This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Oh the kicking game, will it ever be just right for the Utes? If it isn't the inconsistency of the place-kicking bugging the Utes, it is the kickoff return coverage. "It was disappointing today," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. "Usually it's a strong suit of ours the last five years but it's suspect. It's a work in progress. We'll look at it again tonight and decide if we need to make any personnel changes." Whittingham said the issues were a combination of effort and maybe inexperience. "We've got some guys feeling their way down the field instead of cutting loose and that is one area where you need speed and courage to be successful," he said. The Utes awarded scholarships to backup quarterback Adam Schulz and freshman defensive back Tyler White on Wednesday. "It was really based on their spring performance but we had to wait and make sure the numbers were right with the NCAA before solidifying them," Whittngham said. "They are well deserved. They are two really good kids." Aside from the special teams work, the Utes feel they are on target with their preseason preparations. "We're starting to get there," quarterback Jordan Wynn said. "We're starting to finalize game plans and getting ready so it feels close."