SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Football put a bow on spring with a tremendous showing in the annual spring game that saw a number of key young figures excel ahead of the 2022 season.

Expectations Never Been Higher

Prior to spring camp, Utah football fans had incredibly high expectations for their beloved Utes in 2022. By the conclusion of the spring game, many fans started to truly believe that the 2022 season could produce more success than 2021 when Utah lost to Ohio State in one of the greatest Rose Bowl games of all time.

The spring game is intended to showcase the youth and underclassmen that are yet to be granted that opportunity in a regular-season or non-conference game, while also acting as a platform for senior players to enjoy the turf of Rice Eccles Stadium in front of a handful of fans.

This year, the likes of quarterback Bryson Barnes, running back Jaylon Glover, and linebacker Lander Barton all exceeded expectations in the Spring and will inevitably play some sort of role in the fall.

𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝘾𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 ‼️‼️‼️#GoUtes | @Utah_Football pic.twitter.com/PhUkPexmiu

— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) April 25, 2022

The Brewer Experience

However, this is not the first time Utah has had incredibly high expectations ahead of a season. Last year, quarterback Charlie Brewer starred in the spring game only to lose his job two and a half games into the season.

A lot changes between spring and fall. The intensity of “real” games can alter the career path of individuals. Form, confidence, and composure can also change for reasons rarely known to the public.

The Brewer experience from a year ago must be remembered ahead of the 2022 campaign. For as good as Utah football looked in spring, there is no guarantee the spring performance will transition smoothly into the fall.

Different Year, Different Leadership

Fortunately, Utah football does have a large list of experienced veterans that have produced and can be relied upon in 2022. Led by junior quarterback Cam Rising on the offense and sophomore Clark Phillips III on the defense, Utah has plenty of stars to help guide them to unchartered waters.

Utah Coaches are hitting the road this week for evaluation period, in search for the next class of future Utes. Ute fans, players, & alumni, give me your top 3 reasons to be a Ute!
My 3:
1. Family Culture
2. Elite Development (Football & life)
3. Top Tier Education#UteReasons

— Morgan Scalley (@SafetyPride) April 25, 2022

It’s Utah’s World

Every week, former University of Utah punter Tom Hackett hosts a podcast titled It’s Utah’s World.

In the latest episode, he and Utah insider Steve Bartle shared their thoughts and opinions on the Spring Game, how the athletic department could improve the fan experience, and which young player they are most excited about in 2022. You can listen to that episode by clicking here.