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Behind the pockets of media members interviewing his new teammates or new coaches, the sound of Utah's automated passing machine thumped again and again.
There, about 5 yards away, stood Darren Carrington II, helmet on, hands up, snagging pass after pass that came zipping out.
Most of those same pockets discussed the man in the new No. 9 jersey, the latest addition to the Utah football program. The former Oregon wide receiver officially enrolled in school Friday as a graduate transfer and was cleared to practice on the first day of fall camp.
The talented 6-foot-2 wideout, whose stellar career has been marred by some run-ins with the law, was definitely a topic of conversation.
"It's a huge addition," said sophomore wideout Siaosi Wilson. "It felt like NCAA free agency for us how that happened. It was real fun. It's like the more the merrier."
Carrington, who won't be available for interviews during the duration of fall camp, showed that notable burst and leaping ability in practice that made him one of the premier Pac-12 receivers the last four years with the Ducks.
In a Periscope live video feed posted by Utah football Friday afternoon, Carrington was shown shedding an opposing defensive back with a quick cut, dropping to one knee and hauling in a pass — the first time the Utah fan base was able to see the newest offensive weapon in action.
Junior receiver Raelon Singleton said Carrington is treading lightly, adding "he's a little nervous right now." But one of Utah's leading returning receivers from 2016 said he didn't view Carrington's arrival as anything but a positive.
"I was happy," he said. "Any way to make this team, you feel me? No big deal about it."
While Carrington has been admitted to school and is cleared to practice, he hasn't been cleared to play. As Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has noted, more logistical hurdles must be cleared due to the interconference transfer for Carrington to be allowed to play in Utah's season opener against North Dakota on Aug. 31.
Carrington was dismissed from Oregon on July 14 after being charged with a DUI, the latest in a series of issues the former All-Pac-12 Duck encountered during his time in Eugene. Whittingham said it will take Carrington some time to get into the swing of things.
"That's the main thing right now, is the mental part of it," Whittingham said. "He's willing, he's got a great work ethic out here, and that was evident today. He's very, very talented."
And the Utes won't allow their new threat on the outside to forget what transpired last fall at Rice-Eccles Stadium when Carrington left Utah stunned by hauling in a spectacular last-second game-winning touchdown in Oregon colors.
"I told him, 'Hey, thanks for breaking my heart last year,' " defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley joked.
Eligibility pending for two newcomers
Utah remains without signees Derrick Vickers and Tareke Lewis, as both are working to become academically eligible to join, Whittingham said. Vickers, a versatile receiver/kick returner junior college transfer who played for Bakersfield College, and Lewis, a cover corner from Riverside Community College, could join the team within the next two weeks.
"It's nothing that's surprised us," Whittingham said. "We knew it was going to be all the way to camp or beyond, so it's nothing that blindsided us. We'll see what happens."
Starting WR spots 'wide open'
Adding Carrington is certainly a plus for a wide receiver corps in need of experience. Whittingham said after the first fall practice Friday that the chase for starting positions remains "wide open" among Singleton, Wilson, Carrington, Demari Simpkins, Kenric Young and others.
Singleton did not practice Friday due to what Whittingham described as "an ailment." The 6-foot-3 receiver is expected to return to practice next week.
"The cream will rise to the top," Whittingham said, "we're sure of that."
Twitter: @chriskamrani