This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
The improved play of offensive lineman Miles Mason has saved another player from the possibility of losing his redshirt year for the Utes. Mason has regained a starting role at right guard after falling off the depth chart earlier in the season. His solid effort has the Utes planning to redshirt Junior Salt, a defensive lineman who was moved to the offensive line after a foot injury healed enough for him to start practicing again a few weeks ago. Utah coach Kyle Whitingham said Salt, a 6-2, 330-pound junior, would remain with the offense longterm. Salt originally was recruited for the defensive line and expected to contend for a starting role before he broke his foot during fall camp. "We think we have found the right spot for him," Whittingham said. "We're excited for what he brings to us for the future." Whittingham said the Utes came close to inserting him in the lineup two weeks ago when both Vyncent Jones and Latu Heimuli were out with injuries, leaving Utah's already thin line even more depleted. "He has progressed nicely but with the emergence of Miles Mason we don't need to do that," Whittingham said. "He'll still be with the travel squad and still take reps, but it's mainly for the future." The Utes are also experimenting with freshman receiver Charles Henderson in the secondary, which is another area in which the Utes lack depth. - Lya Wodraska