From the Press Box: Last Practice for Michigan

The Utah football team held their final practice before their trip to Ann Arbor to face the Michigan Wolverines this Saturday. Despite temperatures above 90 degrees today, the coaches still pushed the players to hustle.

Quarterbacks:

Travis Wilson and Kendal Thompson took all of the snaps. Wilson had more passing attempts and looked better overall. He only missed on a few throws. He made one very nice throw, and senior All America candidate Dres Anderson made an even better catch in the endzone. Wilson also had a nice throw to former walk-on wide receiver Tim Patrick. Wilson continues to make smart decisions on read option plays, something he has improved on markedly compared to last season.

Thompson had a play where he missed tight end Siale Fakailoatonga and instead threw into coverage. He did have several nice scrambles though.

Running Backs:

Devontae Booker, Bubba Poole, and Troy McCormick all got carries. Each running back had at least one good run, but Booker was the best on the day. He is so powerful when he runs and is not afraid of contact at all. Booker has a unique combination of speed and power that I have not seen in a running back in awhile. He is also a good receiver out of the backfield (as is Poole).

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends:

The tight ends did not record a catch during the media viewing session, and junior wide receiver Kenneth Scott was quiet as well. Anderson had the best catch of the day. Patrick recorded a catch as well.

Defense:

Cornerback Eric Rowe had great coverage on wide receiver Kenric Young and broke up the pass from Thompson. Cornerback Dominique Hatfield got a pass interference call while covering Patrick, which could be an omen of things to come if Michigan wide receiver Devin Funchess plays on Saturday. (The 6-foot-5 junior is a good simulator for the 6-5 Funchess, although the Michigan receiver outweighs Patrick by 40 pounds.) The starting defensive line got very good pressure on Thompson going against the second team offensive line. Defensive ends Hunter Dimick and Nate Orchard are both terrors off the edge. Speaking of Orchard, he spent time, as head coach Kyle Whittingham said in his press conference that he would, at both defensive end and linebacker.

Notes from Drills:

Wide receiver Kaelin Clay looked as dangerous as ever returning punts. The defensive backs stayed after practice practicing catching on the JUGS machine. Scott was also there and took a turn after the defensive backs were done. Utes fans certainly hope it will lead to some interceptions on Saturday against a turnover prone Wolverine offense.

Click here to listen to our post practice interview with Clint Shepard!

Click here to listen to our post practice interview with Kenneth Scott and Dres Anderson!