Busy Day For Utah Football: Brief Recap Of Scrimmage, Coaches Clinic
Apr 16, 2022, 4:43 PM
The Utah football team runs onto the field before a game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Utah Utes on October 16, 2021, at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah, (Photo by Boyd Ivey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Boyd Ivey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Salt Lake City- Utah football wrapped up a busy Saturday with their second scrimmage of spring ball and later hosting their annual Coaches Clinic featuring LenDale White and Chris Johnson. The Utes will wrap up their spring ball season next week with their Alumni Golf Tournament and Red and White Game.
This scrimmage mostly belonged to the offense IMO. First team looked great which shouldn't be surprising, but second and third string really appears to have come a long way from what #Ute fans are used to.
— Michelle Bodkin (@BodkinKSLsports) April 16, 2022
Second Scrimmage
Often considered the most important scrimmage of spring ball, Utah opened their doors to select fans and media to get a little preview of what the team looks like. It is hard to give a great report from the scrimmage due to not having stats or being able to interview afterward, but a few things did stand out.
In what feels like a backward statement compared to what most Ute fans are used to hearing, the offense seemed to have the best day.
Cam Rising looked as good as ever showing this team is his. His command of the offense and poise set him a part. Perhaps one of the biggest developments seen in the scrimmage is the rapport Rising seems to have built with wide receiver Devaughn Vele.
I think my favorite thing I saw by far today was the chemistry between Rising and Vele. I believe that was a big missing piece to what was an already very good offense last season. This is a positive development toward elevating that performance. #Utes
— Michelle Bodkin (@BodkinKSLsports) April 16, 2022
For several years we have heard about Vele and his potential. Unfortunately, he’s spent a good chunk of time hurt. Last season he showed flashes and based on what has been said as well as the little bit that has been seen, it appear Vele may be ready to take that next step.
It has been said many times this spring, but there is reason to be excited about freshman running back Jaylon Glover. He appears to be every bit as advertised while also having a ways to go before he hits his ceiling. The defense did have some luck stopping him, however, he seems to have a tendency to bounce back from those plays with a vengeance.
Other Standouts
Utah’s quarterback depth overall appears to be in good shape which is always comforting. Bryson Barnes continues to impress after his legendary stint in the Rose Bowl. Ja’Quinden Jackson has made some very good strides in his game. For those that continue to ask where JJ will be moved, he is without a doubt a quarterback. Even freshman Brandon Rose showed some great athleticism in his limited reps.
The main culprits at tight end weren’t used much which opened the door for others to shine. Thomas Yassmin appears to be finding his groove playing football. At receiver, both Jaylen Dixon and Money Parks showed some real potential, but need to find a little more consistency.
Karene Reid joins in the PBU fun. Defense stepping up a bit this drive and forcing the Redding field goal. #GoUtes
— Michelle Bodkin (@BodkinKSLsports) April 16, 2022
It was not the best defensive day, and it’s hard to say how much of that is precautionary so that guys aren’t getting hurt. However, Karene Reid was someone who felt like they were everywhere on every play. Aliki Vimahi came away with a big guy interception, and RJ Hubert had an impressive pass break-up against Vele.
Coaches Clinic
Utah football invited high school coaches from across the state to learn and network with them Saturday after the scrimmage. The clinic featured keynote speakers LenDale White and Chris Johnson, both formerly of the Tennessee Titans.
Really great information and thoughts from these two this afternoon about how to earn respect as a coach, why it’s important and just some of the general experiences they both had playing at all levels of football. https://t.co/u6sIBvkTks
— Michelle Bodkin (@BodkinKSLsports) April 16, 2022
The biggest takeaway both White and Johnson impressed upon the audience is the importance of relationship and trust building. Both players talked about how having coaches at the high school level who figured out how to talk to them and teach them made the biggest difference in the trajectory of their careers.
