University of Utah Athletics

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Spring Practice inside Rice-Eccles Stadium
Football
Posted: 3/25/2017 12:59 PM
SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Utah football team held its spring practice at Rice-Eccles Stadium Saturday morning.
 
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. at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
 


 
Head Coach Kyle Whittingham
 
On rainy weather
"As far as the elements go, it wasn't ideal, but we'll most likely be playing at least one time next fall in this. You just get the work done and ignore it. (The rain) is not real conducive to great execution on offense, especially when you're throwing the ball as much as we are. It toughens your guys up and gives them the chance to come out and be able to ignore the elements and focus on what they're doing."
 
On being one-third of the way through spring camp
"Defensively, not a lot has changed schematically, it's very similar. I think things have gone well. Players are running the football and working hard. Offensively, there's going to be some growing pains because it's a new system. The guys are handling it well so far.  These next practices are going to be very important, as you expect. We'll continue to get as much install in as we can, get reps in and execute."
 
Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach Morgan Scalley
 
On rainy weather
"They handled it well for the most part. Guys were flying around. We handled the weather well on the defensive side of the ball. You have passion, you have energy and you accept it – we live in the mountains, we play in the mountains, that was the type of attitude that we saw out there today and it fired me up."
 
On being one-third of the way through spring camp
 "I like where we are. We're going to have to rely on some of the guys coming in this summer to provide depth and we'll see what they can do. The goal will continue to be the same. Right now, we essentially have four defenses in. Last year I think we had a lot more. The whole focus is getting a lot better technically, fundamentally, and we can add as we go along. So far, so good."
 
Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Troy Taylor
 
On rainy weather
"You're going to have to do it. We were a little sloppy at times-effecting us a little bit today, but that's part of the deal. You have to do a better job keeping the ball dry."
 
On being one-third of the way through spring camp
"We're progressing and getting better. I'm pleased with the way we're competing and learning the new system. We installed a couple of things, but not too much today. It was more executing and trying to get better at what we've put in. A little quarterback run game. We'll just continue to put in our whole offense. We're about 25 percent there, and we have a lot more install to go."
 
Chase Hansen, DB
 
On rainy weather and how the defense performed
"There's nothing like coming out here and playing in this football weather. For whatever reason, it kind of lights a fire under the defense whenever the weather is poor. It was fun.  I feel like the defense as a whole played really well. Guys were everywhere, we were flying around. We still made some mistakes, but I feel like there's a lot of energy and good hits. It was fun to come out today and start laying the wood a little bit."
 
Corrion Ballard, DB
 
On adapting to Utah
"It's been great. Everyone has been helping with the plays and around school. It's been pretty cool. The weather is different, so I have to get used to this. I need to just stay calm and stay composed and keep doing what I'm doing, run to the ball."
 


 
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