Utah Jazz rookies Taylor Hendricks and Keyonte George were among those on hand to watch No. 14 Utah defeat Florida in its season opener at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Thursday.
Utes backup quarterback Bryson Barnes threw for 159 yards and one touchdown and Nate Johnson rushed for 45 yards and one touchdown in the 24-11 victory. Barnes filled in for Cam Rising, who is still recovering from a torn ACL. Johnson also saw time behind center.
Hendricks and George were seen on the sideline throughout the matchup and even took a picture with the Utes’ mascot, Swoop. They also engaged with some fans nearby.
🏈🎺Rookies checking in from the MUSS 🎺🏈 pic.twitter.com/Hv9A72hWtk
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) September 1, 2023
Hendricks (ninth pick) and George (16th pick) make up a promising rookie class for the Jazz, which also includes Brice Sensabaugh (28th pick). Of the trio, only George suited up in summer league due to injuries to Hendricks and Sensabaugh.
With one month to go until the start of training camp, the Jazz are certainly excited to see their rookies hit the court for the first time. It appears as though they are embracing their new environment after watching the Utes for the first time.
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