Utah Utes football notebook: Team defense ahead of offense during Monday practice

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah coach Kyle Whittingham acknowledged the Utes are excited to put on all the pads Tuesday. They've completed the NCAA-mandated acclimatization period and are now set to wear full gear in practice.

It didn't seem to matter on Monday, though.

While sporting shoulder pads, helmets and shorts, Utah had a spirited morning session at the Ute Baseball Field.

"It was real physical today," Whittingham said. "Helmets and shoulder pads are just about the same thing as full pads, you just don't tackle to the ground. So not a lot of difference."

There was a definite separation, however, in the latest practice.

"The defense stood out. The defense got after it pretty good," Whittingham said. "It's always the case when the defense is a little bit ahead of the offense, but the offense may be reading a little bit of their own press clippings.

"Eight returning starters. Nobody cares," he added. "Our defense doesn't care how many returning starters we've got. Pitt's defense doesn't care. So you've got to make plays."

MOVING ON UP: Whittingham said safety Brian Blechen and defensive end Joe Kruger are the top freshmen in camp.

"Those guys have really made strides in the first four practices," he said.

Blechen has climbed to the top of the depth chart at strong safety. Senior Justin Taplin-Ross held the spot before being moved over to free safety.

Other movements include shifting highly touted junior-college transfer James Aiono from defensive tackle to defensive end.

Additional depth chart shifts include Christian Cox moving to No. 1 at left end. John Cullen and Tevita Stevens hold similar spots at left tackle and right guard, respectively.

NEW ARRIVAL: Wide receiver Martavious "Mo" Lee has arrived after completing academic prerequisites at Palomar Community College.

"It was a little ahead of schedule," Whittingham said. "We were thinking, optimistically, in the middle of this week."

Lee completed everything Saturday and flew to Salt Lake City on Sunday. He watched Monday's practice in street clothes, but could be on the field Tuesday if all compliance issues and physicals are complete.