Through 3 games, Devon Dampier proving his value to Utah as starting QB

SALT LAKE CITY — In a brief off-the-field moment on the sidelines in Wyoming, Devon Dampier took the opportunity to coach up a teammate who had just turned the ball over 3 yards short of the end zone.

Just minutes prior, a lost fumble by Nate Johnson capped off what had been to that point in the game the team's best drive of a somewhat disjointed — Kyle Whittingham described it as "weird" — first half for Utah's offense.

The fumble was just one of many inconsistencies that left Utah with little to show for all the production on the field in the first half in Laramie.

But in that instant on the sidelines, Dampier showcased a leadership style that has meant more to the program than all the good he's done on the field — though that on-field production has been a game changer for the Utes this season, too.

"Nate used to play quarterback, and I told him, you know, quarterback is a very leadership position," Dampier said, recalling his conversation with Johnson on the sideline. "You've been in that situation before. Bad things happen all the time; I mean, it's football, it's not going to always go your way.

"So just getting his head to get up — don't show that to the crowd, don't show that to our players," he added. "People are looking at you right now, you know what I mean? So carry yourself high. Carry yourself with confidence that one play doesn't define you."

The play was a quickly forgotten memory as the Utah offense came out of the halftime break and scored four touchdowns on four consecutive drives to end the game. It included an improbable third-and-21 completion, followed by an 8-yard touchdown throw to Larry Simmons by Dampier on his own mid-play fumble.

To this point in the season, Dampier has been a major asset to the Utes and an offense that now ranks 13th in the country in scoring and 15th in total offense. His team is now on pace to eclipse 6,204 yards while averaging 6.5 yards per play.

(In comparison, Utah's offense last season managed just 3,958 total yards of offense.)

It's an offense that's efficient and effective — even when it hasn't always operated at 100%.

And while there's many factors that play into Utah's success, Dampier remains at the top of the list for what he's done for the Utes this season. It's why Whittingham called Dampier's play to this point an A+.

"Not only what he's doing on the field, but his leadership, his impact on the team overall, he's just been exactly what we hoped he would be, and he's, without question, one of our team leaders and the players have embraced him, and so I think that we couldn't have asked anymore from him to this point," Whittingham said.

Whittingham pointed to his high pass completion percentage (73%) and his ability to protect the football (0 interceptions), while also highlighting the obvious talent he has running the ball as the team's leading rusher.

"We've just got to to keep being intelligent with how we use him, but he runs the ball so effectively. ... I mean, you can't just take that away from him; that's such a huge part of his game," Whittingham said. "But you can hope that he'll stay out of harm's way as much as possible — there's some times where you can't do that.

"But I think to this point, like I said, couldn't have been any better than what he's done, and his numbers really speak to that."

Coming into the season with 12 passing touchdowns and 12 interceptions at New Mexico last season, Dampier had a job to prove he could bring his turnover numbers down while increasing his passing percentage.

So far, Dampier has done both.

Dampier has thrown for 628 yards and seven touchdowns on 65-of-89 passing, while having no interceptions to his name this season. He's also added 198 yards and a touchdown on the ground on 33 attempts.

He's been a weapon on the run, but he's only averaging 11 attempts per game — even if it seems like more this season. He's been the one offensive coordinator Jason Beck relies on to get first downs in most situations, but he's been a competent facilitator to the many other players around him who continue to help move the ball.

But ask Dampier and he said his biggest improvement from a year ago has been his leadership.

"I think just leadership wise, I feel like I'm able to gain respect out of my teammates a little bit more," he said. "I'm able to bring them up more and just get the best out of them. I can't play the sport alone, and a lot of these guys are great. I mean, there's some dogs on this offense, so to see them at their best, I think that's something I've put a lot of work into doing."

Whittingham said Dampier is the type of player who is "humble" and the first to point the finger at himself instead of others.

"If he's going to point a finger, he's going to point at himself," Whittingham said. "(He) never gets on guys. ... He's just such a positive guy that is always patting his teammates on the back and complimenting them. And if something goes wrong: 'Oh, hey, that's on me, guys, don't worry. Here we go.' Just that type of guy, and the players really respect that and appreciate it."

His leadership has been a strong trait for the Utes, but he's the ultimate competitor who is not ready to concede an inch to an opponent, and it shows on the field.

He's bound to make mistakes along the way — including what will be his first interception of the season at some point — but he's happy to embrace the adversity and the pressure that comes with his position.

"Pressure is something I kind of thrive in; it's a challenge to me," Dampier said. "And I love that feeling of pressure, it just takes the best out of me, for sure."

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