Two things signify that we are close to fall. The first is that the temperature cools and you transition from shorts to jeans. The second is that the Is It Saturday Yet? podcast returns. In the latest episode of Is It Saturday Yet?, Luke Owens and I previewed the Independents and the Big 12. In our preview of the Big 12 and picking our Player to Watch, I made a jarring discovery.
I found that Utah linebacker Lander Barton has the thickest neck in college football.
Now, I know that probably sounds hyperbolic, but it’s true. When you look at the roster photo of the 6’4, 236 pound linebacker, it doesn’t even seem like Barton has a neck as his traps simply connect to his ears. It’s a glorious spectacle to see if you’re a football guy like myself, but what peaked my interest further about Barton’s neck is that he wasn’t a thick necked run stopper in high school. In fact, his neck was far skinnier in comparison to what it is now.
I understand that working with a college strength and conditioning coach will change your body, especially one at a program like Utah, but his neck growth is unbelievable. Maybe Doug Elisaia had Barton strictly do shrugs in the weight room when he stepped on campus in 2022, but it seemed to work because he’s a vital part of the Utes defense.
Going into the 2024 season, I picked Utah to win the Big 12 and my player to watch is in fact Lander Barton. Last season, he only played in seven games due to injury, but he anchored the Utes defense in that time. Over those seven games, he tallied 34 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 2 pass breakups and 1 touchdown. In his final game of the season against USC on 10/21, Barton totaled 9 tackles.
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