With the majority of its starters on the sidelines as a precautionary measure, the U football team was a little sparse in the latest version of its annual Red-White game Saturday.
Still, Kyle Whittingham and Co. took advantage of the spring scrimmage to take a look at some of their younger players.
“We got a good look at a lot of the (second- and third-string) players,” Whittingham said. “To get those guys some experience was invaluable.”
In the end, quarterback play dominated the scrimmage. Third-stringer Chad Manis had a hand in three touchdowns en route to leading the White team to an 18-10 victory. The sophomore connected with wide receiver Freddie Brown for a 12-yard touchdown, following up with touchdown runs of five and eight yards.
Red team quarterback DeVonte’ Christopher also impressed, rushing for 84 yards in the scrimmage.
“(Christopher) is obviously raw, but he has a lot of talent,” Whittingham said. “He has big-play capabilities. He’s going to be a good one in the future.”
Running back Ray Stowers supplemented Christopher’s play making with 50 rushing yards of his own in addition to a touchdown.
Returning starter Brian Johnson played the first series for both teams before giving up the reins to the two youngsters. Johnson ended the scrimmage having completed two of his four passes for 23 yards and an interception.
In addition to leading the White team to victory as an honorary coach, former Utah All-American and current San Diego Charger Eric Weddle was also inadvertently part of the day’s most exciting play.
Since the White team didn’t draft a kicker when picking the teams, Weddle assumed the kicking duties. After Manis’ second touchdown run, Weddle’s extra-point attempt was blocked. The loose ball was picked up by Justin Taplin-Ross, who ran 12 yards before pitching it to teammate Sean Smith. Wearing a polo shirt and shorts amidst 21 fully padded players, Weddle pursued Smith the length of the field. The defensive back nearly caught Smith multiple times but was blocked every time he got close.
“I hope the Chargers don’t see the tape of him trying to defend that return,” Whittingham said. “They’ll kill me. He’s so competitive, he couldn’t help himself.”
Smith jokingly chided after the game when asked whether Weddle could have caught him if he had not been blocked, saying there was no way.
After the game, players drenched Weddle with Gatorade to honor his first victory as head coach.
“I ultimately want to end up coaching, so it was good to get out here, call some plays and be around the team,” Weddle said. “It was awesome. I love this place. I love the town. I love the people, and I love this university. So any time I get to come back, I’ll be here and supporting them.”
As for the real coach, Whittingham said he thought the execution was fairly clean and was happy with how the team’s spring practices ended.
“I was very pleased with the progression of a lot of the younger players,” Whittingham said. “That was the biggest thing.”
Notes: There were approximately 4,500 in attendance at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Defensively, Lisiate Leota recorded two tackles for a loss and an interception. Chaz Walker returned an interception 56 yards and also recovered a fumble. Eddie Wide rushed for 65 yards. Manis led the way passing, completing 6-of-13 for 68 yards with one interception and one touchdown.
Aaron SchwendimanFreshman quarterback DeVonte’ Christopher avoids a tackle from Brice McCain during the Red and White game Saturday.