SALT LAKE CITY — It was a different kind of meet the press for Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, as he took media inquiries via teleconferencing on Zoom Tuesday morning in accordance with social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.
Whittingham fielded questions for more than 30 minutes, discussing such topics as the upcoming NFL draft and the immediate future of college football.
As for the draft, Utah has had 45 players selected since Whittingham became head coach in 2005. The number is expected to exceed 50 this weekend with as many as 10 Utes in position to get drafted.
“There are so many good things to say about our assistant coaches and the way they evaluate. That’s really what recruiting boils down to is evaluation,” said Whittingham, who noted that Utah is a development program. “You’ve got to project. It’s not where is the kid right now coming out of high school. It’s where can he be in two or three years and that’s really the essence of recruiting at least for us.”
Whittingham added that there’s a lot that goes into player evaluations. Plenty of homework has to be done, including talking to a lot of people — not just about football, but academics and character as well.
“I know that our assistant coaches have done a great job of bringing the right kids in the program,” Whittingham said in noting that they have a mantra of “recruit, develop and manage” when it come to helping players stay on track.
“I believe we’re a hard-working, blue collar program — very disciplined, very structured and when guys in the NFL get guys from our program there’s very little issues.” — Utah coach Kyle Whittingham
Having players drafted is part of the equation. So, too, is academic success when it comes to building the brand.
“Whatever we can do to let people know that some good things are going on here, that helps your recruiting,” Whittingham continued.
This year’s NFL draftees are expected to include cornerback Jaylon Johnson, defensive end Bradlee Anae, linebacker Francis Bernard, safety Julian Blackmon, safety Terrell Burgess, defensive tackle Leki Fotu, nickel back Javelin Guidry and running back Zack Moss.
Quarterback Tyler Huntley and defensive tackle John Penisini are also in the mix. Offensive tackle Darrin Paulo and wide receiver Demari Simpkins are likely to earn invitations to team camps if not drafted.
“I believe we’re a hard-working, blue collar program — very disciplined, very structured and when guys in the NFL get guys from our program there’s very little issues,” said Whittingham, who also included accountability. “I don’t want to sit here and toot our own horn but we feel like we run a very tight ship and guys learn a lot of life lessons while they’re here — work ethic, responsibility — just so many things.”
Whittingham refers to it as creating a toolbox to use for success, whether it involves a chance to play in the NFL or for use in any facet of life.
These are challenging times, obviously, with the coronavirus. It’s shut things down and Whittingham was asked about a best case/worst case scenario for the coming season.
Starting on time, he responded, is best with everything coming off as scheduled.
“We figure we need six, seven or eight weeks of lead time to get the players ready for that. Now if somebody tells us we’ve only got five we’ve got to make due and get them ready as quick as we can,” said Whittingham, who noted that in his playing days at BYU in the 1980s that teams gathered for two-a-days in the fall. “So that’s not like it’s uncharted territory and it didn’t happen for years and years where there was no summer programs or conditioning. So I know it can be done because I went through it personally.”
Eight weeks to prepare, he said, would be perfect.
“Worst-case scenario is no season, obviously, and there’s a bunch of things in between — Oct. 1 start, Nov. 1. I’ve even heard of Feb. 1 start, which I don’t know how that would work out. It would be nice to get some of those warm-weather teams up here in February and see how they react,” Whittingham explained. “There’s so many unanswered questions right now. So many unknowns that you’ve got to be prepared for anything.”
The Utes have already put together preparation models of six, seven and eight weeks together in an effort to be ready.
“The real important thing is that there is a football season. I think that’s going to be critical to virtually every athletic department in the country.” — Kyle Whittingham
“The real important thing is that there is a football season,” Whittingham said. “I think that’s going to be critical to virtually every athletic department in the country.”
Whittingham pointed out that it’s a trickle-down situation. If the NFL isn’t playing he doesn’t see how the colleges could. That, in turn, would lead down to the high schools.
In the meantime, players are working out on their own and position meetings are being held on Zoom.
“I think we’re maximizing what we can do,” Whittingham said. “And I’m going to tell you right now the teams that are handling this situation the best and they come out of this with making the most progress are going to have a huge advantage when the season does start.”
Playing games without fans this fall may be a possibility, but Whittingham hopes it doesn’t come down to that because of the home-field advantage the Utes have at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
“We’re hoping it doesn’t come to that but like I’ve said if it’s that or no season, then I think you’re going to see exactly that,” Whittingham said. “No fans if that’s the way that they think is the only alternative in the way they can get the season done.”
The nation’s current hiatus from sports could alter the landscape in the future.
“I’m hoping college football will be the same at some point. It may not be this season,” Whittingham said. “But hopefully things get back to normal. If not now, next year.
“It’s been definitely different without sports. It’s not for everybody. Some people are not fazed at all with no sports. They couldn’t care less. It’s not completely universal,” he noted. “But I think there’s a huge faction of the American population that is really missing sports and the entertainment value it brings. It’s woven into the fabric of our society for most people. So hopefully we get back to normal this season.”