Takeaways From Kyle Whittingham’s Utah-UCF Week Press Conference
Nov 25, 2024, 9:24 PM
Utah football head coach Kyle Whittingham vs Iowa State at Rice-Eccles Stadium. PHOTO by Joel Davidson
SALT LAKE CITY – On Monday, Utah Football head coach Kyle Whittingham addressed members of the media for his UCF Knights week press conference of 2024.
Utah has made it to the last week of a difficult season. This will be the final contest for the Utes 2024 campaign.
Season finale in Orlando this week‼️
🆚 UCF
🏟️ FBC Mortgage Stadium
⏰ FRI 11.29 | 6:00PM MT
📺 FOX
📻 ESPN 700 AM / 92.1 FM#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/Hp4IMzzHOG— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) November 25, 2024
To begin the week, Whittingham met with the media as he always does. After the 15-minute presser, here are five key takeaways from Utah’s head coach press conference.
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Luke Bottari, Utah’s Quarterback Situation
“Luke Bottari came in and really provided a spark. Just like last year when he was called upon in the Colorado game; he will be the starter this week,” Kyle Whittingham shared.
Bottari played three series and finished the game 5-of-9 for 55 yards and added 47 yards on the ground. He accounted for five total 1st downs, three through the air and two on the ground.
“For a guy that started the season as the fifth-string guy and didn’t have a whole lot of chance to play, he continued to keep himself ready every single week in case,” he added.
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Bottari started the season as the fifth quarterback. Due to the mounting injury list, Bottari has had to start the finale this season and last. Utah will have one other quarterback behind Bottari.
“We’re now on our fifth QB, we have one left after that; we have six total in the program,” Whittingham shared. “Dallen Engemann will be backing up Luke Bottari in this game; that’s all she wrote after those two.”
Kenan Johnson, Levani Damuni updates
Utah lost two players who were expected to be significant contributors this season. Linebacker Levani Damuni suffered a season-ending injury in spring ball. Cornerback Kenan Johnson suffered a devastating knee injury in the season-opener.
“They both would like to come back, as of our most recent conversations,” Whittingham said. “That, like everything, is subject to change.”
Damuni was once an All-Conference performer and filled in nicely last season in Lander Barton’s absence. Utah was hoping to have the dynamic trio again this season but a potential return next season would be just as if not more significant.
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“Levani’s been rehabbing and doing very well,” he continued. “If he decides to come back, he’ll be ready to roll in January with offseason conditioning and jump right into it.”
As for the veteran cornerback, Johnson is in a different situation, not only in terms of timing but in severity.
“Kenan’s a different story; he had a very significant injury,” Whittingham shared. “I’ve heard some opinions that it may be up until Fall camp before he’d be ready to (go), maybe not quite at the beginning of fall camp.”
Utah’s young cornerbacks gained a ton of experience and proved plenty capable this season. Bringing Johnson back with that young group could provide Utah with valuable depth at cornerback.
Preparing For UCF
“Now we’ve got Central Florida on the road, Friday, so a little bit of a short week,” Whittingham shared. “Central Florida is really potent on offense, leading the conference offensively. They’re running the ball exceptionally well, as is the case with any Gus Malzahn team.”
The Knights present a difficult challenge. They are physical and dynamic on the ground but do enough through the passing game to keep defenses honest.
UCF has experienced a similar season to Utah; both teams come into this one at 4-7 on the year. Given the short week and the Thanksgiving holiday, this one will be a difficult test for the Utes.
Utah began their practice schedule a day earlier to prepare for the Friday night game.
Positive Performances: Daidren Zipperer, Keith Olson
It’s difficult to find bright spots during a seven-game losing streak. However, the Iowa State game had some positives.
“Daidren Zipperer came in and did a nice job,” he said. “We were missing a couple of receivers, so he had his opportunity and made the most of it.:
Zipperer is a redshirt freshman and has played in eight games this season, mostly on special teams. However, he’s played quite a bit more at receiver and he’s produced. Over the last two games, he’s hauled in five receptions for 84 yards.
Another receiver that Whittingham didn’t mention but has played more of late is true freshman Zacharyus Williams. After securing the first catch of his career last week, Williams added three more for 16 yards.
“Keith Olson, we were down to our fifth guard overall, and he came in and really played well,” Whittingham continued.
The 6-foot-6, 311-pound redshirt sophomore joined the program in 2022. He’s battled injuries through his first two years but he’s always been someone that has impressed when he’s on the practice field. In his first career start, he performed quite well against Iowa State.
Preparing And Prioritizing NIL/Transfer Portal
“The top priority is being able to retain your own roster, particularly the key guys,” Whittingham said. “Then you have key roles that need to be filled through the portal that will be right there at the top of the list as well.”
Those conversations have already begun with Utah’s own players. They are working through negotiations and then will have a much better idea of what roles need to be filled.
Whittingham shared that they currently project anywhere from 10-15 additions from the portal. That obviously could change but that is the current range they are aiming for.
