Via Facebook, former Washington linebacker, Cort Dennison announced that he has joined the University of Utah football staff in an undisclosed capacity.   He returns to the conference where he once played (Washington) and once coached (Oregon).

“Unbelievably blessed,” Dennison said to lead off his announcement.  “I am so happy to be back home, working for such an amazing program that is full of incredible, caring, loving, selfless people.”

Home, growing up for Dennison, was Judge Memorial High School, in Salt Lake City, Utah where he starred as tight end and linebacker.  In his senior year, he was named Utah Athlete of the Year by The Salt Lake Tribune.

As a 2-star linebacker, he appeared to be more of a footnote to Washington’s 2007 recruiting class of 26 players for Tyrone Willingham.  When all was said and done, he had played in 37 of UW’s 38 games.  As a senior in 2011, he started all 13 games at inside linebacker, including the Alamo Bowl against Baylor.  That year he served as a team captain for the season and was named second-team All-Pac-12–despite leading the conference in tackles with 128.  He saved his best for last recording 15 tackles in the Alamo Bowl.

“As most of you know, this last year and a half has been the biggest struggle of my life but I can’t thank the people who stood by my side and continued to believe in me enough,” he said referencing some off-the-field issues that led to him being fired from Louisville.

“I’ve grown so much. I look at life completely differently,” he continued.  “Monetary and material things don’t mean anything to me anymore. Happiness, relationships and people do! Adversity is one of life’s greatest teachers. It is through adversity that you find the strength that you never knew you had. To my true friends and family… THANK YOU AND I LOVE YOU!!!!!”

Dennison will be back in Seattle in the 2023 season when the Utes play the UW on November 11.