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The University of Utah Athletics
Spring Football: Utes Wrap Up First Scrimmage
3/30/2018 5:50 PM | Football
SALT LAKE CITY - The University of Utah football program completed its ninth day of spring practice today, participating in a scrimmage between offense and defense.Â
Both sides of the ball shined for the Utes today with head coach Kyle Whittingham saying the team is where he wants them to be at this point in spring training.Â
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During live plays, Utah had five different players take snaps at running back with Tyler Huntley, Jason Shelley and Jack Tuttle taking snaps under center. Armand Shyne led the Utes in carries with Huntley scoring a rushing touchdown. Eight different receivers also caught at least one pass, led by Bronson Boyd, Saosi Mariner and Jameson Field getting the most touches.Â
Tight end Jake Jackson and wide receiver Demari Simpkins also got in on the action, scoring touchdowns for the Utah offense.Â
On defense, Utah came up with two interceptions at the hands of Cody Barton and Josh Nurse, with Nurse also coming away with a pass breakup. Barton, Karsen Liljenquist and Pita Tonga all came away with multiple tackles throughout the scrimmage while Nick Heninger came up with a big fumble recovery return of 25-plus yards.Â
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Head Coach Kyle Whittingham's Thoughts On Practice:
On what the vibe of the team has been this spring...
"It has been a good vibe. This team has a great work ethic. There is concentration and complete unselfishness, which is the key. Typically, you are going to have a few guys here and there  that are problems, but that is not this group. They are all a team and it has been very positive."
On if he feels like he has accomplished what he wants up to this point in spring ball...
"Yes, but we have a lot more to go. Today was the first extensive live work between the ones and the twos. They had only had about six to eight live reps up to this point. There will be a lot of live reps now from this point going forward to the end of spring and that was by design. We are going to have another big scrimmage next Saturday and then off course the spring game the Saturday after that with some live work mixed in during the next two weeks."
On what his impression was on both sides of the ball during today's scrimmage...
"We had some error snaps, but it was about what I expected overall. Without seeing the film, I thought the offense made a few plays and I thought despite being limited Zack Moss had some nice runs. The defense flew around. It is tough to gauge in spring how good you are because you are going against yourself, but the guys are working hard and like I said they are unselfish and dialed in."
On if he thought there was a position group that stuck out today...
"I will have to go to the film for that, but at first glance I thought the defensive line was good. We lost a gap or two here or there, but they appeared solid. We made some plays in the secondary with two interceptions. So, some good things, but I don't know if I can single out a position group without watching some film."
Both sides of the ball shined for the Utes today with head coach Kyle Whittingham saying the team is where he wants them to be at this point in spring training.Â
Â
ÂFeels good to be back at Rice-Eccles ?? pic.twitter.com/5X2GGZg3au
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) March 30, 2018
During live plays, Utah had five different players take snaps at running back with Tyler Huntley, Jason Shelley and Jack Tuttle taking snaps under center. Armand Shyne led the Utes in carries with Huntley scoring a rushing touchdown. Eight different receivers also caught at least one pass, led by Bronson Boyd, Saosi Mariner and Jameson Field getting the most touches.Â
Tight end Jake Jackson and wide receiver Demari Simpkins also got in on the action, scoring touchdowns for the Utah offense.Â
On defense, Utah came up with two interceptions at the hands of Cody Barton and Josh Nurse, with Nurse also coming away with a pass breakup. Barton, Karsen Liljenquist and Pita Tonga all came away with multiple tackles throughout the scrimmage while Nick Heninger came up with a big fumble recovery return of 25-plus yards.Â
Â
ÂCircle drill https://t.co/rwheqKJWEB
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) March 30, 2018
Head Coach Kyle Whittingham's Thoughts On Practice:
On what the vibe of the team has been this spring...
"It has been a good vibe. This team has a great work ethic. There is concentration and complete unselfishness, which is the key. Typically, you are going to have a few guys here and there  that are problems, but that is not this group. They are all a team and it has been very positive."
On if he feels like he has accomplished what he wants up to this point in spring ball...
"Yes, but we have a lot more to go. Today was the first extensive live work between the ones and the twos. They had only had about six to eight live reps up to this point. There will be a lot of live reps now from this point going forward to the end of spring and that was by design. We are going to have another big scrimmage next Saturday and then off course the spring game the Saturday after that with some live work mixed in during the next two weeks."
On what his impression was on both sides of the ball during today's scrimmage...
"We had some error snaps, but it was about what I expected overall. Without seeing the film, I thought the offense made a few plays and I thought despite being limited Zack Moss had some nice runs. The defense flew around. It is tough to gauge in spring how good you are because you are going against yourself, but the guys are working hard and like I said they are unselfish and dialed in."
On if he thought there was a position group that stuck out today...
"I will have to go to the film for that, but at first glance I thought the defensive line was good. We lost a gap or two here or there, but they appeared solid. We made some plays in the secondary with two interceptions. So, some good things, but I don't know if I can single out a position group without watching some film."
Players Mentioned
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