Utah’s quarterback Devon Dampier is the driving force behind the Utes’ unbeaten 9‑0 season and their rise to No. 2 in the College Football Playoff rankings. After transferring from New Mexico, Dampier endured a sports hernia and ankle injury that required surgery in January, but his determination to finish what he started has paid off.
Season statistics and records
Through nine games, Dampier has thrown for 2,053 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding 482 rushing yards and seven rushing scores. He now ranks sixth among active Big 12 quarterbacks in career passing yards (7,836) and second among active FBS quarterbacks in career rushing yards (2,809), trailing only Auburn’s Byrum Brown.
On Oct. 31 against Cincinnati, Dampier set a Utah program record for career rushing yards by a quarterback, guiding the Utes to a 49‑25 victory.
Versatility on the field
Dampier became just the second FBS player in the past 30 seasons to record multiple passing touchdowns, multiple rushing touchdowns, and at least 25 receiving yards in a single game when he led Utah to a 28‑20 win over BYU, catching a 29‑yard pass in addition to his two passing and two rushing scores.
His ability to attack defenses with both his arm and his legs has made game planning extremely difficult for opponents. Arizona coach Brent Brennan called Dampier “kryptonite in all of football,” noting that the most successful NFL quarterbacks are those who can move and that Dampier exemplifies that skill set at the college level.
Leadership and team impact
Teammates describe Dampier as a relentless leader who inspires confidence. Safety Nate Ritchie said, “Dev is just really good at making people feel like they can be themselves. He’s a great leader and just goes out there and shows that every day.” Coach Morgan Scalley added, “He’s a competitor, he’s a warrior, he wins us football games. Last year he didn’t quite understand how his body language and adversity affected the team, and now he’s leading.”
Utah’s offense is second in the Big 12 in scoring (37.7 points per game) and fourth in total offense (468.1 yards per game), a testament to Dampier’s playmaking and the team’s execution.
Looking ahead
With Dampier at the helm, Utah is positioned to claim the Big 12 title and secure a first‑round bye in the College Football Playoff. The Utes will face No. 22 Arizona next Saturday, a matchup that could solidify their claim for a playoff spot.
“Scalley’s built me into such a great leader,” Dampier said. “I love that I’m able to give back to my team.”
Original reporting: FOX 13 KSTU (Scripps) – Salt Lake City — read the source article.
