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Show the job BY RYAN MILLER/Assr. SPORTS PHOTO BY BRENT W hen the Utes opened fall camp on Aug. 4, they made one thing clear — there would be a quarterback competition. That storyline dominated the three-week camp with incumbent junior signal caller Travis Wilson, who had been medically cleared for full contact after missing the final month of last season, and Oklahoma transfer Kendal Thompson duking it out to be Utah's man under center. From the first day of camp, it was Wilson with the edge. New offensive coordinator Dave Christensen brought a new wrinkle to the offense that Wilson led last year, but Christensen made it clear that a lot of things the Utes were running matched with his philosophy. That familiarity with the offense gave Wilson the advantage once camp began. "They looked real good," said senior wide receiver Dres Anderson after the first day of camp. "They're both making the right reads, doing a good job. They both know the offense pretty well, and it's going to be a fight. You can tell Travis is still in the lead running things." The battle continued, with the contenders flipping 8 THECHRONY between good and bad days. When the first scrimmage came on Aug. 12, coaches were hoping one of the two would clearly distinguish himself. That didn't happen. "I wasn't impressed by any quarterback today," said head coach Kyle Whittingham following the scrimmage. "We've got a lot of work to do. It's obvious. It's disappointing because they've been very sharp up until today. But today, in a game-like situation, we didn't respond, didn't answer the bell. Based on today's performance, we don't have a starting quarterback?' Four days later, on Aug. 16, the two got another shot to show their coaches they were deserving of the starting job. Reviews out of the second closed Ute scrimmage drew much better reviews for the ball slingers. Unlike the first scrimmage, Wilson was 'live' for the first time since doctors discovered an intracranial artery condition last November. It was a sign that not only was Wilson all the way back but also that the competition was too close to call. "You don't go live if there's a clear separation," Whittingham said. "If there's a clear separation EDITOR between one and two, then typically you're going to keep your one guy off-limits and go from there. But when it's a heated battle, you're much better and much more thorough in your evaluation if you can go live." In the game-like situation, Thompson was able to show off his running and scrambling abilities. The grad school transfer, who still has two years left of eligibility, rushed nine times for 89 yards, scoring twice. His passing numbers were more pedestrian, going 8 for 18 for 129 yards, with two TDs and one interception. Wilson, who showed no signs of fear, finished the scrimmage 11 for 22 with 145 yards and two touchdowns. "Felt like I laid everything out there today," Wilson said after the scrimmage. "Hopefully the coaches will see that, too. But either way, whatever happens, happens, and I know they'll pick the right guy to be the starter:' Two days later, Wilson was officially named starting QB. However, Thompson was informed by his coaches that he had earned the right to play and will see some snaps when the Utes take the field |
