Texas’s FRISCO (KSL.com) The main reason Kyle Whittingham returned to coach for another season was because he was unhappy with way the previous one ended.
But according to Utah’s longtime head coach, who is starting his 21st season, there is no need for justifications; Utah just needs to improve this year.
Whittingham is certain that he has found the ideal match to be a better team for the 2025 season after an offseason filled with turnover and change, particularly on the offensive end of the ball, with a redesigned roster and coaching staff.
And it all starts with Jason Beck, the recently hired offensive coordinator, who Whittingham stated will have total control over the offense this season. Last season, Beck transformed a poor New Mexico squad into the nation’s fourth-ranked attack, led by real dual-threat quarterback Devon Dampier.
The Utes currently have both.
This season, everyone will be watching the offense to see if it can deliver.
Whittingham stated on Wednesday that Jason has total freedom to attack however he pleases. We will be nearly identical to New Mexico in terms of philosophy. Jason does an excellent job of using his players and placing them in positions to succeed. As a result, you may notice some changes from last year, but that is only because he is making the most of the talents at his disposal.
He also mentioned how productive spring ball was. Jason’s contributions, the difficulties of defending the formations, and his personnel use have left defensive coaches quite impressed. It has been going well so far. When we begin playing in the autumn, the rubber will hit the road, but I’m eager to watch how things work out.
Dampier will have all the tools at his disposal to lead Utah to higher heights thanks to an offensive line that is expected to be among the best in the nation, highlighted by projected NFL draft first-round selections Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu.
But aside from that, Whittingham stated he believes Dampier will make a big impact for the Utes this year. He claimed that in his little time with the Utes this spring, Dampier has already made an impression and that it has been like having a new coach on the field.
Whittingham stated, “He’s off to a great start.” Having been elected to the leadership council, he enjoys the respect of his peers. He possesses the quality that you seek in a quarterback. He possesses the field general mindset you seek. Everyone finds themselves drawn to him. Who is in control of offense is obvious.
In the few time he has been on campus, Devon has established himself as the offensive leader, which is something that everyone looks to. He needs to work on a few things, like raising his completion percentage and improving his touchdown-to-interception ratio, but he was only a sophomore the previous season and undoubtedly improved in those areas during spring ball.
You guys are going to be treated to seeing him play this fall, though, assuming Whittingham thinks they have improved after seeing spring football.
Despite Dampier’s dual-threat skills on the field and Beck’s skill at calling plays, Utah still has a number of unanswered questions for the 2017 campaign. According to Whittingham, the wide receiver room, which has fewer proven goods returning, is the most uncertain area.
Whittingham thinks there is talent there, but before any firm conclusions about the position group can be drawn, additional information must be obtained.
Whittingham stated that we didn’t have a real hierarchy as we emerged from spring. There are many talented players there. We will continue to compete throughout fall camp because I believe we have four or five transfers at the position. Sorting through those wide receivers and figuring out who will be the best option is arguably the most crucial thing we can do at fall camp.
Whittingham, however, thinks his offense will be stronger outside of the wide receiver position, particularly with what he called the strongest offensive line since I’ve been at the University of Utah, which has been forever.
We really rely on them, so if they perform as we anticipate, it will greatly benefit our offense, Whittingham stated.
