Leki Fotu latest Ute to receive Pac-12 weekly recognition

Utah Utes defensive tackle Leki Fotu (99) sacks California Golden Bears quarterback Spencer Brasch (13) during the game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. | Spenser Heaps, Deseret News

Says Utah coach Kyle Whittingham of his defense: “There is no spot where we feel we can get exposed. Now we don’t have all the answers and we are still a work in progress, but every level is good.”

SALT LAKE CITY — For the second consecutive week, the Pac-12 has honored a Utah defender, as senior Leki Fotu has been named the conference’s Defensive Lineman of the Week.

Fotu was pivotal in Utah’s 35-0 win over California on Saturday. The defensive tackle applied consistent pressure — including a solo sack resulting in a loss of 13 yards — as the Utes limited Cal to just 43 plays on offense. The Bears finished with only 83 yards and six first downs.

Utah’s ninth-ranked defense enters Saturday’s game at Washington with the nation’s top run defense (56.4 yards). The Utes are third in total defense (231.0 yards), fourth in scoring defense (10.3 points) and sixth in team pass efficiency defense (103.66 rating).

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham notes that the defense probably has no holes in it.

“There is no spot where we feel we can get exposed. Now we don’t have all the answers and we are still a work in progress, but every level is good,“ Whittingham said. “The defense is playing well and there is a good vibe. The defense seems to be really cohesive right now.”

Fotu is the third Ute to earn Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week honors this season — joining linebacker Francis Bernard (twice) and defensive end Bradlee Anae. Quarterback Tyler Huntley earned Offensive Player of the Week recognition after a win over Washington State in September.

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