Hey guys, I didn't get to see much in practice as we only got to see a little bit of offense and defense vs scout team work. Here's what I was able to pull from the practice, as well as some recaps of Coach Whittingham's, Coach Taylor's, and Chase Hansen's interviews.
The offense looked efficient against the scout team, we saw both Huntley and Williams get snaps, and other than a couple of drops, the ball didn't hit the ground. One thing I was really impressed with was Darren Carrington's hands. He was doing a lot of work with the JUGS machine and was catching balls from two feet away without any bobbles.
On the defense, as was to be expected, they looked smothering against the scout team O. It was good to see Hansen suited up and on the field again.
COACH TAYLOR INTERVIEW RECAP
The offense looked efficient against the scout team, we saw both Huntley and Williams get snaps, and other than a couple of drops, the ball didn't hit the ground. One thing I was really impressed with was Darren Carrington's hands. He was doing a lot of work with the JUGS machine and was catching balls from two feet away without any bobbles.
On the defense, as was to be expected, they looked smothering against the scout team O. It was good to see Hansen suited up and on the field again.
COACH TAYLOR INTERVIEW RECAP
- Said the decision to name Huntley the starter was very difficult. Both he and Williams were very close in a lot of categories, but ultimately it was Huntley's ability in the run game that gave him the edge.
- Troy Williams will continue to be involved in the offense, he knows he needs to be ready to go in case of a injury to Huntley.
- The decision to go wth Huntley was entirely Taylor's decision. Said Whittingham had the power to veto it, but he agreed with Taylor's decision.
- Huntley progressed throughout camp but Taylor said it was especially in the last week of camp that he felt really comfortable about him being the starter.
- Williams was disappointed upon hearing the news but Taylor made it clear that he believes in Williams and thinks he could also be a very good QB in this system.
- Huntley's lack of experience isn't a huge deal, Taylor said he believes in Huntley's ability to play through any mistakes he may make.
- Huntley is not on a short leash. Taylor said he doesn't want his starting QB looking over his shoulder.
- QB competition was neck and neck. Ultimately Huntley's upside and his athleticism gave him the edge.
- Between last fall and now, Huntley is a whole different guy. Now working within the framework of the offense instead of improvising.
- In the end, Utah is always looking to get better and Huntley won the job. Although Williams won 9 games last year, Tyler edged him out.
- Said Williams was disappointed, but he's a competitor and he knows he'll likely get opportunities because it's rare that a team makes it all the way through the season with just one QB.
- There are always concerns about lack of experience but overall the staff thinks Huntley is going to do very well.
- This is the toughest QB decision Whitt has had to make so far in his career.
- Williams won't check out just because he's not he starter. Whitt said he's too fierce of a competition and a great leader.
- Feels good to be out there again, he gets impatient when he can't be on the field.
- His injury is feeling good, he feels close to 100%. Said he healed up fast and rehab went well.
