Mark Atuaia Feeling Good About Utah, Offense, His Running Backs
Mar 27, 2025, 1:19 PM | Updated: 1:29 pm
Mark Atuaia, photo courtesy by Utah Athletics.
SALT LAKE CITY—Utah football has long hung its hat on a punishing ground game, and in 2025, Jason Beck and Mark Atuaia hope to lead a revigorated effort.
Utah’s new running back coach has a strong passion for the game. His addition was key to Utah landing one of the top backs in 2024.
Thanks to a connected history, Atuaia is optimistic about the offense and how his players will perform.
But who’s carrying the torch? Head coach Kyle Whittingham, never one to hand out starting jobs like candy, made it clear that Wayshawn Parker’s job is to lose.
“Wayshawn Parker has the inside track on the starting job, but by no means is that settled,” Whittingham said.
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ICYMI from Tuesday’s practice🗒️#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/5wNb002mvy
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) March 26, 2025
Mark Atuaia’s passion for the job is big for Utah football
The run game is getting more than a fresh coat of paint for Utah’s new-look offense under coordinator Jason Beck. To help with the change, Utah brought in a new running back coach, Mark Atuaia, who knows the blueprint well.
Atuaia worked alongside Beck during their stops at BYU and Virginia. While Beck’s offense has evolved since then, Atuaia sees all the signs pointing in the right direction.
“There are some nuances to it, he’s made a lot of changes to it for the better,” Atuaia said. “What he did at New Mexico and some at Syracuse, it’s evident he’s on the right track. It’s on me to get the running backs to do what we need them to do, and we will be good.”
He’s been a welcomed presence and has brought positive energy to the program. That passion stems from his love for football and his job.
“Truth be told, I love football,” Atuaia said. “I could’ve done a whole bunch of other things, but at the end of the day, it was football that got me excited to wake up every morning. That’s burning bright, it’s burning strong, I love what I do, and those relationships with these young men.”
Atuaia feels good about Wayshawn Parker in this offense
At the heart of that run game is Parker, who seems tailor-made for the job. After recruiting him and watching him up close last season, Atuaia knows Parker’s game as well as anyone.
“I think his skill set will match and align perfectly with what we’re doing,” Atuaia said. “One of the great things about Wayshawn, he has the ability to mesh with a lot of things. He’s a jack of all trades, he can do a lot of things. We’ll get the best out of him.”
If Tuesday’s practice session is any indication, Atuaia is going to demand the absolute best out of him, too. For as much positive energy as he’s brought to the program, he’s also brought a demanding tone to the running back room.
“I love these boys but it’s my job to coach them hard, I want them to be at their best,” he shared. “Wayshawn does a lot of good things, but so do the rest of the guys. It’s on me to get the most out of them and make sure they’re aligned with the offense.”
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Atuaia’s relationship was at the heart of Wayshawn Parker’s decision to transfer to Utah
Atuaia’s connection with Parker is quite strong. This relationship has been developed over time, dating back to Atuaia’s recruiting Parker out of high school, which led to him joining Atuaia at Washington State. That foundation proved key when Parker hit the transfer portal.
“When I got here, he became priority No. 1,” Atuaia said. “One thing that’s overlooked in this new day and age of college football are the relationships, and I relied heavily on that during our recruitment of him.”
For Parker, Atuaia is more than just a coach with a whistle. “Oh it’s like a father-son type thing,” Parker said. “I’ll go to his house and just chill with them. I got to build a bond with his children and wife, it’s just a very strong bond.”
That relationship was key to Utah landing the talented back out of the portal. “It was very big, and I was big on following him,” Parker shared. “I was just waiting on what he was going to do and I was most likely going to follow him.”
Wayshawn feels good about Utah and his goals
That family feeling is translating on the field, too, where Parker isn’t short on confidence. He’s got a veteran offensive line in front of him — headlined by Spencer Fano and a crew of returning starters — clearing the way.
“I feel wonderful,” Parker said. “I know I got Spencer, and all the returning line is great, I’m ready.”
While still just a sophomore, Parker isn’t shying away from the responsibility of being looked at as the lead back.
“It feels great to be a leader,” he said. “I know I’m only a sophomore, but it just feels great to tell everybody what’s going on and help them, and they help me out.”
And when it comes down to his style of play? Parker keeps it simple and old-school.
“I do what I do, I just let the game come to me,” Parker said. “I want to touch a thousand and make all the NFL coaches like at me like ‘Oh yeah, I want that kid’ for sure.”
Utah fans might want to hope the game comes to him often — and with an attitude. But as Whittingham reminded us, nothing’s promised until it’s earned. Parker needs to take care of business and with Atuaia in charge, there is reason to feel optimistic he’ll do just that.
