Utah Seeing Progress With Two-Way Players Lander Barton, Smith Snowden
Aug 12, 2025, 3:21 PM | Updated: 3:45 pm
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Football fans may be in for a pleasant surprise when the season kicks off. During Fall Camp, coaches have hinted at the potential of players like Lander Barton and Smith Snowden playing on both sides of the ball.
A two-way experiment to jumpstart the Utah Football offense
After a frustrating 5–7 finish in 2024, the Utah Utes are reaching into the creative playbook to breathe new life into their offense. Head coach Kyle Whittingham is borrowing from the recent wave of two-way players — a trend brought into the national spotlight by Colorado’s Travis Hunter, who won the Heisman Trophy last year as both a cornerback and wide receiver.
In 2025, two of Utah’s defensive anchors — linebacker Lander Barton and cornerback Smith Snowden — will take snaps on the other side of the ball. It’s not Whittingham’s usual style, but it’s far from uncharted territory in Salt Lake City.
Two seasons ago, safety Sione Vaki — a two-way standout in high school — was unleashed on offense midway through the year. He torched an opponent for 158 all-purpose yards and two scores in a single game, jump-starting the Utes’ attack and boosting his NFL stock. (Vaki was drafted as a running back in 2024.)
Now, Utah is hoping Barton and Snowden can deliver a similar jolt. It’s an aggressive tactic aimed at squeezing every ounce of production from the roster.
“We need to maximize all the talent that we have, all the weapons that we have,” Whittingham said in July at Big 12 media days, making it clear he’ll tap defensive players for offense if it gives the team an edge.
With new offensive coordinator Jason Beck in charge, the scheme will revolve around creativity and tailoring concepts to personnel.
“The offense is just kind of based around playing to your personnel,” Beck explained. The priority, he said, is identifying your best players and “putting them in positions to have success.”
That philosophy has opened the door for Barton and Snowden to become true two-way contributors.
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Kyle Whittingham breaks form with a rare reveal
Whittingham isn’t known for tipping his hand, which is why his public confirmation of Barton and Snowden’s offensive roles turned heads. At Big 12 media days, he went so far as to predict fans would see both players moonlighting on offense — a rare moment of transparency from the long-time coach.
“Lander Barton was essentially uncoverable in high school… a tremendous receiver,” Whittingham recalled, noting that multiple programs recruited him as a tight end at Brighton High.
Barton’s 6-foot-5, 236-pound frame fits the tight end mold perfectly, and Whittingham made it clear his hands and route skills haven’t gone anywhere. “You’re going to see him play some tight end,” he promised.
Snowden, meanwhile, drew praise for his explosive athleticism. A junior cornerback and dangerous kick returner, he’s known for his top-end speed and elusiveness.
“See Smith Snowden playing some wide receiver, slot receiver, getting the ball in his hands,” Whittingham said, citing his special teams impact as a preview of what’s possible on offense.
And this wasn’t just coach-speak. Once fall camp kicked off in August, Whittingham confirmed the plan was already in motion.
“Smith Snowden is looking good on offense; that’s been a good addition for us. And Lander Barton’s doing some good things on offense, so we’ve got a lot of options right now,” he said after the first week of practice.
Hearing Whittingham openly praise two defensive starters for their offensive work leaves no doubt — this isn’t a gimmick, it’s part of the plan.
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Lander Barton: From defensive captain to tight end target?
Barton enters his senior season as the leader of Utah’s defense — a captain and the quarterback of Morgan Scalley’s unit. But in 2025, he’ll also write a new chapter in the Barton family’s storied Utah legacy by adding an offensive role.
At Brighton High, Barton was a two-way star, catching 37 passes for 416 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior, all while dominating at linebacker.
Tight ends coach Freddie Whittingham admitted he recruited Barton for offense, and Kyle Whittingham has said even Lander’s father believes tight end might be his best position.
“He’s always wanted to play linebacker, but he was so productive in high school as a tight end and slot receiver that it’s natural, in this day and age, to let him do both,” Kyle Whittingham explained.
Freddie Whittingham added that Barton’s athleticism and football IQ make him a quick study. The new offensive scheme, he said, is “plug and play” enough to make the transition manageable.
Barton has already been working at tight end in select packages.
“We will have opportunities where he comes in as one of the tight ends,” Whittingham said. “We’ve got some specific plays that we want him to run on offense.”
Barton embraced the idea from the start.
“I don’t want to say no if they want me to do something — I’m willing to do it,” he said. “It was kind of a mutual thing, back and forth, but I’m excited to give it a go.”
It’s been years since he ran routes in a game setting, but he’s eager to shake off the rust.
“Just running routes again — it’s been a while — so just getting used to that again,” he said.
Linebackers coach Colton Swan is all in: “Getting your best guys on the field — whether it’s on offense or defense — Lander can do multiple things… so I think his ability to help the offense is awesome. We’re looking at the end result, and I know he can help us get there.”
Smith Snowden: From shutdown corner to offensive weapon?
Snowden has been equally impressive in his offensive reps.
“Smith Snowden is looking good on offense — that’s been a good addition for us,” Whittingham said.
Snowden downplayed the adjustment.
“Yeah, there’s been a little work here and there,” he said. “Kind of just reminds me of my high school days. Honestly, not too much adjustment. Just get the ball and do what you have to do.”
In addition to starting at corner and handling kick returns, Snowden will now add offensive snaps to his duties. He sees the move as a sign of trust.
“That means a lot — to hear that they have the trust in me to play all these downs,” he said.
Embracing the Challenge
Both players insist they’re ready for the extra work, and their teammates and coaches are on board. The novelty of the move has given camp an extra buzz.
“It’s all about winning the game and whatever we gotta do to get there,” Swan said.
Managing their workload will be key. Utah can’t afford to burn out two defensive cornerstones, and Whittingham has said their offensive usage will be measured. Specific plays and packages are being drawn up so neither has to learn the full playbook, limiting exposure.
Early Buzz and the Road Ahead
As camp rolls on, the Barton–Snowden experiment has become one of Utah’s most talked-about preseason storylines. Both have stayed grounded, focusing on their main jobs while still investing in their offensive work.
Barton is determined to reassert himself as one of the Big 12’s best linebackers after injuries hampered his 2024 season. Snowden enters year three under position coach Sharrieff Shah — a significant one for a corner of Snowden’s caliber.
Whittingham has been clear: Barton and Snowden will be part of the offense this fall. The real measure of success will come when the lights are on.
In a season where Utah has Big 12 title aspirations, every advantage counts. If two of their best defenders can also become offensive difference-makers, it could be the edge that tips a game in their favor.
As Whittingham summed up: “If you have a guy who can help you win, you find a way to get him on the field as much as possible.”
