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The University of Utah Athletics
2023 Football Fall Camp: Quotes
August 16, 2023
Jaylon Glover | So. | RB
On the skillsets of guys in the running backs room…
“I just feel like all of them are jacks of all trades. [Ja’Quinden Jackson] is powerful, has speed and can make people miss. Micah Bernard definitely kills it with speed and can catch out of the backfield. We’ve got Charlie Vincent, Chris Curry, strong and powerful running backs. Charlie can catch out of the backfield and make guys miss. All the guys have their own talents, and I feel like we’ve got the guys that are pretty elite with the talent they have. That’s what makes the room really special.”
Ja’Quinden Jackson | So. | RB
How’s camp been?
“It’s been tough. It’s not an easy program to go through day by day. I’m still trying to get my legs under me. But we’re making improvements every single day and every week.”
How much does your past as a quarterback help you now?
“Coming from quarterback and going to running back, I see from a quarterback perspective and a running back perspective. Now, I’m in the backfield and see coverages. I know who’s coming, who’s not, I know what coverage they’re in. Playing quarterback really helped me at running back.”
On improvements in his game from last year…
“Pass game, for sure. My reps are a lot crisper and I catch the ball way better than I did last year.”
August 15, 2023
Levani Damuni | Jr. | LB
On his decision to come to Utah…
“There were a lot of moving parts in my decision. But at the end of the day, I just wanted to go to a great school that had a great tradition of defense, where I would fit well into the scheme and play in back of a great defensive line. All of that matched up at Utah.”
How is the depth throughout the defense?
“We’re definitely deep. I feel great about all the positions on defense. You can look at all the positions and see that we’ve got players one, two, three-deep. Great depth on this team.”
On how his skillset fits Utah’s defensive scheme…
“Coach Scalley, Coach Swan, all of our defensive coaches, preach physicality every day. I feel like that’s something that I have shown to do well in the past. With the help of Coach Swan and all these great coaches…(they are) helping me develop into being even more physical and dominant on defense.”
Karene Reid | Jr. | LB
On the talent and experience in the linebacker room…
“It’s been crazy. The talent is more than it’s ever been. That’s forced us to all play at a high level every single day. We’re trying to push each other, and we’re also trying to find a spot on the field.”
On what Levani Damuni brings to the team…
“He’s brought a lot of physicality and size to our group. Even leadership; he was a captain at Stanford and he’s brought what he learned about leading to our group. It’s fit perfectly with our group.”
August 9, 2023
Mycah Pittman | Sr. | WR
On acclimating into the Utah offense…
“I’ve been a part of multiple offenses now…picking up a pro style offense is something I haven’t done, but it’s not something I can’t do. I’m learning quickly and pretty easily as an older guy, being mature, being in the playbook and taking care of my body.”
On how this camp compares to others he’s been through…
“Not being injured is something that’s nice…every single year of my college career, unfortunately, has humbled me. I’ve been injured most of the time. It’s finally nice to have a healed labrum, healed arm and a healed collarbone. It’s great being able to be out here with the guys, competing and just practicing smarter. That comes with age.”
On who stands out to him in the wide receiver room…
“A lot of guys stand out. Vele is Vele. The fact that he is such a big body and can move…he’s agile and can easily move. That’s really good. Mikey Matthews is a young guy who’s learning. He’s wanting to always get reps in the front. It’s great that he’s wanting to push himself to that. You always want that out of freshmen. We’ve got Money Parks, Money’s a burner guy who can take it deep, especially if he wants to run. Everyone brings a different skillset. Makai Cope has one of the best releases I’ve seen from a big man. Vele’s always going to make those contested catches. There’s so many of these guys, Jett Meine’s strong and knows when to get off the block.”
Emery Simmons | Sr. | WR
On Utah’s pro style offense playing a role in his decision…
“That was one of the reasons why I came (to Utah), because I knew they ran the pro style offense. One of the next things I’d like to do, of course, is going to NFL. That’s the main type of offense they run—why not come from somewhere where they run it and train in that environment?”
August 8, 2023
Kyle Whittingham | Head Coach
On what they are focused on…
"We are all focused on this season and namely the Florida Gators. We are 23 days out, so we need every bit of that. We have progressed in the last week, but still a lot of work to do."
