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The University of Utah Athletics
Defense Holds Upper Hand in Football Scrimmage
4/11/2009 12:00 AM | Football
April 11, 2009
SALT LAKE CITY -
A pair of redshirt freshmen played well for the offense in Saturday's football scrimmage in Rice-Eccles Stadium, but those performances aside, the defense dominated.
Running back Sausan Shakerin took turns with both the first and second teams while starter Matt Asiata took the day off and "Shak" took advantage of the extra reps--rushing 15 times for 76 yards and a touchdown. Shakerin also had the biggest offensive gain of the day--breaking free for a 42-yard gain against the second string defense while playing for the No. 2 offense. DeVonte Christopher, a quarterback trying out at receiver this spring, continued his exceptional play at his new position--play that could make the move permanent. He led the receivers with four catches for 40 yards (long of 18) and a touchdown.
The touchdown pass from Terrance Cain to Christopher concluded one of the more crisp series run by the offense. Cain hit Ryan Lacy for a 14-yard pass, completed an 11-yard throw to Shaky Smithson and then tossed a 5-yard pass to Christopher in the end zone. Cain and Smithson are both mid-year JC transfers, while Lacy is seeing his first real action after redshirting with a shoulder injury last year.
While Cain finished with a nice looking line (15 of 22 for 119 yards and a touchdown), head coach Kyle Whittingham questioned the overall quarterback situation at this point of the camp. Corbin Louks, at the controls of the No. 1 offense at the start, finished 13-of-24 for 104 yards.
"We need to be more effective on offense," said Whittingham. "I thought we'd see more progress at quarterback at this point of camp. Corbin and Terrance are making some strides and are neck and neck right now. I don't see much separation at this point. The key is for them to just keep improving and getting used to the new tweaks in the offense."
Whittingham singled out Shakerin, running back Eddie Wide (10 carries for 27 yards), and receivers Christopher and Shaky Smithson (5 catches, 31 yards) on the offense. He liked the entire defensive effort, giving special kudos to defensive lineman Koa Misi, who had two sacks.
Whittingham indicated that part of the offensive struggles had to do with the defense, which "flew around and has a lot of playmakers."
He was pleased with the kickers--like quarterback, a position where he wants to see improvement by fall. Sophomore Coleman Peterson was 2-of-3 in field goal attempts, with makes from 37 and 47 yards. A 51-yard attempt was blocked by Mike Laloni. Ben Vroman got the most work, making 4-of-6 field goal attempts with a long of 47.
Players Mentioned
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