Utah QB Wynn throws and addresses injury concerns

Jordan Wynn not only threw, he spoke Tuesday. Wynn, who declined media interviews following his season-ending injury last year, was the central focus of the post-practice media gathering Tuesday as he finally discussed his rehab from the recent shoulder injury. His message? He is ready to make it through a season healthy. "I haven't been able to do that and this time I'm going to," he said. Wynn looked strong throwing and has added about 10 pounds to his frame. "He has arms instead of No. 2 pencils hanging from his shoulders," joked coach Kyle Whittingham. Wynn knows there are plenty who doubt he can make it through a season healthy given his history, but the added weight and more work will help him, he said. "I've been throwing since January and have never felt better," he said. You can hear more from Wynn himself in this video. As for the team's overall showing, Whittingham was happy with the first day. "It's not real football until you get the pads on, but they came out excited and working hard," he said. Freshmen Travis Wilson and Chase Hansen both got plenty of snaps and impressed Whittingham and offensive coordinator Brian Johnson. Both stressed Wynn is still the No. 1 quarterback. "But I still want those other guys competing," Johnson said. Junior college transfer running back Kelvin York admitted the transition to big-time football was going to take a while, but he looked strong and caught the eye of Whittingham. "I was impressed with the running backs," Whittingham said. "That is going to be a solid position for us." Replacing John Cullen and Tony Bergstrom on the offensive line is key, Whittingham said, as growing the young defensive talent. Just as he did last year, Highland High product Nate Fakahafua has high expectations from the coaches. "He is going to be someone we expect a lot from," Whittingham said. Johnson will be under scrutiny too as the new offensive coordinator. The Utes will get down to work and installing various schemes when practice resumes Thursday, but Tuesday's opening session at least had the energy Whittingham wanted. "It was a good tempo and a good effort for the first day," he said.

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