Utah Utes backup quarterback Bryson Barnes hadn’t played a complete football game since graduating high school in 2019.
But with Cam Rising sidelined Thursday, Barnes answered the call. His performance in Utah’s 21-17 victory over Washington State had fans clamoring for the football team to put the sophomore walk-on on scholarship.
Coach Kyle Whittingham said Monday that Rising, who decided he could not play less than an hour before Thursday’s kickoff, was “much further ahead today than he was a week ago today.” That’s a good sign for Rising and the Utes as they prepare for the 3-5 Arizona Wildcats.
But Rising was seen wearing a sleeve on his left knee at Monday’s light practice. Rising did not speak to reporters Monday. And with Whittingham typically mum on injuries unless they’re season-ending, there’s currently no guarantee that Utah’s star quarterback will be healthy enough to play Saturday.
Barnes, however, is approaching this week like any other. If Rising returns, he’ll be on the sidelines cheering him on and calling out plays. If Whittingham calls the Milford native’s number, he’ll be ready.
“Everybody in the locker room’s mentality is next man up,” Barnes said. “And obviously we’re always hoping for that guy to get back. But that’s just kind of how we roll around here is next man up.”
Barnes went 17-for-27 for 175 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions against Washington State. And there was perhaps no one more excited for his performance than Rising.
“We’re surrounded by great people,” freshman running back Jaylon Glover said. “You have Cam Rising being one of the top quarterbacks in the nation and cheering his backup on. It’s always great to see, man. That camaraderie within the team, there’s nothing better than it.”
Barnes had his coming-out party in last season’s Rose Bowl when the took the field after Rising got injured. He threw a touchdown pass to tie the game in the fourth quarter and became the game’s scene-stealer despite the loss.
But with more bites at the apple on Thursday, Barnes showed his leadership, his competitiveness, and his potentially overzealous aggressiveness when he runs, offensive line coach Jim Harding said. But one thing is for sure: His teammates have his back.
“I think our kids have a lot of confidence in Bryson,” Harding said. “He goes about his business as a pro. ... If Cam isn’t able to go, we’re completely confident with Bryson as well.”
Barnes was also able to showcase much more of his football IQ.
“Bryson is going to make the right decisions,” Glover said. “He’s going to make the most of the right reads. Bryson’s very intelligent and I think with him showing that, being on the field more, you can really see how smart he really is.”
Rising has been a mentor to Barnes. Against Washington State, Barnes said Rising supported him every time he came off the field. The two quarterbacks talked play calls, and Rising gave his insight from his point of view.
“You couldn’t ask for a better guy to be under, to be completely honest,” Barnes said of Rising. “He’s a leader. He does things right. He’s a great player and just a great person overall. So I couldn’t ask for a better guy to be above me right now [to be] learning from.”
