Utah quarterback Devon Dampier is looking forward to a New Year’s Eve party in Las Vegas.
But only after he’s done with his work.
The junior confirmed this week that he will suit up and play in the Utes’ Las Vegas Bowl matchup against Nebraska.
“I’ve got a lot of family coming out. I’m telling them let me handle my game first and then we’ll talk about everything after that,” Dampier said with a smile on his face this week. “But a very exciting place to be at to play one last game with my team.”
Dampier has not yet announced whether he intends to stay in Salt Lake City next season or test the NCAA transfer portal. But the quarterback said his decision will be made public soon.
“I keep getting that,” Dampier said when asked about his future with the Utes. “Y’all gonna see. Y’all gonna see. But it’s great. I’m very happy to be here. Seriously.”
Freshman quarterback Byrd Ficklin has already re-signed with the Utes for next season. Utah successfully used both quarterbacks at times this season.
Dampier finished the season with 2,180 passing yards, 687 rushing yards and 29 total touchdowns. Ficklin had 301 passing yards, 503 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns.
Asked what it would mean for the Utes to have both quarterbacks back next year, Dampier said, “Man, it’s gonna mean a lot. We were trying to do something special [with an announcement], but his got a little leaked out before we could get to it. But it’s coming.”
In Vegas, Dampier will be without star offensive linemen Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu, who have opted out of the game as they prepare for the NFL draft. On the defensive side of the ball, Logan Fano has also opted not to play, head coach Kyle Whittingham said.
“I chose to finish out the season with my team and play in the game. Some people, it’s a lot higher stakes. We’ve got a couple of first-rounders. Things like that,” Dampier said. “We know those guys love us. … We still support those guys.”
The No. 15 Utes face off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 at Allegiant Stadium. The game will air on ESPN.
“It’s been fun. Obviously, we’re proud of what we did, but we’ve got one more,” Dampier said of the season. “It’s been a minute since we won a bowl game. We’re practicing for this win for sure.”