Travis Wilson named Utes' starting quarterback


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SALT LAKE CITY — After two weeks of battling it out for the starting job, junior Travis Wilson has been named the starting quarterback for the University of Utah.

Wilson, who was sidelined midseason last year as a result of an injury, returned in spring more determined for the starting job, putting in work at the gym and on the field. But Oklahoma transfer Kendal Thompson stood in the way for the top spot.

Both quarterbacks have different skill sets, but head coach Kyle Whittingham said that Wilson is the player that gives Utah the best shot moving forward this season.

He said Wilson earned the job after a tight competition based on “a few percentage points in the completion percentage” and his “experience was another factor.”

Although Thompson will not be the team’s starter, Whittingham said the offensive game plan has several packages where Thompson will get to play. How many snaps per game or if he will play each game is still undecided, Whittingham added.

“Kendal has earned the right to play, he will play,” Whittingham said. “It’s not a two-quarterback system. It’s not first quarter, second quarter. It’s when we get the opportunity to put Kendal in, we’ll give him some work. He’s earned that right and you’ll see him play.”

“Anytime you can get on the field and help contribute, that’s a positive,” Thompson said. “When I get out there, I’m looking forward to doing some good things.”


Kendal has earned the right to play, he will play. It's not a two-quarterback system. It's not first quarter, second quarter. It's when we get the opportunity to put Kendal in, we'll give him some work. He's earned that right and you'll see him play.

–Kyle Whittingham


Wilson added that he’s happy to share some offensive series with Thompson, particularly when the plan is running the ball.

“He’s definitely a good runner, so I think that’s something we can use and get him in some packages,” he said. “Whatever we need to do we’ll do it.”

Wilson said he’s happy to be the team’s starter again and is grateful for the competition to help him improve his game.

“There’s definitely a lot of pressure, but I think it was all good pressure,” Wilson said. “It was definitely a good competition between me and Kendal. I think everything worked out how I wanted it to. I think me and Kendal made each other better.”

Coming into the season it was expected that redshirt freshman Conner Manning would be No. 3 in the depth chart behind Wilson and Thompson, but Whittingham said redshirt freshman Brandon Cox “outplayed Conner.”

Running backs vs. Idaho State

Although Devontae Booker moved back up to the No. 2 spot in the depth chart, Whittingham said Booker, Bubba Poole and Troy McCormick will all see some time on the field, particularly next Thursday against Idaho State. Whittingham said he hopes the Idaho State game will naturally decide a rotation and who will receive the most reps.

Dres Anderson pulls in a pass with Eric Rowe at right during University of Utah football practice in Salt Lake City, Monday, Aug. 18, 2014. (Credit: Ravell Call)
Dres Anderson pulls in a pass with Eric Rowe at right during University of Utah football practice in Salt Lake City, Monday, Aug. 18, 2014. (Credit: Ravell Call)

“They’re all still bunched together,” Whittingham said. “There’s still more evaluation to be made there. They’ll all play, they’re all going to play in Thursday’s game. And we’ll let that separate itself out based on play in the game.”

Poole remains the most consistent of the three, with Booker and McCormick battling for the No. 2 spot. However, each have had flashes in fall camp to suggest starting minutes.

Tim Patrick to get receiving start

Junior college transfer Tim Patrick has done enough in fall camp to earn a starting job at receiver. He and Dres Anderson will line up on the outside, with Kenneth Scott lining up as the starting slot receiver.

“Tim Patrick has earned a job. He had an exceptional fall camp,” Whittingham said. “For him to do what he’s done so far has been pretty remarkable, and he’s earned himself a job because of it.”

Wilson said he looks forward to having Patrick start and believes he’ll be a great target on a “great offense with a lot of great talent.”

“He is just a stud,” Wilson said. “He’s an athlete. He’s worked so hard this fall camp and he’s really made it known to these coaches that he deserves to be on the field. He’s definitely a great target, big target. I’m really happy to have him on the outside."

Notes

Whittingham said with the starting roster solidified for the most part, the team has begun preparing for Idaho State. As a result, the team will no longer do any live work, which means no tackling to the ground. … Travis Wilson connected with Dres Anderson on a 30-yard pass to highlight Monday’s practice. Anderson beat corner Eric Rowe and pulled down the ball with one hand.

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