Offense flips the script in explosive practice


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SALT LAKE CITY — Troy Williams took the snap, dropped back, pump faked and let it fly, just as Tyrone Smith was making Brian Allen bite on a fake move to the inside.

Williams' ball to the deep corner of the end zone was on the money, and Smith was in for six.

What followed was a continuation of impressive decision-making and even more impressive play-making from not only the JC transfer but his freshman counterpart as well, Tyler Huntley. Huntley managed to add a touchdown pass of his own and appeared very capable making plays in the option game as well.

A highlight filled day for the offense meant a tongue-lashing or two for those on defense, but Kyle Whittingham wasn't too concerned. "The 1's are where they need to be right now, but we've still got a ways to go with the 2's."

Position battles continue. With the quarterback position all but cemented after a great few days from Troy Williams, we recap the impressions from two position groups of note today.

The offensive line

Coach Jim Harding said JJ Dielman was the "leader of the group" and the move to center has been a natural fit.

"He's adjusted really well. His snaps are more consistent. He's progressing really well. It's more of a natural position for him."

Harding, who apart from his post as offensive line coach also shares duties with Aaron Roderick as offensive coordinator, said leaders are emerging in each position group.

"The quarterbacks do a nice job leading. Tim Patrick, I would say, is the leader of the wide receiver group. Joe (Williams) has come into his own as a leader. There is a guy or two at each position who you lean on as a coach," Harding said.

Senior Sam Tevi, a starter in 12 games last season, said the adjustment to a new quarterback in Troy Williams has gone well so far.

"He's a real vocal leader," Tevi said. "If we make a mistake, he'll tell us straight up. He's a good vocal leader on and off the field, and he's a very good friend to all of us."

Meanwhile, the three man battle between Tevi, sophomore Jackson Barton and JC transfer Garrett Bolles that will determine who plays at either tackle position continues. Whittingham said the coaches are working to determine the role of each, but for right now, Bolles and Tevi have the lead.

"Garrett right now is on the left side, Sam at the right, with Jackson spelling the two on either side."

The wide receivers

It's become apparent that whatever happens this season, fans will have the opportunity to see a variety of players trying to catch the football. After a good practice today; however, a pecking order seems to be establishing itself. Tim Patrick has been good, as has Tyrone Smith, who has caught multiple touchdown passes during media observation time. Coaching has been key with this group.

"Once you know what you're doing, your athletic ability shows," Roderick said. "I think we have a chance to be a lot better."


Stephen Lindsey is a student at the University of Utah currently working as an intern with KSL.com in Salt Lake City. Contact him at th3sl3@gmail.com or interact via his twitter handle, @th3sl3

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