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As Kyle Whittingham waxed on about his senior cornerback captain, Dominique Hatfield covered his face.
He laughed when Whittingham mentioned he had gotten straight As last semester, but his expression relaxed as the coach called him a "model teammate" and spoke about how "he did a fantastic job righting the ship."
It was clear that Hatfield was a little stunned to be considered one of Utah's leaders when only a year ago in the first week of the season, he was suspended from the team, pending assault charges. A year later, he's held in high esteem by his peers and coaches.
"I was just thinking how much things can change and how blessed I am really just up here," he said. "It speaks a lot to me not only about me but about the program and how they actually care."
Hatfield made his return to the program last season, and resolved his legal limbo this spring with a no contest plea in abeyance. To hear his coach tell it, Hatfield has been on his best behavior since returning last fall: He's been more studious in the classroom, more detail-oriented in the film room and in practice, and more sound in technique. Legally, the Utes haven't had any more problems with him, either.
"He has the respect of his teammates and they've embraced him with open arms," he said. "It's great to see. Now he has to keep doing things the right way, which I fully expect he will."
Hatfield's problems last year draw a natural parallel to the odyssey of Cory Butler-Byrd, who was brought back off suspension last week after entering a guilty plea in abeyance to criminal mischief. The senior will still be held out of games until further notice.
Hatfield said he talked to Butler-Byrd often since he was suspended prior to fall camp, but since the receiver returned to the fold, he hasn't had to say anything.
"He's back in his natural environment, doing what he loves to do," Hatfield said. "I haven't seen him stop smiling since he's been back. He's on scout team right now, and he's going hard every play and making us better."
QB depth update
It was probably a foregone conclusion after Brandon Cox transferred, but Whittingham made it official on Monday: Freshman quarterback Tyler Huntley isn't going to redshirt.
Most teams go through the season using more than one quarterback, and if something happens to starter Troy Williams, the Utes don't want a truly green passer to take the reins of the offense. While Whittingham didn't specifically confirm that Huntley will play Thursday against SUU, the Utes will look to get him game experience.
"There is no thought whatsoever of redshirting Tyler," he said. "College football has a win now mentality. There's no one who thinks any differently so if a guy can help us win, or is in a position where he may be called on to help us win, then we have to get him ready."
As for further down the depth chart, Whittingham added that safety Jason Thompson, who transferred from Wyoming as a quarterback in 2014, is the "emergency" quarterback in a dire situation. He's taken reps in practice, despite currently backing up Chase Hansen (another former quarterback) at strong safety.
Quick hitters
Whittingham declined to tell media which players are being considered for redshirts this season, but said "we have a good idea with probably 90 percent of the guys." … At least one position group "battle" will remain deadlocked for the time being: Whittingham described tight ends Evan Moeai and Harrison Handley as co-starters at the position, owing to their different skill sets.
Twitter: @kylegoon