In a move that has been assumed for a long time, Utah officially named junior quarterback Travis Wilson as the team's starting quarterback. Wilson beat out Oklahoma-transfer Kendal Thompson for the job.
Over the past two seasons, Wilson started 16 games for the Utes including nine last season before a concussion ended his season prematurely. During the diagnosis for the concussion, the team's medical staff discovered a pre-existing head trauma condition that, at the time, was considered career-threatening.
In February, Wilson announced he would return for the 2014 season, but was limited to non-contact activities during spring practice while doctors continued to monitor his condition. In June, he received full medical clearance and resumed all football-related activities.
Throughout fall camp, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has been adamant it was an open competition between Wilson and Thompson, although few actually believed Thompson would win the job. Thompson, who was immediately eligible after graduating from Oklahoma in the spring, made the decision to transfer while Wilson's status was still in limbo.
In two seasons with the Utes, Wilson has passed for 3,138 yards and 23 touchdowns. He led the team to a 4-2 start last season, including a win against then undefeated and No. 5-ranked Stanford.
Utah also announced there are three starting jobs on defense that are still up for grabs: defensive end (Jason Fanaika and Hunter Dimick), nose tackle (Sese Ianu, Clint Shepard and Lowell Lotulelei) and linebacker (Uaea Masina and Pita Taumoepenu).
