Utah WR Solomon Enis: Seeing Teammates Get Drafted Makes Me More Motivated, Hungry
May 19, 2020, 11:04 AM | Updated: 11:05 am
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – After seeing seven Utah football players selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, Utes wide receiver Solomon Enis is motivated and hungry to achieve that dream.
Entering his junior season, Enis was in Arizona during the quarantine and watched his teammates get drafted.
“It was cool sitting here with my family and watching it,” Enis told KSL Sports. “You play and practice with these guys, you know what it takes so why can’t you go do it? It motivates me and makes me more hungry.”
You can listen to the full interview with Enis on the Crimson Corner podcast, below.
Spring Football
The Utes didn’t have much time together to prepare for the 2020 season in spring ball before the coronavirus pandemic forced the rest of spring to be canceled including the spring football game. Utah had three practices under their belt before the rest was shutdown.
“Everything was going good,” Enis said. “Offense picked up right where we needed to be. Everyday we were getting after it and I felt good and confident.”
Utah was going on spring break when they found out that football practices and games were canceled so Enis stayed in Arizona.
“This is the longest that I have been home since I have been in college,” Enis stated. “It’s kind of hard to maintain my weight and put good weight on with all of this good food that I am eating. I am still working out so I am having a good time.”
2019 wide receivers 🙌@eagle88me @lionel_nacua @jdixon__25 @gvo_3 @B_Thompson_1 @King_Vickers @SolomonEnis @brit_covey2 pic.twitter.com/GH4uVoy3j0
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) April 13, 2020
The offense last season under Andy Ludwig was very successful as the Utes were able to be productive in the run game as well as the pass game. Enis credits that to the chemistry within the players on offense.
“The chemistry was definitely there,” Enis mentioned. “Everyone bonded well together. We were fighting for each other every game. Coach (Andy) Ludwig is good at putting people in the best position to make the team better and it just played out at the end of the day.”
Quarterback Battle
After the departure of Tyler Huntley to graduation, the Utes are now looking for a new signal caller. Drew Lisk, Cameron Rising and Jake Bentley are batting for the starting quarterback spot. Through the limited time in practice, Enis thinks they all look like the starter.
“Every single one of them look like the starting quarterback,” Enis stated. “Everyday they attacked it like they were trying to get the number one spot. They love each other and love the competition. They love the guys around them, we love them as a unit. It’s going to be fun to watch how it all plays out.”
Lisk is entering his senior year while Bentley is a graduate transfer from South Carolina. Rising transferred to Utah from Texas and is now eligible after sitting out the 2019 season due to NCAA rules.
One of the hardest working, most humble person I’ve met in my life! Your time is comin brotha! https://t.co/1PwPDweATG
— Solomon. (@SolomonEnis) March 30, 2020
Enis is expected by many to have a breakout season. After hauling in 14 receptions for 158 yards last season, Enis continues to prepare the same.
“I am just preparing like I am, I do that every year,” said Enis. “We definitely have guys that are coming in from last year and are pushing each other. Everyone wants to be that number one receiver but I really think anybody can get the job done.”
Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports. You can download and listen to the podcast, here.