2022 Spring Football: Coach Whittingham Talks Day 4
SALT LAKE CITY – Rain, lightning and thunder didn't stop the University of Utah Football program from getting its fourth practice of spring ball in with the team continuing to make strides to start week two.
The Utes took to the indoor field for a full set of drills, including the team's first live periods with full pads. The mix of excited newcomers and seasoned veterans has given spring practices an electric atmosphere through the first week that they look to continue all the way through the spring game on Saturday, April 23.
Asking the important questions over here during spring ball.
?If you were famous, who would be your best friend? pic.twitter.com/oiocpqxrq1
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) March 29, 2022
With the start of the second week today, head coach Kyle Whittingham met with the media for the second time this spring, talking about his standout newcomers, the tight end power the Utes continue to grow and team leadership.
On how practice went today…
"It was a good day. It was the first day of live work this spring. We evaluated last week as a whole and we had three good practices. We got to put the pads on during Saturday's practice, but no tackling to the ground. Today we got to tackle and got our first look at some guys in that situation and I thought they responded well. Jaylon Glover looked good, ripped off about a 50-yard run. Lander Barton did some good things and quarterback Brandon Rose made some good throws. So, a lot of good things from the guys that we got a first look at live action from, and it was encouraging."
On if there is a different confidence level with Jaylon Glover…
"Without a doubt. He is very mature and doesn't act like a kid that should still be in high school. He has a tremendous work ethic and he is organized in all facets of his life. He has things laid out the way he wants them with his goals and he is a guy that we think will be very important for us."
Best Decision. So glad to be a Ute! #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/kkwhVTWHKj
— Jaylon "2 Piece" Glover ?? (@officiallyyjay1) March 26, 2022
On Brant Kuithe evolving into a leader…
"Well we are moving him to linebacker, so that will be new. I'm just kidding. He is going to be a very valuable part of our offense. He is so productive. He is battle tested, he is a proven commodity, he is a big play guy and is a big threat after the catch. He has great hands and he is a good blocker even though he isn't the biggest guy. He is a big-play capability guy."
On what Munir McClain does that translates to him moving to tight end…
"First of all his size. He is 6-3 at least, and about 230-pounds with room to put on more. Physically he has the profile to fit in as a tight end. Having so much success with Brant Kuithe, who has the same style play as Munir, we think he has a bright future as well. He was excited about the change, he has put on about 15 pounds since we have had him here and we think his highest ceiling will be at that tight end position."
On having that third tight end spot in addition to Brant Kuithe and Dalton Kincaid…
"It is very important. Thomas Yassmin has had a really good first four days of practice. This is his third year in the program with absolutely zero football experience and has made strides every single season."
On filling the leadership roles that left for the NFL…
"That is the cycle of college football and you lose your leaders almost every year because typically they are upperclassmen. We have guys stepping up though. Cameron Rising is an outstanding leader. Brant and him are the captains of the offense. Clark Phillips III is an outstanding leader, Devin Kaufusi and Cole Bishop even though he is just a true sophomore. It is their turn to step up and be vocal and show what they can do in that capacity."
On Solomon Enis and his spring performance so far…
"Solo has been very steady for us and we expect him to have his most productive year for us this year. He is another guy that fills those leadership shoes from the graduating guys that have left. He is a tremendous worker and one thing that gets overlooked is that he is a tremendous special teams player. He is on two or three of the special teams units, so he is a guy that has value beyond what he does at receiver."
On if he is seeing what he wants to see out of the safety position so far…
"So far. Cole Bishop is a tremendous player, you saw that last year when he started as a true freshman. Kamo'i Latu is really making strides. Darrien Stewart is doing a good job, Bryson Reeves is also getting some good reps. R.J. Hubert is 100-percent healthy right now as well."