#CampKyle Report: @Utah_Football Holds Second Practice

8/7/2015 12:00 AM | Football

Aug. 7, 2015

"One month from today, it's on." #goutes https://t.co/zlhEBZNR73

- Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) August 6, 2015

Kickoff at Rice-Eccles Stadium for the Michigan game is 27 days away and UtahUtes.com will have @Utah_Football fall camp covered every step of the way. Today was Utah's second day of on-field activity of the season so use #CampKyle to follow the Utes throughout the preseason.

Video, photos, quotes, social media reaction and behind-the-scenes tidbits can be found here to quench your football thirst before the Utes face the Wolverines on Sept. 3 at 6:30 p.m. MT.

Day 2 Overview ...

• Cloudy and rainy conditions provided the backdrop for Utah's second practice of the season on Friday morning at the Utah baseball practice field.
• Team was in helmets without shoulder pads during the NCAA's acclimatization period. • Touching a ball carrier or receiver down as the Utes continued to concentrate on technique and assignments.

Practice 2 of #CampKyle starts now! #goutes pic.twitter.com/Z7ESQ5SoA7

- Utah Football (@Utah_Football) August 7, 2015

Media Observation Period Highlights ...
• The 20 minutes of periods 16-20 in the day's practice that was open to the media saw full-team live work begin from the offense's own 40-yard line.
• Slot receiver Bubba Poole made a nice catch in traffic on a ball thrown behind him.
• Tight end Siale Fakailoatonga came down with a nice reception down the seam for a nice pickup.
• Kyle Fulks bobbled but hauled in a swing pass for a nice gain as the rain picked up.
• After the entire team met at midfield, the first and second teams scattered through the field for strength and conditioning exercises, while the younger players broke off into two separate sessions of 7-on-7 drills.
• The workout concluded with full-team work for players who did not get enough reps earlier in practice, where quarterback Brandon Cox found Poole for a nice connection down the right sideline.

#BackToFootball 🏈 pic.twitter.com/S6VZrqae9m

- Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) August 7, 2015

From Coach Whittingham ...
• Another solid practice. The team is light years ahead of where they were at this time last year so they're able to get a lot more done sooner in camp. With 17 returning starters, there are a lot of people who have played football for us so you can hit the ground running.
• It will take six or seven practices to install everything that they want to during camp. What they present in camp will be done in about a week.
• Today was a better day for the defense. They ran to the ball and made plays on the ball.
• Second day in a row with zero turnovers for the offense. Good for the offense, but not creating enough turnovers on defense.
• Never been a part of a really good football team that didn't have really good leadership. Between Jared Norris, Kenneth Scott, Travis Wilson, Kendal Thompson and Hunter Dimick, there are a bunch of guys who have taken charge.
• Tim Patrick had an exceptional day in the long-distance passing game. Tyrone Smith, Briton Covey, George Wilson and Delshawn McClellon, Kyle Fulks and Cory Butler were other receivers mentioned as vertical threats.
• Covey, Butler, Poole and Boobie Hobbs were mentioned as options in the return game.
• First-unit offensive line has worked very well together. First few days have been very smooth.
• There are six to eight newcomers who will have an impact this season.
• May have a rotation of eight to 10 defensive linemen.

Post-Practice Impressions from the Utah Assistant Coaches and Players ...

Cornerbacks coach Sharrief Shah
• Seen some good things. There is a good foundation, a lot of players who look like they can do it.
• Brian Allen has continued to improve. Reginald Porter has recovered fully and been impressive.
• Just moved Boobie Hobbs to the outside and has done some good things in 1-on-1's. Casey Hughes has played well.
• Tavaris Williams has the most raw talent in the group, but just need to get him more experience as a cornerback.

Defensive end Hunter Dimick
• Despite more attention over the offseason, preparing the same way this season.
• Confident that the defensive backfield will be solid behind him.
• Said J.J. Dielman is the toughest offensive lineman he faces in practice.
• Has been called "Shrek" by defensive coordinator John Pease, but prefers Coach Whittingham's moniker, "Snacks."

Co-Offensive Coordinator Aaron Roderick
• Early in fall camp, can tell that it is different than last year. It is better because everyone knows what they're doing.
• Will be better equipped to handle situations because they have gone through numerous repetitions in practice.
• The quarterback competition is going well. Each QB has improved.

Wide Receiver Britain Covey
• Chose Utah because it fits his personality.
• Played quarterback in high school, but will be used in a lot of different ways on offense and special teams with the Utes.
• His strength is operating in open space to make people miss.

#UtesCamp BTS ...

• Members of the Idaho State coaching staff, including former Ute players Spencer Toone and Steve Fifita, observed practice.
• Hip hop songs like "Uptown Funk" and "Bust A Move" were the order of the day on the loud speakers, replacing classic rock on the first day of practice.

Did U know our new Utes have to earn the drum and feather on their helmets? Which of these receivers will be 1st? pic.twitter.com/5VvTBa5d4J

- Utah Football (@Utah_Football) August 7, 2015