SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah football team began week three of spring camp on Tuesday at the Eccles Football Center practice fields and Coach
Kyle Whittingham liked what he saw. UtahUtes.com was there and caught up with several coaches and players after the practice.
Head Coach Kyle Whittingham
On practice
"It was a good day, much better than Saturday. The execution was better. The weather conditions were better so it was more conducive to better execution. It was a good day and I think we took a step forward today."
On quarterbacks
"They're looking good. It's really the two guys (
Troy Williams and
Tyler Huntley) who are getting the vast majority of the reps. They're battling. Right now, Troy still probably has the edge, but it's good competition. Troy is a little better in completion percentage and a little better decision making so far. Tyler's strength doesn't really show up out here with his ability to make the creative play when there's one to be made. When the quarterbacks aren't live, it's really tough to get a full feel for the impact he can have on a game."
On running backs
"Tight end and running back are where we're really thin this spring. The good news is help is on the way and it the fall we should be just fine. Right now, we're a little lean at those two spots."
Running Coach Kiel McDonald
On running back stand outs.
"All those guys are doing a good job. Everybody has their moment. There's some highs and some lows any time that you have a new offense. The entire group is going a good job. We don't have a starter right now. Everyone is getting their shot. We want to take a look at everybody."
On getting acclimated at Utah
"It's been great. Everybody has been so welcoming, even the community, coaches and trainers. Everything has been a special experience here already."
Tyrone Smith, DB
On switching to defensive side after player receiver
"I kind of understand some schemes and concepts. They only thing is, we have a different offense now so you can't think about the old stuff that I knew. You can catch on, breaking down the routes and stuff like that."
On playing defense
"You go into a fight every day. You have to prepare yourself for every practice, even a walk through. I'm excited to be on this side of the ball now and understand how the defense carries themselves. It makes me a better person, even off the field."
Troy Williams, QB
On offensive live
"I feel like it's going well so far. The scheme is a lot less complicated than it was last year for the O-line, specifically. They have a great bond, they're tight as brothers. They pick each other up every day and I have great confidence in them. They're doing a great job so far."
On quarterback competition
"It was great competition last year and great competition this year. I have to continue to try to better my self each and every day. I need to go out there and compete."
The Utes will hold their first scrimmage of the spring on Friday, Mar. 31 at 4 p.m. The scrimmage will be played in Rice-Eccles Stadium and is open to the public.
The
14th-annual Red-White spring game is scheduled for Saturday, April 15 at 11 a.m. at
Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Utah Spring Football Guide:
http://www.utahutes.com/documents/2017/3/24/FB_Spring_2017.pdf
