⚡ CFB Dashboard

Wayshawn Parker is off to an incredible start in his second season as a Ute. He's shredded defenses in both games, and Utah's entire backfield got a chance to shine in the win over Idaho. Utah's running backs coach, Mark Atuaia, spoke to the media about Parker's success and what he's seen from the rest of the running back room. Question: Mark, what does LaMarcus Bell need to do to rise up the depth chart? We saw him have a big game in week 1, but we didn't see him as much in week 2. Mark: Yeah, continue doing what he's been doing, helping the team in servicing the defense, and just continue learning. For a young man, in his case, they often get thrown into the fire too early. My experience has shown that you need to curtail that kind of thing. So I'm hoping that he'll continue growing in his current capacity. Question: Wayshawn has had a solid start to the season, with six touchdowns in many different ways. What's it like to see him develop, knowing you've been with him the entire time? Mark: Yeah, he's just showing what he could do. He's learned three offenses in the last three years, and each one highlights a different skill set. Everybody's just seeing what he can do now. Question: Wayshawn says he models himself after Christian McCaffrey. Do you break down tape with him on NFL guys who are dual-threat backs? Mark: Sometimes, if we're done with the opponent for that week, lounging around, then yeah, we'll watch NFL tape. But for him, yeah, that's good. He's a good guy to model, but he still has a long way to go to get there. He's definitely on track, and I'm proud of his efforts thus far. Question: Daniel Bray had a 10-yard run through contact on what looked like a fly sweep, if I remember right. And you on the sideline were really hyped, really excited for him, and then it seemed like you were yelling at him at the same time. What was that like? Obviously he's coming back from his concussion, but what was that conversation like with him? Mark: Daniel has continually grown and is still on that trajectory. And just seeing him in the increased capacity that we're asking him to perform in, he's been well. He got a little banged up, but should be coming back strong. And that's what I've been telling him. I said, bro, whenever you get in, just play hard and go full bore. And that's what he's been doing. So kudos to him. Question: You got quarterbacks lining up at running back. Are they spending any time in your room? Are you having to coach these quarterbacks up when they're lining up as running backs and serving the role of running back? Mark: Nah, just the mesh parts. But, you know, with Coach Gundy and Mac G in their room, you know, those guys are pretty in tune with what they need to do. So all good.