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Utah football wrapped up the first week of fall camp today. The players were not in full pads but did have on shoulder pads. The running backs and slot receivers really showed up for the offense, and the defensive front looked great as well.
Quarterbacks
Again today, Travis Wilson, Kendal Thompson, and Chase Hansen got the reps at quarterback. Each did some nice things. Thompson impressed me the most today. He showed the most poise in the pocket and did a nice job evading pressure then delivering a nice throw. According to co-offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick, Thompson had an interception during practice. Hansen looks more comfortable in the pocket and has more velocity on his throws. Wilson looked better today than on the first day. He was getting the ball out faster today. Roderick was pleased with the progress of the quarterbacks and offense in the first week of fall camp.
Running Backs
Devontae Booker is a beast, plain and simple. He showed great quickness and agility in the open field, which helped him rip off multiple big carries. The defense did not have an answer for Booker. Booker was not the only running back who had a good practice either. Joseph Williams had some nice runs, and Monte Seabrook had a great run as well. Marcel Brooks-Brown looked better but needs to get into a little better shape according to head coach Kyle Whittingham. Dre'Vian Young fumbled the football on one of his carries but did show off some nice speed.
Receivers/Tight Ends
It was the slot receivers, Bubba Poole, Cory Butler, Kyle Fulks, and Britain Covey who really stood out. Fulks showed off his speed and big play ability scoring a long touchdown where he outran the whole defense. Covey's moves in the open field are just ridiculous. He really has been the surprise so far in camp. He is undersized but just makes plays. Poole had a nice catch and run after the catch. Butler is also going to be a playmaker for Utah.
Offensive Line
The offensive line struggled against the Utah pass rush but did open some nice holes for the running backs.
Defense
The defense looked nasty all practice. They forced multiple turnovers. Linebacker Jared Norris was all over the field in practice. He had the play of the day for the defense when he destroyed Brooks-Brown who was trying to block him. Everyone in attendance was blown away with Norris's hit. Jason Fanaika, Kylie Fitts, and the rest of the defensive line were putting tons of pressure on the quarterbacks. The secondary looked good. Tevin Carter looks even bigger than he did in spring. If he stays healthy, he is going to open many eyes around the nation.
Check out our interviews with Whittingham, Roderick, and Norris