2024 Spring Football: The Utes Are Back

3/12/2024 6:03 PM | Football

SALT LAKE CITY – It was a rainy day in Salt Lake City but that didn't deter the University of Utah Football program from officially kicking off spring camp at the Spence and Cleone Eccles Football Center.

From newcomers putting on a Utah uniform for the first time along with valuable veterans hitting the gridiron for one final year with the Utes, the atmosphere during the first practice was infectious as the entire team gathered to start prep for the 2024 season.

Happy first day of spring ball ????
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) March 12, 2024

We're back. pic.twitter.com/ePMmzhdNVg
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) March 13, 2024

Head Coach Kyle Whittingham met with the media after practice to go over how things went, who stood out, and getting offensive weapons back on the field.

On what he was focused on during the first practice…
"There was a lot of install. We go pretty rapidly with the install and get it put in as quickly as we can. The guys that are new need to keep up the pace and study extra film so that they are ready to go when their number is called. So that is the main emphasis during the first part of spring, and then just getting in reps after that."

On how he plans to develop the quarterbacks during the spring…
"Well Cameron Rising is the guy. He is taking every rep with the ones. Right now it is a split between Isaac Wilson, Luke Bottari and Brandon Rose taking the No. 2 reps."

On having Cameron Rising and Brant Kuithe back practicing…
"Absolutely. It is great having him, and Brant Kuithe, back out there. They add tremendously in so many ways, not just with their play, but with their leadership and work ethic."

Cameron Rising 2024 Practice

So … that No. 7 QB looks pretty good throwing the football. Touchdowns happening.
— Josh Furlong (@JFurKSL) March 12, 2024

On if day one of practice matched the tempo he was expecting…
"They did. We have a lot of veteran guys and 90-percent of the guys know the tempo, and for the new guys, they will figure it out."

On how the running back situation is looking…
"It looks good. Micah Bernard is looking good. Mike Mitchell did some really good things. He is a guy that we think has a bunch of upside. John Randle Jr. also was out there doing some good things and Jaylon Glover looked good as well. Dijon Stanley has great speed, and so we need to find ways to use him besides just in the backfield."

Micah Bernard 2024 Practice

On the new wide receivers in Dorian Singer, David Washington and Taeshaun Lyons…
"So far so good. Dorian looked really good today and is probably the furthest ahead than any of them. The young receivers have the talent and the ability but just need to figure things out at this level."

Dorian Singer 2024 Practice

On the offensive line…
"We have two young tackles with Spencer Fano, who played on the left side for us as a true freshman, is moving over to the right side, and then Caleb Lomu is playing at the left tackle spot. They are young guys but very talented. Michael Mokofisi is a mainstay in the right guard spot. Kolinu'u Faaiu is back at center for us. Left guard right now is Tanoa Togiai who took the reps there today. He is a big physical kid. So much like last year, we are going to have 10-11 guys that we can roll with."