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Week One of fall camp is in the books for the Utes.
While coach Kyle Whittingham isn’t allowing the media to observe practices, some interesting tidbits have come out of Camp Kyle.
The quarterback competition between Baylor transfer Charlie Brewer and sophomore Cam Rising is in full swing. Whittingham said Monday it’s too early to make any evaluations but that will come after Saturday’s scrimmage.
Running back is another interesting position to keep an eye on as four backs are vying for playing time — T.J. Pledger, Chris Curry, Micah Bernard and Tavion Thomas.
There’s plenty of depth on Utah’s roster. In fact, Whittingham has said it’s the most depth he’s had since the Utes joined the Pac-12 in 2011.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of camp is the absence of defensive end Maxs Tupai, who won’t play this season, Whittingham said.
That creates an opportunity for freshmen Van Fillinger and Xavier Carlton to fill that void.
Numbers game
1: Pick-sixes recorded by freshman cornerback Clark Phillips III last season, in just five games.
3.5: Tackles-for-loss recorded by Utah defensive lineman Maxs Tupai in 2019.
4,023: Rushing yards gained by three-star running back Jaylon Glover, from Lakeland, Florida, who committed to Utah last week.
From the archives
Extra points
• Utah misses Maxs Tupai but his absence opens up opportunities (Deseret News)
• How do other Pac-12 coaches view Utah football? (Deseret News)
• Pass protection a big focus for Utah’s O-line (Deseret News)
• 9 biggest nonconference games for Pac-12 (Deseret News)
• MyKayla Skinner returns home to big celebration (Deseret News)
Fanalyst
Comments from Deseret News readers
“Gotta remain relatively healthy to have a shot for a highly successful year. Need to hurry & get that cupcake OOC schedule done & over with, first. GO UTES!”
— AZUTE5
“Sounds like Utah may have 2 lockdown corners for at least the next 2-3 years. We will find out in week 6 at USC if that’s true when they’ll face NFL WR prospects.”
— Uteology
“I am glad to see the U putting a greater emphasis on the QB position. Instead of a run-heavy offense, they have a much better chance at winning the PAC12 championship when they run a more balanced attack. I really thought last year would be a great year for the Ute football program, and then the pandemic hit, and the PAC12 messed things up with the season. Now this year (hopefully) will prove to be that ‘special’ year we all want!”
— water rocket
Up next
Sept 2 | TBD | Football | vs. Weber State | @Rice Eccles Stadium