One of Utah’s most important linemen is done for the year, racking up the season-ending injuries along the trenches.
Senior center J.J. Dielman, a team captain and a 2015 all-conference honoree, is done for the season after a lower leg injury suffered at Cal, the Utes announced Monday afternoon. The injury likely ends his Utah career: He played in five games this year, pushing above the threshold for a medical hardship waiver.
The 22-year-old Arizona native played in 32 career games as a Ute, entering the regular starting lineup in 2014. Pro Football Focus graded him as the top returning player to Utah this fall, even though he changed positions from tackle to center after the Utes took another career-ending injury to presumed starter Hiva Lutui in spring.