Utah Utes football notebook: Starters to get more reps in second scrimmage

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's second scrimmage won't be a lot like the first.

Head coach Kyle Whittingham said there will be fewer plays and many threes and fours won't get any reps. Playing time for the ones and twos will increase as the Sept. 2 season-opener against Pittsburgh approaches.

The philosophy is simple.

"Just keep getting them more ready for the Pitt game as it draws near," Whittingham said.

Today's scrimmage at Rice-Eccles Stadium won't be the only one the Utes have this week. There's also one scheduled for Saturday.

All practices and scrimmages are closed to the public.

CHARTING THE CHART: Monday's depth chart revealed a few changes from a week ago. Greg Bird is now listed as the No. 2 at free safety behind Justin Taplin-Ross. At left end, Christian Cox and Derrick Shelby share the top spot. The kickoff return jobs are currently held by Shaky Smithson and DeVonte Christopher with Jereme Brooks, Conroy Black and Reggie Dunn also listed on the depth chart.

BOUNCING BACK: Running back Matt Asiata, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the fourth game last year, is having a successful camp. He still tops the depth chart along with Eddie Wide.

"Matt's doing a nice job. Both he and Eddie are looking good," Whittingham said. "Matt is in the brace right now, but he will not wear it once the season starts."

Asiata, he said, is wearing it for precautionary reasons.

EXTRA POINTS: Senior cornerback Lamar Chapman, who has missed much of camp with a pulled quad, is expected to participate in the scrimmage. He'll battle junior Black for a starting job at corner, opposite junior Brandon Burton. ... Left tackle John Cullen was back on the practice field Monday morning. He has tweaked his knee twice in camp. ... The Utes conclude double-days with sessions Wednesday and Friday.

Ute camp report

Day 10: The Utes practiced twice Monday — in the morning at Rice-Eccles Stadium and in the late afternoon at Ute Field.

Standouts: Freshman safety Brian Blechen picked off a couple of passes in situational drills during the first session.

Injuries: Defensive back Damian Payne injured his lower right leg in the morning session.

Next up: The Utes have a scrimmage — their second of camp — this morning at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com