Which position groups made the most progress this spring? Here’s what Morgan Scalley had to say
· Yahoo Sports
Morgan Scalley’s first spring camp as Utah’s head coach is nearly complete.
The Utes wrapped up live work last week with a scrimmage on Saturday and will wind down camp over the next few days, culminating in a fan event this Saturday in place of a traditional spring game.
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This year, Scalley said the Utes did more live work than in previous springs, something he felt helped the team, which is full of plenty of new faces.
“Did a really nice job of getting the live work in, defense getting tackling, offense fighting through tackles, learning that guys are going to be punching for balls. So loved the live work that we got in, seeing progress both on the offense and defensive side of the ball,” Scalley said.
In his final media availability this spring, Scalley touched on the health of the team as the Utes near the end of their practice window. Despite the increase in live work, Utah was able to emerge relatively healthy.
“Really good. Really good. Cut down on the soft tissue injuries. Really it was, I think, maybe a hamstring or two, a concussion, and then maybe a sprained knee. But other than that, with as much live work as you’re doing, stuff happens, but very pleased with how we came out of this spring ball,” Scalley said.
“I should say knock on wood — we have two practices to go.”
The position group that needed to prove the most this spring — Utah’s new-look offense line — saw the most growth this spring, but Scalley also noted that Jordan Gross’s group is one that still needs developing ahead of fall, along with the cornerback group and the defensive line.
“You’re talking about a brand-new crew having to work together, having to communicate together with a new offensive line coach. You come out here and you can see some situational work where you’re not really trying to game plan versus each other, so things may look one way, but I’m very pleased with the progress that our O-line has made and still a lot to go,” Scalley said.
In an interview with ESPN 700’s Sean O’Connell this week, offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven gave some insight as to how the offensive line room is shaking out.
Right now, Zereoue Williams has been “a bonafide guy” at the left tackle position, while Alex Harrison has been solidified as the team’s center and Keith Olsen has held down the right guard spot.
At right tackle, Montana State transfer Cedric Jefferson and Utah redshirt sophomore Isaiah Garcia have been battling and at left guard, senior Solatoa Moea’i and five-star freshman Kelvin Obot are competing.
“I would say Kelvin is the guy that you’re saying OK, you have to be good for us. And that’s pressure on him, but he’s dealt with all pressure his entire life up until this point. So I’m excited,” Scalley said.
Garcia, who had his season ended before it started last year due to injury, is pushing for a starting spot this fall.
“There’s a guy that’s found new life coming off the injury and injuries will do something to you mentally. … I’m just happy that he is finally seeing success, believing in himself,” Scalley said. “He’s always gotten good coaching. He’s finally getting to the point where it’s clicking for him and he’s playing well at multiple positions along the offensive line. So we expect him to be able to contribute this season.”
Utah’s coach also singled out the cornerback group as another position that has made serious strides since the beginning of camp. Returning starter Scooby Davis is the favorite to be CB1 and Rock Caldwell will move from safety, where he played during Utah’s last four games after injury, back into the cornerback room at the nickel spot.
As far as the other cornerback spot, that will be a battle that will be closely watched during fall camp, featuring transfers Elijah Reed and James Chenault and returner JC Hart.
The corner group as well has been a very nice, I wouldn’t say surprise because Sharrieff (Shah) has always done a great job of developing those guys, but very pleased with how that group’s coming to shape,” Scalley said.
Even though spring ball is drawing to a close, the work is just beginning for Utah’s players, who will conduct player-led practices during the months ahead.
“This May will really determine how invested they are. Their behavior will show whether or not they want to be elite. But I think everyone has a firm understanding of what needs to happen during the off time and I expect them to come back ready to go,” Scalley said.