I calling it now - Cam Rising, before everything is said and done, will be one of the top players in the history of Utah football.
Beginning with his transfer from Texas to Utah, and his inability to win the staring job, there have been big questions about his value. Was he another failed player from another program, looking for a better option, or did he have significant potential?
In 2020, we learned literally nothing from his short time as a starter.
After the early turnaround this season, when the trajectory of the program went from way down to slightly up with Rising replacing Brewer, I began to believe that Rising might be the answer.
Tonight, when I saw him willing to take calculated risks, some of which failed miserably, only to recover, forgetting his own mistakes and then take chances with his body, jumping up from a tackle, seemingly thumbing his nose at much larger defenders, did I realize that this is a special athlete, a special football player, one who has that intangible quality that defines rare athletes.
Iām calling it now; this year will already be considered special, and either of the next two years may or may not turn out special, but Cam Rising will be considered GREAT at some point in his Ute career.
After coming back from a difficult injury last year, and being far more effective in the run game than anyone thought, I think itās OK to label Cam as a physical freak.
He just about out-ran the Oregon D to the endzone, while accelerating around defenders, with the FS (who had an angle) bumping him on the 5.
He needs to polish up his throw game a little, but I think Cam could be playing on Sundays.
He will definitely go down as an all-time Utah great. He just has the āITā factor. Seems to just keep going, forgets his mistakes (but learns from them) and the team has responded to him. First Utah PAC12 Championship starting QB, how can he not be remembered? Definitely needs to continue to develop his passing skills but off to a good start!
Herbstreit really was higly complimentary of Rising during the broadcast. Herbie noted that Rising finds ways to get things done. Itās not always pretty, but Rising uses his athleticsm to help the team. Paraphrasing Herbie there.
Where he really separates himself from every quarterback weāve had over the past twenty years is his confidence level. Huntley believed in his abilities, and Alex Smith was extremely comfortable in Urban Meyerās scheme, but I donāt know if either had the sort of moxie and charisma that Rising Possesses. That, along with his skillset and athleticism make me believe heāll be in national conversations next year for sure.
I also think Tavion Thomas will make some waves in college football next season. He seemed like the clear cut top dog amongst our running backs from day one. Iām guessing he wasnāt getting as many snaps early on due to his fumbling, but he appeared to be our number one out of the gate, and thatās saying something. Curry, Bernard, and Pledger are very capable backs (just hope they stick around).
I thought I read that he was leaving after this year? I canāt find it now, but I could swear I heard he was gone. That would suck, as I think he could tear it up next year. Look at what he did this year, even with sitting (fumbles) or being out for a couple games.
Someone was saying heās likely a 5th rounder or so. He certainly could benefit from more work on blocking/picking up the blitz and maybe add receiving to his arsenal, but RBs have a short life and I think he has a kid, so might be thinking itās time to make some money.
Tavion is gone. He and TJ (and Chris Curry) are all one ān done-ers. Next year itās Micah Bernard (although he might be gone too), Ricky Parks and Jaylon Glover.
As for āmoxie,ā if Alex Smith coming back from a Theisman injury doesnāt pass your moxie test then nothing does. And yes, I know thatās NFL but heās the same guy he always was.
Good point about Smith, but I guess Iām thinking more in terms of on the field displays of fiery attitude. Maybe moxie isnāt the best word.
How do you know this about the backs? Thomas is the only one who may get drafted, and seeing as how theyāve all got eligibility remaining it seems odd that theyād bail after one season (unless it was to transfer).
I was a little surprised to not see Tavion come out on Senior Day, same with Solo, who does graduate this month. (TT would benefit enormously from a full offseason of serious conditioning.)
Thereās a few of those Jrs. who came out who will get TWO Senior Day sendoffs, me thinks. Good for them. Hopefully Pledger is one of those.
Solomonās mom said he wasnāt walking because not all of the family could be there. Also although he graduates this month heās undecided about his future yet. I could see him come back to be more of a go to receiver rather than mainly a down field blocker but weāll see. He may test the waters for the draft.
Next year we wonāt be so TE-heavy. Kuithe and Fotheringham are almost certainly gone, possibly Kinkaid, too.
It will be a different offense next year, so I think weāll be able to offer our WRs (and transfers) an honest prediction weāll be throwing more to the outside, especially with Risingās arm.