On where they have progressed the most after the first week…
"I would say probably all the way across the board we have progressed. We have a lot of the install done. We are starting to sort things out in our two-deep. The quarterback position is still in flux. Our first extensive look at live work will be on Thursday with a scrimmage, so hopefully by Monday we will have a pecking order."
On having trust in all three back-up quarterbacks, Bryson Barnes, Nate Johnson and Brandon Rose…
"There is trust in all three of those guys, it is just about how they are going to separate themselves. That will come with the next six practices or so, and hopefully then we will have more of an order."
On Bryson Barnes…
"He knows the offense better than the other two right now. He is more consistent and steadier. The other two guys have very bright futures and can make some spectacular plays, but it is all about taking care of the football and moving the chains."
On how the competition at center is going…
"It looks good. We have three guys battling with Johnny Maea, Kolinu'u Faaiu and Jaren Kump. They are all getting in good snaps at the center position."
Lander Barton | So. | LB
On being more comfortable going into his sophomore season…
“(I’m a) completely different person. It feels way different being out there now.”
What’s changed?
“Mostly the speed of the game and the reads are starting to slow down for me. It’s a big help being out there, because there’s a lot of reads you have to make at linebacker. To be able to slow that down, it’s been good.”
On expectations for himself…
“I’m just going to do my job. As Coach Scalley preaches, and Coach Whitt, we need to take care of our 20 square feet. I’m going to go out there and do what I’m expected to do. Hopefully that’s good enough.”
Miles Battle | Sr. | CB
How are things different now than the Spring?
“Fall is a lot more focused on the plan we’ve got ahead. We’ve got games now, it’s not just going against each other. We’ve got games we’ve got to prepare for in the future, so it’s a lot more game preparation.”
On learning new aspects of the game and differences in play at Utah…
“Here, we run a lot more man coverage, so it’s a lot more running across the field, traveling with receivers. Where I came from, we were running more zone concepts like cover-4 and cover-3. (I’m learning) being able to play man longer…That was a big reason why I came here, was to play a lot of man and show that I can do that at the next level.”
On the secondary as a group…
“We’re headed in the right direction. We’ve got a lot of chemistry with each other already. The communication’s been great, on and off the field. I think we’re building a great unit.”
August 2, 2023
Karene Reid | Jr. | LB
On the competition in the linebacker room…
“It’s been good. There’s a lot of good ball being played in the linebacker room. Honestly, at the end of the day it makes us all that much better.”
On adding Levani Damuni into the room…
“This is two years in a row that we’ve added transfer linebackers. I’ve noticed that they don’t need too much technique taught. It’s all scheme. Levani does a lot of great things right. He’s a big body and he’s very smart. I’ve been very impressed with him.”
On the progress of the defensive line…
“They’re doing amazing. They make (the linebackers) look good. I think, too many times, we get too much credit when the d-line does most of the work. Levani Damuni’s been saying since he got here that it’s crazy to play behind these guys…he really opened my eyes and I’m grateful for that.”
On being selected to various preseason watch lists…
“I appreciate that they recognize my work and my talent. But I’m really focused on today and tomorrow, and what I can do to get better.”
Cameron Rising | Sr. | QB
Where do you feel like you’re at rehab-wise?
“I’m feeling as normal as I’ve been in a while. That’s a positive right there.”
Outside of rehab, what things did you focus on this Summer?
“Just making sure I’m working on my accuracy in certain ways, changing my throwing motion just a little bit—not too much…just to get more shoulder mobility (in my motion). Hopefully that will lead to more velocity and farther throws.”
On newcomers that are standing out in the wide receiver room…
“They’re looking great right now. Mikey Matthews has been doing his thing. Mycah Pittman is looking good. (Devaughn) Vele is still Vele. The whole room’s been doing very well. Just have to keep it rolling.”
What do Mycah Pittman and Emery Simmons do so well?
“For Mycah, his choice routes and catching the ball underneath is world-class. I think he’s one of the better (receivers) in the nation. When he gets the ball, he kind of turns into a running back. Emery is kind of a jack of all trades. He can run over the top, do everything and get open on his routes. Excited to have both of them.”
