Takeaways: Kyle Whittingham’s Availability In Week Two Of Utah Football Spring Ball
Mar 25, 2025, 7:29 PM
SALT LAKE CITY – On Tuesday, Kyle Whittingham and Utah football welcomed the media back to spring ball for practice.
With so much change from the previous season, there is much to learn about the Utes this year.
Coach Whittingham addressed members of the media and hit on several different topics. Here are the big takeaways from Whittingham’s commentary.
Most of the questions revolved around the offense, but Whittingham addressed more than what’s included here.
IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE A UTE‼️
First day in full pads! Let’s go!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/hcWtqEQxd8
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) March 25, 2025
Utah football’s first full-padded practice
It’s only been a few practices, but Utah just completed their first practice in full pads. Whittingham shared thoughts on the early signs of progress he’s seen.
“It went good; we had some live work; in fact, it was right out the gate in the first 10 minutes into practice when we cranked it up and went live,” Whittingham shared.
In the media’s 20-minute viewing session, the competitiveness was great. Both sides made plays, and it was a good back-and-forth practice.
“It was very spirited, very competitive, but it’s different practicing in pads, and some fatigue showed up, guys getting a little tired,” he said.
Nate Johnson, the swiss-army knife
Today’s practice served as a good reminder of Johnson’s athleticism. He scored a long touchdown thanks in large part to those athletic qualities.
“We hope he’s a contributor, that’s why we brought him back into the program because he’s a multi-faceted athlete,” Whittingham said.
Johnson has always been an electric athlete, and it seems returning to Utah will lead to more unique usage than we’ve previously seen.
“He’s got great speed and good size, so yeah, we brought him to be kind of a swiss-army knife, and that’s what you saw some of today.”
As a swiss-army knife, Beck should have a long list of ways to incorporate him into the offensive attack.
The emerging leadership on the squad
With so many new faces, finding leadership will be an important dynamic this offseason. Through winter workouts and the first week of spring ball, Whittingham is encouraged by the leadership he’s seen emerging.
“Devon is the leader of the offense, as far as knowing what to do and ensuring everyone else knows what they’re doing,” Whittingham said of his new quarterback.
Dampier’s acclimation into the program is encouraging. He’s been focused on building personal relationships with the guys around him, and guys have seemed bought into him.
“He made it on the leadership council after only two or three weeks with the team, he was voted onto that,” he continued. “I’d anticipate at some point him being a captain.”
With so many new faces that have replaced veterans who have moved on, leadership is needed to emerge. Whittingham feels optimistic about where his team is at.
“You’re always looking to have great leaders, and you can never have too many great leaders,” Whittingham said. “It’s still a work in progress, but where we are right now, relative to that, I think we’re in great shape.”
Spring is officially here☀️#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/VVBNmHJjxj
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) March 25, 2025
Utah’s most intense position group battles
There are a handful of position groups that are well-defined in terms of a hierarchy, while ther position groups are almost completely undefined.
Regardless, Whittingham shed some light on some of the more intense position group battles this spring.
“Wow, wide receiver, probably No. 1” Whittingham said of the question. “We’ve got to get a pecking order there and try to figure out who the real playmakers are.”
On the defensive side of the ball, Utah has a big hole to fill in the defensive secondary.
“Corner, opposite of Scooby Davis, that position is up for grabs,” Whittingham continued. “Three or four guys are competing for that.”
Lastly, though Utah feels good about the group, there is still a long ways to go to finalize the hierarchy in the running back room.
“Next up would probably be running back,” he said. “Wayshawn Parker has the inside track on that but by no means is that settled.”
