Thought I’d start a thread about the guys who haven’t emerged quite yet, or who are otherwise newbies still learning the ropes.
Jaylen Dixon WR #25 - Jet quick, had a huge FR year, took a year off. UPDATE - disregard, he’s back to being a star & with a QB with a great arm, Dixon’s a legit threat that makes opposing DCs lose sleep. Couldn’t be happier to see him back and doing what he can do.
Tavion Thomas RB #9 - the mystery is what is holding TT from more carries. Is it the new position coach Quinton Ganther (who’s reportedly a real hard ■■■, but knows a lot about what it takes), is there something else? I don’t know, but based on what happened last year, if Tavion is our closer this year, I wouldn’t be more pleased. He’s worked way too hard to let some frustration derail what he’s capable of.
Munir McClain TE #4 - transfer from USC, got caught up in the Kuithe & Kincaid show last year, but McClain’s had 2 games where he’s getting snaps & receptions, and there’s nothing but upside in his game. Never too late, glad this dude is in SLC! (What am I talking about? He’s a Soph!)
FR QB Nate Johnson #13 - Nate’s been pretty active on social media, is relentlessly upbeat, a leader. I keep an eye on the bench. Not sure if he’d be QB3 if something happened - that might be JJ because of experience - but Nate’s been wearing a QB net with headphones, was talking a lot with Rising when Barnes came in. (Might have been talking with Barnes a lot, too, wasn’t watching then). It’s probably too much to ask an 18 year old to go out there and lead us to victory - who’s not named Brian Johnson - but here’s part of why they like Nate Johnson’s future at the U: