SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Utah football team resumed spring camp today after having last week off for the University's spring break.
UtahUtes.com will provide a behind-the-scenes look during the Utes' spring practice.
The 14th-annual Red-White spring game is scheduled for Saturday, Apr. 15 at 11 a.m.
Head Coach Kyle Whittingham
On first practice returning from break
"The effort was good and the execution, at parts of practice, wasn't as good as it needs to be, but it's Day 3 and the first day in pads so there's a learning curve. The offense is a work in progress and there's some things we need to work through. As long as we get the effort and concentration, that's the key."
On where the team is in the process
"The instillation of the offense, making sure the whole offense gets installed and perfect as it's being installed is where we are now. Defensively, it's more of the same – not much change on defense. We've got to come out and be fundamentally and technically sound. We need to turn the ball over and that's something we've done well the past three years and that's key. An elite defense is able to do that and we've done it the last three years."
On Corrion Ballard
"He's a big-time talent and he's as advertised. We recruited him to fill that void left by Marcus (Williams) and three days in, it looks like he's going to be able to do that. There's a lot of development that still needs to take place and getting in shape. As far as the raw material, it's there."
Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach Morgan Scalley
On first practice returning from break
"There was a lot of energy today at practice. I was pleased with the turnovers we were seeing. In terms of technique and assigning the football, we'll find out when we watch the film. We're coming out of spring break wearing pads for the first time so that's 11 pounds that you're carrying, which adds to it. When you put on pads you find out two things: you find out who's in shape and you find out who's a real defender."
On forcing turnovers
"
Donavan Thompson has a nose for the football. He was out there stripping the ball. We had some defensive linemen come up with some scoop and scores so that was nice. We had some batted balls."
Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Troy Taylor
On quarterbacks working in
"We're mixing all three guys in with Troy (Williams) and Tyler (Huntley) getting the majority of the snaps, and Cooper (Bateman) is getting some as well. After three practices, I think they're all pretty sharp and mentally know what they're doing. They both have been accurate and making good decision, without being hit. Those are the things I've noticed in the first few practices."
On were offense should be at the end of spring practices
"You want to progress as spring goes on. We had two pretty good days, but I thought we took a step back today and played a little bit slower with the pads. Hopefully we adapt and adjust, and play better on Thursday."
Troy Williams, QB
On competition of quarterbacks
"It feels good. Everyone is out there competing. Everyone wants to embrace the new offense and wants to be good at it so that's the good part about the whole thing. Everyone has a purpose and wants the offense to work."
Corrion Ballard, DB
On Chase Hansen helping
"He's like my big brother. He and the defense tell me where to go and what to do. Once I get the hang of it I'll do my own thing, but he's helping me a lot."
Utes Host Pro Day
Utah will hold its annual Pro Day on Thursday, Mar. 23. Twenty-one outgoing seniors and two undergraduates who deferred their final season of eligibility (
Garett Bolles and
Marcus Williams) are expected to participate. Pro Day activities include measurements and lifts, running, agility and position specific drills. Pro Day is closed to the public and open to the media.
