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Elijah Reed got the start for the Utes in their season-opening win. Like the rest of the defense, Reed was outstanding against Idaho. Reed transferred to the Utes from Akron, but the cornerback started his career in the SEC at Kentucky. Now that Reed has returned to the Power Four level, he's excited to battle with the Hogs once again. Reed spoke to the media about his first game as a Ute and the upcoming matchup with Arkansas. Question: How did it feel to get out there in Rice-Eccles for the first time in a real game setting? What was that experience like for you? Reed: Ecstatic. It was a crazy moment to go out there with the guys I've been working with for months. So it was exciting. Question: What have you seen from Arkansas wide receivers on tape? Reed: Good set of dudes. We go into every week with the same intentions to dominate who we're going against. So it's going to be a good test this week. Question: What is something you have the most confidence in right now, whether that be your position group, defense as a whole, just what's something you can hang your hat on and feel good about it? Reed: I feel good about every single person on the field. I feel great about going in with the dudes that we have, just with the experience we have and all the plays that we're making as a team right now. So I feel good about everybody. Question: In camp, you talked about the versatility you guys have in that secondary. How were you able to see that come to fruition on Saturday or Thursday? Reed: In every way. You see, we have our linebackers picking the ball off, which is always great to see our linebackers getting hands on the ball. So, you know, we're looking to get some more in the corner group and everything, and safeties. So yeah, it's a good thing to see. Question: With an aggressive game plan like you guys had against Idaho where you're sending a lot of pressure, what's the key for the secondary when the ball's getting out quick like that? Reed: You know, just to win our matchups, of course. And that's everything. We're always gonna be forced to win our matchups. That's what we did all, all, um, camp, fall camp, spring. So that's what it's going to be every week: win our matchups. Question: It looks like you guys are having a lot of fun out there. How much does that help you be successful when you're flying around and enjoying yourselves a little bit? Reed: I mean, at the end of the day, this is the game we've all been playing since we were little. So you got to remember that, yes, it's a job. Yes, we're out here to work and win, but you've got to have fun. I mean, that's the only way you're going to go and fly around. You got to have fun. Question: Jackson Bennee saw a lot of time in the nickel. Just how does it make your guys' job easier on the outside knowing that Bennee is covering that slot? Reed: Great player. You know, we have a lot of trust in him. We trust every guy we put in there. So not just him, but everyone we put in there. Yeah, it's just confidence all around. We have confidence in every player that's out there. Question: You spent time in Kentucky. You've been here now with Utah in the Big 12. There's always that narrative about, oh, SEC football, this and that. You've seen both. What do you make? Like, is there a gap? What do you say? Reed: At the end of the day, the way I look at it, football is football. At the end of the day, you've got to go out there and beat whoever you're going up against, and then you should go into it with the same intentions every week.