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The University of Utah Athletics
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Camp Kyle 2024: Lander Barton Q&A
8/7/2024 12:30 PM | Football
SALT LAKE CITY – The second week of camp is in full swing for the University of Utah Football program. Throughout camp, UtahUtes.com will catch-up with returners, newcomers and coaches to find out what the Utes are talking about this fall.
Linebacker Lander Barton is a former Freshman All-American and Pac-12 Freshman Defensive of the Year who spent the first seven games of the 2023 in the Utah starting lineup. He's also been named to the College Football Network Preseason Honorable Mention All-Big 12 team. Through Utah's first seven games last season, Barton led all linebackers on the team and ranked third overall with 34 tackles and added a pair of interceptions, one of which went for a 23-yard pick six against Weber State.
Q: How's the start to camp been?
A: "It's been awesome. It's good just to be back out here with the boys. It's fun to be playing ball again. It's a blessing."
Q: Does it feel a little different to be back out here after the way last season ended?
A: "I don't think so. It's a bit of an adjustment, starting to play again. Once you get in a rhythm, it's the same game its always been, its football."
Q: How did you try to use the time last year when you weren't on the field to get better?
A: "Just by diving in and seeing where I need to improve, smaller things overall. Watching a lot of tape, watching a lot of ball and working on my vocal leadership, because I'm not out there as much. I have to be a lot more vocal. It was a blessing in disguise."
Q: Is there something different you need to do to be able to step into that leadership role?
A: "Leadership is definitely earned, its not given. You have to earn that role as a leader. You have to work your way up through the ranks and start leading."
Q: How much of that role as a leader involves helping the new players get acclimated and helping them know what to expect?
A: "A lot. We're veterans on this team and there are new guys coming in. Some young, some older and its our job to help them get up to speed. It's been really good to get know everyone on the team."
Q: What're the things that have made this defense so consistently good?
A: "Coach Scalley's culture. He preaches it every day, RSNB. We live it each and every day."
Players Mentioned
LB
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