In their first scrimmage of the spring on Saturday, the U football team impressed their new coach.
“That was a good, clean scrimmage,” Ute coach Kyle Whittingham said. “We had no injuries, which is critical, and I saw good things from both the offense and defense.”
On the offensive side of the ball, Whittingham was especially pleased with new quarterback Brian Johnson.
“He wasn’t perfect, but he threw the ball well and continues to be ahead of schedule,” Whittingham said. “I am pleased with his progress.”
On the day, Johnson completed 20 of 34 passes for 241 yards. The sophomore threw for a 13-yard touchdown and was intercepted twice. He scrambled for a 20- yard touchdown and finished with 36 yards on seven carries.
John Madsen led the receivers with four catches for 43 yards, and tight end Ameen Shaheen caught three balls, including a touchdown.
The defense sacked the Ute quarterbacks seven times, and Tim Harris, Eugene Oates and Andrew Smart all registered interceptions.
Weather permitting, the Utes will scrimmage again on Saturday at 10 am.