ESPN is projecting a breakout season for new Utah linebacker Levani Damuni.

Damuni, who transferred from Stanford earlier this offseason, is ESPN’s preseason pick to be Utah’s best newcomer in 2023. On Monday, ESPN projected the top newcomer for each program in its way-too-early top 25.

Here’s some analysis on why Damuni in the choice from ESPN’s Paolo Uggetti:

Compared to its Pac-12 counterparts, the Utes don’t typically make splashes in the portal — or really elsewhere — but they did enough in this window to add a few talented players that could make a big impact in the upcoming season. The biggest standout may be Stanford linebacker Levani Damuni, who has accounted for 162 total tackles over the last two seasons. Damuni is a four-star player who has largely gone unnoticed on a declining Stanford team, but with his talent in Kyle Whittingham’s defense, the 2023 season could be a breakout for him.

Damuni figures to be an immediate impact player in Utah’s defense this season. In 2022, he logged 76 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack for the Cardinal. He also made 1 interception and forced 2 fumbles.

Players like Damuni can help ensure that Utah’s rushing defense remains a strength moving forward. Last season, the Utes ranked 4th in the Pac-12 in yards per carry allowed (3.96).

Utah has won 10 games in each of the past 2 seasons.