Enthusiasm runs high as Utah returns to the field for first day of spring football

SALT LAKE CITY — There was snow on the ground and it was a bit chilly as the Utah Utes kicked off spring football. Neither, however, put a damper on enthusiasm.

“It’s good to be back out here,” said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, who noted it’s been a short offseason. The Utes played Texas in the Alamo Bowl almost exactly two months ago. 

Whittingham added that it’s nice to have the offense in its second year under offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig.

“It feels good just to get out here and do what I love doing.” — Utah quarterback Cam Rising

“So there’s not that learning curve that we were facing last year,” Whittingham said.

As for the defense, Utah is replacing nine starters — only linebacker Devin Lloyd and defensive end Mika Tafua return. As such, Whittingham acknowledged there are a lot of opportunities up for grabs.

“It will be interesting to see how that shakes out,” he said. “A lot of those battles won’t be determined until fall camp because we’ve got some good players coming that aren’t here yet.

“But for the first day I thought things went smoothly and we got a lot of work done,” Whittingham continued.

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The Utes will practice again Tuesday and Thursday before shutting things down until March 17 because of spring break. Whittingham said the team will don pads on Thursday and “start to see some real football at that point.” 

After the first of 15 scheduled spring practices, though, there were some standouts. Whittingham was asked about the quarterback competition in the battle to replace the graduated Tyler Huntley.

“Cam Rising had a very good day. I think just at first glance he probably had the best day of the QBs,” Whittingham said. “It’s just one day, but he looked pretty sharp today.”

Whittingham acknowledged that it could be because Rising has practiced with the Utes for a year since transferring from Texas. Returnee Drew Lisk also drew praise. As for South Carolina graduate transfer Jake Bentley, Whittingham noted that he may still be thinking a little bit while digesting the offense. 

“I won’t put a lot of stock in it right now but it was good to see Cam come out and do the things he did today,” Whittingham said.

Rising, in response, noted that it was just been amazing to get back out on the field. Bentley also expressed excitement.

“It feels good just to get out here and do what I love doing,” Bentley said.

Ludwig, meanwhile, thought that all three quarterbacks did good things on the first day. He said they handled the installation well.

Utah opened spring ball with seven of the 27 players it recently signed in camp. The newcomers include Bentley, highly touted cornerback Clark Phillips III, safety Ben Renfro and cornerback Caine Savage. Offensive lineman Hunter Lotulelei, along with defensive linemen Taniela Pututau and Tennessee Pututau, round out the early arrivals. All three are returned missionaries.

Spring practices not moved indoors because of inclement weather are open to the public. Upcoming sessions at the Eccles Football Facility practice fields are set for Tuesday at 3:45 p.m. and Thursday at 2:35 p.m. The annual Red-White Game at Rice-Eccles Stadium is scheduled for April 11 at 11 a.m.