Utah defensive tackle Junior Tafuna still has vivid memories of facing Cam Rising as a member of the Utes’ scout team in 2020.
Then, little was known about Utah’s future star quarterback.
But Rising’s leadership was evident to those who got the chance to see him work up close.
“He took that part to come out and reach out to me,” Tafuna said. “I look up to him for that. When I was young I didn’t know a lot, but I knew he was going to be someone when I was one of the scouts and went against him.
“He’s a special friend and a special guy.”
Fast forward to 2024, Rising’s impact on Utah’s offense — when healthy — is well documented. He was the driving force for the Utes back-to-back Pac-12 championships in 2021 and 2022. But, his leadership and tenacity are what rally the Utes’ roster.
Heading into No. 12 Utah’s matchup vs. Southern Utah on Thursday in Salt Lake City, Rising will take the field for the first time in nearly two years.
The Utes will have their leader back under center.
“I’m excited to get back on the field,” Rising said Monday. “Honestly (I’m looking forward) to just taking that first snap and the first time saying ‘set go’ and getting the ball.”
Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham spoke about the importance of keeping Rising healthy this season on Monday. The veteran quarterback is coming back from a torn ACL, meniscus, MPFL and MCL — an injury suffered during the Rose Bowl in January 2023.
Without Rising on the field, the Utes struggled last season, ranking 10th in the Pac-12 last season in scoring and ending the season by putting up only seven points against Northwestern in a Las Vegas Bowl defeat.
Keeping the seventh-year quarterback upright is a priority because with Rising the Utes have a clear shot at winning the Big 12 championship, which would earn them a bid into the 12-team College Football Playoff.
“Right now he’s functioning as well as he ever has,” Whittingham said. “His arm strength is back, leg is feeling great, and there are really no limitations. I mean, he’s ready to roll.”
(Meg Oliphant | Special to The Tribune) Utah quarterback Cameron Rising (7) talks with his teammates ahead of the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl Stadium on Jan. 2, 2023 in Pasadena, Calif.
With Rising’s return, Utah added a bevy of talent in the passing game through the transfer portal this season.
USC transfer wide receiver Dorian Singer looks to make a big impact after a down year with the Trojans in 2023. During his 2022 season with Arizona, the senior wide receiver finished with 66 catches, 1,105 receiving yards and six touchdowns. With a strong fall camp, headlined by rave reviews from Whittingham and offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, Singer looks to lead the Utes’ wide receiving core this season.
Outside of Singer, Utah has no shortage of talented pass catchers with Mycah Pittman, Money Parks and Damien Alford, who transferred from Syracuse this offseason, leading the way. Redshirt senior tight end Brant Kuithe is also returning after a nearly two-year rehab from a knee injury that kept him out for most of the 2022 season and all of 2023.
It’s clear Utah wants to maximize every opportunity it can with Rising under center.
“Just having depth and having multiple guys that can go in and make big plays,” Rising said, “makes it to where you can run any type of play you want at any time. Having that ability is going to be special.”
As Rising approaches the final season of his Utah career, there’s only one thing he’s focused on. Sure he’s excited about the depth, the chance to win the Big 12 or even making the College Football Playoff.
But most of all, he’s just happy to finally be able to take the field.
“I’m excited,” Rising said. “I’m just chomping at the bit to get out there.”
For his teammates, Whittingham and the rest of Utah’s organization, Rising’s presence means more than even the quarterback can imagine.
“Having him out on the field is an instant confidence booster,” Tafuna said. “Everyone elevates because of his leadership. Having him out there in the field is a big key into how everyone wants to play, just because he has that swagger.
“It’s just natural for him. I don’t know what it is … but it makes you want to swing harder and just fight for your brother.”