Two For Two: Utah Football’s Daniel Bray, Justin Stevenson
Apr 3, 2025, 12:01 PM | Updated: 1:58 pm
Utah football's Daniel Bray and Justin Stevenson talk spring ball and what led to them coming to Utah. PHOTO by Steve Bartle, KSL Sports
SALT LAKE CITY—On Tuesday, Kyle Whittingham and Utah football welcomed the media back to spring ball practice. Today, provided an opportunity to talk with two new faces: Daniel Bray and Justin Stevenson.
These next three weeks of spring camp will allow Kyle Whittingham’s staff to integrate all the newcomers into Utah football’s culture.
The roster includes many new players, so there is much to learn about this year’s squad.
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After flipping his commitment, Daniel Bray is loving it at Utah
“Man, great, it’s amazing, I’m happy to finally be here, I’m loving it,” Bray said of his move to Utah. “First coming in, it was pretty difficult getting used to the altitude, but now, I’m used to and ready to work.”
Bray was committed to SMU but Utah made a very strong push late in the process to flip him. He detailed what went into that decision and credited the fanbase as a big reason for it.
“Utah just kept talking to me, being hard on me, and trying to get me, showing me love,” Bray said of his decision to flip to Utah. “The fanbase showing me love, it’s a great fanbase, and great everything here.”
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Jason Beck’s offense suits Bray’s game quite well
“I feel like it’s a great offense for me and the running backs,” Bray said. “It’s a very fast-paced offense, it’s a spread offense, so you can put us at receiver, in the backfield, whatever to do what we need to do.”
Bray was a dynamic running back for North Crowley High School. He finished his career with 2,674 rushing yards and 43 rushing touchdowns. Bray also competed in track, where he notched a personal best of 10.38 seconds in the 100 meter.
That production and speed are exciting, but Bray knows he’s got to develop physically and mentally to really begin to his stride at this level.
“Getting stronger, faster, and putting weight, of course,” Bray said. “Just learn and become more capable of slowing the game down when I’m running the ball.”
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Justin Stevenson is enjoying the family culture in Utah football
“It’s been going good, we’re working hard, trying to figure out who we are offensively, it’s been fun,” wide receiver Justin Stevenson said of spring ball.
Stevenson transferred to Utah from Wyoming during the winter portal window. He gained considerable interest following his freshman campaign, in which he amassed 17 receptions for 204 yards and three touchdowns.
After taking an official visit to Utah at the beginning of January, Stevenson felt quite comfortable with the program and committed shortly after.
“Coaching-wise, coach Simon and coach Beck were definitely big reasons why I committed to this,” Stevenson said in his decision to transfer to Utah. “Then Dev (Dampier) and the team, it’s really like a family here. I didn’t really have that at my last school; it’s love, that’s really the reason why I came here.”
Stevenson continued on about that family atmosphere and how important it is to him and the receiver room overall.
“The relationship with me and Dev is pretty cool; we work hard, but we’re chillin’, kicking it together after practice,” Stevenson said. “That receiver room is family, and it means a lot, we push each other, and it makes everyone better in the room.”
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Showcasing more of his game is a big focus for Stevenson
“I feel like I haven’t been able to showcase my full ability, but this offense, we throw the ball up a lot, so it’s more opportunities to showcase my talents,” Stevenson said.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder was a big vertical threat in the Cowboys offense. However, Stevenson wants to round out his game and become a more impactful receiver.
“I feel like I bring the vertical threat, but I also want to be more of a well-rounded receiver, be more in the offense, and showcase more of my talent,” he shared.
Stevenson’s development this spring will be both interesting and important. He has the potential to become a consistent producer, it’s all about gaining comfort and confidence in the new offense.
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