Ludwig, Utah Offense In Good Spot
Aug 16, 2022, 10:07 AM | Updated: 10:08 am
Starting quarterback Cam Rising leads the offensive attack before the Utes' first scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Utah Athletics.)
(Photo courtesy of Utah Athletics.)
SALT LAKE CITY- It’s been a long time since Utah has had so much positivity surrounding their offense. That positivity is largely due to having offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig back in Utah for nearly four years now, putting Utah’s offense in a really good spot. There is comfort and familiarity under Ludwig and a veteran group of players that seems to be allowing for growth and new twists to what the Utes already do well.
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It All Starts With Cam Rising
Having leadership you trust is often the key that makes everything else go, and the Utes couldn’t ask for a better situation than the one they have with Cam Rising. The quarterback transfer from Texas not only came in with something extra special about him, but the time Rising has been able to spend with Ludwig and really understand the offense and how his OC wants him to run it has raised his game tenfold.
“He’s in a good spot,” Ludwig said after Monday’s practice. “He’s in a good spot. Feel real good about that. Talk about a guy who is a coach on the field, absolute master of the scheme and can coach all ten guys on the field. Get them lined up, tell them what to do. He’s such a positive presence for us and great leader.”
7️⃣
Highest in the PAC. pic.twitter.com/xY9rxu5aAs
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) August 15, 2022
A high tide raises all boats, and having a guy like Rising as ready and prepared as he is only helps Utah in the quest to name his backup. Both Bryson Barnes and Ja’Quinden Jackson have received high-praise throughout spring and fall camp for their efforts in making the decision a difficult one. Neither is relenting and part of that is due to having a leader who can point things out to them and get them better.
“We are still battling that thing out,” Ludwig said. “I express a lot of confidence that both Bryson and JJ are working very hard. We are looking for some clarity at that spot here in the next couple of days.”
Protecting The Assets
One area Utah has struggled with a bit in the past is offensive line- not because they don’t end up being good toward the end of the season, but because it sometimes takes them a while to find their groove. Being quicker off the block has been a major point of emphasis through spring and fall for the coaches in an effort to put Utah’s offense in a good spot. Harding mentioned earlier Monday afternoon he has about eight guys he’s looking at that he feels really comfortable with and Ludwig seems to agree. The bodies are there, it’s just time to make some final decisions.
“We are in a good situation there in terms of depth at the offensive line,” Ludwig said. “It’s a competitive situation and we’re going to be better for it.”
Money Ball
A name that has been continually heard throughout fall camp, often with little to no prompting is wide receiver Money Parks. Last year as a freshman, Parks showed flashes of what he could be, but was inconsistent. Just a year later it is sounding like Parks has put it all together and could be a real threat down the sidelines for the Utes in 2022.
“I think most of it just comes down to system knowledge,” Ludwig said of Parks’ emergence. “That allows him to play with so much more confidence which gets him to play faster and more aggressive. We’re seeing the benefits of that.”
