Offense starting to click for Utes in week two of Camp Kyle

(Scott Stevens, UteSportsReport.com)


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SALT LAKE CITY — Tuesday marked the beginning of week two of Utah's spring football practices, and while the week prior was dominated by the defense, it was the offense that made some strides — especially in the passing game.

All quarterbacks looked sharper on day four of Camp Kyle, which also marked the first day of full contact this spring for the Utes. Execution, mechanics and pocket presence all were improved as the offense finally got in a rhythm after being seemingly stagnant through the first few days.

Six players are taking reps at quarterback this spring with two more entering the program this fall. Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham thinks the competition level and overall depth is a good thing for the program.

"We've got some quarterback issues to sort out, but it is a much better problem to have than the problem we had in the past because we didn't have enough guys," Whittingham said.

The quarterbacks can only be as good as the wide receivers, though, but the great news for Ute fans is that the receivers also took a step forward during Tuesday's practice session. Delshawn McClellon had a fantastic sideline catch, following it up with a tip-toe into the end zone for a touchdown, while Dominique Hatfield took a screen pass 40-plus yards — helped by a crucial block on Eric Rowe by fellow receiver Geoffrey Norwood.

"Today was probably our best overall day," Utah wide receivers coach Taylor Stubblefield said following practice. "Energy-wise I thought we could have come out a little bit harder, but at the end of the day, with what we're doing, they just have to make the small plays."

Stubblefield, who is in his first year with the Utes, said that while some people may have been surprised at the day's performance of the receivers, it is all about making "small plays" — simply catching the football. Without the catch, he says, as simple as it sounds, you'll never have the opportunity to turn those into big plays.

"We're getting better, but we still have a long way to go," Stubblefield said.

While there is a new offensive coordinator at the helm in former Wyoming head coach Dave Christensen, the offensive schemes are fairly similar to what the Utes have been running in recent seasons.

"The reason the transition is smooth is because there are so many similarities; a spread offense is a spread offense," Whittingham said. "There are a few different terms, sets and additions, particularly in the run game, but the concepts are the same, and that's why it has been a rather seamless transition."

The Utes return to the practice field Thursday afternoon. All outdoor practices are open to the public.

Videos

Watch day four highlights and an interview with Utah WR coach Taylor Stubblefield in the video player above. Robert Jackson is the cross platform sports and weather producer for ksl.com and KSL-TV. He has covered the Utes for KSL since 2008. You can catch him and co-host Brian Swinney Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. on the Ute Sports Report 1320 KFAN.

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