Cam Rising reveals what he learned from sitting out last year

Due to suffering a torn ACL in the Rose Bowl in 2022, Utah quarterback Cam Rising did not see action in the 2023 campaign. While it was painful for Rising to watch from the sidelines, he used the experience as a learning opportunity. During an appearance at Big 12 Media Days, Rising revealed what he learned.

“It just opened my eyes to leadership and how important it is coming from the quarterback position,” Rising said. “You got to be a lead-by-example type of guy, but then also know how to how to talk and make sure everybody’s uplifted or calming down — whatever the situation is. So just being ready for anything really, that’s what it taught me.”

Although Rising has not played a college football game in 554 days, he is still a proven leader. During his two seasons as Utah’s starting quarterback, Rising led the program to back-to-back conference championships.

Rising was particularly phenomenal in 2022, recording 3,034 yards on 249-of-385 passing (8 INT, 26 TD) while adding 77 rushes for 465 yards and six touchdowns. For his efforts, he was named an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention.

Now, Rising is ready to help Utah find success again. However, this time, it will be in a new environment. As of July, Utah football is offically a Big 12 program. Despite the change of scenery, Rising plans to implement the same leadership strategies that have worked for him in the past.

“I think just always staying engaged,” Rising said of his leadership style. “Leading by example is something that I take pride in trying to do each and every day. And, just doing that will make me more successful off the field as well but, ultimately, on the field.”

Andy Staples weighs in on competition in Big 12

Cam Rising’s return won’t be easy. While Utah is currently the favorite to win the Big 12 in the upcoming season, there is no shortage of competition. Earlier this month, On3’s Andy Staples explained why the Big 12 will be so difficult to win in 2024.

“It’s a much more diverse league stylistically, schematically,” Staples said. “The thing that’s going to make it so interesting this year is there are no kind of giant, big dogs at the top.

“There’s a lot of teams that have a puncher’s chance. In fact, we can probably name 10 Big 12 teams that it would not be completely surprising if they wound up winning the league” noted Staples. “That’s what is going to make their games in October and November so much fun.”