Spring Football: News Out Of Practice

Photo by: Sarah Shebek

3/26/2018 6:04 PM | Football

SALT LAKE CITY - The University of Utah football program got back to work today after spring break, taking part in the seventh practice of the spring session.

A few important upcoming dates:

?? Spring ball resumes Monday, March 26th.
?? Pro Day is Thursday, March 29th
?? Coaches Clinic/Scrimmage is Saturday, April 7th
?? #RedvsWhite game is Saturday, April 14th#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/iRu0yzuIN5
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) March 21, 2018

Practice Seven Highlights
Offense vs. Defense (no linemen)
- Slot receivers were impressive in route running highlighted by Jaylen Dixon, Dylan Slavens and Jameson Field.
- Tight ends had a heavy presence in the passing game with Bapa Falemaka, Jake Jackson and Conner Haller all making big plays.
- Jameson Field had an impressive diving 10-yard catch.
- Tareke Lewis and Tyrone Smith both had interceptions.

Wide Receivers vs. Defensive Backs
- Saosi Mariner looked dominant with his size and ability, catching multiple touchdown passes.
- Josh Nurse used his speed and quickness to provide tight coverage for the defensive backs.
- Samson Nacua came up with a diving catch in the end zone.
- Julian Blackmon, Malone Mataele and Tre' Strong all had strong knockdowns in the end zone.
- Jameson Field and Bronson Boyd both showed off their speed and ability to create distance between their defender.

Retweet if you can't wait for April 14! #goutes pic.twitter.com/JUmbId6zVH
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) March 21, 2018

Thoughts From Practice

Head coach Kyle Whittingham on how Matt Gay can improve for his senior year...
"That is a tough act to follow from his junior year. He broke several school records, led the nation in a few categories. So that is his challenge, to have his encore performance this fall and to be able to produce at the level he did last year. He has to take the same approach that he did last year. He isn't a guy that gets uptight about things, he is very easy going. He is a big time talent, so hopefully we will get the same results and he can have another very productive year for us."

Whittingham on how he feels about the depth at the receiver position...
"I think come fall, we are going to be right where we need to be. I think we are still working on the depth right now. When we add Britain Covey, Solomon Enis and Terrell Perriman to the group this fall, then that will round out the group very well and get us to the numbers we need to be at. But right now, these guys are working hard doing a good job. There has been a ton of improvement."

Whittingham on if there are any leaders emerging in the receiver group...
"There sure are. Jameson Field has been an outstanding leader all throughout winter conditioning. Saosi Mariner, Demari Simpkins and Samson Nacua has also done a great job leading."

Whittingham on if he feels certain position groups have emerged as leaders...
"The corners are having a very good spring. The quarterbacks are an outstanding group. They are just doing a great job."

Quarterback Jack Tuttle on how he feels the offense is doing this spring...
"It is a great offense. Coach Troy Taylor is doing a great job and we are all working really hard on and off the field."

Tuttle on what his expectations are for the upcoming season...
"My expectations are all about the team. We want to win, go to the playoffs, go undefeated and win championships."

Running Back Armand Shyne on if he struggled with having any "why me" moments going through his injuries...
"I never thought why me. I just thought it was just meant for me to go through that and that I was going to have to go through extra things to get where I want to be."

Shyne on how he feels the offense is doing...
"It feels good. Everything is coming together and seems pretty solid."

Quarterback Tyler Huntley on how he felt the first practice back from spring break went...
"We came out and had a great mindset. Our receivers, the offensive line and our running backs all came together and we just had a productive day. We still have things to work on, but for the first day coming off of spring break, you'd think we would be slacking but we weren't."

Huntley on what he thinks is different from this year's spring ball than last year's...
"We are older and we are more mature in this system. It just feels right and we are learning and just getting better at our craft."