Armand Shyne will be out for a while, Zack Moss now lead running back.
The first scrimmage of the preseason for the University of Utah football team took place Saturday. The three’s were the only group to get live work in, but progress was seen on both sides of the ball as Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said they got exactly what they needed to out of practice.
“The execution level of the offense is continuing to go up,” Whittingham said. “Starting to settle into the scheme and feel comfortable with what you’re doing. Defense, more of the same. Great hustle, great intensity. Special teams was sharp.”
Shyne out for now
Whittingham announced that running back Armand Shyne will be out for “quite a while” because of what he called a “fluke thing” that occurred during an 11-on-11 team period setting while he was making a run. Whittingham noted that the injury is not season-ending.
Zack Moss has stepped into the lead running back role, while Devonta’e Henry-Cole is behind him. A battle for the third-string running back position is now going on between freshman TJ Green and senior Jordan Howard.
“He’s 215 pounds, he’s strong as a bull, he’s got speed and its his time,” Whittingham said about Moss.
Offense making strides
The way the offense performed on Saturday pleased offensive coordinator Troy Taylor.
“It was a good day,” Taylor said. “Very well executed, made a lot of plays, no drops at wide receiver, which is huge. That group is really coming along and the quarterbacks played well, good up front. Very pleased. One of our best days.”
All five quarterbacks saw time on the field, but both Whittingham and Taylor said Troy Williams, Tyler Huntley and Cooper Bateman played well. The two of them believe they have three quarterbacks that they feel they can win with and that’s something Whittingham isn’t sure his team has ever had in the past.
With 19 days left before the season opener, Whittingham believes his team is right where it needs to be.
Kyle Whittingham:
Troy Taylor:
Kiel McDonald:
Zack Moss with Bill Riley:
Troy Williams:
Tyler Huntley:
