(I really did intend to get this out much earlier, but there were considrable Internet and blog issues the kept me down until just now.)

(11 am update: Per Utah, Finau is not available for interviews until he has a “chance to acclimate” to his new life.)

It’s true. Page 11 of the game notes lists the depth chart for the Utah Utes entering Saturday’s game against Wyoming.

Left End

96 Junior Tui’one (6-4, 265, Sr., 2VL)
90 Derrick Shelby (6-3, 255, Jr., 2VL)
97 Tevita Finau (6-5, 298, Jr., JC)

He’s even got a spot on the pronunciation chart.

Finau made his long-anticipated college deput Saturday against Iowa State. Utah confirms it and explained to me the void on the team roster and Saturday’s participation chart is because no one knew of him until they saw a No. 97 on the field and had to scramble to figure out the identity of this enormous defensive end.

So what to make of this? First, good for him. Can’t help but think that since clearly he had a talent and just as clearly he struggled to apply it at a level he desired.

Second, how’d this happen? When I last inquired about Finau just before the beginning of camp, a source I consider knowledgeable of the situation and the involved elements told me Finau was not close to being eligible and said the talk about Finau needing but one class wasn’t accurate — and I’m not the only one who inquired and was told this.

As I understand things, Finau was cleared and welcomed to Utah at the end of last month — not yet three weeks ago. He tried and tried to attain eligibility here for three years. He signed three LOIs. He played in a football game for the nation’s No. 10 team Saturday. He has two seasons of eligibility returning. 

I’ll admit: I didn’t much care about the guy during his eligibility flirtation at WVU and probably grew a little tired of the will he/won’t he dynamic, but I am now intrigued. Congratulations, Tevita.