Having three Utah linemen ranked among the top 10 defensive players in the Pac-12 in Pro Football Focus’ grading is not surprising. The more remarkable development is that Julian Blackmon and Terrell Burgess, in their first seasons as starting safeties, are Nos. 2 and 3 through eight weeks, according to PFF’s Cam Mellor.
Defensive tackle Leki Fotu (No. 1), end Bradlee Anae (No. 7) and tackle John Penisini (No. 9) join Blackmon and Burgess in receiving high grades from the PFF evaluators, who study every Power Five player on every play. The rankings are a tribute to Blackmon, who moved from cornerback to safety this year, and Burgess, who previously played behind Marquise Blair, a second-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks.