Shaky is No.2 at RB

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said that wide receiver Shaky Smithson is looking better each day in his new dual role as a running back. He’s getting more familiar with that aspect of the offense as the Utes prepare for Saturday’s Mountain West Conference opener at Colorado State.
With Matt Asiata sidelined for the season with a knee injury, backup Eddie Wide has moved to the top of the depth chart. Sausan Shakerin, who was the No. 3 guy behind Asiata and Wide, hasn’t played since the San Jose State game because of a shoulder and wrist injury. He’s practicing this week but Whittingham said it’s questionable as to how much he’ll play. Shakerin is still sporting a cast on his wrist.
As such, Smithson will be Wide’s backup against the Rams.
Whittingham acknowledged that Shak’s cast presents a problem when it comes to catching the ball.
“It’s a cumbersome deal,” Whittingham said. “As long as Shak is not 100 percent then Shaky is the No. 2 back and now Shak is not 100 percent.”
Shakerin, he added, will probably have the cast on for another week or so.

* * * * *

Whittingham said that Asiata had successful surgery on his ACL tear. Everything went as expected and the senior captain is on the mend. As for his future, Whittingham said Asista is “still weighing things out.” He’s married with three children.
Whittingham is hopeful Asiata will return. And though nothing is certain, the Utes have been told there’s a strong likelihood Asiata could be granted another year of eligibility by the NCAA.