After a 2012 season that could only accurately be described as rough, the Utes are looking at the 2013 campaign with optimism, although there are many questions that need to be answered.
“Last year hurt and we don’t want to go through that again,” said junior free safety Eric Rowe of Utah’s 5-7 record, which was its first losing season since 2002. “We don’t feel pressure. Our mentality is, we know that we’re going to a bowl game next year. We’re not going to sit out December because we all know how that felt.”
While Rowe is confident the Utes will go bowling, he is the only player returning to the Utah secondary from last year’s squad after Brian Blechen was moved from safety to linebacker. That leaves the Utes with four voids to fill in the defensive backfield. Tyron Morris-Edwards and Charles Henderson have emerged as options at strong safety to work in tandem with Rowe. Filling the two open cornerback spots will be Keith McGill, who missed most of the last two seasons with injuries, and redshirt freshman Justin Thomas.
More holes need to be filled on the defensive line as well after three former Utes went to the NFL, though some comfort may be found in the fact that Utah perpetually generates NFL caliber linemen. This season will be an opportunity for senior Tenny Palepoi to step out of Dave Kruger’s shadow and prove himself while returned missionary walk-on Stevie Tu’ikolovatu was a “pleasant surprise” for head coach Kyle Whittingham at spring camp.
The questions don’t end on the defensive side of the ball. Sophomore quarterback Travis Wilson said he is confident in the 2013 squad as well, but even the depth chart at his position has yet to be solidified. His fellow sophomore Adam Schulz emerged as an option at starting quarterback during spring camp and Utah brought in an arsenal of freshman gunslingers. Despite the competition, Wilson has continued to work on his game both mentally and physically. He’s put some extra meat on his bones, adding 10 pounds to his frame in preparation for his sophomore campaign.
“I’m making sure that I’m eating the right way … and just kind of knowing that I need to put on a little bit more weight so I can function a little better and just being able to take hits and just be bigger out on the field too,” Wilson said. “I feel perfectly healthy and I’m definitely ready for next season.”
Wilson is preparing for 2013 as the prospective starter and said he is looking forward to connecting with some of the new additions at the wideout position. Most notably, Wilson said he is excited about junior college transfer Andre Lewis as a new target.
While wide receiver could be a strength for the Utes, the questions return at running back. Utah lost one of the best backs in school history as John White now plays in the Canadian Football League. The Utes plan to utilize a four-part unit to replace White. Senior Kelvin York is looking to get the lion’s share of carries while James Poole, Lucky Radley and Karl Williams will also see plenty of action.
“All four played well in spring and it may end up being a running back by committee situation, with Kelvin having the edge,” Whittingham said in a press release.
Overall, 2013 will be a season full of question marks with new players poised to prove themselves in starting roles. Despite the uncertainty, the Utes are confident they can achieve a better outcome than their 2012 performance.