Utes hold second scrimmage of fall camp


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The second scrimmage of Utah's fall football camp followed pretty much the same script as the first - with the defense dominating for at least half of the snaps before the offense began to get a rhythm. The only real change was that Saturday morning's scrimmage started off with red zone drills and finished with drives from the 35-yard line, which was a reversal from past scrimmages.

Having its back up to the wall at the outset had no effect on the defense, which swarmed all over the place during red zone play - stuffing everything and everyone in its path. In 20 minutes of action inside the 25-yard line, the offense managed just a lone touchdown - a 2-yard run by Ray Stowers.

"I don't know if we're that good on defense or if our offense is in need of improvement," said head coach Kyle Whittingham after the 100-play scrimmage. "On the bright side, our timing and execution improved on offense as the scrimmage went on and we did cut back some on the penalties." Still, Whittingham reiterated praise for the speed of his defense and expressed disapproval on recurring snap count issues by the offense.

While most of the starters saw limited action, quarterback Brian Johnson took several snaps in every drill. His 9-of-13 passing day (for 83 yards) included a beautifully thrown 28-yard pass to Jereme Brooks, who stretched out to make the catch. It was the start of the only touchdown drive of the day. Freddie Brown made two nice grabs in the series, which culminated with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Johnson to Bradon Godfrey. John Peel also made a key reception in the touchdown drive - one of a scrimmage-best four catches for 55 yards. Brown (38 yards) and Brooks (33 yards) also caught four passes.

Stowers handled most of the running back chores for the No. 1 offense, as starter Darrell Mack played in a very limited role and Matt Asiata remained on the sideline nursing an ankle injury. Stowers finished with four carries for nine yards and a touchdown. Leading all rushers was freshman Sausan Shakerin with seven carries for 39 yards. Shakerin broke free for a 17-yard gain - the longest run of the morning.

The biggest emphasis of the scrimmage was placed on special teams and there appears to be a real battle shaping up for kickoff return duties. Brent Casteel, Brice McCain, David Reed and Damilyn Tanner all made impressive returns. Whittingham was not as pleased with the punt team, which had two punts blocked (by Reggie Topps and Zac Eldridge).

Ben Vroman had the best day for the kickers, making five of six field goals despite strong, swirling canyon winds.

Defensively, depth at cornerback made for a lively effort at that position. In particular, competition is heated at safety, where Whittingham says, "Four or five guys are playing exceptional football." While the defensive line is not as deep, it created just as many problems for the offense with its speed and aggressive tackling. Paul Kruger had two sacks and fellow linemen Greg Newman and Kenape Eliapo had one apiece. Linebacker Nai Fotu also recorded a sack. Fotu's other big defensive play was a fumble recovery that he picked up and ran into the end zone.

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