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The University of Utah Athletics
Ute Football Team Has Good First Week Of Spring Drills
3/30/2001 12:00 AM | Football
March 30, 2001
SALT LAKE CITY -
The Utes will finish their first week of spring drills on Saturday and some interesting scenarios are already shaping up. Jason Kaufusi, the 2000 Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year, has spent very little time at defensive end, where he started last fall. Instead, junior Marcus Jones has been taking most of the reps at open end while Kaufusi tries his hand at "stud" linebacker.
According to defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Kyle Whittingham, Kaufusi will play at "stud" when the Utes are in their 4-3 scheme. When they operate out of the nickel package, Kaufusi will move back to end. "Regardless of position, Jason will be on the field for every snap," promises Whittingham.
A trimmer (309 pound) Ma'ake Kemoeautu is playing at left end, a switch from last year, when he started at nose guard. According to both Whittingham and Kemoeatu, the transition is going smoothly. Kemoeatu expects to shed another five or so pounds by fall.
Offensively, multi-purpose player Dennis Smith may have found a home in his third year on the team. Smith, a senior who is listed as a wide receiver on the roster, is playing well at tight end. The Utes are heavy on tight ends, but offensive coordinator Craig Ver Steeg says that's important in his offensive plans. That's because, in some situations, Ver Steeg likes a second tight end on the field, in place of the fullback. Smith could fit the bill when Utah goes to a double tight formation.
Freshman returned missionary Morgan Scalley has impressed in spring ball. Scalley has moved to No. 2 on the depth chart at `X' receiver, behind Josh Lyman. Lyman and senior all-league candidate Cliff Russell are both nursing slight hamstring strains.
Redshirt freshman Brett Elliott, who sprained his thumb two months ago, has been cleared to throw. Elliott could only watch the passing drills on the opening day of camp, but has taken reps in the three days since.
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