SALT LAKE CITY — Even with tens of thousands of cheering fans engulfing the stadium, the sound of impact from the University of Utah’s strong safety Marquise Blair is thunderous in comparison.

His booming tackles are cringeworthy, causing fans, teammates, opponents and media to cover their mouths as they “ooh” in unison over his play.

A transfer from Dodge City Community College, Blair built himself a reputation across the Pac-12 as a bruiser whose opponents dreaded his open-field hits in his first season with Utah last year.

“He’s nasty,” defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley said.

Rising star

Nine weeks into the 2017 season, Blair had six starts and playing time in every game as either a strong safety, free safety or outside linebacker.