The first practice in full pads for the Utes took place on Saturday and it was a huge success. The offense made some nice plays through the air and running the ball on the ground. The defense showed a nice ability to get pressure with the defensive line. Utah’s special teams are the best in the country with Matt Gay and Mitch Wishnowsky showing up big time. The energy was high from the players and coaches on a clear and crisp spring afternoon. Here are some news and notes:
It’s obvious Chase Hansen and Cody Barton are the leaders of the defense right now with how vocal they are at practice. Bradlee Anae is a monster off the edge rushing the passer. Tyrone Smith has immense size and speed at the corner position. Utah’s defense looks fast and physical yet again under Kyle Whittingham.
What a beautiful day for spring football here in the great state of Utah. @ESPN700 pic.twitter.com/JHZYYX1F8b
— KYLE F GUNTHER (@GuntherESPN700) March 10, 2018
Tyler Huntley ran the first team offense very well and is already looking bigger, faster and stronger than he did in 2017. Huntley was making checks at the line of scrimmage to get the offense into the right play for the situation which is something we did not see a lot of from the true junior last season. Huntley was also pretty dynamic in the running game taking off for a few big runs in the team periods at the end of practice.
Bronson Boyd reels in a beauty of a one-handed catch at Utah spring ball… Perfect ball placement from Huntley. #UtahFootball pic.twitter.com/iwkyhZXZyE
— Porter Larsen (@Larsen_ESPN) March 10, 2018
Jack Tuttle lived up the the hype. The young man has sensational footwork and mechanics. In the early goings of the team periods it was clear Tuttle was overestimating the time he had in the pocket but as practice wore on he sped up his process of getting rid of the football. There were some very nice deep passes completed by Tuttle in the 7 on 7 drills and the team drills throughout the day. Tuttle ended up completing what would be the deepest pass of the day in with a corner route thrown more than 30 yards in the air with great touch and precision.
Jack Tuttle in his first full padded team drill of spring ball. He’s getting reps with the number 2 offense. He needs to get the ball out quickly to avoid pressure. He’s got good mechanics but needs to speed up the process. @ESPN700 pic.twitter.com/ZFYm0MEbPX
— KYLE F GUNTHER (@GuntherESPN700) March 10, 2018
Jack Tuttle throwing at Utah practice today. @ESPN700 pic.twitter.com/Ot8QtTKwfx
— KYLE F GUNTHER (@GuntherESPN700) March 10, 2018
Tyler Huntley is more polished right now and is ready to win games at the start of the 2018 football season but Jack Tuttle will certainly push Huntley for the starting job through fall camp and the regular season.
In an unrelated note, Kyle Whittingham showed up to spring ball with a new bike.
Kyle Whittingham got a new bike for the 2018 season. @ESPN700 pic.twitter.com/axBhMftvv1
— KYLE F GUNTHER (@GuntherESPN700) March 10, 2018
