Utah’s roster may have only sent four players to Big 12 Media Day, but the conversation around the Utes goes well beyond that small group. Devon Dampier, Wayshawn Parker, Johnathan Hall and Lance Holtzclaw got the spotlight, yet there’s plenty of talent spread across the lineup and a few names that could pop once the season gets rolling.
Some of the obvious pieces already have their place in the picture. Braden Pegan and Jackson Bennee are expected to play major roles for Utah. The bigger question is which players are ready to break through under the radar inside Rice-Eccles Stadium.
At Big 12 media days, Hall and Holtzclaw each pointed to the same player as someone fans should keep an eye on this fall: Hunter Andrews.
"I'll say Hunter Andrews," said Hall. "He's coming back from an injury, so people aren't thinking about him now, but he's a baller."
Holtzclaw backed that pick right away, and the case for Andrews is easy to see. He looked like a strong breakout candidate last season before things got derailed by the rise of Dallen Bentley and a season-ending injury just four games into the year.
Even in limited action, Andrews showed flashes. He finished with 10 catches for 65 yards, and he was only beginning to settle into his new role when the injury ended his season.
Andrews’ path has been a winding one. He was an impressive athlete in high school and played running back there. Utah first brought him in as a linebacker, then moved him to running back before eventually shifting him to tight end.
Now listed at 6'3, 230 pounds, Andrews could give Utah a reliable target and serve as the team’s safety blanket this fall.