Saturday, August 08, 2009

Two ways you can view Saturday's practice, either as a really good day for the defense or a really bad day for the offense.

Saturday, the first day for the Utes in shoulder pads, featured numerous interceptions. Mike Wright, Joe Dale, Latu Heimuli and Koa Misi were among the players who had picks.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham noted all the turnovers and said the offense needs to get better, but overall he seemed happier with the defense than concerned with the offense.

"We have a lot of playmakers on defense and they were putting a lot of pressure on the offense," he said.

Quarterback Terrance Cain seemed to struggle the most with his accuracy, but Whittingham said there still is no separation between the quarterbacks.

"No change, I wish there was but there wasn't," he said. "We'll keep working them all."

Overall, he was excited with the effort the team gave. Misi, Stevenson Sylvester, Robert Johnson, David Reed, Jereme Brooks and Matt Asiata all earned praise from the coach.

"It was a very good, excellent day," he said. 

The most notable change was seeing Zane Taylor, penciled in at right guard, back at his old position at center. When he was at center junior Walter Watts moved in at right guard.

Whittingham said the coaches are still experimenting with the offensive line and will use the five best guys.

Watts, Tevita Stevens, Tyler Williams, Derek Tuimauga and Viliamu Nau are all competing to be that fifth, he said.

Afterward, Taylor said he'd rather play at center, but would play wherever the coaches asked him to play if it was the best decision for the team.