Third Week of Spring Practice Underway for Utah Football

4/6/2016 12:00 AM | Football

April 6, 2016

SALT LAKE CITY - The University of Utah football team kicked off its third week of spring workouts Tuesday evening at Rice-Eccles Stadium. UtahUtes.com will provide a behind-the-scenes look during the Utes' spring practices that are open to the public.

Practice Summary ...
• Utah was in full pads for the third time during spring practice on a picture-perfect spring evening at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
• During a live work portion of practice, Caleb Repp picked up a long gain down the east sideline.
• The Utes then broke into their position groups to focus on fundamentals.
• A session of 7-on-7 was held in the north end zone, while the linemen went through isolated 1-on-1 battles on the south end.

#UtahSB16 OLine vs DLine pic.twitter.com/bJcOUuGr0E

- Utah Football (@Utah_Football) April 5, 2016

• The full team came back together for more live work, starting with a 'backed up' segment as the offense took over on its own 1-yard line. Joe Williams picked up a nice gain off right tackle in the first series, while the defense was able to get the stop in the second.
• A two-minute drill was up next starting at the offense's own 31-yard line. Tyrone Smith had a nice reception to extend the drive on fourth down, but Justin Thomas and Brian Allen teamed up for a pass breakup to stop the drive. On the next drive, Tyler Huntley found Troy McCormick on a swing route out of the backfield to set up an Andy Phillips field goal. The following drive resulted in a Mitch Wishnowsky field goal.
• The situation then moved to 'drive it' mode from the offense's own 25-yard line. Harrison Handley picked up a 'chunk play' down the left seam. Other highlights included a Reginald Porter pass breakup, a big hit by Allen, as well as a long rush and big catch on a crossing route by Tyler Cooperwood to bring the offense down to the 1-yard line. Chris Hart stopped Williams at the pylon before Brandon Cox dove in for the score.

From Coach Whittingham ...
• The offense has had better days lately and it's good to see.
• No pecking order for quarterback established yet.
• The wide receivers are still not consistent enough yet, but are making progress.
• Hopes to again be in the conversation for the Pac-12 Conference South Division title.
• The offensive line has competed better recently and is improving.
• Pita Taumoepenu and Kyle Fitts have been playing really well.
• Building depth in the linebacking corps is still a concern.

Post-Practice Impressions from the Utes ...

Running Back Joe Williams
• Continues to focus on improving pass protection.
• Regularly consults with Co-Head Coach Dennis Erickson for advice.

Wide Receivers Coach Guy Holliday
• Needs effort from his group because he can teach technique.

Safety Marcus Williams
• Everyone in the program has helped him get to this point in his career.