Utah football is underway as spring practice has begun the for the Utes, and has preceded into their first tackle practice during the 2015 season on Tuesday, March 31st. Key players on offense have progressed and continued to establish groundwork for the team, and the defensive line has focused on their blitz work and found themselves consecutive with getting after the ball.
Utes defensive coordinator John Pease said that the first half of practice on Tuesday was not a good half, as the players were steady trying to pick up momentum, but excelled during live work. The defensive line had 2-3 turnovers in the live tackling session.
This time with his players makes for good teach teaching moments, to encourage improvement.
Pease said that they have been watching a little bit of Michigan to see what to expect from them.
At the end of the practice, Pease said he thought that the players should practice running, and so they did exactly that.
LISTEN TO JOHN PEASE TALK WITH BILL RILEY AND SEAN O’CONNELL AFTER PRACTICE HERE:
Pease is pleased with defensive end, Kylie Fitts (6’3, 270 lbs)— and his progress, who came from UCLA to Utah for the ’15 season. Pease said that he feels good about the two deep, Hunter Dimik and Fitts at left ends, Jason Fanaika at the right end, and Pita Taumoepenu is making plays and understanding the game better.
There are 4 defensive tackles that he is pleased with: Lowell Lotulelei, Filipo Mokofisi, Stevie Tu’ikolovatu, and Viliseni Fauonuko. If the guys can continue to progress- Pease said that he thinks the Utes can win a Pac12 title.
Viliseni Fauonuko has developed himself as a leader. He, as well as Lotulelei and Mokofisi; Pease “considers” them all starters. Pease said that Fauonuko is smart, understands the game, is disciplined and he is quick.
Hunter Dimik said that everyone was “flying’ pretty good,” on Tuesday. He described “flying around” is a phrase Pease uses to encourage the defense to get to the ball, chase it down and get in the frame.
Moving forward Dimik thinks they will focus a little bit more on blitzes, he said they felt they were a little bit choppy with their footwork.
Nonetheless, Dimik was excited to be out on the field, and participated in the encouragement to get people moving and making plays.
LISTEN TO HUNTER DIMIK TALK WITH THE MEDIA AFTER PRACTICE HERE:
Head coach Kyle Whittingham said that Chase Hansen is has been an exceptional runner, who has strength and uses his legs, and does a good job taking care of the football.
Brandon Cox is a “duel threat” who does a good job taking care of the ball as well, protecting the ball, and extending the plays.
Conner Manning is a “pocket guy” as Whittingham stated, who looked a little different; off pace Saturday.
As a whole, Whittingham said that the defense is ahead of the offense at this point in practice; Booker makes a huge difference. He said that it’s apparent the defense is a seasoned group. With that being said, Whittingham still encourages the defense to practice with full force, expecting the offense to fight back, as the defense is usually ahead of time early on.
Jake Jackson has exceeded in growth, and everything in his game as improved as a freshman.
LISTEN TO KYLE WHITTINGHAM TALK WITH THE MEDIA AFTER PRACTICE HERE:
Jason Fanaika said that he felt the defensive end started off slow on Tuesday, but they executed during the live work session. The defense is hoping to accomplish what they are focusing on mentality and physicality.
As for the energy circulating on the filed, Fanaika said he was excited to be out practicing, although it can be draining. However, during practice it’s fun to get physical and go against the offensive line.
“Flying around.”
LISTEN TO JASON FANAIKA TALK WITH THE MEDIA AFTER PRACTICE HERE:
