Crimson Corner: Camp Kyle, Day 5


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SALT LAKE CITY — It was only fitting that the Utes closed out Day 5 of Camp Kyle by catching fly balls hit by their coach.

With the new football facility under construction, the Utes have been forced to practice on the Ute baseball field, so when Kyle Whittingham started a pop fly competition with the different position groups to determine how much they'd have to run, it just seemed right.

"I love baseball, always my favorite sport growing up," Whittingham said.

Tuesday's practice was the Utes first in full pads, and the players seemed spirited and responded well.

"Great to get back in full gear and play real football," Whittingham said. "We practice very physically. We get after it pretty good. That's what our guys are used to, and that's what they enjoy, so it was good to be able to do that today."

The Utes had a little fun after practice Tuesday. Since they are practicing on the baseball field during camp, they decided to channel their inner baseball player with a pop fly competition. Hitting was head coach Kyle Whittingham. Photo: Brooke Frederickson, Utah Associate Director of Communications
The Utes had a little fun after practice Tuesday. Since they are practicing on the baseball field during camp, they decided to channel their inner baseball player with a pop fly competition. Hitting was head coach Kyle Whittingham. Photo: Brooke Frederickson, Utah Associate Director of Communications

Whittingham singled out running back John White as a player that stood out during practice, although he was held out of live work to keep him healthy.

Teammate Kelvin York got his opportunity to prove what he can do for the Utes, taking the majority of the reps with the first team offense. For York, he is just happy to be in Utah.

York had originally committed to USC, but later changed his commit to Utah after the Trojans seemed to lose interest after suffering a knee injury. The Utes coaching staff never gave up on York, and he rewarded that loyalty by switching his commit.

"The coaching staff didn't give up on me after my knee injury, so I wanted to show loyalty by coming to Utah. I love the coaching staff," York said following practice. "I'm glad to be in Utah."

While he always wanted to go to USC, York is actually pretty excited to face the Trojans on a Thursday night in October in front of a home crowd at Rice-Eccles.

"I can't wait for that game, it is going to be a great game, and I am excited for it."

York was a 1,400-yard rusher at Fullerton College in California, but instead of trying to top that he only has one objective while here at Utah.

"I don't have any individual goals. I just want to win. That's all I want. Win, go to a national championship, win the Pac-12. That's my goal," York said.

The team has started to nickname York and John White as "Thunder and Lightning", "Thunder" for York, a more powerful, bruising back, and "Lightning" for White, a more elusive, speed back. York says that nickname may change though, so don't start making those T-shirts quite yet.

His message for Utah fans? "I'm excited and ready for the season to start. Just win."

Or is it 'just Wynn'?

York said he knee feels great, and that he is getting his explosion and burst back.

The Utes begin two-a-days tomorrow with a morning session in Rice-Eccles. Utah's first scrimmage will be on Thursday. Both practices and scrimmages are closed to the public.

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