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SALT LAKE CITY — Only three days remain until the Utes kick off their season, when they host SUU on Thursday at Rice-Eccles Stadium. With that, KSL.com continues its countdown with two newcomers to the Utah team, Troy Williams and Donavan Thompson, who both wear No. 3 this season.
Troy Williams, JR, quarterback
There is perhaps no Utah player who has more pressure on his shoulders heading into the 2016 season than Williams, and he hasn’t even played a real snap in a Ute uniform. Williams comes to Salt Lake City after playing a year at Santa Monica College at the JUCO ranks. Before that, he played at Washington, where he originally committed out of high school as a top-rated dual threat quarterback.
Williams was electric at Santa Monica, throwing for 2,750 yards and 31 touchdowns with just four interceptions in 2015. As a Husky, he had a limited role as a redshirt freshman, appearing in five games and starting in just one.
The Narbonne High product had to earn his starter status after entering fall camp in a three-way tie for the job with Brandon Cox and true freshman Tyler Huntley. After missing most of spring ball with an injury, Williams separated himself to the point that coaches named him the definitive starter, with Huntley as his backup.
Utah has plenty of experience with this 2016 squad, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Where questions remain, and have been for the last few years, is in the passing game. Many believe Joe Williams and Troy McCormick will be an adequate combination to replace Devontae Booker, while the offensive line might the best in the Pac-12, but the same can’t be said for Williams and company in regards to passing the ball.
The receivers will have to do their part to help, but it starts with quarterback Williams. He’s impressed the coaching staff with his big arm and decision-making, as well as his work ethic and dedication. He’s won over teammates and been named as one of the team’s five captains for the upcoming season.
We have yet to see Williams, who stands at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, play a game as Utah’s quarterback, but if fall camp was any indication, expect to see improvements in the passing game in 2016.
Donavan Thompson, FR, linebacker
Thompson is a true freshman out of Miami Central High School in Florida, where he won four state championships and was named to the 6A all-state first team his senior year. In that season, he was a force, racking up 135 tackles and 11 sacks. The three-star recruit also had offers from Oregon State, Arkansas and South Florida.
At 5-foot-10, Thompson is listed at 230 pounds according to his Utah bio, which is 15 pounds heavier than listed on his Rivals page from his prep days. He’s added some strength and muscle since making his way to Salt Lake City, immediately putting him in the conversation about playing time as a true freshman.
Thompson sits as the backup at the Mac linebacker position behind Sunia Tauteoli, where he’s sure to see some minutes on the field. With linebacker being a unit in question heading into the season, don’t be surprised to see head coach Kyle Whittingham look to the freshman if Tauteoli doesn’t get the job done. Twitter: @GriffDoug
