Utah cornerback Elijah Davis liked what he saw in the season opener against Idaho, even if his own night was limited. He said being back on the field at Rice-Eccles Stadium “felt good,” and added, “Didn't get many reps.
Watched the younger guys play and stuff. It was a blast though.”
The younger corners got their chances, and Davis came away encouraged. When asked about Earl Parker and Dylan Waters, he said, “I feel like they did pretty well.
Earl Parker and Dylan Waters, really the only young ones, but they got a lot of reps. I like what I've seen.”
Now the focus shifts to Arkansas, and Davis is ready for Utah’s first Power Four test of the season. He said he’s looking to be more consistent and step into the role he expects of himself. “Just being more consistent, being the CB1 I'm supposed to be, really making plays.”
The Razorbacks’ receiver group has his attention, too. Davis called them “pretty good” and “Physical, big,” then added, “So probably the biggest group we're going to play this year. So we got to be physical.”
As for whether he’ll shadow Arkansas’ top target, Davis said that decision is still up in the air. “I don't really know right now. We don't know the game plan, so we'll see.”
What Davis does know is what his own group brings. “Really everything.
Technique, mindsets, really everything,” he said. “We know every week it's gonna be a battle.
So we come into every week with the same mindset, just trying to get better. It's not gonna be any different this week.”
Jackson Bennee’s work in the nickel also stood out to Davis, especially the way it helps the outside corners operate. “Definitely makes it easy,” Davis said.
“Jackson knows a lot about every position, so sometimes he tells me what to do. Sometimes he gives me the play call, and yeah, he makes it easy for me.”
Davis also compared Utah’s new defensive setup under Colton Swan with the one he knew under Morgan Scalley, and he didn’t see a major overhaul. “Ooh, the biggest difference.
I'd probably say it wasn't really a big difference. It was more of the same.
I'd probably say more NASCAR with more linebackers on the field. He wants to get his linebackers some stats, and I'm okay with it.
Whatever it takes to win.”
In Other News...
Wayshawn Parker Just Gave Utah Fans Real Reason To Believe
Wayshawn Parker gave Utah exactly the kind of opening-night jolt coaches dream about, scoring three touchdowns in the Utes season opener against Idaho and immediately turning the conversation toward what comes next. Afterward, he talked about the work he put in during the offseason, the chance to be part of the passing game, and the way Utahs offense is starting to fit together around him.
Parker also made a point to credit his offensive line, a unit that helped set the tone for his big night and should matter even more as the schedule stiffens. With Arkansas up next, his confidence in the teams chemistry and preparation suggests Utah believes the opener was just the first step, not the high point. [Read more 🡒]
BYU Faces A Huge Early Test With One New Problem In Backfield
BYUs early nonconference schedule already carries the kind of weight that can shape a season, and the matchup with Arizona only adds to the intrigue. The Cougars have been leaning on a young backfield while trying to find their footing in a big early test, with Bear Bachmeier stepping into the spotlight against a Wildcats team led by Noah Fifita and backed by a defense that has enough strengths to make things uncomfortable.
For Utah fans watching the broader Big 12 picture, this is the sort of September game that can tell you plenty about where the leagues middle and upper tier really stand. Injuries and roster changes are already part of the conversation, and with both teams still sorting out their identity, the backfield situation for BYU is another layer of uncertainty that could matter a lot before conference play settles in. [Read more 🡒]
