Utah offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig acknowledged it felt great to be back out on the field. On a near picture-perfect Tuesday weather-wise, the Utes resumed spring football practices after taking 12 days off.
"Every part is good," said Ludwig. "It is what it is. Let's just go."
The Utes, who open the season Aug. 30 at Michigan, spent the better part of two hours running drills and installing schemes. They'll have their first full tackle practice Thursday and will be on the field at least three times over each of the next four weeks.
"We expect to get better each day, obviously," said head coach Kyle Whittingham.
As is usually the case this time of year, he added, the defense is ahead of the offense.
"I'm happy with the way the defense is running around," said Whittingham. "We've got a lot of speed on the defense."
Utah also has some vacancies to fill. Though most of the starters return, graduation took its toll at several positions, including tackle, safety and linebacker. The Utes are also looking to solidify their depth at cornerback.
"There's many, many spots that are wide open and at the end of the day they're really all wide open. But you would sure hope the kids that come back — that worked their tails off — hold their spots," said defensive coordinator Gary Andersen.
"Everything's open in spring football and always will be. But we definitely have some positions where we've got to look at people to come in and play."
The key, he continued, is to find players who develop a good understanding of Utah's somewhat complicated scheme and are able to play fast and run.
"There's a lot of competition across the board," said Andersen.
Thus Thursday will be a big day.
"That's really when you start to see some separation — when you do the live drills," said Whittingham. "We'll have to see how things progress."
Though the Utes are taking a conservative approach with players like defensive end Paul Kruger, safety Robert Johnson, wide receiver Elijah Wesson and Matt Asiata, who are overcoming injuries, they're eager to see how things go once the pads are on.
"It's big. The tackling is going to be a little rough early because tackling is an art you can only get better at when you tackle. But I think we've got great athletes. The kids run well, and today was a good start," said Andersen, who explained that many of the younger players in the program are still a bit overwhelmed by the pace and intensity of Utah's practices.
"It's a little bit of a jump for them — real quick. I liked today and it'll be good to see who'll get out and tackle."
It'll allow the coaching staff to see what kids can close and take good angles.
Ludwig said "when the lights are on and the bullets are live, so to speak," it's easier to evaluate toughness, finishing skills and scheme knowledge.
The picture becomes more clear, he continued, when things get more physical on the field.
As for Utah's offense, Ludwig said the tight end position is the No. 1 spot of concern in spring ball. Dallin Rogers' departure to serve an LDS Church mission has altered the landscape a bit. Colt Sampson provides some experience, while Brad Cliffford is having a strong offseason.
Another key spot to fill is center. Ludwig said a battle is brewing between sophomore Zane Taylor and junior Tyler Williams. The players are currently in a practice order and not really ranked on a depth chart. As of now, however, Taylor is getting his reps with the first string.
Ludwig feels good about the other offensive positions — though he'd like to get quarterback Brian Johnson back healthy and develop a little more depth on the offensive line.
The receiving corps is also in good shape, he said, and close to having the eight players needed to run four-wide sets. Additional talent is coming this fall when junior college and high school recruits join the mix.
It remains to be seen, though, if senior Marquis Wilson will be back. He made 18 catches for 285 yards and three touchdowns last season.
"We suspended him indefinitely," said Whittingham, who declined to discuss specifics. "We've got a set of parameters that he's operating under. Time will tell how that plays out."
The former Juan Diego star, who was charged with drunken driving and possession of alcohol by a minor more than a year ago in a case that has yet to be resolved, has been suspended from the team since February.
Wilson's absence, Whittingham noted, has provided a great opportunity for players like senior John Peel and Jereme Brooks, who showed great promise as a freshman.
Utah's projected starters at receiver include Brent Casteel, who is back after a knee injury in 2007, as well as Bradon Godfrey and Freddie Brown. Elijah Wesson and Eddie Wide III are slasher types capable of making contributions at running back as well.
"We've still got quality at wide receiver," said Whittingham.
"With the influx of talent we've got coming in this fall, we feel pretty good about that position."
EXTRA POINTS: All practices and scrimmages are open to the public. The next two are scheduled for Thursday (3-5 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m.-noon) at the fields west of the Smith Center ... Wide III is now listed as a backup to Brown at wide receiver ... In other depth chart changes, Mo Neal has been shifted from No. 3 at stud linebacker to No. 2 at rover and Jamel King has moved from No. 2 at rover to No. 3 at middle linebacker.
E-mail: dirk@desnews.com