Position battles heating up as Utes near fall scrimmages


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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utes will look to settle some depth chart position battles as they hold two scrimmages this week, the first of the fall camp session. The scrimmages are scheduled for Tuesday and Saturday at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

"Coming out of Saturday's scrimmage we have to have most all of our questions answered, because at that point we'll only be 12 days away from the game (vs. Idaho State). We have to prepare for the game and we can only get a couple groups reps," Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said.

One of the key position battles underway at camp is at quarterback between returning starter Travis Wilson and incoming transfer Kendal Thompson from Oklahoma. While Wilson was listed at No. 1 on the latest depth chart released Monday morning, Whittingham made it a point to say the competition isn't over yet.

Bubba Poole looks for running room as Utah practices Friday, Aug. 8, 2014, at the University of Utah. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)
Bubba Poole looks for running room as Utah practices Friday, Aug. 8, 2014, at the University of Utah. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)

"It is a battle for the starting job," Whittingham said after Monday's first of two practices. "Travis has it right now, and he has been able to hold it for the first seven or eight practices. But tomorrow we'll get a chance to see as live a situation as we can create."

Will Thompson's mobility sway the coaches towards him? Or will they stick with an improved Wilson? Observing a live game situation will help the coaches make the ultimate decision at who to put under center - or in Utah's case behind center in shotgun.

Quarterback is just one of many jobs up for grabs this week during Utah's scrimmages. The Utes are loaded this year at running back, and the only difference between the three competitors is as slim as one turnover.

Utah's latest depth chart listed Bubba Poole and Troy McCormick at Nos. 1 and 2, respectively. Noticably absent is highly regarded JC transfer Devontae Booker, who was at the No. 2 spot coming into fall camp.

"We have three guys in the mix," Whittingham said. "Devontae has a ton of upside, but he put the ball on the ground (on Friday). You can not put the ball on the ground."

Some of the other position battles that Utah is hoping to settle are at cornerback, both defensive tackles and the right side of the offensive line.

We caught up with Kyle Whittingham, offensive line coach Jim Harding, and true freshman Marcus Williams who is looking to add depth for the Utes at safety. Check out their interviews in the player above, as well as practice highlights.

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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