offer from BYU and interest from other Division I schools, but didn't waste time once Utah's offer was on the table.

"I have a lot of respect for those coaches down at BYU. I would have been happy with either one," Dimick said, "but Utah's always been a dream. It's a lot closer to home. It was just the right place to be."

It wasn't a given two years ago that Dimick would have the opportunity to play at Utah. Syracuse head coach Russ Jones could see Dimick's obvious talents as a freshman, but he believes the quick-footed end has put in the time to reach the college level.

"You don't get to be that good without work," said Jones. "You know, he's just one of those kids who lifts all year and works hard, does everything you ask him to do. If you ask him to change positions, he'll do that. He's just been an awesome kid to work with."

Faerber agrees that Dimick's offer started with his commitment in the weight room.

"He's big enough and physical enough now to be a great run stopper, but he's also quick off the edge and a great pass rusher, too," Faerber said. "Some kids aren't competitors, some kids are too slow, and he's just got the physical tools to do both."

Both coaches reiterated that Dimick is a soft-spoken kid, a kind of silent leader. Dimick agrees, for the most part.

"I think actions speak a lot louder than words," Dimick said, "but if anyone else makes a play, believe me, I'll be the craziest guy out there." —

By the numbers

22 • Total sacks for Dimick after just two years playing at the varsity level.

85 • Total career tackles for Dimick, including 53 in his sophomore year.

11 • Dimick finished 11th in shot put in state track and field with a throw of 14.25 meters. That was behind nine seniors, including first-place finisher and Syracuse teammate Hunter Naisbitt.