Utah Two-Way Star Sione Vaki To Play In Reese's Senior Bowl
After years of churning out some of the best secondary talent in college football, it's safe to say Utah might be emerging as a sleeper pick for 'Defensive Back University'.
The list of former Utah defensive backs in the NFL is long. The school has formed a pedigree of developing athletes that become not merely NFL-caliber athletes, but starters in the league.
To prove this point, former Utah defensive backs Clark Phillips III (‘20-22), Jaylon Johnson (‘17-19), Julian Blackmon (‘16-19), Terrell Burgess (‘16-19), Marcus Williams (‘14-16), and Eric Rowe (‘11-14), are all current starters in the NFL.
And the Utes aren't done. On Feb. 3rd, Sione Vaki, who’s already declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, will get a chance to improve his stock at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
Sione Vaki
Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
As announced by the Senior Bowl X account on Jan. 10th, Vaki accepted his formal invite to attend the pre-draft showcase.
Vaki was undoubtedly Utah’s breakout player of the year in 2023. The sophomore started 12 games at safety for the Utes while also emerging as an offensive threat at running back.
In the seven games Vaki saw offensive snaps, he racked up over 500 combined yards (rushing and receiving) and five touchdowns. On the defensive side, the 6-foot two-way star had 51 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, and one interception.
For impressive play on both sides of the ball, Vaki earned honors that include becoming a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award, earning a second-team Sports Illustrated All-American, and a 2023 Pac-12 All-Conference (first-team; coaches).
It’s unclear if Vaki will take snaps on both sides during the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl. Rarely does a two-way star in college end up playing on both offense and defense in the NFL.
As such, all current information indicates that Vaki will pursue becoming an NFL safety. Moreover, Vaki is joined in his pursuit by Cole Bishop, a 2023 Utes starting free safety who also received a Reese’s Bowl invite.
It’s unclear where Vaki will go during the 2024 Draft. Current projections have him going anywhere from the fourth to seventh round.
The Reese’s Bowl gives Vaki a great opportunity to display his dynamic skill set. The showcase is one of the biggest opportunities players have to improve their overall draft stock. With scouts from every NFL team watching, Vaki could solidify himself as a day-two pick.
