With the release of this weeks depth chart, Travis Wilson was named the starting quarterback for the 2014 season. In my personal opinion, this is best case scenario for Utah. There is no substitute for experience, and that's the one thing that Kendall Thompson is lacking. Thompson made the QB battle a lot closer this last week, and gave the coaches a reason to look really closely at the starting role. Especially after the lack luster performances in the first scrimmage by the offense. However, on Saturday, Wilson solidified his role with efficient passing and enough running to keep the defense honest. With that news, Utah will be among 10 other schools in the Pac-12 that return thier starting signal caller from a year ago.
While there are not many other surprises on the depth chart, here are a few positions to watch
Left defensive end - Jason Fanaika and Hunter Dimmick went back and forth throughout camp and are currently listed as co-starters.
Nose tackle- Sese Ianu, Clint Shepard and Lowell Lotulelei are in a heated three-way tie.
Line backer- After being moved positions only a week ago, Pita Taumoepenu is challenging Uaea Masina for that starting job, especially since Masina has been hobbled the last week or so of camp.
Running back - Bubba Poole has remained the starter, however, this offense will benefit greatly from the added skillset of Devontae Booker. Poole is your elusive scat back, while Booker is more well rounded. Mixed in Troy McCormick and you have quote the trio of running backs.
The Hydra - Dres Anderson (X), Kenneth Scott (H) and new comer Tim Patrick (Z) are listed as the starting receivers. The mix of speed, hands, and size are going to give defenses tons of trouble this season. There also appears to be developing depth with Kaelin Clay and Delshawn McClellon just behind the first team wideouts.
Punt returner - Kaelin Clay is much too dangerous to sit. So as of right now, he is listed as co-starter with Bubba Poole on punt return. Clay is one of the fastest players on the team, and is flat out dangerous in the open field.
With that said, the biggest battle is settled at quarterback, and now the Utes start to shift into game prep mode, as they prepare for the Idaho State Bengals. It all kicks off in 10-days at Rice-Eccles Stadium in the 'Stripe The Stadium' game.