Utah’s Upcoming Scrimmage Will Be Key In Finalizing Fall Camp Battles
Aug 14, 2025, 12:54 PM | Updated: 3:06 pm
Utah football fall camp in Salt Lake City, UT on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Anna Fuder/Utah Athletics
SALT LAKE CITY—Kyle Whittingham and the Utes are now nearing their second camp scrimmage. Utah gained clarity at a number of positions, but this weekend’s action will be vital to determining depth chart situations.
The season opener looms large, and Whittingham’s squad knows it needs to be ready to hit the ground running. The coaching staff is beginning to narrow the rotation at several positions, while still leaving room for late risers to make their move.
Utah’s heated cornerback battle
The open starting cornerback spot has been one of the camp’s most talked-about battles. Blake Cotton and Donovan Saunders are the top two vying for the role, each bringing size, length, and athleticism. Cotton arrives with three years of experience at UC Davis; Saunders has experience at Cal Poly, but did not play much last season at Texas A&M.
It’s been a competitive, tight race going back to spring ball. Utah will likely feature a rotation in the secondary this season, like they have in recent seasons. Whittingham stated Monday that Cotton is starting to separate himself in this race.
However, maybe more importantly, the development of Jeremiah Caldwell and the quick acclimation of JC Hart.
These two must continue working, as history shows that unexpected contributors can quickly rise to prominence. Last season, Kenan Johnson was supposed to be the guy opposite of Zemaiah Vaughn, but an unfortunately devastating injury in the season opener forced Scooby Davis and Cameron Calhoun to step up.
Along the defensive front, things are very competitive
At defensive end, one starting spot remains up for grabs alongside Logan Fano. It’s seemingly been Kash Dillon, Lance Holtzclaw, and John Henry Daley in a very competitive battle through the first two weeks.
Whittingham shared that Henry Daley was considered the leader coming out of spring ball. By all accounts, Dillon has had a great offseason, while Holtzclaw came into camp with added size, which should help round out his game.
Given the depth, Utah is expected to use a rotation, keeping several players relevant all season. Speed, technique, and early camp performance are key, but stopping the run consistently will determine who ultimately secures the role.
Along the interior of the defensive front, Whittingham raved about the five freshmen defensive tackles. And Utah will need at least a couple of young guys to emerge as contributors.
“We think those guys have a ton of upside,” Whittingham shared. “Pupu Sepulona is really doing a great job. The Karson Kaufisi kid is doing a great job. They’re all doing things well, and we think we’re going to have some real superstars emerge from that group.”
The freshmen will most likely solidify the depth behind the veterans in the room. However, with how Kaufusi has performed since joining the program in January, he could potentially earn a bigger role.
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Utah’s running back room: A new 1-2 punch, needs a 3rd
Utah’s running back room is entirely new, and early indicators show a promising top duo. Wayshawn Parker and NaQuari Rogers are the leading candidates, both adept inside runners who can also get outside when needed. Whittingham sees them as somewhat interchangeable, but Parker appears slightly ahead as the lead back.
The question mark belongs to the guys behind these two, as the RB3 spot remains unsettled. Vying for the role and the opportunities are Bryce Duke, Devin Green, Daniel Bray, and Raycine Guillory.
Regardless of who emerges, the answer will shape the depth and versatility of Utah’s rushing attack.
Utah’s wide receiver room is seven strong
Whittingham confirmed, “That group is coming along; we feel like we’ve identified the top seven or eight guys we’re going to sink all the reps into the rest of the way.”
The wide receiver room is large, but only a select group is slated to receive the bulk of reps. Top candidates include Tobias Merriweather, Creed Whittemore, Larry Simmons, Ryan Davis, and Daidren Zipperer.
Where Luca Caldarella, Justin Stevenson, Rayshawn Glover, Mana Carvalho, or Bryson Baker fit in will likely be determined this weekend.
Though the run game is expected to set the tone, these receivers and the passing game have to be viable to sustain the rushing attack over 12 games. If Utah can identify the difference-makers in the passing game, especially in situational football, that will go a long way for the throw game.
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Backup Quarterback Battle: More Than Just Insurance
Dampier is Utah’s starter, but the QB2 battle between Isaac Wilson and Jamari Ficklin carries real stakes. Beyond serving as insurance, the backup quarterback influences packages, red-zone options, and how the offense flows.
Coaches are watching decision-making, poise, mobility, and leadership to see who can step up when needed. Whittingham previously stated that Wilson was off to a good start in camp, but the continued competition is noteworthy.
With the season opener fast approaching, the Utes are not where they need to be, but they’re getting closer every day.
