There Is Confidence In Utah Football’s Receiver Room

Aug 21, 2024, 12:06 PM | Updated: 12:07 pm

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY – This has been an offseason that has included a lot of positivity around the Utah Football offense. For good reason as Cameron Rising, Brant Kuithe, and many other veterans return for 2024.

The receiver room specifically has had a lot of positivity around it. Utah brought in transfers Dorian Singer, Taeshaun Lyons, and Damien Alford to bolster a room that also has promising pieces developing as well.

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Coach Alvis Whitted acknowledged all of that in one simple word but also made it clear that nothing has been accomplished just yet.

Confidence in Dorian Singer and the Utah receiver room

“Confident,” Whitted said of the vibe around the room. “But we’re still nowhere near where we need to be. We’re still a work in progress but guys have shown promise. Guys are making plays and understanding the standard in which we want to get things done and go about our business. That you can be confident about.”

“He is a guy who, I feel like, you call his number and he’ll answer it. He’s the type of player that I think has deep ball skills and I don’t think there is a moment that is too big for him in regards to the game and playing it. He’s helped out in a lot of ways as far as leadership- he’s going about his business the right way. A lot of young guys see that and they are starting to see that’s for real. I think they want to emulate that. He’s done a great job of being who he is and being a playmaker. I hope he continues to do that.” – Coach Alvis Whitted on Dorian Singer

Dorian Singer has been the specific recipient of a lot of this buzz this offseason and for good reason. Even in the limited viewing media has had of the team this entire offseason, Singer showcased exciting playmaking ability.

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Utah seeing development and impact with Alford and Pittman

Another guy who has the potential to be a significant producer for Cameron Rising is Mycah Pittman. After a turbulent start to last season, Pittman ultimately was shut down due to injury. He’s back and the year in the program has been really good for him.

“He’s been fantastic, he’s been at his best, I think, he’s bought in, he’s helping the younger guys, he’s found a niche for himself, ” Whitted said of Pittman going into year two with the program. “I feel, as far as being a guy that can play physically and go make a play, he’s had a great camp. I just hate the way the last practice that he had ended, but he’s right where he wanted to be, and I think he will be ready to go first game.”

Utah also brought in another big receiver- 6-foot-6, 210-pound Damien Alford this summer. The good news is that he’s shown promise but the adjustment at Utah has also been fairly big.

“He’s just got to get reps, more reps,” Whitted said. “We can’t stop feeding him reps because he’s swimming a little bit right now in regard to just the type of system we run. He’s been in a spread offense with no huddle- just line up, look to the sideline, get a play, and go. It’s a little bit different here.”

Finding little things to hang his hat on is an important part of the process right now. Doing so will lay a foundation, which will allow him to add it as time moves forward. That will be the key to his success this season.

“Just the physicality with which he operates- whether it’s at the stem of the route or the top of the route, he’s a strong kid,” Whitted said. “He is getting better though. You see the flashes, you see his athleticism, his speed- play strength and be like, ‘wow’. He’ll get there- I’m confident.”

Others continue to step up as well

“I thought Money Parks had his best scrimmage that I’ve seen since I’ve been here, just in terms of his consistency and playmaking,” Whitted said. “Luca (Caldarella) is another guy that’s been here, he’s just been steady, constant. Excited for the way he’s progressed. So guys are working and pushing each other to get better.”

Parks has become a veteran whom many look to lead the way, while Caldarella is entering his third season with the program and whose progress is certainly welcomed. Another to keep an eye on this season is redshirt freshman, Daidren Zipperer.

“Growth, he’s matured quite a bit, and he’s had some explosive plays in camp,” Whitted said of the second-year player. “He’s just been coachable, he listens, he’s gained weight and that’s half the battle with him. He’s just got to keep rolling, keep getting better.”