utahmanami

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 Sports) - The Kruger legacy continues to live on at the University of Utah. Dave Kruger is a starter on the defensive line. His younger brother Joe will see significant playing time as a true freshman, while the oldest, Paul, is already in the NFL. The fourth Kruger brother, Mark, is playing at Pleasant Grove High School. With four massive boys, can you imagine what the food bill was like at the Kruger house? "Well, we were going through about 16 gallons of milk per week," said their father Paul, Sr. "So my food bill was bigger than my mortgage payment." Paul Jr. was a legend at Utah, turning pro after just his sophomore season. He was a 2nd round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2009 and could see a lot of action this season. Dave and Joe both take a lot of pride in keeping this Kruger legacy alive. "We definitely take pride in our name just because we're Krugers," said Dave, "and because we've accomplished the things that we've accomplished." "I'm the third one," added Joe. "So I'll just try my best to keep it going to live up to Paul and Dave's expectations." Dave is developing into a star, having made 37 tackles as a freshman last year while earning 2nd-team Freshman All-American honors. He's entrenched as a starter, and he's helping his little brother navigate through his first season at Utah. "I'm always watching him because I want him to be the best just because he's my little brother and he's a great athlete," said Dave. But which brother is the best athlete? "You can't ask me that question," laughed Joe. Although Dave had no problem answering. "Who's the best athlete?" he asked. "Well, obviously I'm the best athlete." Their dad, Paul Sr., was a pretty good athlete himself. He played with BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall at Oregon State. Kruger said he is still close with Mendenhall, although he probably thinks Bronco is a little upset that his kids went to Utah. As for Ute fans, Paul Sr. was asked if they ask him to have more kids. "Kyle (Whittingham) actually asked us to have about four more," he said. "But my wife said no."

The University of Utah held a well-planned pro day workout on Monday for 16 pro prospects indoors on FieldTurf. Representatives from 20 teams evaluated the players, including offensive line coaches from the Ravens, Seahawks and Steelers, and a wide receivers coach and linebackers coach from the Browns. OL Zane Beadles (6-4 1/8, 307) had 30 repetitions in the bench press and participated in position drills. DL Koa Misi (6-2 3/8, 246) ran a 4.21 short shuttle. He looked very good in position drills and will run again on March 29. WR/KR David Reed (6-0 1/4, 192) ran 4.52 and 4.52 in the 40-yard dash, had 9-5 in the broad jump, a 4.11 short shuttle, 6.82 three-cone drill and also ran position drills. LB Sylvester Stevenson (6-2 1/4, 232) kept his 40 time from the combine, had a 30.5 vertical jump, 8-9 broad jump, 4.56 short shuttle, 7.22 three-cone drill and 21 reps in the bench press. Many Utah players were not present at the scouting combine in Indianapolis and worked out for scouts for the first time. These two players stood out: DB Robert Johnson (6-2 1/8, 203) ran 4.60 and 4.58 in the 40, 4.06 short shuttle, 6.56 three-cone drill and 13 bench press reps. He looked very good in position drills. DB R.J. Stanford (5-10 1/8, 183) ran 4.45 and 4.44 in the 40, had a 37.5 inch vertical jump, 10-11 broad jump, a 4.26 short shuttle, 6.81 three-cone drill and 12 reps in the bench press. – Gil Brandt

Kruger makes a huge play and helps the ravens win