University of Utah All-American

second on the team in tackles with 78 and led the team in tackles-for- “| haven't coached a better lineman than Luther in my 30 years of coaching. The guy's got everything. He has work ethic, leadership, character, ability, acatlenics... there’s not one thing missing.

Liter Elliss was the first consensus All-American football player at the University of Utah in 30 years. Playing defensive end at 6-5 289 pounds, Luther was the 1994 Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year. He was the catalyst in the Utes’ most successful season in history, which included a 10-2 record, a Freedom Bow! victory and a final No. 8 ranking in the CNNUSA Today poll, the first top-10 final ranking in school history. Luther was an Al]-WAC Defensive End as a sophomore and as a junior repeated when he led the conference in sacks. He added 30 good pounds for his senior year in the off-season and moved inside to defensive tackle.

Luther did it to fill Ron McBride: University of Utah Head Foothall Coach a need for the team but it was also felt this would help his pro chances as well. Luther’s presence inside altered opponents offensive game plans and they often double-teamed him or ran around him. loss with nine. Defensive line coach Kyle Whittingham called Luther’s play “spectacular” and that he made the move to defensive tackle without missing a beat. Luther has been projected as a possible late first round draft pick. Luther has some awesome marks in the weight room: Parallel Squat650, Bench Press-550, Power Clean- UNIVERSITY OF UTAH ALL-AMERICAN LUTHER ELLISS oi cally and spiritually.

Luther has a 33” V.J. parents were a big influence,” up to be respectful and love God. rebounds and 8 assists per game. parents.” these big guys and said ‘wow’. little pond,” exclaimed Luther. pound Bench.

Isit back and enjoy it. graduating class was only 24.

Indian or a Mexican-American. wit,UNIVERSITY OF UTAH ALL-AMERICAN LUTHER ELLISS prepare.” tion for the last game which was against BYU. “That was a wake up call,” grinned Luther.

Luther is a business management major with emphasis in commercial recreation and tourism. He carries a 3.0 GPA and is on line to graduate in his fifth year. Luther is committed to graduating, “You can’t play practice. “I love to practice. I have a great time. It’s fun. It comes down to attitude. You have got to feel like that. wants in the NFL.” football forever.” Now, who is bigger than Arnold, itives. I try to work on my weakIcan do better. At first ] was weak on my legs so Squats were really most. I believe the most important over.

I asked him about coaching don’t think T have the personality to n’t believe it but it sure was refreshgarten after his football career is I did Okay and held my own.” lot of Tricep work. help out the community.” yourself to the team and to yourself. thing you get. If you ever think you - Continued on Page 11 - UNIVERSITY OF UTAH ALL-AMERICAN LUTHER ELLISS gi - Continued from Page 7 - “Working with Luther over the past 4 years has been the epitome of college athletics. Luther has the completepackage as a mate is my cousin and he full Samoan. He doesn’t drink either. Actually, there’s a lot of guys on our team that don’t drink. Anyway, everyone respects your decision.

I’ve never touched any drug in my him a great experience. health.” good person.” the most important part of whyI am here at the University of Utah. You can only play sports for so long.

Strength Coach University of Utah what to expect. That is as important are there, you’ ll get passed up. I work out twice a day right now.

“You should always strive to be better. Pay attention to detail. It’s the little things that help you to be successful. Do extra. Watch film.” During the season, Luther watched film nearly two hours everyday. He continued, “I tried to pick up tendencies or weaknesses of my opponents. How much pressure was on his down hand? Where was his back foot? | wanted to know in advance in life is my family. Naturally my parents are important but now, I also have my own. I have been married since last June and we have a baby boy on the way.” He grinned again. “T can’t wait.” “My belief in God and spiritual their weaknesses. However, the most important quality is being a team There is no time to rest.

values are the other part of life which makes it complete. I don’t player not an I player.” Luther has kept his values while away from home. It easy to go with the flow and party like other colleges students but Luther continued am a Christian (Methodist). [ believe in moral values and community involvement.” to think for himself. I asked Luther if had ever had a drink in college. He hung his head a little and with an embarrassed smile admitted that he All-American in its purest sense. We thank Coach Dwight Daub for tinued success.

LUTHER ELLISS’ PROGRESS CHART Year _— Height Fall91 6-5 Spring 92 6-5 Fall92 6-5 Spring 93 6-5 Fall93 «6-6 WJ.

LJ.

8'6” 29.5 9 285 9 30.5 91" 31 ST" 315 9'2” 3392”

From BFS Magazine — Summer 1995. Part of the BFS Magazine Archive (1980–2014).