Utah Utes Spring Football Practice Report

It's never too early for football.

The Utes held their first outdoor spring practice today at Rice-Eccles Stadium.  It was open to the public and I was able to attend.  Here are my impressions:

The biggest news thus far in spring is the move of Sophomore Safety Victor Spikes to Running Back.  Today he spent the entire practice splitting carries with Eddie Wide and Sausan Shakerin.  He looked impressive.  Spikes seems like a natural fit at RB with his good combination of size, speed and athleticism.  He made a few impressive catches receiving as well.  

A funny moment occurred after Spikes ran by the defensive lineman.  Defensive Tackle Sealver Siliaga yelled "hey trader!" to Spikes.  The team seemed like they were happy to be on the field and were having a good time.

Nai Fotu appeared to go down with a knee injury at practice.  No word from the Utes on what happened yet.  He is expected to be the starting MLB for the team who replaces all three linebackers.  If his injury was anything serious it would be a tough blow to the Utes.

I was impressed with the early play of Jordan Wynn.  He was hitting his receivers with crisp passes right in stride.  Cain played well, but not as good as Wynn.  Griff Robles took reps at QB as well but seemed to struggle a bit.  

Wynn and other quarterbacks worked on their running game.  I'd expect Wynn to run the option a bit more this season as he continues to put on size.

Tide End Kendrick Moeai, who had an impressive Poinsettia Bowl performance, struggled a bit and dropped quite a few passes.  He also made a few impressive catches.

Towards the end of the practice Sausan Shakerin had an impressive run, which would have likely resulted in a 60-yard touchdown in a game.  The Utes have good depth at the RB position with Asiata coming back and Spikes moving over.  

I paid particular attention to the Wide Receivers.  DeVonte Christopher and Luke Matthews were playing well and are looking like top candidates to replace the starting receivers who graduated.  

Check back for addition updates on Utah's practices throughout Spring.

Here are some pics that I took with my cell phone during the practice:

Jordan Wynn runs the offense in a drill.

WR DeVonte Christopher catches pass in drill.

Terrance Cain runs the ball.

Jordan Wynn runs the offense in a drill.

New RB Victor Spikes after running a drill.

More of Jordan Wynn with Eddie Wide in the backfield.

DeVonte Christopher catches a punt from Sellwood.