What Left Kyle Whittingham Speechless on Utah's First Day of Fall Camp

They’re off and running.

The University of Utah started its fall training session on Wednesday as they prepare for their game against UCLA on August 30 in Los Angeles. However, due to an NCAA regulation update from last year, these sessions were essentially a follow-up to the player-driven workouts conducted during the summer.

"From that perspective, you anticipate being more advanced, and it's positive that they modified those regulations since the arrival of new athletes from everyone else makes it easier for them to adapt. Therefore, I believed today was an excellent beginning," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham.

On the first day of fall camp, the most noticeable difference for Whittingham between spring and fall was how cleanly the offense functioned, largely due to the player-led summer workouts.

"Regarding simply rotating the players in and out, initiating plays, the overall process was significantly smoother. It was clear and noticeable that these individuals have put in a great deal of work on their own during the summer," Whittingham stated.

The coach from Utah, who began his 21st fall training session on Wednesday, was pleased with the minimal number of substitution violations, false starts, and game delays during the opening day of practice.

Although the new offensive coordinator Jason Beck's system has been understood by players during spring training, it was the first opportunity for about 30 players who weren't present in Salt Lake City during the spring to execute it.

Beck is moving his high-scoring attack, which placed fourth nationwide at New Mexico with an average of 484.2 yards per game, to Salt Lake City — where fans have been longing for strong performance from the offensive side.

Beck's offensive strategy is expected to feature a spread system that incorporates the run-pass option frequently, with the quarterback making regular and imaginative use of his players.

On Wednesday, Whittingham mentioned that the Utes will not gather in a huddle, and the offensive strategy will be somewhat quicker than last year, though "not extremely rapid."

What is Whittingham most enthusiastic about regarding Beck's offensive strategy?

"Most likely, the ability to make big plays from the quarterback position. Devon Dampier is someone who can create significant moments, and this offensive system fits him perfectly. He's a genuine two-way threat, and this approach incorporates plenty of running plays for the quarterback as well as read-option passes, which will effectively utilize his talents," Whittingham stated.

Just like throughout the entire off-season, Whittingham praised his new starting quarterback, stating his leadership was "among the best we've ever seen."

"He's an outstanding leader. He has formed a strong connection with the whole football team, not only the offensive players. He's someone who possesses that 'it' factor, the charm that you seek in a quarterback," Whittingham stated.

In the previous season, Dampier passed for 2,768 yards and completed 12 touchdown passes (while also throwing 12 interceptions), and he gained 1,166 rushing yards along with 19 touchdowns.

"I continually think about last year, but the statistics he achieved last season were truly remarkable, and if he manages to repeat that performance this year, we'll be in a strong position," Whittingham stated.

Competition for the position behind Dampier includes freshman Byrd Ficklin and sophomore Isaac Wilson. Beck mentioned he hopes to finalize this spot by the conclusion of the second practice game.

Just like evaluating a full-time quarterback based on every aspect of their performance—accuracy, ball security, control of the offensive system, overall execution, and timing—it all comes into play," Whittingham stated. "Whoever performs best at reaching the end zone and avoiding unfavorable defensive scenarios will be the one.

Although it's only the first day at camp, and the athletes aren't yet wearing protective gear — actual assessments will take place when they start using the equipment — Dampier noted that new recruit Tobias Merriweather made an impression on Wednesday.

Merriweather (6 feet 5 inches, 195 pounds) moved over from Cal following spring training and brings an unusual height advantage to the wide receiver position. In the previous season, he recorded 11 receptions for 125 yards, though he was limited to just five games because of an injury. He had earlier competed at Notre Dame prior to his stint at Berkeley.

Receiver coach Micah Simon mentioned that Merriweather and Larry Simmons (a player from Southern Miss) were practicing on the field at 8:30 p.m. when Simon stopped by his office on Sunday evening to drop off some items.

The summer internship with Dampier helped Merriweather and Simmons become more familiar with Beck's offensive system, and this was evident on Wednesday.

"Tobias is the one. He made his way here, and clearly he caught attention today; so big credit to him, but he'll definitely be prepared at UCLA," Dampier stated.

With the arrival of fall training camp, As autumn practice continues, While fall camp progresses, As the fall coaching sessions move forward, During the ongoing fall camp period, As the season's preparation unfolds, As the team enters deeper into fall camp, With the continuation of fall practices, As the initial phase of fall camp persists, As the teams continue their preparations during fall camp, there will be many choices to consider regarding the offensive and defensive lineup - particularly at wide receiver, defensive tackle, and cornerback - but on Wednesday, the entire team showed great enthusiasm and eagerness.

Football is finally back.

"It was enjoyable. Happy to be with the guys. I mean, this is what you wish for. As we get nearer to the season, we have big hopes going into these workouts, and I believe we left a positive first impression," Dampier stated.