On Thomas Yassmin…
“I think he’s just got that confidence. He knows what type of player he is, and that he can be. He’s trying to reach for the sky and do everything he possibly can to make sure he’s ready to go.”
On the quarterback battle going on behind him…
“They’re looking good. Ever since Spring, they’ve had the utmost confidence. That’s been a positive. They’re flying around, making plays. You can tell they’re a lot more relaxed in the pocket. Just got to keep building on that.”
How has the leadership through offseason work paid off in camp?
“We didn’t really skip a beat going from Summer and into camp. A lot of guys knew what was going on and what we needed to get done. That’s why we’re looking so good right now.”
Junior Tafuna | Jr. | DT
On how the first few days are going…
“It’s been fun. Definitely one of my favorite Fall camps by far. Third one’s a charm. It’s feeling good, feeling amazing. We’ve got a whole lot of depth up front. We’re just excited every day and taking the mindset of getting better than the day before. It’s been great.”
On how the group has progressed since Spring…
“We have great depth. Everyone’s contributing to where we can be, whether (each guy) is a pass rusher, run stopper, everyone’s kind of filling in the gaps and being selfless. That’s the team mentality up front.”
On what adjustments the group has made entering year two with DT coach Luther Elliss…
“I’d say one of the big changes is just body weight. Honestly, the scheme hasn’t changed that much. It’s just more about being better technicians. Being more stout in gaps, being better on the pass rush. Just being better players so we can perform.”
Devaughn Vele | Jr. | WR
On Mycah Pittman and Emery Simmons…
“They’re really big competitors. They’re always asking questions in the meeting rooms. Today, Mycah had a heck of a day. Emery’s coming along too understanding the playbook. Because we have a pro style offense, they’re not used to the audibles and checks and all that we have. But they’re asking a lot of questions—they’re asking the right questions—and I think they’re going in the right direction.
On how his leadership has grown…
“I’m not one of those guys that talks a lot. You won’t see me batting my head, pumping my chest, yelling things in practice. But I talk to a lot of guys on the sideline and tell them little things here and there. Just making sure they’re understanding the culture that we have here. Things that have worked out for me and other guys, I want the same for them…they’re the future. They need to buy into this culture that we have and understand their role in this offense.”
On what wide receivers coach Alvis Whitted brings to the group…
“(He’s) amazing. Having that NFL experience both as a player and a coach, he helps us understand things. The biggest thing that stands out to me is coverages. I already know the playbook like the back of my hand, but now the game slows down because now I understand the coverages. I understand what the defense is doing, understand where the zones and soft spots are. He helps me understand that. It’s great having that veteran leadership. Him having that NFL experience as well, he knows how to talk to us. He knows how to handle the different characteristics that each guy has. Not everybody’s going to be the same. I’m grateful to have him as a coach.”
July 31, 2023
Kyle Whittingham | Head Coach
On his first impressions of the newcomers today…
"They were very good. Mycah Pittman looked really good today. He has a good skill set, soft hands when catching punts and excellent hands out of the slot on offense. Emery Simmons had a good day and our new tight ends did as well. Defensively it was that same crew as we had in the spring, so yeah we are pleased so far."
On what he is most confident in right now with the team…
"I would say the defense overall. At every level we are talented and we are deep. The front is physical and athletic, the linebackers are active and tough, and the secondary has a bunch of ballhawks back there with some really good tacklers at safety. So I think the defense really has a chance to be a standout for us this year."
On what he is expecting out of Lander Barton in his second year…
"Lander is going to be even more impactful than he was last year. He is 15 or 20 pounds heavier than he was and hasn't lost a step. He is big, physical and tough. We expect that he is going to be a very good player for us again, even better than last year."
Andy Ludwig | Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
On identifying his main focus entering this season…
"First and foremost, solidifying the quarterback position, identifying the skillsets and abilities of the new players in the program, and designing and implementing the scheme around those players."
On assessing the strengths of the offense…
"I really think the offensive line is a strength with all the returning snaps that those returning players have accumulated. There's a lot of experience up front, a lot of big, physical athletes up front. Couple newcomers that I'm excited about, we've got Spencer Fano who was with us in the Spring and Caleb Lomu who just joined us this Summer. Couple really good-looking athletes up there. I think that would be the strength of the unit."
On the running backs room…
"I feel really good. Obviously with the growth and development of Ja'Quinden Jackson after we made that switch (to running back)…you're seeing that skillset just scratching the surface. He is highly motivated and showed great improvement in the Spring. I really like his growth and development in that position. Micah Bernard is such a versatile weapon for us, feel really good with what he brings to the table. Really good runner, catches the heck out of the ball out of the backfield and is our best pass protector. Jaylon Glover showed great growth, thrown into the fire as a true freshman in the Pac-12. No joke, handled that and had an excellent Spring. Couple younger guys are coming in and I'm anxious to see what they're about."
Morgan Scalley | Defensive Coordinator/Safeties
On the on-ramp from Fall Camp heading into the season…
"Spring is a lot more for experiment; Fall camp is all about getting ready for game one. We kind of have an idea what the depth looks like. These first few weeks, we're going to go ahead and have some great competition because of the depth that we have. Doug Elisaia and the strength staff have done a great job getting our guys prepared and ready. And we have leaders that have been running player-run practices and making sure we hit the ground running. (Camp) should not be a day one, day two, get a feel for things. We've gotta go."
On replacing impact players like Clark Phillips III…
"Same way we've replaced other great DBs that we've had here. You recruit, you develop and you manage. That's our job, recruiting. That's the number one thing that we do—identifying those that fit our culture, those that physically can do it and getting them ready mentally."
What challenges do you see ahead as a defense?
"The offenses we're going to play. This is, without a doubt, probably the best talent the Pac-12 has ever had; particularly at the quarterback position. We've got our hands full. We need to play well defensively. We've got very good quarterbacks in this league, very good coaching in this league. The great thing is that we've got good players too. We've got good players, we've got good coaches. There's a lot that goes into having a season and remaining healthy is a big part of that. Got to be smart in how we prepare. At the same time, we need to hit and we need to find out who's who."
Jaylon Glover | So. | RB
On the skillsets of guys in the running backs room…
“I just feel like all of them are jacks of all trades. [Ja’Quinden Jackson] is powerful, has speed and can make people miss. Micah Bernard definitely kills it with speed and can catch out of the backfield. We’ve got Charlie Vincent, Chris Curry, strong and powerful running backs. Charlie can catch out of the backfield and make guys miss. All the guys have their own talents, and I feel like we’ve got the guys that are pretty elite with the talent they have. That’s what makes the room really special.”
Ja’Quinden Jackson | So. | RB
How’s camp been?
“It’s been tough. It’s not an easy program to go through day by day. I’m still trying to get my legs under me. But we’re making improvements every single day and every week.”
How much does your past as a quarterback help you now?
“Coming from quarterback and going to running back, I see from a quarterback perspective and a running back perspective. Now, I’m in the backfield and see coverages. I know who’s coming, who’s not, I know what coverage they’re in. Playing quarterback really helped me at running back.”
On improvements in his game from last year…
“Pass game, for sure. My reps are a lot crisper and I catch the ball way better than I did last year.”
August 15, 2023
Levani Damuni | Jr. | LB
On his decision to come to Utah…
“There were a lot of moving parts in my decision. But at the end of the day, I just wanted to go to a great school that had a great tradition of defense, where I would fit well into the scheme and play in back of a great defensive line. All of that matched up at Utah.”
How is the depth throughout the defense?
“We’re definitely deep. I feel great about all the positions on defense. You can look at all the positions and see that we’ve got players one, two, three-deep. Great depth on this team.”
On how his skillset fits Utah’s defensive scheme…
“Coach Scalley, Coach Swan, all of our defensive coaches, preach physicality every day. I feel like that’s something that I have shown to do well in the past. With the help of Coach Swan and all these great coaches…(they are) helping me develop into being even more physical and dominant on defense.”
Karene Reid | Jr. | LB
On the talent and experience in the linebacker room…
“It’s been crazy. The talent is more than it’s ever been. That’s forced us to all play at a high level every single day. We’re trying to push each other, and we’re also trying to find a spot on the field.”
On what Levani Damuni brings to the team…
“He’s brought a lot of physicality and size to our group. Even leadership; he was a captain at Stanford and he’s brought what he learned about leading to our group. It’s fit perfectly with our group.”
August 9, 2023
Mycah Pittman | Sr. | WR
On acclimating into the Utah offense…
“I’ve been a part of multiple offenses now…picking up a pro style offense is something I haven’t done, but it’s not something I can’t do. I’m learning quickly and pretty easily as an older guy, being mature, being in the playbook and taking care of my body.”
On how this camp compares to others he’s been through…
“Not being injured is something that’s nice…every single year of my college career, unfortunately, has humbled me. I’ve been injured most of the time. It’s finally nice to have a healed labrum, healed arm and a healed collarbone. It’s great being able to be out here with the guys, competing and just practicing smarter. That comes with age.”
On who stands out to him in the wide receiver room…
“A lot of guys stand out. Vele is Vele. The fact that he is such a big body and can move…he’s agile and can easily move. That’s really good. Mikey Matthews is a young guy who’s learning. He’s wanting to always get reps in the front. It’s great that he’s wanting to push himself to that. You always want that out of freshmen. We’ve got Money Parks, Money’s a burner guy who can take it deep, especially if he wants to run. Everyone brings a different skillset. Makai Cope has one of the best releases I’ve seen from a big man. Vele’s always going to make those contested catches. There’s so many of these guys, Jett Meine’s strong and knows when to get off the block.”
Emery Simmons | Sr. | WR
On Utah’s pro style offense playing a role in his decision…
“That was one of the reasons why I came (to Utah), because I knew they ran the pro style offense. One of the next things I’d like to do, of course, is going to NFL. That’s the main type of offense they run—why not come from somewhere where they run it and train in that environment?”
August 8, 2023
Kyle Whittingham | Head Coach
On what they are focused on…
"We are all focused on this season and namely the Florida Gators. We are 23 days out, so we need every bit of that. We have progressed in the last week, but still a lot of work to do."
On where they have progressed the most after the first week…
"I would say probably all the way across the board we have progressed. We have a lot of the install done. We are starting to sort things out in our two-deep. The quarterback position is still in flux. Our first extensive look at live work will be on Thursday with a scrimmage, so hopefully by Monday we will have a pecking order."
On having trust in all three back-up quarterbacks, Bryson Barnes, Nate Johnson and Brandon Rose…
"There is trust in all three of those guys, it is just about how they are going to separate themselves. That will come with the next six practices or so, and hopefully then we will have more of an order."
On Bryson Barnes…
"He knows the offense better than the other two right now. He is more consistent and steadier. The other two guys have very bright futures and can make some spectacular plays, but it is all about taking care of the football and moving the chains."
On how the competition at center is going…
"It looks good. We have three guys battling with Johnny Maea, Kolinu'u Faaiu and Jaren Kump. They are all getting in good snaps at the center position."
Lander Barton | So. | LB
On being more comfortable going into his sophomore season…
“(I’m a) completely different person. It feels way different being out there now.”
What’s changed?
“Mostly the speed of the game and the reads are starting to slow down for me. It’s a big help being out there, because there’s a lot of reads you have to make at linebacker. To be able to slow that down, it’s been good.”
On expectations for himself…
“I’m just going to do my job. As Coach Scalley preaches, and Coach Whitt, we need to take care of our 20 square feet. I’m going to go out there and do what I’m expected to do. Hopefully that’s good enough.”
Miles Battle | Sr. | CB
How are things different now than the Spring?
“Fall is a lot more focused on the plan we’ve got ahead. We’ve got games now, it’s not just going against each other. We’ve got games we’ve got to prepare for in the future, so it’s a lot more game preparation.”
On learning new aspects of the game and differences in play at Utah…
“Here, we run a lot more man coverage, so it’s a lot more running across the field, traveling with receivers. Where I came from, we were running more zone concepts like cover-4 and cover-3. (I’m learning) being able to play man longer…That was a big reason why I came here, was to play a lot of man and show that I can do that at the next level.”
On the secondary as a group…
“We’re headed in the right direction. We’ve got a lot of chemistry with each other already. The communication’s been great, on and off the field. I think we’re building a great unit.”
August 2, 2023
Karene Reid | Jr. | LB
On the competition in the linebacker room…
“It’s been good. There’s a lot of good ball being played in the linebacker room. Honestly, at the end of the day it makes us all that much better.”
On adding Levani Damuni into the room…
“This is two years in a row that we’ve added transfer linebackers. I’ve noticed that they don’t need too much technique taught. It’s all scheme. Levani does a lot of great things right. He’s a big body and he’s very smart. I’ve been very impressed with him.”
On the progress of the defensive line…
“They’re doing amazing. They make (the linebackers) look good. I think, too many times, we get too much credit when the d-line does most of the work. Levani Damuni’s been saying since he got here that it’s crazy to play behind these guys…he really opened my eyes and I’m grateful for that.”
On being selected to various preseason watch lists…
“I appreciate that they recognize my work and my talent. But I’m really focused on today and tomorrow, and what I can do to get better.”
Cameron Rising | Sr. | QB
Where do you feel like you’re at rehab-wise?
“I’m feeling as normal as I’ve been in a while. That’s a positive right there.”
Outside of rehab, what things did you focus on this Summer?
“Just making sure I’m working on my accuracy in certain ways, changing my throwing motion just a little bit—not too much…just to get more shoulder mobility (in my motion). Hopefully that will lead to more velocity and farther throws.”
On newcomers that are standing out in the wide receiver room…
“They’re looking great right now. Mikey Matthews has been doing his thing. Mycah Pittman is looking good. (Devaughn) Vele is still Vele. The whole room’s been doing very well. Just have to keep it rolling.”
What do Mycah Pittman and Emery Simmons do so well?
“For Mycah, his choice routes and catching the ball underneath is world-class. I think he’s one of the better (receivers) in the nation. When he gets the ball, he kind of turns into a running back. Emery is kind of a jack of all trades. He can run over the top, do everything and get open on his routes. Excited to have both of them.”
On Thomas Yassmin…
“I think he’s just got that confidence. He knows what type of player he is, and that he can be. He’s trying to reach for the sky and do everything he possibly can to make sure he’s ready to go.”
On the quarterback battle going on behind him…
“They’re looking good. Ever since Spring, they’ve had the utmost confidence. That’s been a positive. They’re flying around, making plays. You can tell they’re a lot more relaxed in the pocket. Just got to keep building on that.”
How has the leadership through offseason work paid off in camp?
“We didn’t really skip a beat going from Summer and into camp. A lot of guys knew what was going on and what we needed to get done. That’s why we’re looking so good right now.”
Junior Tafuna | Jr. | DT
On how the first few days are going…
“It’s been fun. Definitely one of my favorite Fall camps by far. Third one’s a charm. It’s feeling good, feeling amazing. We’ve got a whole lot of depth up front. We’re just excited every day and taking the mindset of getting better than the day before. It’s been great.”
On how the group has progressed since Spring…
“We have great depth. Everyone’s contributing to where we can be, whether (each guy) is a pass rusher, run stopper, everyone’s kind of filling in the gaps and being selfless. That’s the team mentality up front.”
On what adjustments the group has made entering year two with DT coach Luther Elliss…
“I’d say one of the big changes is just body weight. Honestly, the scheme hasn’t changed that much. It’s just more about being better technicians. Being more stout in gaps, being better on the pass rush. Just being better players so we can perform.”
Devaughn Vele | Jr. | WR
On Mycah Pittman and Emery Simmons…
“They’re really big competitors. They’re always asking questions in the meeting rooms. Today, Mycah had a heck of a day. Emery’s coming along too understanding the playbook. Because we have a pro style offense, they’re not used to the audibles and checks and all that we have. But they’re asking a lot of questions—they’re asking the right questions—and I think they’re going in the right direction.
