Talking Holy War: Inside the rivalry with former Utah receiver Demari Simpkins

Four Holy Wars. Four wins. Demari Simpkins knows what it takes to beat BYU.

The former Utah wide receiver joins Steve Bartle on Utah Blockcast to revisit his undefeated rivalry résumé, the atmosphere at Rice-Eccles Stadium, and Utah’s unforgettable 2018 comeback from a 27–7 deficit. Demari shares what happened at halftime, how the players regrouped, and why composure matters when the rivalry gets heated.

We also discuss what stands out about Kevin McGiven’s offense, Devon Dampier’s development, and the similarities Demari sees to Tyler Huntley’s growth at Utah. From receiver confidence to blocking and preparation, he explains the details that help an offense succeed.

Plus, his journey from South Florida to Utah alongside Huntley and Zack Moss, firsthand stories about Morgan Scalley’s demanding standards, and why reconnecting former players with the program matters.

Demari closes with his message to the Utes before Saturday’s Holy War.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Catching up with Demari Simpkins
01:44 What stands out about this Utah team
05:43 Devon Dampier’s growth and the Tyler Huntley comparison
08:03 From South Florida to Utah
10:39 Career memories and an undefeated Holy War résumé
13:00 Inside Utah’s 2018 comeback
16:39 Confidence, blocking, and the receiver mentality
18:47 Morgan Scalley’s attention to detail
20:40 Huntley, Moss, and Simpkins’ connection to Utah
22:49 Bringing former players back to the program
25:06 Demari’s message to the Utes

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