⚡ CFB Dashboard

As spring football draws to a close for the Utah football team, a trio of defensive standouts was made available to the media after the penultimate practice on Thursday. Below are some highlights from our conversations with LB Trey Reynolds, S Jackson Bennee, and DT Jireh Moe: Trey Reynolds on how he has grown the most: "I think I've grown the most in my knowledge of the defense and understanding what's going on with the offense. I've been studying my butt off about how the offense works and everything like that. It's what helps me make my reads better, and I think that's what I've most improved in this spring. Reynolds on how Colton Swan is acclimating to being a defensive coordinator: Swan is extremely knowledgeable. So I'm not worried about that at all, and we're actually really excited about the change the Swan has brought in, and things that he's done, and the mentality that he's brought to the defense. And I love that guy, and extremely grateful for him. Jackson Bennee on defensive growth this spring: I would say, just like the energy, honestly, and being united, a lot of transfers, a lot of new guys coming into the program. We didn't all know each other that well at the beginning of the year, but now everyone's really tight. And we're really starting to become a brotherhood and a family, and guys are stepping up. Spring ball, that's what it's all about, is getting that chance to see who's gonna be playing in September. Bennee on how spring ball was different under new head coach Morgan Scalley: Man, Scalley is the best. He has so much energy. And I think it's one thing for a coach to say, bring the energy and whatnot, but he shows by example, you can tell that he will die for this program. Seriously, I don't know anybody else that is more dedicated to anything than Coach Scalley. And I totally mean that. So when you see that from your fearless leader, it's compelling, and you want to follow him. And this spring has been awesome. We've done really well with injuries. I think we've had a hard time in the past. There are a lot of variables that go into it. But he's done a great job. Bennee on playing versus his brother Noah every day: It's great. I love it. We're on one-on-ones, wide receivers versus DBs. That's been fun, and the team stuff. It's always fun to just go up against him and think, like, this is awesome. I'm going up against my brother just like the good old days. We'll both get each other, but it's fun to compete. We're always working after practice, studying in the film room. And I just love having him here, because we push each other to get better. But he's awesome. He made some great plays today, went up and got it over a few guys, and saved the drive. And he's gonna do wonders for us this year. Jireh Moe on why he transferred to Utah: When I hit the portal, the first call with Coach Elliss, I felt the love, very genuine dude, very good dude off the field. And when I came over here on my visit, I felt that from all the coaches, especially my teammates now. Moe on how Karson Kaufusi and Pupu Sepulona have helped him: Karson, Pupu, and Mike [Tauteoli], they helped me with the playbook a lot. They put in extra hours with me, just going over film, going over our stunts, and all that. And you're just shoutout to those guys, man, I wouldn't be here without them. Moe on the development of the defensive tackle group this spring: Man, it's top-notch. For Coach Elliss, he's a very detailed man, and I really believe that he could get to the next level. Coach [Stanley] Havili's IQ helps us recognize formations, and gives us an understanding of the game more.