Kyle Whittingham finally said that Troy Williams has separated himself at the top quarterback spot after the first scrimmage on Day 7 of Utah fall camp.
Kyle Whittingham finally said that Troy Williams has separated himself at the top quarterback spot after the first scrimmage on Day 7 of Utah fall camp.
When the media arrived on the field at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Williams threw a stripe to wide receiver Tyrone Smith, who beat cornerback Brian Allen behind the safeties for a 60+ yard catch and run. Hooping and hollering, the offense sprinted downfield to kick a field goal as time expired in the simulated situation. Kyle Whittingham echoed other coaches and players in saying that was one of the most positive offensive plays of camp.
Not a great play for the defense though, as Allen probably was anticipating safety Marcus Williams to help, but Williams was lined up closer to the box (on 4th and long, we don’t know why) and was unable to provide over-the-top coverage.
Yesterday, Whittingham said Williams was gaining separation, but the staff would allow equal reps among the quarterbacks for at least one more day for the Utes’ first scrimmage. After today, Whittingham said Williams would take over most of the reps with the number one squad. Tyler Huntley needs to work on keeping the ball safer in time that he’s turned it over in effort to make plays, according to Whittingham. We have seen Huntley turn over the ball more recently than in spring football.
We’ve expected Williams to eventually win out the starting quarterback position, but only recently has he started to visibly make strides above Huntley and Brandon Cox.
Tight end Siale Fakailoatonga is out for the 2016 season with a torn ACL. It’s the same knee he injured last year to miss most of the season. Harrison Handley and Evan Moeai are interchangeable now as the top remaining tight ends.
Play between the top squads on the offensive and defensive line is high-quality. Pita Taumoepenu said going against guys like Garrett Bolles and Isaac Asiata is a challenge, and each day brings improvement.
We did finally get to see Mitch Wishnowsky in action at punter. He was booming kicks downfield. I had a bad angle and didn’t see exactly where the ball landed, but I estimate around 60-yard punts for the sophomore.
Most of the rest of practice was drills with the 4th team, which involved a lot of penalties at the line of scrimmage.
Kyle Whittingham:
Troy Williams:
Joe Williams:
Aaron Roderick:
Pita Taumoepenu:
Brian Allen:
Tyrone Smith:
