Utah Utes football: 5 things we know so far

Camp may be over for the University of Utah. That doesn't mean, however, that the Utes are completely ready for the upcoming season.

There's still work to do and things to iron out before the Sept. 3 season opener at home against Utah State.

"We're glad that we have 10 days left after (Saturday's) scrimmage to get ready because we need all of them," said coach Kyle Whittingham. "We've got a lot of guys here that have never played in a big-time Division I game. So we can use all the practice we can get."

While issues such as choosing a starting quarterback (between freshman Jordan Wynn and junior Terrance Cain) are still in doubt, several questions were answered in camp.

"First of all, we feel like we've got a good group of young defensive tackles," Whittingham said. "We've learned that."

Another resolved matter, he explained, is the offensive line.

Things are solidified.

"We've got a good plan," Whittingham said.

The kicking game, where the Utes need to replace All-American Louie Sakoda, was also an area of concern going into camp.

So, too, were a handful of other spots affected by graduation and departures to the NFL.

This much is clear ...

1. Young talent on D-line.

The future looks bright for the Utes on the defensive front. The depth chart includes several promising underclassmen.

Sophomore Lei Talamaivao has bounced back from a broken leg to reclaim his starting job at tackle. He'll likely be backed up by redshirt freshman Dave Kruger and true freshman Latu Heimuli.

The youth movement extends to nose tackle, where senior Kenape Eliapo is expected to be backed by Heimuli and sophomore Sealver Siliga.

On the ends, sophomore Derrick Shelby and junior Nai Fotu are in a starting rotation with senior Koa Misi. A back injury has sidelined Misi and may lead to Shelby and Fotu starting at end in the season opener against USU.

The top reserves at end are juniors Junior Tui'one and Christian Cox.

2. Solidified offensive line.