Cam Rising At Quarterback, Jason Shelley At Safety Are Possibilities Against Longhorns

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – I know, the Alamo Bowl is certainly not what Utah fans were hoping for prior to the season starting. I understand.

However, whether we like it or not, the Utes are heading to San Antonio the night of Christmas in preparation to face the Texas Longhorns on New Year’s Eve.

Despite being let down following the Pac-12 Championship game, Utah fans still have plenty to look forward to come December 31.

One More Game For Utah Legends

There are a handful of seniors on this Utah team that will play for, hopefully, a very long time in the NFL. Players that will go down in Utah Football history as some of the best to ever don the Utah uniform will play in one last dance for the Utah faithful.

“I just wanted to play with my guys. It’s one reason I came back, was to play with these guys again and I definitely want us to go ahead and finish it off. The guys love this team, love the program, love the coaching, so why not give everyone just one more.” Utah running back Zack Moss said in a statement.

One more chance to see the 🐐 RB play for @Utah_Football: https://t.co/lbhasyr8Xq#goutes #Pac12FB pic.twitter.com/hCCum85s8M

— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) December 19, 2019

I do not necessarily understand why Zack Moss, Leki Fotu and Bradlee Anae decided to participate in this game, although I am not complaining about it. It just doesn’t make sense from a business perspective. The risk, which is getting injured and having your draft stock plummet, versus the reward, an Alamo Bowl win does do not add up, in my opinion.

Regardless, the decisions have been made and the players listed above will go a long way in Utah’s ambitions to beat the Longhorns.

Cam Rising Sighting?

There is a chance, depending on what happens throughout the game, that we see Cam Rising under center for the Utes.

"From his arm strength to his accuracy, @crising7 has the Utah coaches licking their lips at the thought of him being at the helm next season." – @TomCantHackett https://t.co/loTAuxG9Sq

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 25, 2019

Rising, who transferred from the University of Texas following the 2018 season, has endured a redshirt season as the starting scout team quarterback. However, the redshirt freshman will hope to see the field for the first time in his young collegiate career.

After speaking with a player on the team, who I shall not name, I was told that Cam Rising is a gifted player who has all of the attributes to succeed at the college level. The ball flies out of his hand with precision and power, his 6-1, 223-pound frame is broad enough to take some shots but also agile enough to make plays outside of the pocket.

Following the Alamo Bowl, the talk of the town will be the quarterback competition between him and the new transfer Jake Bentley.

Jason Shelley In The Secondary

I know the news regarding quarterback moving to the secondary is exciting, but do not expect to see number 15 on the defense come December 31. Much like any position change, time will be required for Shelley to adjust to a different position.

Another Utah offensive player potentially moving to the defensive side of the ball. #GoUtes https://t.co/QuGxpLXBf3

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 20, 2019

Regardless, I do believe that Shelley could make an impact in 2020. The young, athletic player from Frisco, Texas has shown his athleticism over his limited reps at quarterback.

My big question will be how does he adjust to delivering hits. Does he have the ability to lower his shoulder and deliver a shot? Only time will tell.