SALT LAKE CITY — Cam Rising’s status remains a mystery heading into No. 14 Utah’s first game of the season.
Rising is listed as the starting quarterback on this week’s depth chart ahead of Thursday’s opener against Florida. But, he is actually a game-day decision. Rising has been rehabilitating a torn ACL suffered January in the Rose Bowl and was limited in August practices.
Rising has said that the uncertainty over whether he would play didn’t affect his preparation.
“Doesn’t do a damn thing,” Rising said. “Gotta go out there and prepare just like I would any other game.”
Bryson Barnes and Nate Johnson will have a chance to lead the offense if Rising isn’t cleared to play.
Barnes, listed second on the depth chart, filled in for an injured Rising each of the past two Rose Bowl games. He made his first career start against Washington State in 2022, throwing for 175 yards on 17-of-27 passing in a 21-17 win over the Cougars.
Johnson, Utah’s No. 3 quarterback, will likely be used in wildcat packages if Barnes starts.
Florida quarterback Graham Mertz looks for a receiver during the second half of the NCAA college football team’s annual Orange and Blue spring game, April 13, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. Credit: AP/John Raoux
“You’ll see Nate Johnson in this game, no matter what happens,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said.
Florida, for certain, will debut a new quarterback. Wisconsin transfer Graham Mertz joined the Gators in the offseason and won the starting job in training camp.
Mertz started 32 games for Wisconsin over three seasons. He tallied 5,405 career yards and 38 career touchdowns while completing 60% of his passes.
“That’s one of my strengths, definitely being an accurate passer,” Mertz said. “I think any time I’m holding that ball, I’m going to put it where I want to put it based on the look. That takes time. That takes practice. That takes more than just throwing a football.”
Mertz’s experience should bolster a Gators…
Read the full article here
Leave a Reply