facebook-pixel

Ute receivers step up with Darren Carrington hobbled

Utah's Raelon Singleton (11) runs past Washington defenders on the way to a 40-yard touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Seattle • Limited by an injury in November, Darren Carrington II will fall short of Utah’s record for receptions in a season.

The consolation of Carrington’s dropoff in the late stages of his only season in the program as a graduate transfer is that other receivers have emerged. Raelon Singleton led the Utes with five receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns Saturday night in a 33-30 loss to No. 16 Washington at Husky Stadium.

Carrington caught two passes for 24 yards, after missing last weekend’s loss to Washington State. He was among 10 Utes who connected with quarterback Tyler Huntley against the Huskies.

“They did a good job of showing up,” Huntley said.

Filling the recent void of production from Carrington, who leads the team with 60 catches (the school record is 81) this season, Singleton especially has emerged as a dependable receiver. Citing the need for someone to step up, Singleton said, “That’s how it is in this program.”

Huntley completed 19 of 27 passes for 293 yards and ran for 48 yards. Tight ends Siale Fakailoatonga, Harrison Handley and Jake Jackson combined for four catches, giving the Ute offense an element that has been missing. Fakailoatonga’s 20-yard reception and Jackson’s 39-yard grab deep in Washington territory each led to a touchdown in the second half.

Developing other receiving threats beyond Carrington is critical for Huntley and the Utes, because the Oregon transfer will be gone next season. The Utes will welcome back Britain Covey from a church mission and he should fit nicely into offensive coordinator Troy Taylor’s scheme as a slot receiver with three years of eligibility remaining.