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In an offense that has some absences, some injuries and some proven starters who are safer on the sidelines, playmakers have been harder to come by.
Then there's Bubba Poole, who seems to make plays wherever he is.
The senior running back-turned-receiver gave a bit of juice to the Utah offense on Saturday, most notably catching a 20-yard pass in a two minute drill toward the end of the first spring scrimmage. He also switched back to the backfield in stints, rushing 5 times for 13 yards.
Poole, who didn't end up seeing much time after ceding his starting job to Devontae Booker last year, feels refreshed to be back on the field in a meaningful role. More and more, it seems like Travis Wilson is looking for him downfield.
"It something we had when I was in my running back days," he said. "He knows on third down, if he gets rushed out of the pocket, he can check it down to me and try to let me get the down."
While Poole had a few reps at back, the Utes remain committed to making him their slot option. At 6-foot-1 with a more lanky build than Utah's other rushers, Poole could be a downfield threat who can grind out yards after the catch.
Kyle Whittingham said after the scrimmage that JuCo back Joseph Williams should give Utah enough depth to try to make Poole a full-time receiver.
"We hope that come fall its 100 percent slot," he said. "If something unforeseen happens, then maybe he would have to split time. But hopefully we can just let him focus on the slot receiver position. We think he could be pretty good there."
Poole hopes so. His rushing production in 2014 was about a third (211 yards) of what it was in 2013 (607 yards). He also had only 12 catches for 93 yards in 2014.
"It's difficult at times of course when you're a playmaker and feel like you should be out there, just speaking in general," he said. "I kind of had to show I was worth it and earn my keep."
Pass rushers confident
For roughly 78 snaps, getting two sacks and piling up seven total tackles for a loss ain't too bad.
The defensive line, which returns ends Hunter Dimick, Jason Fanaika, Lowell Lotulelei and Filipo Mokofisi — and even more contributors — wrapped up Saturday morning feeling good about their depth and their ability to control the line. Utah rushers, albeit minus Booker and with a white-jerseyed Chase Hansen, averaged only 2.1 yards per carry.
"I feel like we're getting better every day," Pita Taumoepenu said. "I believe in all them, Hunter, Jason, Filipo, Lowell, all of them are very experienced. … I feel like this year, we're going to make something special."
That's a growing feeling in the defensive line room, which brings back many of the players who helped compile 55 sacks to lead the nation last year. Even guys who weren't around last year, like Sunia Tauteoli and Uaea Masina, have been contributing by cutting into the backfield.
They've been aggressive, as well. Taumoepenu didn't run through Hansen completely on a sack, but hit him hard enough to make his presence felt. Tauteoli and Brian Allen were also testing the liberalism of Utah's white jersey policy.
As long as no one gets hurt, Whittingham doesn't have a problem with that.
"They're flying around," he said. "I'm pleased with their work ethic and how their approach to the game has been through spring ball."
UCLA transfer Lucien visits scrimmage
He was wearing a green hooded sweatshirt on the sidelines during Utah's scrimmage, but if all goes well for the Utes, he could be soon wearing red.
Senior receiver Devin Lucien, who is transferring from UCLA, was on the field at Rice Eccles Stadium, and appeared to be quite warm with Utah's staff and players.
Lucien could be the next impact transfer for Utah, should he choose to come to Salt Lake City. The Los Angeles Times reported last month that the one-time Bruin was seeking to finish his degree by summer and be eligible immediately as a graduate transfer. Lucien had 29 catches for 225 yards and two touchdowns last year, third in receptions for UCLA.
Briefly
Receiver Delshawn McClellon left practice early after getting leveled by safety Jason Thompson, being examined by trainers for a few minutes and then not returning. … Defensive end Kylie Fitts missed the scrimmage with what Whittingham termed a "minor" injury and is hopeful to return next week. … Linebacker Gionni Paul is expected to resume full duty next week in practice after being limited since re-injuring his foot last fall. … Receiver Raelon Singleton enjoyed his second practice back to full action and caught a scrimmage-best 33-yard pass down the sideline from Chase Hansen.
Twitter: @kylegoon