The Utes want to turn a pair of defensive stars into two-way standouts.

(David Zalubowski | AP) Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter, top center, flies in for a touchdown past, from left, Utah linebacker Johnathan Hall, cornerback Smith Snowden and safety Nate Ritchie in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Boulder, Colo.

Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham might be taking a page out of Deion Sanders’ playbook this season.

Last season, Colorado’s two-way superstar, Travis Hunter, won the Heisman, while playing wide receiver and cornerback for the Buffaloes and Coach Prime.

This season, the Utes are deploying a similar strategy with multiple players.

Junior cornerback Smith Snowden and senior linebacker Lander Barton will take reps on offense, according to Utah’s head coach. Snowden, like Hunter, will play snaps at receiver and Barton will be seen at tight end.

“Smith Snowden is looking good on offense; that’s been a good addition for us. And Lander Barton is doing some good things on offense, so we’ve got a lot of [offensive] options,” Whittingham said this week.

Utah linebacker Lander Barton (20) returns an interception for a touchdown as Weber State running back Kris Jackson, right, dives in during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

But how are Barton and Snowden adjusting to their new roles?

“Yeah, there’s been a little work here and there,” Snowden said. “Kind of just reminds me of my high school days. Honestly, not too much adjustment. Just get the ball and do what you have to do.”

Barton, however, said it’s been more of a challenge to play both ends.

“I mean, it was kind of back and forth, like I had to want to [try it] and they had to want me to play,’ Barton said. “It was kind of back and forth coming up with that.

“But, I’m excited to give it a go … just running routes again. It’s been awhile, [so I’m] getting used to that.”

The Utes might not use their defensive standouts on offense as much as Colorado used Hunter. But after last season’s offensive struggles at Utah, it might be worth a shot.

Loading…