Five Utah Utes to watch against Florida

The Florida Gators host the Utah Utes in just three short days.

The nation’s No. 7 team has plenty of talent with a number of veterans scattered along the roster.

Here are five of Utah’s players to keep an eye out for on Saturday night when the Gators take on the Utes:

Quarterback Cameron Rising

2021 stats: 204-320 (63.75%), 2,493 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, five interceptions, 74 rushes, 566 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns

As UF head coach Billy Napier has said, Rising drives the car offensively. After he stepped in as the starting quarterback for the Utes, Utah’s season flipped on its head. Rising has a certain calmness under center that allows him to control the game. Make no mistake either, Rising can beat opponents with his arm and legs. The Florida defense will have to slow him down in order to pull off the upset.

Running Back Tavion Thomas

2021 stats: 204 rushes, 1,108 rushing yards, 21 rushing touchdowns 

Likely the Utes’ top offensive player, Thomas dominated in his first season in Salt Lake City. Thomas is the face of a deep running back room, and the Gators will have to respect his ability to chew up yards on the ground. There’s no question that Thomas’ success is in part due to his ability to let his blockers create space for him to work, but he also excels in evading tackles. Week one tackling can often be a problem for defenses, and Florida will have to be at its best when going after Thomas.

Tight End Brant Kuithe

2021 stats: 50 catches, 611 receiving yards, six touchdowns

With wide receiver Britain Covey gone, Kuithe is Utah’s top weapon in the passing game heading into this season. He’s more explosive than most tight ends and moves more like a receiver. He has great awareness during plays, so he’s often working back to Rising to make his job easier. The Gators linebackers and safeties will certainly have their hands full with Kuithe.

Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate

2021 stats (Florida): 89 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss (10 yards), four QB hurries

A lot of people will be watching how the former Florida linebacker performs for a couple of reasons. First, he’s making his return to the Swamp since announcing his transfer to Utah and will face off against his former team. Second, one of the major holes after last season for the Utes was the linebacker position as Devin Lloyd and Nephi Sewell have moved on to the NFL. Will Diabate be able to fill the void? How will he handle being a foe in the Swamp? That’s all to come on Saturday.

Cornerback Clark Phillips III

2021 stats: 62 tackles, one tackle for loss for two yards, two interceptions, 13 pass break ups, two forced fumbles

Of Utah’s returning starters on defense, Phillips might have the most buzz around his name. He proved to be one of the nation’s top corners against Ohio State’s prolific passing attack in last season’s Rose Bowl. As he heads into his third season, Phillips has exhibited great closing speed, a willingness to tackle and hip-to-hip man coverage. Napier and his offensive staff will have to account for Phillips’ presence on the field each snap he is in coverage.