In just two weeks of Utah’s spring camp, Devon Dampier has already made a name for himself.
On Saturday nights, the junior quarterback can be found with his teammates at Buffalo Wild Wings. On Sundays, he hosts a cohort of players at Penny Ann’s Cafe, a folksy brunch spot in South Salt Lake.
When he’s not eating, Dampier is either playing video games like Marvel Rivals with All-American left tackle Spencer Fano or Rainbow Six Siege with senior tight end Landen King. On the field, he leads with a smile, projects his voice in the huddle and makes dual-threat plays from the pocket.
It’s his way of building trust with the Utes’ offensive unit, as it moves on from former quarterback Cam Rising and offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig.
“I feel like the biggest part is definitely showing it first,” Dampier said of leading Utah’s offense. “In our workouts, I’m always giving 100%. I talk to everyone on the team — special teams, offense and defense — it doesn’t matter what position they are. I want to get close to all my teammates, so they can see that I care and they feel like they can trust me.”
Dampier has already had success becoming the team’s leader, according to veteran members of Utah’s offense.
“Devon’s a dog,” Fano said. “He can do anything he wants to on the field. That dude can run 100 yards or even throw it 100 yards. He’s special. … I have a really good relationship with him.”
“He’s doing a very great job,” King said. “I feel like every weekend we’re going out to eat or something. We’re always going to Dev’s crib. There’s been a lot of team bonding, and I really love it. It’s really translating to the field, because he has some much [command] over the offense.”
New Mexico Lobos quarterback Devon Dampier (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
When Dampier entered the transfer portal in the offseason, he received offers from programs across the country. The Utes and newly-hired offensive coordinator Jason Beck, who also coached Dampier on the Lobos in 2024, were too hard to pass up on.
He finished last season with 2,278 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Dampier was also a threat as a rusher, carrying the ball 155 times for 1,166 yards and 19 touchdowns.
The junior quarterback credits a lot of his 2024 success to Beck’s tutelage.
“I trust Coach Beck, obviously, because I just had a season with him,” Dampier said. “I know what I can do on offense. I believe we can go far here.”
Knowing Beck’s playbook has also given Dampier a head start with the Utes this offseason. He’s been able to make quick reads and help his new teammates learn the complexities of Utah’s new system in spring camp.
(Anna Fuder | Utah Athletics) Utah offensive coordinator Jason Beck speaks to players during spring football practice in Salt Lake City on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
It’s even caught the eye of Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham.
“[He’s doing] very well,” Whittingham said. “He is the leader of the offense, as far as knowing what to do, making sure everyone else knows what they’re doing. He made the Leadership Council after only being here for two or three weeks. … I would assume that he’ll also be a captain this season.”
As Utah moves forward with Dampier as its starting quarterback, there is still a long way to go to establish an offensive identity. Washington State sophomore transfer running back Wayshawn Parker has the inside track to be Utah’s starter in the backfield. Fano and redshirt sophomore right tackle Caleb Lomu will have an established presence in the trenches.
The wide receiver spot is still an open competition, with newcomers like Utah State transfer Otto Tia, Mississippi State transfer Creed Whittemore and more trying to establish a role on the outside.
Dampier will be pivotal in bringing everyone along, especially as the Utes look to recover from being the third-worst offense in the Big 12 a season ago.
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“Coming in, trust is a big thing that we got going on around here,” Dampier said. “You can’t make it into that championship level without trust.”
For Utah to return to the success it had during the 2021 and 2022 Pac-12 championship runs, Dampier will have to be the motor of Utah’s offense. He’ll have to lead by example.
And, most importantly, he’ll have to play winning football.
“I feel the love here,” Dampier said. “Utah expects a lot of their football team, and I’m gonna make sure that I deliver.”
