2 weeks Ago
As Utah’s spring camp nears a close this week, Kyle Whittingham is pleased with where his team is right now. The Utes’ head coach said he’s impressed with the new-look offense, led by transfer quarterback Devon Dampier and offensive coordinator Jason Beck. Whittingham also said Utah safeties Tao Johnson, Rabbit Evans and Nate Ritchie are making strides for the defense.
But as the spring transfer portal opens, the Utes have an opportunity to fill holes and add depth until April 25. Whittingham has already put together a shopping list. “We probably need another receiver, maybe another running back,” he said.
“We’ll take a look at quarterback, as you always do every time the portal opens. Tight ends, we should be OK. With our defensive tackles, we’re possibly a little thin there.
And we’ll [take a look at] corners. “But again, it just depends on availability, and you may lose someone even when you don’t anticipate losing players, so that could alternate. But as we stand right here, that’s the plan.
” (Anna Fuder | Utah Athletics) Utah offensive coordinator Jason Beck speaks to players during spring football practice in Salt Lake City on Thursday, March 20, 2025. So far, only quarterback Wyatt Becker and cornerbacks Sammie Hunter and Quimari Shemwell have entered the transfer portal this spring. Utah’s head coach said he doesn’t expect a mass exodus of players but noted that things can always change in the name, image and likeness landscape.
“Indications are that it shouldn’t be too crazy, but until it actually happens, you never know,” Whittingham said. “So, we’ll find out. .
.. But everyone right now is out here, working hard, and we haven’t had anybody opt out for the portal.
It’s pretty quiet right now.” Programs across the country have already started being active in the portal, especially since the House v. NCAA settlement case remains in limbo.
The proposed settlement would create revenue-sharing under a $20.5 million salary cap. It’d also put in place a third-party enforcement arm, led by Deloitte, that would prohibit booster collective pay.
With the settlement’s status uncertain, the unregulated market of NIL will continue in the short term. That means the 10-day, limited spring portal window might lead to a mad dash of spending from Power Four programs across the country. Whittingham says that isn’t changing how the Utes are operating.
In the winter portal window, the Utes unexpectedly lost key defensive playmakers Cam Calhoun and Keanu Tanuvasa to Alabama and BYU, respectively. “We don’t have a vault of cash somewhere to put in people’s pockets,” Whittingham said of the spring portal. “So, that doesn’t change how we operate right now.
” Devon Dampier impresses, seeks improvement Devon Dampier has already established himself as the leader of Utah’s offense. Since transferring from New Mexico in the offseason, the junior quarterback has made an effort to connect with his teammates through brunch meetings or playing video games. That’s paid off through four weeks of spring practice with the Utes.
He says that will be an emphasis of his heading into the summer. “The biggest thing will be to continue to still talk to my guys,“ Dampier said. ”You still want to be able to keep that chemistry, because being away from football, your mind could drift off a little bit.
So I’ll make sure I’m keeping in contact with those guys, sending them clips every once in a while.“ Dampier is also ready to make an impact on the field. In 2024, he was one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, finishing with 2,768 passing yards and 1,166 rushing yards.
(Anna Fuder | Utah Athletics) Utah quarterback Devon Dampier particiaptes in spring football practice in Salt Lake City on Thursday, March 20, 2025. But, alongside his 12 passing and 19 rushing touchdowns, the quarterback threw 12 interceptions. He’s made it an emphasis to fix his turnover struggles in 2025.
“Protecting the ball, that’s something big,” Dampier said. “There’s always room to get better. So, I’m always going over film, seeing what I can do better, just taking something away from every practice.
” Hunter Andrews talks about his move to tight end Hunter Andrews has been everywhere. Last season, the redshirt freshman practiced at both running back and linebacker for the Utes. In 2025, he’s officially moved to the tight end room.
“We have really good coaching,” Andrews said. “They really narrow it down and let me know what I have to do and why my job is each play.” Andrews said he’s been playing a hybrid role — at both tight end and running back this spring.
He says his time on both ends of the field with Utah will pay off in the long run. “Playing different positions, you understand what every position is doing,” Andrews said. “I just want to help the team out however I can.
” Dampier added: “That’s a huge shout out to him. ..
. He can run the ball, catch the ball. He’s doing everything.
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