Upcoming Event: Football versus Idaho on September 3, 2026
Football
vs Idaho
.png&width=31&height=31&type=webp)
The University of Utah Athletics
The Lowdown: Running Backs/Quarterbacks
7/19/2018 2:32 PM | Football
This summer, UtahUtes.com will feature "The Lowdown" on each position group on the field. The 2018 running backs will look to continue the Utah tradition of not only size, but also speed at the position with returning starter Zack Moss with a group of quarterbacks ready to handle the handoffs.
THE LOWDOWN: RUNNING BACKS
As one of the most consistent positions on the field for the Utes, the running backs are ready to hit the field this fall. Utah has had four straight seasons with a 1,000-yard rusher, including returner Zack Moss (5-10, 217, Jr.).
Moss had a breakout sophomore campaign, rushing for 1,173 yards and 10 touchdowns, also coming away with 29 caught passes for 243 yards. Heading into the 2018 season, Moss is currently on multiple watch lists, including the Maxwell Award and the Doak Walker Award.
Another player that will look to be explosive this fall is junior Armand Shyne (5-11, 210). He averaged 74.6 yards per game in 2016 before an injury ended that season and the next.
"Having a stable of talented running backs is always a good thing and we feel that is the situation we are in this year," head coach Kyle Whittingham said. "Zack Moss, Armand Shyne, Devonta'e Henry-Cole and TJ Green are all productive backs and we anticipate they will all contribute this fall."
Henry-Cole had a strong 2017 with 55 carries for 279 yards (2 TDs), playing in 12 games with one start. Green redshirted in 2017 after being named the Arizona Cardinal's High School All-Around Player of the Year among other player of the year honors from across the state of Arizona in 2016.
Adding to the mix this fall will be newcomer Devin Brumfield (5-10, 225, Fr.). Out of Covington, La., Brumfield was a three-time all-state selection after rushed for more than 6,000 yards and 70 touchdowns in his career.
THE LOWDOWN: QUARTERBACKS
Tyler Huntley returns for his junior season in 2018 after proving to be a multi-dimensional threat for the Utes last season. With Huntley's return along with the addition of an electric redshirt and one of the top recruits in the nation, the quarterback position looks to be healthy for years to come.
Huntley averaged 294.8 yards of total offense per game, ranking third in the Pac-12 last season. He finished the year with 2,411 passing yards (199-of-312) for 15 touchdowns, also chipping in 537 yards rushing (6 TDs).
A pair of freshmen had the incumbent looking over his shoulder in the spring with redshirt freshman Jason Shelley (5-11, 193) and true freshman Jack Tuttle (6-3, 210) both showing off their strengths at the quarterback position.
"We feel good about our situation at quarterback with its deep and talented group of players," Whittingham said. "Tyler is an extremely versatile player who poses a dilemma for defenses. He has a strong grasp of the offense and thrives under pressure. Jason really came into his own in the spring and is a talented dual threat QB. Jack is as advertised. He is a premier drop back passer with a great arm and a very bright future."
Shelley, like Huntley, is a dual threat quarterback with the ability to throw the long ball and scramble for a rush. He was ranked 12th nationally among dual-threat quarterbacks coming out of Lone Star High School in Little Elm, Texas after earning back-to-back District MVP honors.
Tuttle is a four-star recruit and the No. 4 ranked pro style high school quarterback in the country. The San Marcos, Calif., native made an immediate impact this spring after being named the San Diego Section Player of the Year as a senior at Mission Hills.
Â
THE LOWDOWN: RUNNING BACKS
As one of the most consistent positions on the field for the Utes, the running backs are ready to hit the field this fall. Utah has had four straight seasons with a 1,000-yard rusher, including returner Zack Moss (5-10, 217, Jr.).
Moss had a breakout sophomore campaign, rushing for 1,173 yards and 10 touchdowns, also coming away with 29 caught passes for 243 yards. Heading into the 2018 season, Moss is currently on multiple watch lists, including the Maxwell Award and the Doak Walker Award.
Another player that will look to be explosive this fall is junior Armand Shyne (5-11, 210). He averaged 74.6 yards per game in 2016 before an injury ended that season and the next.
"Having a stable of talented running backs is always a good thing and we feel that is the situation we are in this year," head coach Kyle Whittingham said. "Zack Moss, Armand Shyne, Devonta'e Henry-Cole and TJ Green are all productive backs and we anticipate they will all contribute this fall."
Henry-Cole had a strong 2017 with 55 carries for 279 yards (2 TDs), playing in 12 games with one start. Green redshirted in 2017 after being named the Arizona Cardinal's High School All-Around Player of the Year among other player of the year honors from across the state of Arizona in 2016.
Adding to the mix this fall will be newcomer Devin Brumfield (5-10, 225, Fr.). Out of Covington, La., Brumfield was a three-time all-state selection after rushed for more than 6,000 yards and 70 touchdowns in his career.
THE LOWDOWN: QUARTERBACKS
Tyler Huntley returns for his junior season in 2018 after proving to be a multi-dimensional threat for the Utes last season. With Huntley's return along with the addition of an electric redshirt and one of the top recruits in the nation, the quarterback position looks to be healthy for years to come.
Huntley averaged 294.8 yards of total offense per game, ranking third in the Pac-12 last season. He finished the year with 2,411 passing yards (199-of-312) for 15 touchdowns, also chipping in 537 yards rushing (6 TDs).
A pair of freshmen had the incumbent looking over his shoulder in the spring with redshirt freshman Jason Shelley (5-11, 193) and true freshman Jack Tuttle (6-3, 210) both showing off their strengths at the quarterback position.
"We feel good about our situation at quarterback with its deep and talented group of players," Whittingham said. "Tyler is an extremely versatile player who poses a dilemma for defenses. He has a strong grasp of the offense and thrives under pressure. Jason really came into his own in the spring and is a talented dual threat QB. Jack is as advertised. He is a premier drop back passer with a great arm and a very bright future."
Shelley, like Huntley, is a dual threat quarterback with the ability to throw the long ball and scramble for a rush. He was ranked 12th nationally among dual-threat quarterbacks coming out of Lone Star High School in Little Elm, Texas after earning back-to-back District MVP honors.
Tuttle is a four-star recruit and the No. 4 ranked pro style high school quarterback in the country. The San Marcos, Calif., native made an immediate impact this spring after being named the San Diego Section Player of the Year as a senior at Mission Hills.
Â
Players Mentioned
RB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
QB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
QB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
QB
/ FootballCrimson Corner with Bill Riley - College football analyst Yogi Roth
Wednesday, May 06
Crimson Corner with Bill Riley - Utah Football Head Coach Morgan Scalley
Wednesday, April 29
Crimson Corner with Bill Riley - Utah Football legend Brian Johnson
Friday, February 20
Utah Football Head Coach Morgan Scalley Introductory Press Conference | 1.06.25
Tuesday, January 06