Three Positions Utah Needs to Target in the Spring Transfer Portal

Spring camp is officially over, which means the spring transfer window is open for business and teams will use the period to fill on the gaps left by injuries and transfers as well as improving positions who showed poor performances.

Sep 14, 2019; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; A general view of the helmet worn by Utah Utes quarterback / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Spring camp was "a big step forward" according to Utah Coach Kyle Whittingham, but despite the positive comments, the team still has some positions that they should look to reinforce before fall camp begins.

Let's take a look at the three positions that Utah absolutely needs to target in the transfer portal!

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Sep 23, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Cameron Rising (7) warms up before a / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback

The first position that Kyle Whittingham and Co. should target in the transfer portal is QB. Cam Rising looks like he has returned to form, and Isaac Wilson absolutely dazzled in his first full speed spring game. However, Brandon Rose was subpar to say the least, which causes problems due to the fact that he is more experienced in the system and program, compared to Wilson who is still technically in high school. Bringing in an experienced QB to help sure up the QB2 spot should an untimely injury occur would help prevent a repeat of 2023 while also preserving Wilson's eligibility.

Nov 5, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Jayden de Laura (7) is tackled / Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Linebacker

In the wake of the Levani Damuni injury, the middle of the defense, while still talented, was definitely susceptible to passes across the middle in the spring game, sparking calls for the program to go fishing in the portal for another experienced middle linebacker. With the defensive line proving dominant, especially in the run game, and the secondary displaying their lockdown abilities, one more addition to the central defense could make the entire unit a nightmare matchup with minimal weaknesses barring any unforeseen injuries.

Dec 2, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes running back Micah Bernard (2) is stopped by Southern / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back

Finally, while it isn't a pressing need due to the number of players already in contention, targeting a running back could be a smart move. Micah Bernard, Jaylon Glover, and Mike Mitchell are the three big names in the running back room, yet none have impressed mightily up to this point in the offseason. Idaho transfer Anthony Woods has yet to make an appearance in a Utah uniform, so he very well may be the one back that separates himself from the pack, but until then, a precautionary get in the portal wouldn't hurt and could fuel the fire in the RB competition.