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HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — College football is right around the corner, and the big story as the Utes prepare for fall camp will be the competition at quarterback.
Gone is long-time starter Travis Wilson, who started his pro career in Australia, and the discussion surrounding his replacement was a hot topic at Pac-12 media days.
Surely, someone has an idea who will start under center during Utah’s season opener Sept. 1 against Southern Utah.
“Oh man; I wish I knew,” offensive tackle J.J. Dielman said. “At this point, it’s just, you know?”
The answer to the question everybody wants to know will come during fall camp. Brandon Cox, Troy Williams and true freshman Tyler Huntley all proved themselves worthy of consideration in the spring.
“The thing about all three is that they have such a wide range of skills,” Dielman said. “They’re all great athletes, have great arms and they can all see the field and are pretty good leaders.”
Head coach Kyle Whittingham likes the competition at quarterback, too.
“I love it,” he said. “I think it’s a healthy thing. It’s pushed all of them harder this summer.
“They’ve made each other better. I think that’s been positive but it can’t last forever. As soon as we can, we’ve got to get things settled. But right now, I think it’s been a big plus for us.”
Williams has the most experience. Before throwing for 2,700 yards, 31 touchdowns and just four interceptions last year at Santa Monica College, he played two games for Washington in 2014.
He earned the respect from two former teammates.
“He’s a true competitor,” Huskies defensive back Kevin King said. “If you want to compete with him in shooting marbles, he’s going to do it and that’s the type of guy you want.
“That’s the type of quarterback you want to play with and play for.”
Tight end Darrell Daniels was Williams’ roommate at Washington, and he agreed with his teammate.
“He’s got very good accuracy, and he’s going to take off if he feels threatened in that back field,” Daniels said. “He’s going to get it done with his legs.
“He’s definitely a great leader. He wants two in every game, and he prepares like every game matters. He doesn’t take a game off.”
The wild card is Huntley. He didn’t play like a freshman in spring, and there is a lot of buzz about his talent and potential.
“I’m calling it right now: When Tyler Huntley is a senior, he’s going to be walking around (at media days) and you guys are all gonna want to ask him questions,” Dielman said. “He’s gonna be the dude walking around here, that’s for sure.”
If he wins the job, Dielman said his teammates already believe he can lead them.
“He’s really a hell of a player, even as a freshman,” the lineman said. “I’m excited to watch his career unfold, whether it begins this year or next year. He’s gonna do big things here.”
Quarterback production is key to the Utes’ title hopes. The offense has to be more explosive and the throwing game has to be better.
But Whittingham believes one of his three candidates can make that happen.
“Maybe the guy who gives you the best chance to win ultimately is not the best guy to win immediately. That’s what we (the coaches) get paid to determine, what the best course of action is.”
Either way, the Utes feel like they are in a good situation.
“We have a pretty good problem on our hands when it comes to having three quarterbacks that can play,” Dielman said. “I’m glad I don’t have to make that decision.”
