So Johnson might start against Florida

[ProudUte]

This article indicates that Whitt says that Barnes and Johnson are now neck and neck. Whitt also say that the offensive line starters have been named but he isn’t saying who.

The article suggests that we will not know who the starter is until the offense trots onto the field next Thursday. It may be one of three guys.

[Larry B]

Knowing Whitt, I’m going to go ahead and say this is him trying to keep Florida guessing. I’d be pretty shocked if Johnson starts. It’s either going to be Rising or Barnes IMO. Johnson has a high ceiling, but let’s not forget how he looked in the spring game against our 2’s and 3’s.

[EagleMountainUte]

Johnson was still recovering then. Let’s not forget that either.

[ProudUte]

I tend to agree with you that Whitt is playing games like he always does. However, I do believe that Johnson is improving and the coaches are impressed. I suspect if Rising doesn’t go – Barnes will be the guy. However, If Rising does go, I would not be surprised that Johnson becomes QB2 as the season progresses. I have no inside information, but we do need to plan for the future and it is not Barnes IMO.

[UtesRock]

This is good news. Basically we have two Quarterbacks who could step in and play. Keep the gators guessing.

[chinngiskhaan]

Or we don’t, and Whitt is just playing games. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t already know who will be starting.

[Tony (admin)]

I’m sure he already knows.

[belli1976]

I heard that Alex Smith was granted a COVID year of eligibility.

[Larry B]

That’s huge if true.

[The Miami Ute]

Hope Alex brings his cane.

[22Ute22]

I’m skeptical, given that we haven’t actually seen anything from camp. Don’t get me wrong, I hope Johnson plays if Cam isn’t playing, but I could see Whitt just making Napier and Co prepare for a potential rush threat like AR was. We do know that at the very least, Johnson will play, we just don’t know how much. I hope his play package is at least 10 plays though.

[Anfernee]

It’s an overused cliche but also true. Next man up. It’s an opportunity. Shyne got hurt and Moss happened. Manny Bowen suddenly retires before even playing a down for us and 2 years later Lloyd is an all american, playing in the Rose Bowl and first round draft pick.

[Dallas]

Has that ever been the case for a QB at Utah? It seems our guys need a lot of time to develop.

[Anfernee]

Probably not but I’m a hopeless romantic.

[ALUF]

Cam rising I would classify as that type of situation. Brewer was labeled the guy until a good way into the sdsu game and then rising came in and the team changed

[Central Coast Ute]

What was the situation for Alex Smith? I don’t remember but was he not QB2 to start the season?

[ProudUte]

His second year he was QB2 for Meyer. Elliot broke his wrist on the last offensive play of the TAMU game. Smith started the next week. When Elliot was healthy again, Smith remained the starter. Eliiot transferred out before the next season.

[Central Coast Ute]

There’s the answer then. Yes, it has happened at QB at Utah before.

[123punt]

I would fully expect Barnes to start, them to pound the run, hope the defense can contain, then possibly insert Johnson in if we’re sluggish/behind/needing a spark, maybe in the 2nd half.

Tagging onto what @Dallas mentioned… it’s interesting how much more difficult it seems for our offensive recruits to earn playing time, in comparison with the defense. I don’t buy that it’s because of scheme complexity. Seems like a culture thing.

[ProudUte]

Many offensive players have started or played significantly as a Freshman. In recent years look at Covey, Moss, and Simkins.

[2008 National Champ]

3 since 2015 isn’t exactly a trend 😉

[ironman1315]

Kuithe fotheringham dixon are three more. And that doesn’t account for linemen which cover almost half the positions out there on offense.

[Tony (admin)]

Did you say insert Johnson if we’re behind?

[123punt]

Haha! 😅 That’s RGIII level commentary.

[RustyShackleford]

Do you remember Thompson coming in for Travis Wilson against Oregon St I think? Could be a similar situation.

[Central Coast Ute]

It was UCLA but yes.

[D T]

I feel strongly our D will ultimately decide this game….I believe it’ll work out in our favor.

[Dallas]

Just like the good ol’ days when our D and special teams would outscore our offense.