SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah football team began week four of spring camp on Tuesday at the Eccles Football Center practice fields.UtahUtes.com was there and caught up coaches
Kyle Whittingham and
Troy Taylor, and defensive back
Chase Hansen.
Head Coach Kyle Whittingham
On what he likes from the team
"I like the work ethic. They're all business. They come out, except coaching and compete every day, and consequently they get better because of that."
On Cooper Bateman breaking into top two QBs
"There's always a chance – based on production, obviously. He's hanging in there. He's doing the most with the reps he's getting. He's not getting as many reps as the other guys are, except for the scrimmage. He's making the most of his reps. We're really thrilled to have him on the team and it bolsters that position."
On how the offense is progressing
"It's coming along very well. I think after nine practices, about 60-80 percent of the offense is in. It's a little bit more difficult when you're giving everybody reps as opposed to when you're game planning and your personnel groups are defined. It's not as smooth as it will be, but for nine practices, I'm very pleased where we're at."
On Tyrone Smith switching to DB
"He's really embraced the position and the change. He's completely bought in. We're excited to have him over there. He's a guy who's going to battle for that spot this fall. We think we're going to be pretty good in the secondary, even though it's a complete rebuild. We feel pretty optimistic about that."
Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach Troy Taylor
Overview of practice
"We did some good things. There were some really good things, then a couple sloppy deals, but that's to be expected. It was a new install day so we put in some new offense and I thought they did a good job."
On order of quarterbacks getting reps.
"They've (
Troy Williams and
Tyler Huntley) been alternating. When one goes first with the ones, then they'll alternate the next day. We just flip it back-and-forth. They're trying to keep it as even as possible so they both have an opportunity to work with the first group."
Chase Hansen, DB
On playing in the box vs. playing back in coverage
"I try not to favor one because I want to be more of an all-around player. Originally, I think I felt more natural in the box, but that's something I wanted to change and I'm starting to feel a lot more comfortable in the post, weaving and playing more of a true free safety. I think I'm getting to the point where I feel real comfortable doing both."
The second scrimmage of the spring is on tap for Saturday, Apr. 8 from 10 a.m.-noon in Rice-Eccles Stadium. The scrimmage is open to the public.
