Utes looking forward to 'important' first scrimmage

(Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)


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SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah football program is about halfway through its spring practice of the year, and head coach Kyle Whittingham is looking to Friday’s scrimmage as one of the team’s most important practices.

“We’re getting ready for the scrimmage tomorrow,” he said after Thursday’s practice. “It’s an important scrimmage, probably about 100 snaps. We’re going to have to see some separation at some of these positions.”

Whittingham’s focus going into Friday’s scrimmage is mainly with the areas with a lot of depth, namely quarterback, running back and the linebackers. At the quarterback position Travis Wilson continues to be the starter, with Connor Manning and Adam Schulz battling for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.

“Schulz did some good things at QB; he had some nice throws,” Whittingham said. “That’s his strong suit, the arm strength and the velocity that he’s able to put on the ball as well as his accuracy.”


It definitely pushes me and doesn't let me get complacent. I look at it like last year: I was pretty much running in the same spot as these guys with Kelvin York and Karl Williams. I know the role and love it. I look at it as if we're all out here fighting for a spot.

–Bubba Poole


Although Schulz has had a strong showing in spring practice, Wilson appears to be the clear favorite heading into fall. His in-game experience helps his cause, but Wilson has been the one quarterback to find separation from the rest of the group.

One of the most interesting positions to watch at scrimmage, though, will be the battle at running back. Bubba Poole returns as the team’s leading back, but junior college transfer Devontae Booker and redshirt freshman Troy McCormick are making names for themselves for the top spot.

Despite coming into spring practice as the team’s leading running back, Poole is focused on getting better and fighting for the position like anyone else.

“It definitely pushes me and doesn’t let me get complacent,” Poole said. “I look at it like last year: I was pretty much running in the same spot as these guys with Kelvin York and Karl Williams. I know the role and love it. I look at it as if we’re all out here fighting for a spot.”

Booker, too, said he comes into practice trying to improve and to earn a role with the team coming into fall camp.

“It’s hard work coming in each day trying not to make a lot of mental errors,” Booker said. “(I’m) just coming out here and competing with him (Poole) each day, just making it hard on him. Just coming out here each day and working my butt off.”

The Utes will have their first scrimmage of spring training Friday at Rice-Eccles Stadium, starting at 4 p.m. The public is welcome to attend the scrimmage.

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