Player to watch in Utah spring football camp

Spring football camp got underway last week for the Utes, before everyone took off for spring break. Obviously, people are going to be watching a lot, well, as much as they can with practices being mostly closed, including the quarterbacks, the new offensive system and coaching staff, as well as the rebuilding secondary. Each of those are legit areas to keep an eye on, but they’re also the easy thing to watch. Me, I want to see the next step that Raelon Singleton can take at wide receiver.

The junior-to-be receiver has all the makings of a major threat in the Pac-12. He’s 6-3 and 215 pounds, with good speed and overall reliable hands. This past season he was second on the team with 464 yards receiving, and he also had 4 touchdowns. His breakout game was against Arizona State, in Tempe, with 116 yards and 3 TDs. He did have a nice game against Cal, with almost 100 yards, and a good one against USC, but it was really that ASU game that he showed he could be that No. 1 option, at least for me.

The problem with Singleton has been his ability to stay on the field. He’s been hobbled through most of his career with various injuries, and that’s hindered him from being a major go-to guy. He showed some of those flashed in 2016, with his big frame and body positioning. It’s been no secret Utah has been missing a reliable go-to guy. Tim Patrick was mostly that guy in 2016, but injuries kept him from his full potential. Singleton has the makings to be that go-to guy. Insert Troy Taylor’s new “iPhone” offense, which is supposed to be easy to pick up and understand, and very QB friendly, which in turn would be friendly for a wide out, which should hopefully turn into more opportunities for a guy like Singleton to shine.

Year one under Guy Holliday was a solid one for the receivers, but there were still some issues at times, and I expect them to take another step in year two, being led by Singleton. Other names to watch out for are Demari Simpkins and Siaosi Wilson. Both of those guys, both really young, should help this passing game quite a bit, with the amount of experience now under their belts. Both of them also appeared to get comfortable as the season went along, especially Wilson. Coaches have raved about Wilson, a lot like Singleton, and say he could be special too. I’ve very excited to see this group grow and gel as we get through spring and into the fall.

Here are the highlights from the ASU game, which was Singleton’s breakout game, and Wilson has a great highlight too.