San Diego » No matter what happens in Wednesday night's Poinsettia Bowl, Utah quarterback Jordan Wynn has spent the last year riding an emotional roller coaster.

In order, Wynn made a nonbinding oral commitment to attend Colorado, changed his mind, enrolled at Utah, added 40 pounds to his teenage frame, became the Utes' starter in training camp and lost the job two weeks later.

There's much more.

Wynn also watched Utah's first seven games and mentally prepared to redshirt, rallied his team to a second-half victory in his debut against Wyoming, played well against San Diego State and New Mexico, struggled against mighty TCU and was hot-and-cold during an overtime loss to rival BYU.

Call it College Football 101, which Wynn has aced, according to coach Kyle Whittingham.

"Jordan has improved across the board," he said. "He's had some tough challenges. The TCU game -- that was an exceptional defense. But I think he's handled things very well. Everybody has room for improvement and he does, too. But I think he's made great strides."

Any regrets about pulling Wynn off a possible redshirt year so late in the season?

"Never look back," Whittingham said. "You can't look back. But I think it was the right move to make. ... We think he has a very bright future."

Throughout the ups and downs, Wynn has conducted himself with poise and maturity beyond his 191/2 years.

Asked the biggest lesson he has learned, Wynn smiled and said, "I guess the term I would use is patience, from winning the job in camp to losing it to getting it back on Halloween night."

Already, his journey from starter to sub to starter is a memorable chapter in his life.

"It's like I told my family," Wynn said. "I'll never forget Halloween now."

He also remembers the losses to TCU and BYU more than the second half against Wyoming or the wins over New Mexico and San Diego State.

"Playing in those two tough games and coming up short," Wynn said, "I would definitely say I've grown up a lot this year."

There are no regrets.

Wynn is eager to play against Cal in the Poinsettia Bowl, instead of watching as a redshirt with four years of eligibility remaining.

"It all worked out perfectly, basically," he said. "To come in how I did, it took some pressure off. Instead of just throwing me in there, I had time to think about things in my mind.

"Obviously I didn't have the record [as a starter] that I want. I'd like to be 4-0 right now, not 2-2. But it's only my freshmen year, so I'm trying to keep it in perspective."

Against undefeated and Fiesta Bowl-bound TCU, Wynn completed 16 of 32 passes for 219 yards. He threw for one touchdown but also had an interception returned for a touchdown.

"The first couple of games were all so fast," Wynn said. "I mean, some of that you can contribute to TCU's defense. But I think I'm more patient now. I do better letting the game come to me. Hopefully, that shows" against California.

No matter what happens, Wynn has already earned the respect of his more experienced teammates.

"With Jordan," said center Zane Taylor, "he started at a high level but has increased it every week. Making better decisions. Being accurate with the ball. Making the best of the O-line's blocking.

"Regardless of his age, he's a great player through and through. He prepares every week. He's always ready to go. He's confident. He's got lots of energy. He's definitely the kind of guy you want to play for."

luhm@sltrib.com