Sophomore running back Mateaki Helu “showed up in a big way” at the University of Utah’s first fall camp scrimmage on Saturday, making a massive statement in what head coach Morgan Scalley calls the “dog days” of camp. With the excitement of being back on the field wearing off, players like Helu are seizing the chance to make an impact in game-like situations. This Stansbury High star, who saw all 13 games on special teams last season with four tackles, is now fighting for serious touches in a crowded backfield that already includes RB1 Wayshawn Parker, San Jose State transfer Steve Chavez-Soto, and freshman LaMarcus Bell. The competition there just got a whole lot hotter.
The Edge Rushers Are Eating and the Kickers Are Locked In
It wasn’t just Helu turning heads. Defensive end Lance Holtzclaw also put on a show, with Scalley specifically shouting him out for “making a bunch of plays” off the edge. Last season, Holtzclaw racked up 26 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three pass breakups. With John Henry Daley and Logan Fano gone, he’s primed for a starting role, and it looks like he’s ready to dominate. On the special teams front, the kicking game is “really good,” according to Scalley. Dillon Curtis was perfect on field goals during the media observation period, even hitting from 50-plus yards, and he carried that momentum into the scrimmage. UTEP transfer Tanner Cragun is also doing a “nice job” alongside established punter Orion Phillips. So, while the red zone needs work, at least the field goals are money.
Red Zone Woes and Offensive Line Mysteries Still Loom
While individual players shone, the team still has areas to clean up. The red zone offense was a “mixed bag,” with Scalley admitting they need to be more efficient. There were “not enough touchdowns in the red zone, too many field goals.” That’s a critical area that needs to get sorted as camp progresses. On a positive note, situational mechanics looked “much better” than at the beginning of camp. The offensive and defensive lines, however, remain the “biggest question marks” for the 2026 team. Names like Keith Olson, Kelvin Obot, Solatoa Moea’i, Isaiah Garcia, Cedric Jefferson, Zereoue Williams, and Alex Harrison are all battling for starting spots on that new-look offensive line. Expect that competition to intensify.
Saturday’s scrimmage also saw receiver Braden Pegan deliver the highlight of the day with a jaw-dropping hurdle over cornerback Elijah Davis. With Scalley keeping the depth chart “very close to the vest” despite “really good depth” at receiver and cornerback, every snap counts. The Utes are only in their second of four weeks of fall camp. Look for more players to make their case for starting spots and for that red zone efficiency to be a major focus as they push through these demanding “dog days.”
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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