Utah Utes football: Offense rolls in first spring scrimmage

SALT LAKE CITY — It didn't take long for the offense to establish itself in Utah's first spring scrimmage. The first play resulted in a 25-yard completion from quarterback Jordan Wynn to tight end Kendrick Moeai.

By the time situational scrimmage at Rice-Eccles Stadium was complete, the offense had racked up several other positives.

"I thought it was a good day. We moved the ball real efficiently," Wynn said. "We didn't turn it over. That's always huge in a scrimmage."

And that's not all.

The Utes scored in all four trips to the red zone.

Wynn teamed with reserve quarterbacks Terrance Cain and Griff Robles to complete 31-of-54 passes for 435 yards and six touchdowns.

"All three of those guys actually played well," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "They've done that in all eight practices so far."

Wynn had the best completion percentage, connecting on 12-of-20 throws for 169 yards. The sophomore teamed with Jereme Brooks, Sausan Shakerin and Moeai on scoring strikes of 12 yards and less.

"He's very smart," Whittingham said of Wynn. "He's got the offense completely down now and he's very confident."

Cain also had a solid outing. The senior completed 16-of-30 passes for 234 yards. He connected on touchdown throws of 62 and 5 yards to DeVonte Christopher, as well as a 25-yarder to Brooks.

"Terrance and Jordan didn't make bad decisions," Whittingham said. "(They) didn't put the ball in bad spots."

Eleven receivers caught passes. Brooks led the way with seven receptions, while Christopher was second with four.

The Utes had five ball carriers finish with positive yardage. Sophomore Victor Spikes scored the lone touchdown on the ground with a 3-yard run.

Kicker Joe Phillips made eight field goals and four PATs in the scrimmage.

Whittingham acknowledged there were a lot of positives. Of particular note, the starting offensive line didn't give up a single sack despite facing a lot of blitzes. Quarterback protection, the absence of turnovers and the lack of excessive penalties by the ones and twos (on either side of the ball) pleased Whittingham.

As far as shortcomings, Whittingham would like to see the defense pressure the quarterback more and take the football away.

Senior defensive tackle Neli A'asa had a solid outing with two pass breakups. He also contributed on a sack. Fellow lineman David Kruger, a sophomore, forced a fumble.

EXTRA POINTS: Projected NFL draftee Koa Misi watched from the sidelines. So, too, did Baltimore Ravens teammates Paul Kruger and Haloti Ngata . . . "Junior Day" brought dozens of potential recruits to the scrimmage . . . Wide receiver Jake Orchard is being looked at safety this week . . . Defensive lineman Joape Pela left the scrimmage early with a right knee injury . . ... The Utes resume practice on Tuesday.

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com