Position group battles are starting to see some separation and solidification after Day 6.
Today is the first of two-a-days, and the first practice in Rice-Eccles Stadium. Part of the purpose of practicing in there, according to Kyle Whittingham, is to get used to having a giant video board nearly always in sight. The Utes will practice on their new outdoor turf practice field for the first time in the afternoon.
In the media’s 20-minute observation period, the defense dominated the offense with its pass rush and lockdown defensive backfield. The Utes were practicing situational football, and the defense forced a few turnovers. The defensive backs have an ongoing competition for the most interceptions, and a few added to their tally today, led by Marcus Williams. However, Whittingham said after practice that the entire session was much more balanced between offense and defense than yesterday, and was quite pleased.
The starting offensive line is solidifying as (left to right), Garrett Bolles, Isaac Asiata, JJ Dielman, Leka Uhatafe, and Sam Tevi. That’s a dominant front that Ute fans will probably be excited about. We didn’t see any errant snaps today from Dielman in the observation period.
Whittingham did mention that the quarterbacks are starting to see some separation (ahem, Troy Williams), but they will get equal reps at least one more day with tomorrow being the first scrimmage of the camp. Troy Williams had the best day, recovering and reacting the best to a strong pass rush and tight coverage down field.
The Utes are getting more comfortable with the linebacker group, seeing 3-4 playable linebackers, led by Sunia Tauteoli, Kavika Luafatasaga, and Cody Barton. Whittingham said they’d like to see two more at a playable level, as the team travels six backers.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham:
DC Morgan Scalley:
LB Kavika Luafatasaga:
LB Coach Justin Ena:
RB Troy McCormick on air with Bill Riley:
