Upcoming Event: Soccer versus BYU on October 30, 2025 at 7 p.m.
7 p.m.
Soccer
vs BYU
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The University of Utah Athletics
2025 Football Camp Quotes
August 19, 2025
Offensive Coordinator Jason Beck
On how fall camp has gone for the offense…
That’s been what we’re looking at every day, who is consistently day-in, day-out making those plays. Some guys have been emerging that way and doing a nice job. Some guys are close and we’re just trying to keep forcing that issue of what we’re asking them to do so we can count on them in critical situations. The nice job is up front, they’re setting the tone every day with that consistent work and everyone else can follow along with that.
On the progress of Tobias Merriweather and Larry Simmons…
They were so new when they got here, it was just getting everything going. They both have played and done stuff in the past where they’re comfortable stepping in and playing right off the bat. They’ve done a good job. [We’re] just trying to get them up to speed as fast as possible. They’re both doing a nice job coming along.
On the evolution of the tight end room…
It’s been one of our more consistent rooms with that mix of guys showing up every day and that includes JJ [Buchanan]. He’s a young kid. He’s done a really nice job. He’s been in there and improving each week. They’ve been a strength of the group in terms of their consistency and what they’re getting done.
Defensive Coordinator Morgan Scalley
On fall camp…
Solid. [It was a] solid camp. Excited to be hitting some other jerseys. Good, physical camp, still working out some kinks, depth, positions, but very happy with the leadership, very happy with the progress our guys have made and we pretty much know where we are right now.
On Blake Cotton and what has allowed him to separate himself in the CB room…
I would just say mastery of the scheme and physicality. He’s got the speed to play corner, but to be able to add the physical element, the ability to blitz and leverage the football is a big factor in it. That’s another position group that you’re going to probably quite a bit of rotation in there because we feel comfortable with the progress that’s been made. Sharrieff Shah is a heck of a coach and has gotten those guys to progress quite a bit. Add to that the progress of Jackson Bennee, the ability that Rabbit Evans has to play the nickel, we have some versatility in the safety room. Very excited about the secondary.
DL Dallas Vakalahi
On how camp has gone so far…
I feel like its been really good for me, just being able to develop my skills, especially with the opportunity to learn from my big brother, Aliki Vimahi, and play alongside Jonah Lea’ea. It’s been a big experience with a new offense and learning how to play against that scheme as well.
On what he’s seen from the defensive tackle group…
I think its just one of those things where its always the next guy up. A lot of young guys have had the opportunity to step up and to learn quick. I was able experience that on my own last year being able to jump in the deep end. It definitely pushes you to develop faster and learn the game a lot quicker than most.
On which defensive tackles he’s seen make the most progress…
I think the one who stands out the most is probably Pupu Sepulona. He’s a phenomenal player. He’s learning the game quick. He’s played one year of football and yet he’s learning schemes, as well as how to play on our defense and the techniques at defensive tackle.
DB Don Saunders
On if the team is starting to get excited for game one…
We’re about 11 days out, getting really excited. [We’re] just trying to hone in on technique and finishing practice the right way. We’re about to get there.
On Utah’s culture…
I just think it’s the brotherhood and the family atmosphere. Everybody has each other’s back and builds each other up instead of bringing each other down. That’s what’s really important and shines through.
On the cornerback battle…
I think we have a really talented room, a really deep room and every day, it’s a battle. We’re all competitive. Everybody wants to be the man and, at this point, that’s what we’ve done. We’ve competed every day. We have a lot of guys who can go.
August 12, 2025
DB Blake Cotton
On his development during the fall…
“For me, development has been really my emphasis on just daily improvement, just taking what the coaches are saying and taking one step forward every day.”
On what the defensive backs can provide for the team this season…
“We can provide physicality, relentlessness and just the will to go on whenever things get tough, because that’s what you gotta as a DB.”
On how prepared the new faces in the room are…
“We’re pretty well prepared. Obviously we go with the mindset that we always gotta keep improving, but for the most part we’ve got the talent, the speed, the strength, so it’s gonna be good.
On what he has learned from the veteran DBs on the roster…
“Just the mentality you have to have as a defensive back. When stuff goes wrong, you just gotta keep going, just have that dog mentality.”
DB Elijah Davis
On how he feels now compared to last fall…
“I feel more experienced. Last year, I was still trying to learn the playbook. Now I’m knowing the playbook, playing confident, playing fast, so I feel like big improvement from last year in Fall camp.”
On the development of the young guys in the secondary…
“They’re definitely coming along real well. From spring to now, man, the improvement, especially from Blake [Cotton] – Blake is a guy. It’s great”
On his mentality…
“I don’t really look at other people, I just keep my focus on what I can do and just trying to get better for myself every day.”
On his biggest improvement coming into this season…
“In the offseason I was gaining weight, so just coming up and being more aggressive, that’s been the biggest thing so far.”
August 11, 2025
Kyle Whittingham
On how Saturday’s scrimmage went
“It went well. It wasn’t as physical as some scrimmages we’ve had with the ones. We had most of the ones with thud work, not live. That was a bit different in that regard. We’ve done that in the past at times. We just felt like the best approach for the first scrimmage, two’s got all the live work. They were live the entire scrimmage, so had some good teaching tape and I think we’re in a good place right now. We’re 10 practices in after today and 15 more to go and they’ll be ready.
On how he feels about the wide receiver group…
“That group is coming along. We feel like we’ve identified the top seven of eight guys that are going to be the travelers and then we’re going to sink all the reps into the rest of the ones. That group is really starting to gel.
On the depth at running back…
The top two guys will be Wayshawn Parker and NaQuari Rogers, not necessarily in that order. They’re interchangeable as the No. 1. We’re also having some good production from Daniel Bray, Raycine Guillory, a couple freshman that I think have a lot of promise. And of course, I think Devon is like a running back at times. He’s adding to what we’re doing.
Devon Dampier
On how Saturday’s scrimmage went and the progress of the offense
“I think the scrimmage went very well. You can tell everyone is getting a lot more comfortable, especially getting to see our running backs get tackled. It’s a little harder to get tackled when you get to those days. It was good to see us clicking on all cylinders.
On the pass catchers who stood out to him during the scrimmage…
“I think Larry [Simmons] had a very big day for him. He’s getting more comfortable, but I thought we had a very good day all around. Very limited drops. I think everybody was making plays.
On Wayshawn Parker and NaQuari Rogers…
“They’re very 1-2. It’s very rotational. I love it. I know if I hand that ball, they’re going to get me four of five. That’s a great feeling to have as a quarterback.
On how he feels like his game has changed compared to last year…
“I always feel like the game gets slower and slower by the year. You get more comfortable with the guys and stuff and just me being in more of a leadership role than I was last year. Just beint able to bring people on and we’re building something here. I’m very excited for this game coming up.
August 7, 2025
LB Johnathan Hall
On how practice is going and how the defense is progressing…
I think the defense is progressing really well. I love the tempo. I love the passion we’re playing with right now and the offense is doing really well as well.
On what its been like to play against Jason Beck’s offense…
I love playing against him. It’s something I’ve never played against before and its really unique. I hope we can carry this into the season.
On how he, Lander Barton and Levani Damuni compliment each other…
I think we compliment one another really well. Lander is more of the talkative leader. I’m more of a playmaker, but I’m a leader as in I can get guys together. And [Levani], he’s a vet[eran].
August 6, 2025
WR Creed Whittemore
On if this team can compete in the Big 12…
“100%. I feel like we got smarts as well as talent. It's not just talent, you know, I've been on teams that have had some really talented players and we haven't been able to get it done. You’ve got to know what to do, know where to go and then make the play. It's not just about making the play, it's about knowing what to do first. We have a lot of smart people.”
On how the offense has progressed since the spring…
“I think that Dev[on Dampier] is more comfortable. It was his offense, so everybody thought he would be clicking on all cylinders, but it’s a new room. He’s not throwing to the same guys, he doesn’t have the same guys in front of him, so he seems more comfortable. As a receiver group, we've been able to learn it. We're not overthinking plays and you just go out there and play. It's not like you're going out there thinking about the route, you can just think about executing the plays.”
WR Larry Simmons
On how Fall camp is going…
“I think it’s been going good, just a lot of stuff we got to continue to work on, from the QBs to the receivers to the O-line. It’s a lot of things that we still need to work on to get the offense all the way together.”
On his chemistry with Devon Dampier…
“Dev’s the QB1, so we just got to keep working each and every day in camp, on the field, off the field and in the film room just getting all the little things together.”
TE Hunter Andrews
On embracing his role…
“It’s been a lot of fun this year. Just doing everything that Coach is telling me, I’m trying to help out wherever I can.”
On how his time on defense is helping his offensive game…
“Playing defense helped me out a lot because it tells me what the defense is thinking, I know what plays they run, it just helps me out a lot.”
On how the offense has progressed…
“We have a wide variety of playmakers on our team. We just get the ball to everyone, so we have a big ol’ playbook. We’ll be thriving this year.”
July 31, 2025
DB Smith Snowden
On his play last season…
“I think last year was a great year to build off of, and that's what I'm kind of preparing and I'm what I’m going to do on the build off of last year - get more takeaways, get more tackles, get more strips, all that. I want to be a all-around better player.”
On the new faces in the secondary that are standing out…
“I think all of them are standing out. Since spring ball to now, guys that have transferred in – and Jason Stokes, a freshman – they've all gotten so much better and I trust them to be on the field. Then we got two new transfers, JC [Hart] and J Mo [Jaylen Moson], they're coming along, man. I'm excited for them, too.”
On how he feels about the defense…
“I think we're in a good spot right now. Obviously, there's always room for improvements, but it’s day two and plays are being made so I’m excited.”
LB Lander Barton
On the team’s approach heading into the season…
“It’s a lot of new faces on the team so it’s really just getting everybody on the same page, kind of moving at the same beat. It’s been good for us so far in the first two days.”
On how he’s feeling heading into the season…
“I feel like an all-around different player compared to when I first got here. It’s been a long time, four years has flown by, it’s kind of crazy. I feel like I changed a lot.”
On how he feels about the linebacker room…
“We’ve got a lot of depth in the room. We got a bunch of vets, we got a bunch of new guys, young guys in the room but everyone can play. There’s a lot of depth. It’s looking good.”
DL Logan Fano
On the tempo of practice…
“I’d say it’s a little bit faster. Coach Beck and his offense, they like to get after it, they like to go. They’re going quick, but we’re used to playing quick, too.”
On the emphasis in camp this year…
I think it’s the same emphasis we’ve had every single year. We want to improve in every facet, not just stopping the run, but being better football players, being a better team.”
DL Aliki Vimahi
On what he’s seen from the defense so far…
I’m seeing a lot of grit. These first two days, I see guys getting after it. On the defensive line, we’re trying to get after it, we’re trying to be the heartbeat of the team.
On what he’s seen from the team overall so far…
I’ve seen a lot paying attention to the details. Our coaches, ever since winter conditioning, we’ve just harped on details. Even during stretch, whether it be touching our toes, getting the right technique. Details, details, details, that’s what’s going to set us apart.
On how he’s stepping into a leadership role this fall…
Being more vocal. For me, my personality, I’m quiet. I like to lead by action, but stepping into a leadership role requires vocal leadership and that’s challenged me to become a better leader and more vocal.
July 30, 2025
Head Coach Kyle Whittingham
On the first practice of Fall camp…
“It was good. Day one (now) is different than it was five, 10 years ago. With the way the NCAA allows you to do certain things in the Summer now, it’s more a continuation of what we’ve been doing in a sense, than finally getting a chance to go out and play football. In that regard, you expect to be further ahead. It’s a good thing they changed those rules, because with the influx of new players that everyone has, it helps those guys make that transition. I thought today was a really good start.
“The one thing that was really impressive when you contrast it with Spring was the way the offense operated as far as subbing groups in and out, getting the plays underway, just the operational stuff was much cleaner. Very evident and obvious that these guys have worked a lot on their own this Summer on the execution and timing of stuff.”
On the new offense under Jason Beck…
“We’re not going to huddle and it’s going to be a little more up-tempo. But still, it’s not ridiculously fast…It is a different way to operate, but there’s a lot of different ways (to run) an offense. And this is Coach Beck’s system and what he’s used to. We’re going with it.”
On what excites him about the offense…
“Probably our big-play capability at quarterback. Devon Dampier is a big-play guy and this offense suits him to a tee. He’s a true dual threat and this offense features a lot of QB run game, a lot of RPO, and really is going to take advantage of his skillset.”
OL Caleb Lomu
On the preseason recognition he and Spencer Fano are receiving…
“Of course it’s awesome to see, getting the preseason accolades and all that, but it really means nothing. None of it means anything, preseason means absolutely nothing. Whatever we both go and do this season, that’s what really matters, and of course it’s cool to get it but I’ll just use it to prove what the people see right now is right and show that at the end of the season, I can do it.”
On adjusting to Coach Beck’s offense…
“I love it. It’s awesome to be able to use my athletic ability to get out it in space, it is different from previous years. I’m adapting to it and like it a lot, just from the spring, the summer and the beginning of fall that we have right now, I’m really liking it.”
On how the offensive line is feeling within the new offense…
“The o-line being the most veteran room on the offense, we’re already very close. We gained just two new guys this summer, and so having to go through a whole spring with that new offense and having mostly everyone from the previous season, we’re already super close as a group so learning the new plays that we have is very easy for us because we work so well together.”
Wayshawn Parker
On how is feels to be full go…
It feels great. I’m ready to go again. I want to touch that 1,000 [yards] for sure.
On his comfort level with the offense…
On his comfort level with the offense…
“My comfort is very chill, but I always want to be on ten toes no matter what it is, what’s coming. I just want to be here for anything that’s coming my way.”
On what he wants to maximize
“What I want to maximize on is breaking more tackles and being able to make big plays and get my yards but also move as an offense and move everybody as an offense and when I’m not getting the ball, I want to block and make sure my QB is protected.”
Devon Dampier
On day one…
“It was fun. I’m glad to be with the boys. This is what you dream for. We’re getting close to the season. We have high expectations for every practice and I think we made a good impression the first day.”
On the difference between fall practice and spring practice…
We practice in a way that’s very safe, but at the end of the day, we’re still going 100%. The way we have it structured, we’re still allowed to go 100%. The practices are real.
On if he has to be a more assertive leader with the season approaching…
I try to be the same person throughout the year, but obviously we have new people who just got here. Just to be able to give them that impression and get them caught on, they have a short amount of time to be able to get with the program. Just to make sure we’re emphasizing that, that’s the leadership I’m on right now.
Dallen Bentley
On day one…
“Overall, I’d say it was a great day. It’s my last [year]. I try to come every day 100%. That’s my mentality every day, to try not to give anything up and to give as much as I can.”
On the scheme changes and how that affects his position…
“I feel like coach Beck and his offense uses the guys he has and uses their talents and I think they’re doing a great job with me. I believe I can put my hand in the ground and block and I believe I can go get some catches as well.”
On how Otto Tia and Hunter Andrews have done with the transition to tight end…
“They’re both doing super great. They’re both super hard workers. They’re putting in the work. They’re smart. They’re going to be great.”
Offensive Coordinator Jason Beck
On how fall camp has gone for the offense…
That’s been what we’re looking at every day, who is consistently day-in, day-out making those plays. Some guys have been emerging that way and doing a nice job. Some guys are close and we’re just trying to keep forcing that issue of what we’re asking them to do so we can count on them in critical situations. The nice job is up front, they’re setting the tone every day with that consistent work and everyone else can follow along with that.
On the progress of Tobias Merriweather and Larry Simmons…
They were so new when they got here, it was just getting everything going. They both have played and done stuff in the past where they’re comfortable stepping in and playing right off the bat. They’ve done a good job. [We’re] just trying to get them up to speed as fast as possible. They’re both doing a nice job coming along.
On the evolution of the tight end room…
It’s been one of our more consistent rooms with that mix of guys showing up every day and that includes JJ [Buchanan]. He’s a young kid. He’s done a really nice job. He’s been in there and improving each week. They’ve been a strength of the group in terms of their consistency and what they’re getting done.
Defensive Coordinator Morgan Scalley
On fall camp…
Solid. [It was a] solid camp. Excited to be hitting some other jerseys. Good, physical camp, still working out some kinks, depth, positions, but very happy with the leadership, very happy with the progress our guys have made and we pretty much know where we are right now.
On Blake Cotton and what has allowed him to separate himself in the CB room…
I would just say mastery of the scheme and physicality. He’s got the speed to play corner, but to be able to add the physical element, the ability to blitz and leverage the football is a big factor in it. That’s another position group that you’re going to probably quite a bit of rotation in there because we feel comfortable with the progress that’s been made. Sharrieff Shah is a heck of a coach and has gotten those guys to progress quite a bit. Add to that the progress of Jackson Bennee, the ability that Rabbit Evans has to play the nickel, we have some versatility in the safety room. Very excited about the secondary.
DL Dallas Vakalahi
On how camp has gone so far…
I feel like its been really good for me, just being able to develop my skills, especially with the opportunity to learn from my big brother, Aliki Vimahi, and play alongside Jonah Lea’ea. It’s been a big experience with a new offense and learning how to play against that scheme as well.
On what he’s seen from the defensive tackle group…
I think its just one of those things where its always the next guy up. A lot of young guys have had the opportunity to step up and to learn quick. I was able experience that on my own last year being able to jump in the deep end. It definitely pushes you to develop faster and learn the game a lot quicker than most.
On which defensive tackles he’s seen make the most progress…
I think the one who stands out the most is probably Pupu Sepulona. He’s a phenomenal player. He’s learning the game quick. He’s played one year of football and yet he’s learning schemes, as well as how to play on our defense and the techniques at defensive tackle.
DB Don Saunders
On if the team is starting to get excited for game one…
We’re about 11 days out, getting really excited. [We’re] just trying to hone in on technique and finishing practice the right way. We’re about to get there.
On Utah’s culture…
I just think it’s the brotherhood and the family atmosphere. Everybody has each other’s back and builds each other up instead of bringing each other down. That’s what’s really important and shines through.
On the cornerback battle…
I think we have a really talented room, a really deep room and every day, it’s a battle. We’re all competitive. Everybody wants to be the man and, at this point, that’s what we’ve done. We’ve competed every day. We have a lot of guys who can go.
August 12, 2025
DB Blake Cotton
On his development during the fall…
“For me, development has been really my emphasis on just daily improvement, just taking what the coaches are saying and taking one step forward every day.”
On what the defensive backs can provide for the team this season…
“We can provide physicality, relentlessness and just the will to go on whenever things get tough, because that’s what you gotta as a DB.”
On how prepared the new faces in the room are…
“We’re pretty well prepared. Obviously we go with the mindset that we always gotta keep improving, but for the most part we’ve got the talent, the speed, the strength, so it’s gonna be good.
On what he has learned from the veteran DBs on the roster…
“Just the mentality you have to have as a defensive back. When stuff goes wrong, you just gotta keep going, just have that dog mentality.”
DB Elijah Davis
On how he feels now compared to last fall…
“I feel more experienced. Last year, I was still trying to learn the playbook. Now I’m knowing the playbook, playing confident, playing fast, so I feel like big improvement from last year in Fall camp.”
On the development of the young guys in the secondary…
“They’re definitely coming along real well. From spring to now, man, the improvement, especially from Blake [Cotton] – Blake is a guy. It’s great”
On his mentality…
“I don’t really look at other people, I just keep my focus on what I can do and just trying to get better for myself every day.”
On his biggest improvement coming into this season…
“In the offseason I was gaining weight, so just coming up and being more aggressive, that’s been the biggest thing so far.”
August 11, 2025
Kyle Whittingham
On how Saturday’s scrimmage went
“It went well. It wasn’t as physical as some scrimmages we’ve had with the ones. We had most of the ones with thud work, not live. That was a bit different in that regard. We’ve done that in the past at times. We just felt like the best approach for the first scrimmage, two’s got all the live work. They were live the entire scrimmage, so had some good teaching tape and I think we’re in a good place right now. We’re 10 practices in after today and 15 more to go and they’ll be ready.
On how he feels about the wide receiver group…
“That group is coming along. We feel like we’ve identified the top seven of eight guys that are going to be the travelers and then we’re going to sink all the reps into the rest of the ones. That group is really starting to gel.
On the depth at running back…
The top two guys will be Wayshawn Parker and NaQuari Rogers, not necessarily in that order. They’re interchangeable as the No. 1. We’re also having some good production from Daniel Bray, Raycine Guillory, a couple freshman that I think have a lot of promise. And of course, I think Devon is like a running back at times. He’s adding to what we’re doing.
Devon Dampier
On how Saturday’s scrimmage went and the progress of the offense
“I think the scrimmage went very well. You can tell everyone is getting a lot more comfortable, especially getting to see our running backs get tackled. It’s a little harder to get tackled when you get to those days. It was good to see us clicking on all cylinders.
On the pass catchers who stood out to him during the scrimmage…
“I think Larry [Simmons] had a very big day for him. He’s getting more comfortable, but I thought we had a very good day all around. Very limited drops. I think everybody was making plays.
On Wayshawn Parker and NaQuari Rogers…
“They’re very 1-2. It’s very rotational. I love it. I know if I hand that ball, they’re going to get me four of five. That’s a great feeling to have as a quarterback.
On how he feels like his game has changed compared to last year…
“I always feel like the game gets slower and slower by the year. You get more comfortable with the guys and stuff and just me being in more of a leadership role than I was last year. Just beint able to bring people on and we’re building something here. I’m very excited for this game coming up.
August 7, 2025
LB Johnathan Hall
On how practice is going and how the defense is progressing…
I think the defense is progressing really well. I love the tempo. I love the passion we’re playing with right now and the offense is doing really well as well.
On what its been like to play against Jason Beck’s offense…
I love playing against him. It’s something I’ve never played against before and its really unique. I hope we can carry this into the season.
On how he, Lander Barton and Levani Damuni compliment each other…
I think we compliment one another really well. Lander is more of the talkative leader. I’m more of a playmaker, but I’m a leader as in I can get guys together. And [Levani], he’s a vet[eran].
August 6, 2025
WR Creed Whittemore
On if this team can compete in the Big 12…
“100%. I feel like we got smarts as well as talent. It's not just talent, you know, I've been on teams that have had some really talented players and we haven't been able to get it done. You’ve got to know what to do, know where to go and then make the play. It's not just about making the play, it's about knowing what to do first. We have a lot of smart people.”
On how the offense has progressed since the spring…
“I think that Dev[on Dampier] is more comfortable. It was his offense, so everybody thought he would be clicking on all cylinders, but it’s a new room. He’s not throwing to the same guys, he doesn’t have the same guys in front of him, so he seems more comfortable. As a receiver group, we've been able to learn it. We're not overthinking plays and you just go out there and play. It's not like you're going out there thinking about the route, you can just think about executing the plays.”
WR Larry Simmons
On how Fall camp is going…
“I think it’s been going good, just a lot of stuff we got to continue to work on, from the QBs to the receivers to the O-line. It’s a lot of things that we still need to work on to get the offense all the way together.”
On his chemistry with Devon Dampier…
“Dev’s the QB1, so we just got to keep working each and every day in camp, on the field, off the field and in the film room just getting all the little things together.”
TE Hunter Andrews
On embracing his role…
“It’s been a lot of fun this year. Just doing everything that Coach is telling me, I’m trying to help out wherever I can.”
On how his time on defense is helping his offensive game…
“Playing defense helped me out a lot because it tells me what the defense is thinking, I know what plays they run, it just helps me out a lot.”
On how the offense has progressed…
“We have a wide variety of playmakers on our team. We just get the ball to everyone, so we have a big ol’ playbook. We’ll be thriving this year.”
July 31, 2025
DB Smith Snowden
On his play last season…
“I think last year was a great year to build off of, and that's what I'm kind of preparing and I'm what I’m going to do on the build off of last year - get more takeaways, get more tackles, get more strips, all that. I want to be a all-around better player.”
On the new faces in the secondary that are standing out…
“I think all of them are standing out. Since spring ball to now, guys that have transferred in – and Jason Stokes, a freshman – they've all gotten so much better and I trust them to be on the field. Then we got two new transfers, JC [Hart] and J Mo [Jaylen Moson], they're coming along, man. I'm excited for them, too.”
On how he feels about the defense…
“I think we're in a good spot right now. Obviously, there's always room for improvements, but it’s day two and plays are being made so I’m excited.”
LB Lander Barton
On the team’s approach heading into the season…
“It’s a lot of new faces on the team so it’s really just getting everybody on the same page, kind of moving at the same beat. It’s been good for us so far in the first two days.”
On how he’s feeling heading into the season…
“I feel like an all-around different player compared to when I first got here. It’s been a long time, four years has flown by, it’s kind of crazy. I feel like I changed a lot.”
On how he feels about the linebacker room…
“We’ve got a lot of depth in the room. We got a bunch of vets, we got a bunch of new guys, young guys in the room but everyone can play. There’s a lot of depth. It’s looking good.”
DL Logan Fano
On the tempo of practice…
“I’d say it’s a little bit faster. Coach Beck and his offense, they like to get after it, they like to go. They’re going quick, but we’re used to playing quick, too.”
On the emphasis in camp this year…
I think it’s the same emphasis we’ve had every single year. We want to improve in every facet, not just stopping the run, but being better football players, being a better team.”
DL Aliki Vimahi
On what he’s seen from the defense so far…
I’m seeing a lot of grit. These first two days, I see guys getting after it. On the defensive line, we’re trying to get after it, we’re trying to be the heartbeat of the team.
On what he’s seen from the team overall so far…
I’ve seen a lot paying attention to the details. Our coaches, ever since winter conditioning, we’ve just harped on details. Even during stretch, whether it be touching our toes, getting the right technique. Details, details, details, that’s what’s going to set us apart.
On how he’s stepping into a leadership role this fall…
Being more vocal. For me, my personality, I’m quiet. I like to lead by action, but stepping into a leadership role requires vocal leadership and that’s challenged me to become a better leader and more vocal.
July 30, 2025
Head Coach Kyle Whittingham
On the first practice of Fall camp…
“It was good. Day one (now) is different than it was five, 10 years ago. With the way the NCAA allows you to do certain things in the Summer now, it’s more a continuation of what we’ve been doing in a sense, than finally getting a chance to go out and play football. In that regard, you expect to be further ahead. It’s a good thing they changed those rules, because with the influx of new players that everyone has, it helps those guys make that transition. I thought today was a really good start.
“The one thing that was really impressive when you contrast it with Spring was the way the offense operated as far as subbing groups in and out, getting the plays underway, just the operational stuff was much cleaner. Very evident and obvious that these guys have worked a lot on their own this Summer on the execution and timing of stuff.”
On the new offense under Jason Beck…
“We’re not going to huddle and it’s going to be a little more up-tempo. But still, it’s not ridiculously fast…It is a different way to operate, but there’s a lot of different ways (to run) an offense. And this is Coach Beck’s system and what he’s used to. We’re going with it.”
On what excites him about the offense…
“Probably our big-play capability at quarterback. Devon Dampier is a big-play guy and this offense suits him to a tee. He’s a true dual threat and this offense features a lot of QB run game, a lot of RPO, and really is going to take advantage of his skillset.”
OL Caleb Lomu
On the preseason recognition he and Spencer Fano are receiving…
“Of course it’s awesome to see, getting the preseason accolades and all that, but it really means nothing. None of it means anything, preseason means absolutely nothing. Whatever we both go and do this season, that’s what really matters, and of course it’s cool to get it but I’ll just use it to prove what the people see right now is right and show that at the end of the season, I can do it.”
On adjusting to Coach Beck’s offense…
“I love it. It’s awesome to be able to use my athletic ability to get out it in space, it is different from previous years. I’m adapting to it and like it a lot, just from the spring, the summer and the beginning of fall that we have right now, I’m really liking it.”
On how the offensive line is feeling within the new offense…
“The o-line being the most veteran room on the offense, we’re already very close. We gained just two new guys this summer, and so having to go through a whole spring with that new offense and having mostly everyone from the previous season, we’re already super close as a group so learning the new plays that we have is very easy for us because we work so well together.”
Wayshawn Parker
On how is feels to be full go…
It feels great. I’m ready to go again. I want to touch that 1,000 [yards] for sure.
On his comfort level with the offense…
On his comfort level with the offense…
“My comfort is very chill, but I always want to be on ten toes no matter what it is, what’s coming. I just want to be here for anything that’s coming my way.”
On what he wants to maximize
“What I want to maximize on is breaking more tackles and being able to make big plays and get my yards but also move as an offense and move everybody as an offense and when I’m not getting the ball, I want to block and make sure my QB is protected.”
Devon Dampier
On day one…
“It was fun. I’m glad to be with the boys. This is what you dream for. We’re getting close to the season. We have high expectations for every practice and I think we made a good impression the first day.”
On the difference between fall practice and spring practice…
We practice in a way that’s very safe, but at the end of the day, we’re still going 100%. The way we have it structured, we’re still allowed to go 100%. The practices are real.
On if he has to be a more assertive leader with the season approaching…
I try to be the same person throughout the year, but obviously we have new people who just got here. Just to be able to give them that impression and get them caught on, they have a short amount of time to be able to get with the program. Just to make sure we’re emphasizing that, that’s the leadership I’m on right now.
Dallen Bentley
On day one…
“Overall, I’d say it was a great day. It’s my last [year]. I try to come every day 100%. That’s my mentality every day, to try not to give anything up and to give as much as I can.”
On the scheme changes and how that affects his position…
“I feel like coach Beck and his offense uses the guys he has and uses their talents and I think they’re doing a great job with me. I believe I can put my hand in the ground and block and I believe I can go get some catches as well.”
On how Otto Tia and Hunter Andrews have done with the transition to tight end…
“They’re both doing super great. They’re both super hard workers. They’re putting in the work. They’re smart. They’re going to be great.”