Utah Utes football: U. coaches enthusiastic about secondary

"Eric obviously had a great freshman year last year and is ready to hopefully have a very good sophomore season for us," said Scalley. "Last year his sole focus was alignment assignment football and now he's gotten to the point where it's second nature to him. He's focusing more on how to disguise coverages, how to fool the quarterback and what you're going to get out of certain formations. He's improving his ball skills with a lot more plays on the ball and we expect a lot more interceptions."

Besides Chappuis, others who will see time at safety include sophomore Terrell Reese, junior Michael Walker and sophomore Tyron Morris-Edwards.

"As long as we can stay healthy we'll have a pretty strong group," Scalley said.

Utes secondary at a glance

Eric Rowe, sophomore 6-1, 205 — Free safety started 13 games, 4th on the team with 69 tackles, named to four freshman all-American teams.

Brian Blechen, junior 6-2, 218 — Two-year starter for Utes at strong safety, third on team with 78 tackles in 2011 with three interceptions.

Quade Chappuis, junior 5-11, 198 — Former walk-on played in all 13 games in 2011 with one start, five tackles with interception against BYU.

Ryan Lacy, senior 5-9, 186 — Co-fastest player on the team (4.32 in 40), was honorable mention all-Pac-12 started all 13 games, 6th in league in passes defended.

Mo Lee, senior 6-1, 191 — Former wide receiver made three starts in 2012 and had three interceptions, including two in the Washington State win.

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