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The University of Utah Athletics
Ute Football Camp Steps Up To Practices In Full Pads
8/14/2000 12:00 AM | Football
Aug. 14, 2000
SALT LAKE CITY -
Utah's 2000 preseason football camp moves into its second week, with the team shifting from helmets and shoulder pads to full pads. The first day of full pads will be Tuesday. The Utes ran through "double days" last Thursday, Friday and Saturday, before backing off to a single afternoon practice on Sunday. Double days will continue through August 21 (with some exceptions, to be determined).
In the early going, Head Coach Ron McBride is most pleased with the competitiveness and depth exhibited, especially with the linebackers, defensive secondary and receivers.
"I like the team's overall attitude and how competitive it is," says McBride. "There are lots of positions where several guys are vying for the backup spot. Guys can't afford to take a practice off because there are so many good players trying to earn their way up the ladder. We have a lot of athletes in the secondary and need to decide our top few. The backups at linebacker are also competitive and we have probably seven to eight really good receivers."
Full bore tackling drills will help McBride and Co. make some decisions. "Now that we'll be in pads and can do some scrimmage situations, we'll learn a lot about where our players stand and can start making some decisions regarding the depth chart," says McBride. "Guys we think will be in the two deep will start getting more reps."
A few question marks McBride hopes to have resolved in the near future are the No. 2-3 running backs and the No. 3 quarterback. "D'Shaun (Crockett) is our No. 1 running back," says McBride, "but I want to establish the next two guys." The race for the No. 3 quarterback spot involves three players: redshirt freshman Lance Rice, who has shown well in competitive situations, senior Tony Alvarez, currently No. 3 on the depth chart, and sophomore Joel Gines.
A critical area is the offensive line, where the staff would like to develop a solid two deep. The No. 1 offensive line has performed exceptionally well, although honor candidate Sam White continues to be hampered by a knee injury that required surgery in the spring.
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