On how his leadership has grown…
“I’m not one of those guys that talks a lot. You won’t see me batting my head, pumping my chest, yelling things in practice. But I talk to a lot of guys on the sideline and tell them little things here and there. Just making sure they’re understanding the culture that we have here. Things that have worked out for me and other guys, I want the same for them…they’re the future. They need to buy into this culture that we have and understand their role in this offense.”
On what wide receivers coach Alvis Whitted brings to the group…
“(He’s) amazing. Having that NFL experience both as a player and a coach, he helps us understand things. The biggest thing that stands out to me is coverages. I already know the playbook like the back of my hand, but now the game slows down because now I understand the coverages. I understand what the defense is doing, understand where the zones and soft spots are. He helps me understand that. It’s great having that veteran leadership. Him having that NFL experience as well, he knows how to talk to us. He knows how to handle the different characteristics that each guy has. Not everybody’s going to be the same. I’m grateful to have him as a coach.”
July 31, 2023
Kyle Whittingham | Head Coach
On his first impressions of the newcomers today…
"They were very good. Mycah Pittman looked really good today. He has a good skill set, soft hands when catching punts and excellent hands out of the slot on offense. Emery Simmons had a good day and our new tight ends did as well. Defensively it was that same crew as we had in the spring, so yeah we are pleased so far."
On what he is most confident in right now with the team…
"I would say the defense overall. At every level we are talented and we are deep. The front is physical and athletic, the linebackers are active and tough, and the secondary has a bunch of ballhawks back there with some really good tacklers at safety. So I think the defense really has a chance to be a standout for us this year."
On what he is expecting out of Lander Barton in his second year…
"Lander is going to be even more impactful than he was last year. He is 15 or 20 pounds heavier than he was and hasn't lost a step. He is big, physical and tough. We expect that he is going to be a very good player for us again, even better than last year."
Andy Ludwig | Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
On identifying his main focus entering this season…
"First and foremost, solidifying the quarterback position, identifying the skillsets and abilities of the new players in the program, and designing and implementing the scheme around those players."
On assessing the strengths of the offense…
"I really think the offensive line is a strength with all the returning snaps that those returning players have accumulated. There's a lot of experience up front, a lot of big, physical athletes up front. Couple newcomers that I'm excited about, we've got Spencer Fano who was with us in the Spring and Caleb Lomu who just joined us this Summer. Couple really good-looking athletes up there. I think that would be the strength of the unit."
On the running backs room…
"I feel really good. Obviously with the growth and development of Ja'Quinden Jackson after we made that switch (to running back)…you're seeing that skillset just scratching the surface. He is highly motivated and showed great improvement in the Spring. I really like his growth and development in that position. Micah Bernard is such a versatile weapon for us, feel really good with what he brings to the table. Really good runner, catches the heck out of the ball out of the backfield and is our best pass protector. Jaylon Glover showed great growth, thrown into the fire as a true freshman in the Pac-12. No joke, handled that and had an excellent Spring. Couple younger guys are coming in and I'm anxious to see what they're about."
Morgan Scalley | Defensive Coordinator/Safeties
On the on-ramp from Fall Camp heading into the season…
"Spring is a lot more for experiment; Fall camp is all about getting ready for game one. We kind of have an idea what the depth looks like. These first few weeks, we're going to go ahead and have some great competition because of the depth that we have. Doug Elisaia and the strength staff have done a great job getting our guys prepared and ready. And we have leaders that have been running player-run practices and making sure we hit the ground running. (Camp) should not be a day one, day two, get a feel for things. We've gotta go."
On replacing impact players like Clark Phillips III…
"Same way we've replaced other great DBs that we've had here. You recruit, you develop and you manage. That's our job, recruiting. That's the number one thing that we do—identifying those that fit our culture, those that physically can do it and getting them ready mentally."
What challenges do you see ahead as a defense?
"The offenses we're going to play. This is, without a doubt, probably the best talent the Pac-12 has ever had; particularly at the quarterback position. We've got our hands full. We need to play well defensively. We've got very good quarterbacks in this league, very good coaching in this league. The great thing is that we've got good players too. We've got good players, we've got good coaches. There's a lot that goes into having a season and remaining healthy is a big part of that. Got to be smart in how we prepare. At the same time, we need to hit and we need to find out who's who."