The versatile athlete who played nearly every snap for the Utah Utes
In short: Before becoming a six-time Pro Bowl safety in the NFL, Eric Weddle was a force of nature in college football. Known for his rare ability to impact the game on offense, defense, and special teams, his dominance led coaches to suggest he was being undervalued by the collegiate system.
During his tenure at the University of Utah from 2003 to 2006, Weddle demonstrated a level of versatility that redefined the role of a defensive player. While he primarily occupied roles as a cornerback, nickel back, and strong safety, he was equally effective as a weapon on offense. In his senior year, he contributed significantly to the team's offensive output, rushing for 587 yards and 22 touchdowns, while also completing passes for 965 yards and five touchdowns.
This multi-faceted skill set earned him significant praise from collegiate peers. Following a game against Air Force, Wyoming coach Joe Glenn stated that Weddle should win the Heisman Trophy. Similarly, Air Force head coach Fisher DeBerry remarked that Weddle was being undervalued, suggesting he deserved two scholarships. His impact was so pervasive that Deseret Morning News reporter Doug Robinson noted that Weddle played more snaps than the referees on the field.
Weddle's collegiate career was marked by consistent excellence, including being a two-time Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year. His statistical footprint at Utah includes 277 tackles, with 165 solo hits ranking sixth in school history. He also holds the school record for forced fumbles with nine. This foundation of versatility eventually led him to a 14-season NFL career, highlighted by a Super Bowl LVI victory with the Los Angeles Rams.
His transition to the professional ranks was swift. After being selected in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers, he immediately demonstrated his impact. In his rookie season, he recorded 53 combined tackles and a sack against Rex Grossman, proving that the high-volume playmaker from Utah could translate his collegiate dominance to the highest level of professional football.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Eric Weddle
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