If the idea was not to show off any secrets to all those spies in those stands disguised as Ute fans, then the format for the University of Utah football team's final spring scrimmage team was a big success.
The Utes just basically held practice Saturday as usual with drills going on all over the Rice Stadium astroturf. At times it might have resembled a three-ring circus to mystified fans who came expecting to see a regular game.The way the Ute coaches were talking after the short workout about their 1994 team, maybe there was plenty to hide.
Unlike coaches who downplay their team's prospects with the idea that the only way to go is up, the Ute brass were full of superlatives following their final workout of the spring.
"I thought this was the most productive spring we've had since I've been here," said 3rd year defensive coordinator Fred Whittingham. "We are so far ahead of where we were at the end of last year."
On the other side, offensive coordinator Rick Rasnick was also singing praises.
"If everything falls into place, we should be better than last year when we were No. 4 or No. 5 in the country (offensively)," said Rasnick. "In terms of experience, our entire offense is ready to go. We shouldn't have any huge battles in the fall."
Head coach Ron McBride couldn't find much to complain about with his team either. "We need to get stronger as a football team," was all he said when asked about his concerns going into the fall.
While some fans may have been disappointed by the circus atmosphere Saturday morning, others found it refreshing. "This is neat to see how they do these drills," remarked one spectator.
McBride was hooked up to a microphone and he would explain to the fans in the stands and along the sidelines what was happening and to commend players for good plays. It was entertaining just to hear McBride pronounce many of the Polynesian names on his team such as Chad Kauhaahaa and Toele Fa'amoe.
Several of the Utes' top players didn't put pads on, some because of injuries, others to prevent injuries.
All-WAC offensive linemen Lance Scott and Anthony Brown sat out for the latter reason, while others, such as starting running back Rob Hamilton, sat out with slight injuries.
"We couldn't scrimmage a lot due to low numbers," said McBride about the lack of plays run.
Quarterback Mike McCoy, who underwent successful surgery last week to remove a rib that was causing a pinched blood vessel, split his time watching from the stands with a couple of female fans and roaming the sidelines.
"I'm doing really well," said McCoy. "I'm really fortunate we got it done because it was a lot worse than they thought."
But his timetable for returning to action hasn't changed. "I'll be back to 100 percent by July," he said.
The three backup quarterbacks got to show their stuff during one-on-one drills where a receiver went against a defensive back. Although last year's backup, Ryan Shea was usually the first quarterback in the drills, the coaches said the race for backup is not decided.
"All three (Shea, Ryan Hawkins and Brandon Jones) are in a bunch," said McBride. "They're all battling," added Rasnick. "(McCoy's injury) is sort of a blessing in disguise because all three have really improved."
One star player who did suit up was two-time all-WAC defensive end Luther Elliss, who just this week was named to the Playboy preseason all-America team.
Elliss and defensive end Bronzell Miller were impressive in three-on-three drills between offensive and defensive linemen.
The Ute coaches and players have approximately three and a half months until they meet again. Practice begins Aug. 13 and the first game is Sept. 3 at Utah State.