"He's completely made that transition," Whittingham said. "He's completely comfortable as a corner."

Smith currently leads the Utes in passes defended (three interceptions, four breakups) and has 22 tackles.

"Sean, I think, is continuing to develop as a player. He's extremely talented — which I think we all know," Andersen said. "I think his practice habits are getting better and he's learning how to prepare for games better every week. The more he does that, the better player he'll be."

Smith was named Utah's defensive player of the game for his performance at Wyoming.

Andersen said Smith is a "shut-down corner" and as such doesn't get a lot of opportunities. Smith, he explained, does takes advantage of his opportunities, however.

And in an impressive way.

"He had a tremendous game. He's just a great athlete. The thing is people have not really thrown his way much the last five or six weeks," Whittingham said. "He's a pretty imposing figure out there on the corner. He's got great size and great speed, so people have just been reluctant to throw his way."

EXTRA POINTS: The Utes returned to the practice field Tuesday after not doing so Monday. Whittingham said things went well and that the team is back in a normal routine ... Whittingham said that Eddie Wide is now in the mix at running back. The sophomore, he added, is a different type of back than Matt Asiata and Darrell Mack, offering a change-up of sorts and speed on the perimeter ... Aiona Key's blocked punt return for a touchdown last Saturday at Wyoming was the first for the Utes since Derrick Odum did so against Oregon State in 1992.

Utes on the air

Colorado State (3-3, 1-1) at No. 14 Utah (7-0, 3-0)

Saturday, noon

Rice-Eccles Stadium

TV: The Mtn.

Radio: 700AM

---

E-mail: dirk@desnews.com