Wednesday marked the two week milepost for Utah Fall Football Camp. Kyle Whittingham’s called his teams 13th practice more business as usual. Thus far in Camp, Utah has been relatively injury free and have added a couple of quality bodies to the mix in the last week. Linebackers Bryant Pirtle and Francis Bernard are finally on the field together and attempting to play catch up to their teammates on Defense.
On Wednesday both Francis and Pirtle took reps with the second and third defensive units. After practice Pirtle discussed playing alongside Bernard and his acclimation to the Utah Defense…
Utah Running Back “U”
Utah Football has a long history of developing running backs and sending them on to the National Football League. In the Kyle Whittingham Era alone: Matt Asiata, Devontae Booker and Joe Williams are all still on NFL Rosters. The next in that line will be Zack Moss, who is poised to have a big season as Utah’s lead tailback. On Wednesday after practice, I caught up with Running Backs Coach Kiel McDonald to get his thoughts on Moss’ development and the depth he has at the position right now, which might be the best Utah has ever had. McDonald says while Moss is the clear #1, that Armand Shyne, TJ Green and Devin Brumfield will all likely see time carrying the ball this season.
Three Guys Who Caught My Eye on Wednesday at Camp Kyle
1. Siaosi Mariner-Mariner made a couple of very difficult catches in traffic on Wednesday in 11 on 11 work. Mariner appears to be the strongest wide receiver on the team and has caught everything thrown his way this fall. He averaged 19 yds per catch last season, he may be the best downfield threat in the Utah Receiving Corps this fall.
2. Cody Barton-Barton has transformed his body and has performed this fall as one of the top two linebackers on the team. On Wednesday morning he showed his quickness and speed off the edge forcing what would have been sack if QB’s had been live. Barton and Hansen are Utah’s Top 2 Backers right now. Even with the arrival this week of Francis Bernard and Bryant Pirtle, Barton appears to have a firm grasp on a starting spot in Morgan Scalley’s defense.
3. Tareke Lewis-The JC Corner saw reps with both the first and second team defense on Wednesday morning. Lewis was solid in both 11 on 11 and individual work against the Utah WR Corps. He won’t like crack the starting lineup initially this season at corner with Blackmon, Johnson and Guidry in front of him, but Lewis will earn time and be productive this season for Utah.
