[2024] Utes Spring Practice Notes

[SageBow]

SALT LAKE CITY - University of Utah football is back! Coach SageBow and the program have officially kicked off spring camp at the Spence and Cleone Eccles Football Center. From old veterans to new freshmen putting on their uniforms, the atmosphere during the practice was upbeat as the Utes look towards the 2024 season. Here's what we saw:

OFFENSIVE EXCITEMENT

Sophomore quarterback Alcides Holden played in 12 games last season, and the inexperience really showed. 98 of 246 (39.84%) for 1146 yards, 3 TDs, and 15 INTs, the young quarterback was one of the worst in FBS. Despite the moves made by the offensive staff to change up the gameplan, and even a midseason benching which resulted in a horrific Jacob Dozier performance (6 of 26 for 52 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT), Holden has bounced back and really looks the part heading into 2024. He's still got great speed and athleticism (103 carries for 412 yards, 4 TDs), but the passing technique and footwork has improved. Its only routes on air so far, but he looks good.

The rushing attack's personnel has changed. Gerald Edmunds (98 carries for 639 yards, 5 TDs) and Joe Craig (119 carries for 499 yards, 4 TDs) have run out of eligibility, but it's looking to be a dominant lineup of Troy Young (130 carries for 760 yards, 5 TDs) and Joe Lopez (63 carries for 244 yards) in 2024. Speed and Power is the name of the game, but even the young guys in the room looked great in practice. Freshmen Rong Fua and John Lewis were two blue chip running back recruits that SageBow has brought into the fold and it'll be difficult to keep those two explosive backs off the field for long. 

Senior wide receiver Arquimedes Antetokounmpo (6 receptions for 49 yards) looked downright dominant in routes on air, winning against basically every corner on every drill. If Holden puts the ball in his zip code, Antetokounmpo will come down with the ball. He'll have to as well, this group is losing a ton of receiving production, only returning 14% of the receiving yards production from 2023. Besides Antetokoumpo, there's a ton of question marks with this group. Through the practice, we saw Antetokounmpo leading the first group with junior Kevin Muno and sophomore David Liebl. Senior Fernando McPhee, sophomore Bryce Thomas, and 4* freshman Kenneth Novak were running with the second group. 

At tight end, there is an open competition with the graduation of Lance Cappa (23 receptions for 251 yards). "Lance is a huge loss," said SageBow in the post practice press conference. "We need to replace his production, and his blocking." Senior Cyrus Perkins (6 receptions for 46 yards) led the way for this group, and right behind him was blue chip freshman Luis Mejilla. Sophomore Ronald Hurst (1 reception for 4 yards) ran with the 3s.

Offensive line returns four of last year's starters, with OT J'Mon Wolters having moved onto the league as a 1st round draft pick to the San Diego Chargers. Junior right guard Taylor Mortensen is one of the best in the country, and his chemistry with fellow juniors Kyle Heisey and Noah Pressly continue to be the anchor of this offensive line that only allowed 4 sacks all of last season. Pressly has been moved to left tackle, and the others running with the 1s are returning sophomore left guard Francisco Santiago and new starter sophomore right tackle Andreas Shields. This group, if they are the starters heading into next season, will be a young and formidable first 5, with Santiago and Shields former blue chip recruits. 

DEFENSIVE SOLIDITY

Gone are top defensive linemen DE Zack Ward (44 tackles, 15 TFLs, 4 Sacks, 1 FR) and DT Carl Melton (42 tackles, 19 TFLs, 3 Sacks, 2 FF, 1 INT, 1 Safety, 1 TD). Two big pillars of the defensive line that have graduated out of the program, with Melton getting drafted to the New Orleans Saints. The returning group is led by seniors DE Larry Hildenberger (40 tackles, 5 TFLs, 5 Sacks) and DT Clay Machorro (22 tackles, 6 TFLs, 4 Sacks, 2 FF) to lead the attack. Former blue chip DT Norman Burton was running with the 1s consistently through practice, but there is open competition at the DE spot opposite of Hildenberger. Senior Myles Hungalu (2 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sack) and junior Elijah Wahl were rotating in and out through practice. DT Randolph Hancox looks like a million bucks after redshirting his freshman season, and incoming DE Gilberto Torres is a young guy that could make an impact sooner rather than later.

At linebacker, Jeremy Arano (73 tackles, 24 TFLs, 1 FF) and Mike Reyes (23 tackles) have both graduated out of the program. Junior Mike Saric (34 tackles, 7 TFLs, 1 INT) is now the clear leader of the group, having started every game since arriving his freshman year. Replacing the two stalwarts next to him will be a difficult task. OLB Rich Anderson (8 tackles) looks to be solidifying himself in the other outside linebacker spot opposite of Saric, but in the middle there is an open competition. Right now it looks like senior Trevor Thompson is in the lead, but its a hot battle between Thompson, junior Mitch Brown, and senior Corey Freese (1 tackle). New blue chip freshman William Gelb is running with the 2s, as well as sensational special teamer sophomore James Raymond. Both young guys are definitely hungry for a chance to see more playing time in the near future. 

At defense, its clear who the alpha of that room is. 4 year starter FS JC Gentry (52 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 INT) leads this group passionately. He's an absolute psycho on the field, and has been very vocal with his teammates in his position group. At the other safety spot, fellow senior Captain Wilson (2 tackles) is taking over for the graduated Darwinzon Patton, but the corner competition is wide open. Anthony Shaw (38 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 FF, 8 PD, 4 INT) and Derek Apple (36 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 FF, 2 INT) have both graduated, leaving senior Cethan Gindl (20 tackles, 8 PD) as this team's top returning corner. On the other side of him the battle is wide open. Senior Ryan Robles, sophomore Patrick Gormley (11 tackles), and sophomore Kenny Godwin (5 tackles) are all trying to stake a claim at a starting spot. This team probably saw the most added talent in the DB room. New freshmen Vincent Chatham, Michael Summers, and Mason Weiner were all blue chip recruits that look poised to be the future of this defense.

KICKING GAME

Both K Ryan Lewis (12 of 20, long 43) and P Scott Gortat (43 punts inside the 20) return as senior starters. Behind them redshirt freshman K Ethan Howard and sophomore P Isaac Rutherford look to be next men up in carrying the torch for Utes special teams.

COACHING AND LEADERSHIP

Heading into his 4th year as the coach of the Utes, SageBow still has yet to deliver a winning season. He's pegged as a defensive oriented coach, but while his defenses have held up his offenses, especially last season, have been abominations on the field. "We have to get better, especially in the passing game," said SageBow. "A lot of this is riding on Holden, but we have the support in place for him. He's gotten better this offseason, Arquimedes is looking like one of the best wide receivers in the conference, and Troy Young is as good as any running back in the country. This entire offensive line is solid. Holden just needs to put it all together."

Four new players were wearing the Captain's C on their jerseys this year. FS JC Gentry, RB Troy Young, DT Clay Machorro, and WR Arquimedes Antetokounmpo are the Utes captain's heading into the fall.