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SALT LAKE CITY — Just 12 days away from the Heart of Dallas Bowl, the Utes wrapped up their fourth practice of the postseason — with a familiar face.
Troy Williams started the final game of the season for Utah, but he was joined by sophomore starter Tyler Huntley Thursday evening.
Huntley is back and healthy as the Utes (6-6) prepare to face West Virginia (7-5) at 11:30 a.m. MT Dec. 26 in Dallas.
"He looks good right now," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said, cautiously. "But we’re 12 days out, so, barring unforeseen things, I would imagine that would be the case.
"But we’ll see."
Huntley completed 65 percent for his passes for 2,246 yards and 15 touchdowns with 10 interceptions as a true sophomore starter in 2017.
But he was limited or missed portions of four games on the season, including the Utes’ 34-13 win over Colorado that clinched a bowl bid Nov. 25.
Is he ready to play?
"I feel like it’s going to be me," Huntley said. "I don’t know what the coaches have planned, but I for sure feel like it is going to be me, all the way."
One thing is sure: Huntley has the support of his teammates. That would likely be the case if the Utes relied on senior Williams, who threw for 181 yards and ran for 26 more with two scores in the win over the Buffs.
But it seems more the case with Huntley.
"That is our guy," wide receiver Darren Carrington II said. "We started off the season booming with him, and whenever Troy is in there, too, we have to keep it going.
"It’s good to see him back out there, because I know how excited he is to play again."
