Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Utah's receivers apparently aren't good enough on a national scale to make a major award watch list, but at least coach Kyle Whittingham likes what he sees in practice.

Returners David Reed, Jereme Brooks, Aiona Key, Elijah Wesson, John Peel plus newcomer Shaky Smithson, redshirt freshman Luke Matthews and QB turned receiver DeVonte Christopher have pleased Whittingham so far in practice with their efforts.

"There is not a lot of separation between top four and bottom four they are all capable guys," he said.

The Utes plan to travel eight receivers. Smithson has come a long way since spring ball while Christopher continues to be impressive in practice, Whittingham said.

Tuesday was the first day for the Utes in full pads and Whittingham was happy with the way the offense moved the ball. As usual he said there was no separation between the quarterbacks with Thursday's scrimmage, when the Utes hope to get in 100 plays, targeted as a big date for the race to be narrowed to two players.

Returner Corbin Louks said he isn't worried about the pressure, he's just happy to get in some live work Thursday. "That is what is going to get us ready to play the game and it shows you who wants to play and who is ready to play."

In my opinion, Louks is looking the most confident on the field recently, but that isn't much of a surprise since he is the most experienced.

Offensive lineman Zane Beadles sat out Tuesday's session with a strained groin, but it isn't serious.

Interesting tidbit from Whittingham I got while working on a feature on Stevenson Sylvester. He said he knew he was going to be a great player more from what he saw on the basketball court than the football field thanks to his athleticism.

Whittingham said he makes it a point to check out athletes in their other sports and considers it a crucial part of assessing players.

"It's a big part of the evaluation," he said. "Basketball or track for a skill guy, there is no exact science but on the track you have the times and that tells you a lot."