Jake Utley

What the tape shows

Jake Utley demonstrates impressive pad level and maintains a strong base with his feet consistently underneath him, which allows for effective leverage and balance in pass protection and run blocking. His technique shows a solid understanding of fundamentals, particularly in his initial set and engagement. However, he faces challenges against speed rushers on the edge, as he sometimes misfires with his hand placement—shooting the wrong arm—which can cause his hips to lock and limit his lateral mobility. This technical flaw exposes him to being beaten around the corner by quicker defenders. Despite this, Utley is a reliable right tackle with the physical tools and football IQ to compete for a starting role at the Group of Five level. With refinement in his hand usage and improved agility against speed threats, he has the potential to be a dependable contributor on the offensive line.