SALT LAKE CITY- The offseason leading up to the 2022 football season has been a good one for the Utes, and particularly great for quarterback Cam Rising and cornerback Clark Phillips III. Senior Draft Analyst Joe Marino for the Draft Network had nothing but great things to say about the Utah players in Tweets released by the network on Monday. Both Rising and Phillips III are expected to have big seasons in 2022, with the potential to become some of the 2023 Draft’s hottest commodities with a good year.

Joe Marino’s Analysis On Cam Rising

Marino called Rising an “instinctive and tough quarterback” in his latest scouting report. Rising was also credited by Marino as “being able to work through his progressions and capable of scanning the entire field”.

Utah QB Cameron Rising has showcased good accuracy, touch and solid decision-making, and @TheJoeMarino appreciated what he saw in preseason scouting 🎯👇

🔗: https://t.co/Zzfp8kSotC pic.twitter.com/3bDuhZbYd1

— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) August 1, 2022

It’s been noted many times before how the Utes almost instantly went from bad to really good once Rising replaced original starter Charlie Brewer at San Diego State in 2021. Rising finished the year 9-2 as a starter including leading the Utes to their first ever Pac-12 Title and Rose Bowl appearance.

Rising completed 204 of 320 attempts in 2021 for 2,493 yards. He scored 20 touchdowns with only five interceptions on the year. With an ending QBR of 84.2, Rising finished 6th amongst all quarterbacks in 2021 while coming off a season-ending shoulder injury and surgery in 2020. If all goes well he is expected to be every bit as good in 2022, if not better.

Joe Marino’s Analysis On Clark Phillips III

On the other side of the ball for the Utes, Marino took a close look at their shutdown corner. Phillips III was described by Marino as a “quick, twitchy, explosive athlete” in a Tweet sent out by the NFL Draft Network on Monday. Marino also noted Phillips III’s “willingness to come downhill and battle in space making tackles”.

Utah CB Clark Phillips III impressed @TheJoeMarino with his change of direction skills, a fluid and rapid ability to transition in coverage and the ability to disrupt at the catch point. 💪🚨

🔗: https://t.co/bGRTQOWwIK pic.twitter.com/tFnaKLHorQ

— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) August 1, 2022

Phillips III has pretty much been good since the day he set foot on Utah’s campus in a shortened 2020 Covid-19 season, but he was downright brilliant against Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, another note Marino made clear in his assessment. “He made his share of impact plays against Ohio State in the Rose Bowl despite a historic offensive output from the Buckeyes.”

Phillips III ended last year with 61 total tackles, 45 solo, 13 passes defended, two interceptions- one for a touchdown, and one forced fumble.

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