Utah Utes football notebook: Chargers' star Weddle visits Utes

SAN DIEGO — One of Utah's biggest fans just happens to be one of this city's biggest stars.

Former Ute Eric Weddle of the San Diego Chargers stopped by practice Monday morning.

"It's always great to have him around our guys," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. "He's such a great ambassador for our program. (We're) just very proud that he's an alum."

Weddle, who planned to rejoin the Utes at their team hotel later in the day, helped the Chargers secure the AFC West title with a 27-24 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Whittingham and most of the Utes attended the game.

"He's got a very good professional career going on right now," Whittingham said. "He played very well (Sunday). It was fun to watch him play."

Weddle, however, won't be able to swap positions on Wednesday. Hours before Utah meets California in the Poinsettia Bowl, the Chargers leave for Tennessee. They will face the Titans on Christmas.

BOWL-A-RAMA: Both teams raced indoor karts at the Miramar Speed Circuit Monday afternoon. After the "Poinsettia Bowl Grand Prix," bands and cheerleaders from Utah and Cal participated in a parade through San Diego's Gaslamp district.

Tuesday's bowl schedule begins with a press conference featuring head coaches Whittingham and Jeff Tedford of Cal. The teams will dine together at a luncheon aboard the U.S.S. Midway museum shortly thereafter.

A Utah pep rally is planned for the team hotel in the evening.

WHIT'S WAY: When asked about the Fiesta Bowl arrangement between BCS busters Boise State and TCU, Whittingham told reporters he would have preferred to see the Horned Frogs face Florida and the Broncos take on Cincinnati.

"I don't understand the matchup," he said. "But it's not my job to understand it. It is what it is."

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com