Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Excitement continued to build for new offensive coordinator Brian Johnson's play calling in today's scrimmage but the defense also drew cheers from a chilled crowd in Rice-Eccles Stadium.
"There was a lot of give and take today, which is what you want to see in a scrimmage. The offense started slowly, picked up momentum and then the defense rallied," said head coach Kyle Whittingham after the Utes ran through around 70-80 plays.
On the first series, the No. 1 defense sacked Wynn twice, but the offensive line "settled in" shortly thereafter according to Whittingham and the quarterbacks began finding open receivers.
"Brian (Johnson) wants to take more shots downfield than we have recently and we can do that now because we have the speed in the wideouts to create separation and we have quarterbacks who can throw with accuracy," said Whittingham. "Our quarterback situation is the best it has been in years," he added.
Brian (Johnson) wants to take more shots downfield than we have recently and we can do that now because we have the speed in the wideouts to create separation and we have quarterbacks who can throw with accuracy. Our quarterback situation is the best it has been in years.
–Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham
Jordan Wynn and Travis Wilson got the most reps, with Wynn completing 7 of 12 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown, Travis Wilson connecting on 6 of 8 passes for 56 yards. Wilson also rushed for two touchdowns. Three other QBs also played, highlighted by dart that split the defenders thrown by walk-on Adam Shulz to Kenneth Scott for a 7-yard touchdown.
Kelvin York returned to action from a sore knee and showed no ill effects, rushing for 41 bruising yards and a touchdown on 11 rushes. Also seeing time with the first string was Jarrell Oliver (7 carries for 21 yards). Harvey Langi missed the scrimmage to attend a class and John White again sat out for precautionary reasons, giving Lucky Radley an opportunity for carries. Radley led all rushers with 13 carries for 77 yards (long of 35) and a touchdown.
The quarterbacks found 12 different receivers and DeVonte Christopher's two catches for 70 yards led the group.
The scrimmage began with Dave Kruger sacking Jordan Wynn. Others with sacks were Trevor Reilly, who played sparingly as a defensive end in passing situations, and LT Filiaga. Reilly, slated to start at stud linebacker, has not played the position during the two scrimmages to allow younger linebackers to get reps. He made the most of his limited time, adding a pass breakup to his sack.
Terrell Reese had the big play for the defense, intercepting a Jon Hays' pass and returning it 42 yards.
The field goal kickers had a better day than the first scrimmage, with Coleman Petersen making 4 of 5 field goals, missing only on a 54-yard attempt. Nick Marsh made 3 of 5 attempts.
Spring camp concludes next week with two practices and the Red-White Spring Game (Saturday, April 21).
University of Utah press release
