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While addressing the media Wednesday, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham called tonight's scrimmage 'huge.' It's easy to understand why the Utes are putting so much emphasis on the scrimmage, scheduled from 5-to-7 p.m. at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The Utes need to see how well the team has learned a new offense, need to see if there is any separation between quarterbacks Tyler Shreve and Griff Robles and need to see which of three running backs (Harvey Langi, John White and Thretton Palamo) has the edge. Whittingham said the quarterbacks would split reps with the ones. "Tyler and Griff are neck and neck, it is kind of like the running back situation," he said. "Both are taking baby steps and making some mistakes but we have put a lot of offense in and that was the plan, to expose them to a lot and fine tune in the second half." As for the running backs, Palamo is a little behind the other two, but only because the converted rugby player is still learning the game. He is a big, physical guy who could move up the depth chart quickly. Defensively, the Utes have a lot to sort out in the secondary. Whittingham doesn't believe those positions, particularly at safety, won't be sorted out until fall. Today could be a day to keep an eye on Luke Matthews, who is in a new, slashing fullback role for the Utes after getting a try at running back. With DeVonte Christopher sidelined for the rest of spring with a hamstring injury, this is a great opportunity for Matthews and other receivers to shine. There is some sad news related to the Utah football family. Jay Rudd, a long-time fan of the program who was a familiar face at practice and helped out with team duties, passed away this week. His funeral is Saturday. Whittingham was emotional in discussing Rudd, who formed a bond with the team after former Utah player Josh Savage took him under his wing. Whittingham always went out of his way at practice to include Rudd in team activities and frequently addressed the team after practice, motivating them to work hard. "We all loved him," Whittingham said. "He was a joy to have around and very inspirational and we are going to miss him." In basketball news, CSN has a few more details on coach Randy Bennett's meeting with Utah AD Chris Hill, which took place in Phoenix. Thursday, Bennett took himself out of the running to become the next basketball coach at Utah.