2022 Spring Football: White Defeats Red, 21-14 To Wrap Up Spring Ball
SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Utah Football program wrapped up spring training today with its annual spring game at Rice-Eccles Stadium with the White Team walking away with a 21-14 victory over the Red Team.
In a game that featured talented veterans and exciting newcomers, the 2022 Utes were on full display for 10,994 fans today. With all ticket proceeds going to the Ty Jordan Memorial Scholarship and the Aaron Lowe Memorial Scholarship, spring game ticket sales raised a net total of $89,280.
It was an air attack for both teams today with Cameron Rising, Bryson Barnes and Ja'Quinden Jackson combining for five passing touchdowns in the game. Barnes led the White Team by going 9-of-18 passing for 157 yards and two touchdowns, also recording 10 carries for 47 yards while Rising was 4-of-6 for 60 yards and one score.
For the Red Team, Jackson was 11-of-17 for 138 passing yards and two touchdowns with Luke Bottari also getting in on the action by going 3-for-8 and 21 yards. In the rushing game, Jaylon Glover debuted for the Utes on the Red Team, recording five carries for 36 yards, breaking free for a powerful 20-yard gain in the first quarter.
On the receiving end, Devaughn Vele and Makai Cope were spectacular for the White Team, finishing with 72 and 42 yards respectively with both making acrobatic catches all over the field. Cope scored one of the White squads' touchdowns with newly deemed tight end Munir McClain also scoring on a 56-yard catch while Taniela Pututau started the scoring for the Utes with an eight-yard touchdown grab in the first quarter.
On the Red Team, Money Parks showed off his speed multiple times, grabbing four catches for 43 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Hayden Erickson also had a solid outing with two catches for 41 yards, including a long of 35.
For the White Team defense, the youth on the squad shined as Cole Bishop led the way with seven tackles and a pass breakup while Kenzel Lawler came away with the only interception of the game. A trio of underclassmen in cornerback Darrien Stewart, defensive end Connor O'Toole and linebacker Josh Calvert also put up four tackles each with both O'Toole and Calvert getting 1.0 tackle for loss as well.
On the Red Team, freshman linebacker notched a team-high six tackles with fellow newcomer Lander Barton recording five. Andrew Mata'afa also produced four tackles and a forced fumble while freshman safety Sione Vaki had four stops and an assisted tackle for loss.
The Utes will return to action in the fall when they kick things off with the Florida Gators on the road. Utah will battle in The Swamp on Saturday, Sept. 3 to open the 2022 season.