Freshman Byrd Ficklin has quickly emerged as the University of Utah’s insurance policy for quarterback Devon Dampier.
But with Ficklin having appeared in four contests already — the max he can play before losing the option of a redshirt season — there might be some questions about whether the Utes want to shut the freshman down.
But don’t expect that to happen.
“We’re very pleased with what Byrd has done,” Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham said this week. “I would say that there is not a concerted effort right now to redshirt Byrd. We’re going to play him if he’s needed, obviously, and then any experience that we can get him, which is the road we’ve been going down, [is the one] we will continue to go down.”
Utah’s head coach also raved about the freshman’s poise and control when given snaps in offensive coordinator Jason Beck’s system. The Utes have opted to play Ficklin in sophomore quarterback Isaac Wilson’s place, as Wilson looks to redshirt after being unexpectedly thrown into the starting role last season.
Ficklin, a three-star recruit from Muskogee, Okla., has amassed 106 passing yards and one passing touchdown in that time. He has also run the ball 13 times for 91 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
“He’s really made the most of his snaps and has looked very poised and very in control when he’s been out there‚" Whittingham said. “For a true freshman, he seems to be very mature and handles his business very well.”