Spring Ball Preview: Utah Football’s Receiver Room
Feb 27, 2025, 2:15 PM | Updated: Feb 28, 2025, 11:52 am
Nov 29, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Utah Utes wide receiver Zacharyus Williams (89) catches a pass as UCF Knights defensive back Ladarius Tennison (13) moves in during the second half at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
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SALT LAKE CITY—With the start of spring ball just around the corner, it’s a good time to preview each position group for Utah football, which will continue with the receiver room.
These five weeks of spring camp will allow Kyle Whittingham’s staff to integrate all the newcomers into Utah football’s culture.
Utah’s receiving corps is undergoing a significant transformation heading into the 2025 season. With both returning talent and fresh faces from the transfer portal, Mich Simon will be looking to establish a dynamic group of playmakers for their new-look offense.
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Utah’s Receiving Corps
Who Left: Money Parks, Mycah Pittman, Taeshaun Lyons, Munir McClain
Who’s Back: Zacharyus Williams, Daidren Zipperer, Luca Caldarella, David Washington, Rayshawn Glover (Dorian Singer?)
Who’s New: Creed Whittemore, Ryan Davis, Otto Tia, Justin Stevenson, Mana Carvalho
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𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐚𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐧 🏃 pic.twitter.com/uCp2rbpeq3
— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) February 26, 2025
Opportunities abound for Utah football’s returning wide receivers
The Utes return three contributors from last season in Williams, Zipperer, and Caldarella. Those three seem capable of taking on bigger roles next season but will have to earn it.
Williams, in particular, showed flashes of his potential late last season and is expected to be towards the top of the rotation. He’ll need to take a big step forward in his game, but given what he showed in the final games, he seems quite capable of doing just that.
Zipperer possesses significant juice and ability to stretch the field, which addresses a prominent aspect of Beck’s passing attack. It will be important for him to prove he can be more consistent, but Zipperer fits nicely into the vertical game.
In his limited opportunities this past season, Caldarella proved to be a reliable pass catcher. He’s a veteran and could play a bigger role in the new offense.
Washington redshirted this past season but contributed to special teams. He was a strong athlete, and development in the technical aspect of his game will be key.
Glover is a jitterbug that contributed a little as a punt returner this past season. He is capable of becoming an actual receiver option in this spread attack.
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Spring ball is about finding out what the new guys bring to the table
Utah was quite active in the transfer portal in addressing the position. Utah brought in four new wideouts, each with the potential to earn significant roles this season.
At New Mexico, Davis was a reliable pass catcher for Devon Dampier last season. He hauled in 54 passes for 747 yards and three scores and will hit the ground running in the offense.
Whittemore, a dynamic athlete with a promising skill set, comes from Mississippi State and could be a great fit in Utah’s new passing attack.
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Tia broke out this past season to the tune of 434 yards and seven touchdowns at Utah State. The belief is that there is still plenty of potential to tap into.
Stevenson comes to Utah after producing 204 yards on 17 receptions as a freshman. The 6-foot-1, 189-pounder adds to the potential of the intermediate and vertical passing game.
Carvalho is the only true freshman who joined the program early. After being recruited to the defensive side, he will actually start at receiver. Carvalho is truly dynamic and seems capable of contributing in year one.
Keys for Utah’s Receivers in Spring Ball
The biggest priority this spring will be developing chemistry between this new group of receivers and Devon Dampier. How quickly the receivers can get in sync with the new signal-caller will influence the success of the Utes’ passing game this fall.
Coach Simon will need to develop this group, and help his guys take the necessary steps forward in their progression. Utah would greatly benefit from at least a few in this group leveling up their game.
Despite all the turnover, Utah’s receiving corps has an interesting makeup. Given their experience in the program, Caldarella, Zipperer, and Williams will help integrate the newcomers into the culture of Utah football. Meanwhile, with a year under Beck at New Mexico, Davis will help lead the group through the installation of the Xs and Os.
Utah’s receiver room has intriguing potential, thanks to a mix of returning youth and new additions. Spring camp will be crucial in determining how these pieces come together and which players emerge as the top targets for the Utes’ quarterbacks.
