Utah backups improving with reps | The Salt Lake Tribune

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With backup running back Kelvin York sidelined with an ankle sprain, freshman Jarrell Oliver and sophomore Lucky Radley have been getting more reps in practice. Radley, who had two carries for nine yards against Cal, remains slightly ahead of Oliver, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. However, he said he feels confident either one could spell veteran John White if necessary. "The bottom line with them is they now know everything as far as pass protection wise as far as the assignments," he said. "That was a little bit of a concern in spring ball and early in camp and now we feel comfortable with both those guys." Whittingham said offensive lineman Sam Brenner, who left practice early for rehab, would be "ready to go," by Saturday. Asked about Washington State's pass-heavy offense and Whittingham divulged the Utes have come up with a new defensive scheme. "We're going to have Star (Lotulelei) playing free safety and move around a bit," he joked of Utah's 6-4, 320-pound defensive lineman. Add another name to the feat of returning three kickoffs of 100 yards. Barry Sanders had three such returns during his career at Oklahoma State. Kudos to the fans who dug that up, alerted Utah's sports information folks who had it confirmed with the NCAA. - Lya Wodraska