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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah kicks off its final week of fall camp practices this week, hoping to see some separation in many of its contested positions.
Most notably, Utah will look to name a starting quarterback following nearly three weeks of competition among incumbent starter Troy Williams, sophomore Tyler Huntley and senior Cooper Bateman. Williams and Huntley remain in a “dead heat” coming into the last week of camp, but Bateman remains “in the mix,” according to head coach Kyle Whittingham.
On Monday, offensive coordinator Troy Taylor said there would be no decision this week and that one may come next week; however, he said he wasn't set to a specific date.
"Coming in as a new coordinator, I wanted to give these guys equal opportunity and I don’t want to rush the judgement," Taylor said.
Taylor added that Huntley "is a guy that brings an element of dual-threat," where Williams brings "a lot of experience and steadiness." He said the situation, however, is good and that the coaches feel confident in whomever gets the eventual starting job.
“If it weren’t a great situation, we’d probably already have named a starter, but you’ve got good competition and that’s why we’re where we’re at."
Players moving around
In an effort to maximize potential and add some depth to various positions, Utah has moved around a few of its players. Walk-on receivers Josh Nurse, who recently was awarded a scholarship, will move to the defensive side of the ball and will play as a safety.
Defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley recruited Nurse to the program and said at the start of camp that Nurse was hands off for the defense for the foreseeable future until he had a chance to practice with offense. However, Nurse practiced on defense all last week in an experimental capacity and has officially changed sides, most likely to fill the lack of depth at safety in Chase Hansen’s absence.
"We see value in a guy that may not be getting reps over there (on offense)," Scalley said Monday, speaking about the desire to switch Nurse to the defense. "We think we can get reps out of him on the defense, so that's why we made the switch. Offense had no problems with it and we love him. He's long and athletic — fast. We're excited to have him on the defense."
Also changing sides are Alani Havili-Katoa and Jake Jackson. Havili-Katoa has spent his time at Utah listed as a defensive tackle but has been moved to the offensive line to add depth to that unit. The defensive line has a plethora of talent and playing time will be scarce, barring injury. Jackson has been moved from linebacker to tight end where he’ll add to the already weak depth at the position.
Running back depth
Last week, Whittingham announced that starting running back Armand Shyne would miss time due to an injury — a broken arm — sustained during some player drills. In his absence, sophomore Zack Moss will take over as starter, followed by Devonta’e Henry-Cole and Jordan Howard. TJ Green was initially discussed as a backup running back but may be set aside for a redshirt season.
Utah announced Monday that Troy McCormick, who switched over to slot receiver in spring, will split his time at receiver and running back; however, Taylor said he envisions McCormick as more of a running back now. In Taylor’s offense, running backs are called on as receivers from time to time, so there wouldn’t be much change for McCormick.
"He can play inside the slot, but right now I think he’s a versatile guy, so we’ll highlight him to use his talents, but I think I see him more as a running back," Taylor said of McCormick.
Taylor said he will continue to utilize a two-back set and likes a lineup with Moss and McCormick in the backfield at the same time.
"I think Zack and Troy would be great back there and it we’d be good for it, but we’ve got to stay healthy, too."
Notes: Taylor said he's seen starters emerge at wide receiver, including Darren Carrington II, Raelon Singleton, Sampson Nacua, Demari Simpkins and Siaosi Wilson. Behind them, Bronson Boyd has emerged as a strong receiver. "We're excited about him," Taylor said of Boyd, who added that he's had a "really great fall camp." ... Freshman Tyreke Lewis, who Utah was waiting for to become eligible, will be joining Utah in January and will use his redshirt this season, Whittingham announced. Utah is still waiting for the status of Derrick Vickers. Whittingham said his drop-dead date is Friday. ... Utah will hold its annual Fan Fest on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 6-8 p.m. at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Parking and admission are free for all those wanting to attend. … Last week, Utah announced its game promotion schedule, including the university's homecoming game on Oct. 7 against Stanford, its Ute Proud night on Sept. 16 against San Jose State and the annual blackout game on Nov. 3 against UCLA.
