SALT LAKE CITY-Monday, the University of Utah football team commences regular season practices with their class schedule becoming mandatory at the advent of the new school year.

This week of practice also commemorates preparation for the Utes’ season opener, August 30 against in-state foe Weber State.

These practices are closed to the public.

The battle for the starting job at left guard is a key contention at this point as freshman Nick Ford and sophomore Orlando Umana are vying for it and both have impressed.

Defensive tackle, junior Leki Fotu, has emerged as the leader in tackles after Camp Kyle and he will be joined, at this stage, by junior John Penisini, sophomore Pita Tonga and sophomore Hauati Pututau, who are all currently rotating.

A complete two-deep depth chart will be released by the Utes August 27.

The Utes were also joined by twelve walk-ons Monday, including receiver Gavin Davey, receiver Holden Fielding, defensive tackle Pena Fitisemanu, defensive back Brydon Johnson, kicker/punter Stockton Lund, receiver Nicholas McGee, defensive tackle Eli Morrow, offensive lineman Tyeler Perri, linebacker Dallin Pili, linebacker Kaden Simmonds, receiver Tae Tonga and offensive lineman Stratten Wagner.

The Utes’ team captains were determined Saturday and they include senior rover Chase Hansen, senior center Lo Falemaka, junior quarterback Tyler Huntley, senior linebacker Cody Barton, senior kicker Matt Gay and senior punter Mitch Wishnowsky.