Ute backup LBs doing bang-up job

When the season opened, Utah's starting linebacking corps featured three fifth-year seniors — Joe Jiannoni, Malakai Mokofisi and Kyle Brady. Talented sophomore Stevenson Sylvester was also in the rotation.

Other reserves, like Mike Wright, were determined to learn as much as they could from them and be ready to step in if needed.

"Injuries can happen," Wright said. "So I was just trying to keep myself ready."

Good thing.

Brady suffered a season-ending injury in the sixth game, and Jiannoni has been bothered by chronic ankle pain. Sylvester is playing with a broken hand. Thus, those waiting in the wings — like sophomores Wright and Kepa Gaison, along with freshman Nai Fotu — were thrust into duty.

"We're banged up and thin, but the guys that are out there playing are doing a good job," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said.

Sylvester is making a lot of plays, he added, and Mokofisi has been steady. Whittingham noted that the emergence of Fotu has been a big plus and that Wright has done a nice job backing up Jiannoni. Gaison, he continued, is also getting some reps.

"We're hanging together as a linebacking corps," Whittingham said. "I hope we don't lose any more guys because we're spread thin.

"But the guys that are out there are doing a nice job."

Wright credits the coaching staff for keeping the younger players prepared and ready to go by giving them reps in practice.

"I have complete faith in the linebackers," said Sylvester, who praised the veterans for helping get the younger players ready. "Ever since last year they've made things easier for me. Any chance I get to play with them is good. I'll take advantage of it."

In last week's 27-3 win at Colorado State, Sylvester and Wright each made seven tackles. Wright made three stops behind the line of scrimmage, including two sacks.

"I just tried to make myself prepared and ready when my name was called," Wight said.

BYE, BYE WEEK: The Utes practiced three times during their only bye week of the season. They'll take the weekend off before resuming practice on Monday.

"I think it'll rejuvenate them mentally and physically, and that's been our M.O. the last few years," said Whittingham, who is 2-0 after bye weeks as a head coach.

Not everyone, however, will get some time off.