Utah Running Backs Coach Expects Group To Be ‘Best In The Country’

SALT LAKE CITY – New University of Utah running backs coach Quinton Ganther didn’t mince words when asked what his message is to Ute tailbacks, “We wanna be the best in the country.”

Ganther spoke with Alex Kirry and Scott Mitchell of UnRivaled on Friday afternoon, January 28

Ganther talked about his gratitude for the opportunity”This is the job I’ve always wanted, but it hasn’t hit me just yet.” He then went on to detail a recruiting schedule that has included time in California, Texas and Florida already.

New Utah RB coach Quinton Ganther has big plans for his position group.#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/RHm6tbtNJY

— Unrivaled w/Alex Kirry & Scott Mitchell (@KSLunrivaled) January 29, 2022

For a running back room that will include returners Tavion Thomas (1st-Team All-Pac-12, 1,108 yards rushing) and Micah Bernard (774 total yards, four touchdowns), ‘best in the country’ status doesn’t seem out of the question.

Planning to rely on his coaching and playing day experience, Ganther says the message will be clear, “I know what it’s like to play at the next level, and I want to set the bar to that where we are the best in the country.” Ganther, a former Ute himself continued, “That means as a group, as a whole…if one man goes down, we don’t skip a beat. That next man up mentality.”

When asked about Utah’s running back depth and ability to compete, he said, “With it being such a good group, I think these guys are willing to accept the challenge and do it. We’re all trying to get on the field and there’s only one football. You gotta bring your best every day.”

Before joining the Utah coaching staff, Ganther spent last season as an offensive quality control coach under Urban Meyer in a tumultuous season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Prior to his time in Jacksonville, Ganther worked as the running backs coach at Weber State University from 2013 to 2020.

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