SALT LAKE CITY — Coming into fall camp for the University of Utah, the question surrounding the offense was whether the receiving corps could make a noticeable impact on the season.

Although no real football has been played, Utah receivers are making a case for themselves as a viable threat for the upcoming season. Coaches want a rotation of seven to eight players, and it appears they might be set.

The receivers are led by junior Siaosi Mariner, who is having himself a big fall camp. Mariner has stepped up as the go-to guy for quarterback Tyler Huntley, catching nearly everything thrown in his direction. On Wednesday, Mariner had two touchdown grabs — one in double coverage and another with Tareke Lewis aggressively defending — and make it look easy.

But behind Mariner is several other consistent receivers that are having a big camp. Demari Simpkins has come into the season with a renewed purpose and has been a threat on the outside and at slot; Britain Covey continues to do his damage in the slot, breaking ankles; and Bronson Boyd, Bryan Thompson, and Samson Nacua have emerged as consistent targets for Huntley et. al.

Rounding out the receiver corps personnel that are likely to get some playing time is Jaylen Dixon, Solomon Enis, Jameson Field, and Terrell Perriman. Offensive coordinator Troy Taylor said he believes Enis has the best shot as a freshman to be a part of the rotation, but Perriman is close behind.

Regardless, the coaching staff is confident and impressed with the receiving talent that is stepping up. As a result, the offense is moving the ball well in practice and making a case for another improved year in the passing game.

Newcomers at linebacker

Newcomers Bryant Pirtle and Francis Bernard got several reps together at linebacker in red zone drills Wednesday. The duo spent their time on the second-team defense and brought a nice tandem to the defense. At times, both were used in cover and in various blitzing packages.

Although not a live setting, both would have likely recorded at least one sack in the media observation period. Bernard attacked with speed, getting into the backfield with relative ease. Defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley said it’s not by design that the two will play next to each other, but the coaches were looking to give both reps in a practice setting.

Head coach Kyle Whittingham, though, said he’s been impressed with Bernard’s ability to pick up the defense in the short time he’s been with the program.

“Obviously there's more for him to learn, but he was functioning very well out there today,” Whittingham said of Bernard. He added that Bernard will remain in the rotation of six that are fighting for playing time, but is conditioned well and is in “better shape than I projected he would be.”

Bernard remains in the NCAA-mandated acclimation period and cannot participate in full pads until Friday. Whittingham believes Bernard will need a week of practice before the coaching staff will get a good sense of where he will be in the rotation.

Settling in of the depth chart

It’s everyone’s favorite thing come fall camp: Who are the starters and who are their backups? While much of the drama of the depth chart has been negated by a lot of veteran leadership coming back, there are still positions up for grab. Coaches have hinted at who the starters will be for each position, but continue to be non-specific about certain positions.

Whittingham said the plan is to have most, if not all, of the positions settled by Monday, with an updated depth chart released sometime later. With about 12 days left of practice until the season opener against Weber State on Aug. 30, there is potential for some movement in the depth chart, but it will be minimal.

Captains will be voted upon Friday night, Whittingham said, and will be released ahead of the team’s second scrimmage of camp on Saturday. The camp is closed to the media, but open to members of the MUSS. The university’s annual Fan Fest will follow that evening from 6-8 p.m. at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Utah will enter the following week in a simulated game-week schedule.

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