At PAC-12 media day in Southern California, University of Utah football head coach Kyle Whittingham says the future looks bright for the Utes as they enter their fifth season as part of the PAC-12.
Last year the Utes finished with a 9 and 4 record overall, and their first winning record in conference play since joining the PAC-12. Head football coach Kyle Whittingham says their yearly improvements can be attributed mostly to the boost that joining the conference gave to their recruiting efforts.
“And I’m going to tell you right now that probably two-thirds of the players that we’ve signed over that course of time we would have not been able to sign had we not been in the PAC-12 conference,” he says.
While several key offensive players are returning to the squad, like running back Devontae Booker, Whittingham says replacing wide receiver Kaelin Clay, who now plays in the NFL, will be a big challenge.
“And that is probably the biggest question mark on the team right now, is which of those receivers is going to step up and do some things for us," he says. "Because, for Devontae to have the type of year that we expect him to have, we have to loosen up the defenses via the throw game.”
Whittingham also suggested that while Travis Wilson is the number one quarterback now, he expects Kendal Thompson will provide stiff competition during fall camp. The Utes open the season at home against Michigan on September 3rd.