Utah Utes Spring Game Preview: Three Things to Look Out For

The 22 Forever Spring game is close, here are three important storylines to look out for as the Utes take the field to end their spring practice session

Christopher Creveling-USA TODAY Sports

Although it feels like it started yesterday, Utah football’s 2024 spring camp is soon coming to a close. 

On Saturday, April 13th, the Utes will put a bow on their spring activities and compete in the annual 22 Forever Game, a scrimmage that will allow fans to get an early look at the team’s roster ahead of the 2024 season. 

Besides giving fans a taste of Utah’s ability ahead of the new season, the spring game will also answer a plethora of questions concerning off-season storylines. 

Here are three storylines to look out for ahead of the annual red vs. white matchup: 

QB2 Battle 

Oct 27, 2022; Pullman, Washington, USA; A row of Utah Utes helmets sit before a game against the / James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

The minute Utah signed 2024 four-star quarterback Isaac Wilson, questions surrounding the state of the team’s backup quarterback have dominated team activities. 

While Wilson is the Utes’ newest quarterback, Brandon Rose has waited patiently for his shot. Rose, a former three-star recruit, seemed to be a lock for the backup position after the departures of Bryson Barnes and Nate Johnson.

Nevertheless, Kyle Whittingham’s hesitancy to play Rose in the Utes’ 2023 season finale against Northwestern worried some insiders. 

"He is just not ready to do that yet," said Whittingham after the Las Vegas Bowl per Josh Furlong. "He's just not grasping the offense and decision-making. He's still in his learning stage — his learning stage. He's got a lot of things going for him — he's got a big arm and he moves around pretty good — so it's not indicative of where he could be at some point in time, but he's just not ready to be thrust in there right now."

Despite Whittingham’s comments on Rose’s ability in December, the third-year quarterback from California has seemingly got himself back in the mix. 

“It’s a dead heat, I would say as dead a heat as it could be right now,” Whittingham said of Rose and Wilson after a recent spring practice. “But they’re both getting better. That’s the key. They’re both moving forward and we feel good about both of them. I’m pretty sure that this competition will carry into fall camp and so don’t expect to have anybody named after spring ball unless there’s a great disparity in these last five practices.” 

Saturday’s spring scrimmage should give a good indication of where the backup quarterbacks currently stand. 

Brandon Rose might have the edge thanks to his impressive arm talent and knowledge of the team’s playbook, but Wilson’s development seems to be coming along fast. If the true freshman keeps at his current pace, he could have a real chance at capturing Utah’s leading backup position behind Cam Rising. 

New WR Corps 

Dec 27, 2023; San Diego, CA, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Dorian Singer (15) runs the ball after a / Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Utah’s wide receiver room might be the most new-looking group on the team. 

A combination of newcomers, previously injured players, and young breakout candidates have taken over the room, lighting up the field during the spring practice session. 

New faces like Taeshaun Lyons and Dorian Singer have headlined the new-look group this spring. The pair of transfers looked like a breath of fresh air on the field, and have reportedly been forming a strong connection with Rising. 

Additionally previously injured players like Mycah Pittman have been making a lasting impression. Pittman missed nearly all of the 2023 season after a concussion in week two against Baylor. 

Back on the field, sporting a yellow non-contact jersey for most of the spring, the two-time transfer looked electric. Pittman, who is entering his sixth collegiate season, caught nearly every ball thrown his way and had some of the sharpest routes on the team. 

Daidren Zipperer is a receiver to look out for in this year’s spring game. A redshirt freshman from Lakeland HS in Florida, “Zip” has been one of the most notable breakouts of Utah’s camp. 

Whittingham, offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, and many other coaches on the Utah staff have gone out of their way to praise Zip’s ability. Similar to former Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith in stature, Zip could benefit from adding some weight, but regardless, possesses the shiftiness and burst to burn nearly any corner that dares to press him. 

These ‘new’ faces, combined with the Utes’ returning list of wideouts, headlined by Money Parks, Luca Caldarella, and Munir McClain, should be more than exciting to watch during the spring scrimmage. 

Revamped Secondary 

Sep 23, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal safety Alaka'i Gilman (33) Stanford / John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

Another group to look out for is the Utes’ secondary. Challenging the wide receiver room for ‘most changed’ since last season, Utah added multiple defensive backs in the offseason. 

As far as corners are concerned, Georgia Tech’s Kenan Johnson and Michigan transfer Cameron Calhoun highlight the list of newcomers. Both have slotted in nicely alongside returning starter Zemaiah Vaughn and seem in line for their starting positions come August. 

Johnson was one of Georgia Tech’s highest-rated defenders in 2023. In eight games with the Yellowjackets, he earned 29 tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles, and four pass deflections. 

Calhoun only played one game at corner for Michigan in 2023. A freshman entering his second collegiate season with Utah, the 6-foot corner has flexed impressive ability this spring. After a strong first month working with the Utah defensive staff, including one of the best cornerback coaches in the nation in Sharrieff Shah, Calhoun should impress at the spring game. 

Moving to safeties, Utah has several players competing for starting roles. 

Tao Johnson has emerged as a standout this spring. The former nickel corner was moved to free safety by Utah’s staff and has taken advantage of the switch. Coined as one of the fastest players on the team, with impressive ball skills thanks to a former stint at wideout, Johnson is thrilling to watch in the back line of defense. 

Aside from Johnson, Johnathan Hall, Alaka’i Gilman, Briton Allen, Jelani Davis, and Nate Ritchie have all been getting safety reps during practice. Hall, Gilman, and Davis seem to be the team’s preferred candidates for strong safety, while Ritchie and Allen have gotten snaps at free safety alongside Johnson. 

The spring game should give clarity to how the Utes plan to utilize this deep room.