Quarterback battle looms during spring ball

Enjoy the next month, since once spring ball ends, Utah football goes on hiatus for quite a few months. It won't be an enjoyable time, especially with no true sport to get us through the grueling hot summers, so soak this up while you can. 

The biggest question entering spring is that of quarterback for the upcoming season. Brian Johnson, owning the most wins for a quarterback in school history, finished out his senior year in style and will prove to be difficult to replace. However, it's not like Utah won't have a list to choose from. 

In today's Deseret News, they discussed the impending battle between Utah's four candidates.

Corbin Louks:

Louks appeared in nine games last season, rushing for 218 yards with three touchdowns on 27 carries and completing four passes for 104 yards.

The limited action, he added, isn't a problem.

"I wouldn't say it was tough because we had a dream season. We were very blessed — going 13-0 and winning the Sugar Bowl — so I was very excited about that," Louks said. "It would have been nice to see some more time. Yeah, it would have been nice. But I can't complain. Brian is a great quarterback. He had an amazing season. So I can't complain about anything."

As Johnson's understudy, Louks learned a thing or two.

"Definitely. You always learn from the guys who are above you," Louks explained. "He taught me how to study film and really prepare for a game."

Terrance Cain:

"You've got to go in there with the mindset that you're going to play," said Cain, a record-setting quarterback from Blinn College in Texas. "Each one of these guys is going in with the mindset to compete and try to get the job."

Cain's focus is on the present, not the past or the future.

"I just came here to work hard and try to earn my spot," he said. These are very great players. Everybody, all the quarterbacks, have very, very good talent. So it's going to be a real competition."

The fact that the NJCAA Offensive Player of the Year passed for 3,138 yards and 29 touchdowns last season is irrelevant.

"I leave all that behind. I'm at the next level," Cain said. "So I'm just going to worry about the next step I just made."

Cain is excited to be around players who know what it takes to win at Utah's level.

"It's a good opportunity," he said. "They can help me out along the way and show me what it takes."

 

Devonte Christopher:

Christopher, who was the Nevada High School Player of the Year in 2007, observed the Utes' success first-hand as a redshirt. Though his season on the sidelines was rough, he acknowledged it was beneficial in terms of body development and mental toughness.

"Redshirting was definitely a good thing for me," Christopher said. "I just can't wait to get on the field, though."

Although the coaching staff flirted with the idea of making him a wide receiver last season, Christopher has remained a signal caller.

 

"Devonte has got a lot of ability. He's very raw still but very talented," Whittingham said. "It's just a matter of him continuing to refine his game at the quarterback position."

Christopher acknowledges his athleticism sometimes outshines his play at quarterback. As such, he has worked real hard in the offseason to improve.

 

Jordan Wynn:

Wynn, the only true freshman in the mix, is busy trying to add bulk to his 175-pound frame and learn the system. The California prep star graduated early after passing for 3,336 yards and 32 touchdowns last fall.

He did so in order to compete.

"It just brings out the best in everyone," Wynn said. "... All four of us are great friends. We talk a lot and everything. We are just going to go out and have fun."

Having all of the candidates in camp, Whittingham emphasized, is the biggest thing the Utes having going for them. It'll make things much easier to sort out. And it'll be fun to watch.

"Absolutely. My mind is just focused on things I've got to do," Christopher said. "I just feel like if I do the things I've got to do, then that potentially will help me become a better quarterback for my team. It's the little things with me."

via deseretnews.com

The quarterback battle will prove to be the most interesting of spring and fall practice, especially since I doubt it will be wrapped up in a month. Right now, Corbin Louks appears to be the front runner, but anything can happen once the jockeying begins. 

Regardless of who wins the starting role, replacing Johnson won't be easy. Just ask him, since he had to replace a similarly successful quarterback back in 2005. The results weren't terrible on the field (a 5-5 overall record), but I'm guessing the coaches hope for an easier transition. 

Who do you want under center when August rolls around?