Ex-Utah Utes football star makes a statement in NFL preseason

While the Utah Utes football team is preparing for what it hopes to be a College Football Playoffs run, some of head coach Kyle Whittingham’s former players are trying to make a statement at the next level.

None of those former players had a better Saturday than Sione Vaki. At least for one day, it looks like the 4th-round draft pick made a statement. He showed he needs to make the Detroit Lions roster. And when he does, he’ll be an asset in more ways than one.

Vaki was already an interesting story. A two-way player for the Utah Utes football program, it’s been a bit of a riddle just where he might fit in at the next level. Judging from Saturday, it looks like he might be slated for the Lions’ backfield.

Ex-Utah Utes football star makes NFL statement

In what could be a Super Bowl preview if everything goes right, the Lions went toe-to-toe with the Kansas City Chiefs. And one reason they were able to beat KC 24-23 is because Viaki was all over the field.

Not only did he have 6 carries for 22 yards, but he had another 4 catches for 60 yards. One particular catch from the former Ute showed that he could be an asset as a dump off player should he get used that way in the regular season.

It’s of course hard to tell just how much of a shot at making the team Viaki has. That he was a fourth-round pick certainly seems like he’s got a shot.

Last season, he showed he could be an asset on both sides of the ball. He had 42 carries for 317 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also had 11 catches for 203 yards and 3 TDs. On defense, he racked up 51 tackles, 2 sacks and an interception for a Utah Utes football team that was riddled with injuries.