So, like, Utah’s spring football is in the home stretch. We’re chatting about coaches not just eyeballing the current squad but also what’s going on with this transfer portal deal coming up. Seems like a big switching game for players and teams before kickoff this fall. Picture this: NFL draft vibes, only it’s college and less, I dunno, polished?
A couple of these guys, defensive players Quimari Shemwell and Sammie Hunter, tossed their hats into the portal ring. Basically, Shemwell was busy on special teams last season, and Hunter, not so much. With other dudes like Smith Snowden and Scooby Davis hustling for playtime, maybe they figured looking elsewhere is the chance they need. Never too many snaps to go around, hey?
Coach Whittingham, who’s at the helm there in Utah, doesn’t seem too flipped out about losing players to the portal. He’s pretty chill about it, kinda like, “Eh, happens if it happens.” And he seems to suggest that those intending to jump ship usually don’t wait till the last minute, might as well enjoy the spring trees in bloom from the sidelines, right? Or maybe not, who knows?
Most of the shiny players don’t show up in the spring portal, probably since there’s hardly time to get comfy before fall camp’s in full swing again. Except, yeah, some big names like Tennessee’s QB Nico Iamaleava, holding out for a sweet NIL deal. Also, Cal’s Jaydn Ott made some moves to Oklahoma for greener pastures, but that’s not the usual story. Mostly it’s teams like Utah looking to add some squad depth bits and pieces — like the last items on a grocery list you forgot to check off.
Looking forward, Whittingham’s rounding up some essential shopping. If a wide receiver or running back passes by, particularly of the XL stock, they’re probably on his wish list. Defensive tackles and more cornerbacks too, thanks to Shemwell and Hunter’s farewell tour.
On offense? Wide receivers are working it. And then there’s the RB spot. Wayshawn Parker seems to be wearing that RB1 label with pride, flanked by NaQuari Rogers and Daniel Bray, while the coach’s keen eye is out for a beefy back to slot in there. Defense still screeches for a veteran tackle to boost the chances, and let’s not forget those cornerbacks.
Quarterback chatter, that’s where it gets shaky. Dampier’s their guy right now, but Whittingham’s doing a cautious waltz around the idea of backup QBs and if they need more, it’s a peek into the portal. With Wyatt Becker exiting the scene, eyes are on Isaac Wilson and Byrd Flicklin behind Devon Dampier. They’ve been grinding it out on the field and, knowing coach, there’s progress being noted all round.
So, keep watching — some fancy footwork could happen. But spring’s winding down fast and who’s finding a new home before Friday’s buzzer? Well, isn’t that the plot of the moment. Fingers crossed (or not) depending on your fleece color!
