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Devon Dampier Can't Wait for Kickoff vs Idaho
- A healthy Devon Dampier expects to combine the off-script playmaking he showed at New Mexico with the improved pocket timing and quicker decision-making he developed during his first Utah season.
- Utah continued rotating offensive-line combinations through camp, but Dampier said the performance level has become consistent enough that he often does not notice which five blockers are on the field.
- Dampier said Utah can deploy four-receiver packages without forcing targets to one featured player because every receiver in that grouping is a viable option.
- Coordinator Kevin McGiven plans to challenge defenses with disguised personnel groupings, but Utah is also prepared to lean on Wayshawn Parker and its heavy Rhino packages when a matchup calls for a direct rushing approach.
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Utes Offensive Depth Chart Predictions
- Devon Dampier is the clear starting quarterback, but Utah is expected to put backup Byrd Ficklin on the field frequently alongside him to use Ficklin's playmaking ability.
- Wayshawn Parker projects as the starting running back after nearly reaching 1,000 yards last season, with spring standout Daniel Bray holding the primary backup role and Mataeki Helu pushing for snaps after a good camp.
- Braden Pegan, Creed Whittemore and Kyri Shoels project as the starting receivers, with Whittemore emerging as the likely top slot target and Larry Simmons, Tobias Merriweather and Ricky Johnson supplying experienced situational depth.
- Hunter Andrews is expected to return from last season's injury as a versatile starting tight end who can stretch the field and take handoffs, while Noah Bennee's improved route running and blocking should earn him significant snaps.
- Utah has four likely offensive-line starters in Zereoue Williams, Solatoa Moea'i, Alex Harrison and Keith Olson, but injuries and an unsettled final interior job are expected to produce an early-season rotation that includes Isaiah Garcia and other reserves.
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Podcast: Utah Fall Camp: Byrd Ficklin Buzz, O-Line Progress & What We Saw at Practice
- Utah still has several roles to sort out at running back, but the staff feels good about the room's depth and has found ways to get multiple backs on the field.
- A former linebacker who transitioned to running back this offseason is healthy, has shown encouraging quick-twitch movement in limited viewing, and should add another option alongside Semi and Cioni.
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