Tyler Huntley

Fall camp is upon us. With players reporting next week, Utah football is eager to kick off the new season and begin a run at a potential Pac-12 championship. With a deep, talented and experienced roster, expectations are high for Kyle Whittingham’s Utes - and fall camp will set the tone for what this team can accomplish. This week, UteZone takes a closer look at each of the key position battles heading into camp. We begin with the quarterbacks.

THE INCUMBENT

Tyler Huntley - Senior

This will be Huntley’s third season entering the year as Utah’s starter. Unfortunately, Huntley has struggled with injuries both years he’s been the top dog. Last year he posted career highs in completion percentage, touchdown to interception ratio, and rating before going down for the season with a broken collarbone. This year his top task will be to stay healthy and prove he can last an entire season taking the pounding that opposing defenses will throw at him. He had a strong spring and showed that he should be able to pick up on Andy Ludwig’s new offensive scheme - a scheme that will likely be designed to utilize his versatility while keeping him out of harm’s way. When he’s healthy and on, Huntley is one of the most dynamic passers in the Pac-12. Utah will need him to be just that if they want a true shot at the conference crown.

THE CHALLENGERS

Jason Shelley - Redshirt Sophomore

Shelley started five games a season ago after Huntley went down, leading the Utes to big wins down the stretch against Oregon, Colorado and BYU before falling to Washington in the Pac-12 title game and Northwestern in the Holiday Bowl. Shelley is Utah’s best and dynamic runner at the quarterback position and brings an added dimension to the run game that the others aren’t capable of. However, he doesn’t quite have the arm strength nor accuracy as Huntley, which has kept him in the number two position the past two seasons. That said, coaches expect Shelley to prepare to be the starter. And given Huntley’s injury history, that’s not an unreasonable expectation. He’ll get his reps in camp and get ready to be “the man.” But he won’t start against BYU unless Huntley is hurt.

Drew Lisk - Junior

Lisk is often the forgotten man amongst the quarterbacks. A former walk on that was awarded a scholarship last season, Lisk has two career game appearances but has yet to attempt a pass. That said, he’s a strong leader and well-liked locker room presence. He also had a pretty solid spring. It’s unlikely that Utah will call upon Lisk’s services this season, but he’ll be prepared if the time comes where his number is called. Look for him to remain at the number three spot after camp.

WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR

Cameron Rising - Redshirt Freshman

Former four star quarterback Rising made a big slash when he transferred into the Utah football program this spring. Rising applied for a waiver to be eligible to play right away, but the waiver was denied by the powers that be in the NCAA. Although Rising showed some promise in spring camp, Ute fans will need to wait another year before they get the chance to see Rising play. He’ll be on the scout team this season.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Barring something unforeseen, Huntley will enter the season the starter and be geared up to face BYU in Provo. Shelley will be ready to spell him if something does happen, but given what Huntley showed in the spring and the fact that this is his final season to prove what he's capable of, we expect to see big things out of the senior. If he's able to deliver, this team can go far.

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