Seeing Buy-In and Progress In Utah Football’s Running Back Room

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Football program is inching closer and closer to their season opener next Thursday against Southern Utah.

Utah fans will finally get to see this squad take the field. There will be a lot of familiar faces, guys that have proven themselves at a high level, and a number of new ones that will contribute to things this season.

Get your🍿🍿🍿ready!!!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/S4xrEYtbzo

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) August 17, 2024

This year’s running back group features some familiar names and some emerging young talents. After a couple of weeks in camp, running backs coach Quinton Ganther has a much better feel for his room.

RELATED: There Is Confidence In Utah Football’s Receiver Room

Feeling better about Utah Football running backs

Running backs coach Quinton Ganther is refreshingly honest about his room, which has been a bit of a transition this offseason.

There has been a need to identify players who can contribute this season. The good news is that Ganther has seen positive steps with his group as a whole.

“Feel a little better, a lot of guys are making strides to prove that they can help this football team, so I’m a little better now than when we initially talked,” Ganther said of his room.

As a former player who had to earn everything he got, he’s brought that same mindset with his coaching. These players have to earn everything and he’s seen it take hold in his players as well.

“It makes me feel good as a coach because these guys are finally buying in and doing things right,” he shared. “I started our meeting (Friday) by singing their praises for the things they have been doing. They have taken tremendous strides forward and it looks good on the group as a whole.”

Mike Mitchell’s hard work has put him in a position to contribute

“Kudos to Mike, he’s changed his whole attitude,” Ganther said of his second-year running back. “He has come in and he has proven that he’s going to fight for some carries and he’s going to fight for some work.”

After showing promise in spring ball, Mitchell took his work ethic to another level this summer. That’s parlayed into fall camp and Ganther has taken notice of that on and off the field.

“He deserves (opportunity) because he has changed drastically, he’s changed his approach to the game and the way he approaches life,” Ganther explained.

“It’s just growth, some of these guys come in and think they’re going to play just because of who they are,” he elaborated. “There’s a lot of work that goes into this and I don’t put anyone on the field that I don’t trust and he’s slowly but surely earning my trust.”

Dijon Stanley forcing his way into reps

Mitchell is not the only second-year running back making a strong impression. Dijon Stanley actually played and contributed to things last season.

His playmaking ability is the sort that has allowed him to make a consistent impact in practice during camp. That should lead to contributions on the field this season.

There are definitely three but don’t forget about the fourth guy in the running back room… pic.twitter.com/QKihQJcye1

— Steve Bartle (@BartleKSLsports) August 16, 2024

“He’s making strides to where he’s forcing our hands to play him and use his skill set,” Ganther said of Stanley, who he also believes can handle a traditional running back role. “He is a little slight but his body composition is a little different. He’s stout, his body is just a little different, and he’s tough, he’ll throw it in there for sure.”

Chris Curry is back?

After an injury-riddled three years at Utah, running back Chris Curry entered the transfer portal back in April. The belief was that he’d try to find a school to give football one last attempt.

However, according to multiple sources, Curry is back with the Utah Football program but in a different capacity.

Curry has rejoined the program as an assistant staff member, specifically as a grad assistant/quality control coach at the running back position.

Despite not being able to establish himself on the field, Curry was a very well-liked player. He was a fan favorite and one of the more beloved and respected players on the team.

Utah Football Schedule

Utah will kick off the season against Southern Utah on August 29. You can find Utah football’s conference schedule here.

Steve Bartle is the Utah insider for KSL Sports. He hosts The Utah Blockcast (SUBSCRIBE) and appears on KSL Sports Zone to break down the Utes. You can follow him on X for the latest Utah updates and game analysis.

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