⚡ CFB Dashboard

Utah cornerback James Chenault and the Utes secondary are off to a strong start. Utah has picked off a pass in back-to-back games, and with how many interceptions the Utah State signal callers have thrown, they have a great chance to do it again. The former South Florida defensive back spoke to the media about what it's like to play in Rice-Eccles Stadium and what type of a challenge the Utah State Wide Receivers present. Question: How are you feeling a couple of games into the season? You guys are having fun flying around out there. What's it been like being a part of this defense in-game? James: It's been great just being a part of this defense. Being a part of this team and making plays. It just feels great. Honestly, can't complain. Question: Last week, the defense had 13 pass breakups as a team. Just what was working well for you guys in those coverage situations? James: Just coming in and knowing our job, knowing what we got to do, knowing that we got to hold down the secondary and the defense will go as far as we go. So we got to go hard every time we step foot on the field. Question: There's been a lot of rotation in the secondary, a lot of guys playing and making an impact. What goes into that? What is Coach Shah's message to you guys to keep you bought in with all that? James: Just being ready for your opportunity. Whenever your number's called, you gotta step up to the plate. So you don't wanna think that you're not gonna get in the game. So you just gotta be ready for every time it's an opportunity for you to get on the field. Question: What's it like when you break up a pass in Rice-Eccles Stadium, hear the roar of the crowd? Just walk me through that feeling, that moment. James: Not gonna lie, it's unreal. It's almost great. I can't even explain how it feels. I'm just blessed to be in that position, even to be here and do that. Question: What have you seen from Utah State's wide receivers so far this week? James: They look pretty good. I don't have any downfalls on them. I feel like everybody we play has a good receiver group, so I feel like we got to come out and do our thing like we usually do. Question: Two games into the season, where do you feel like you can continue to develop as a cornerback James: Play recognition, especially from the beginning of the play, formation-wise. Seeing what they could run out of the play and what they usually do run. Then be more aware of where the sticks are to prevent first downs.