Utah Utes football concludes camp minus starting QB

Camp is complete, but Utah's quarterback competition is lingering on. Starting candidates Jordan Wynn and Terrance Cain took equal reps with the first unit in Saturday's scrimmage.

And according to head coach Kyle Whittingham, both did well.

The decision on who'll start against Utah State on Sept. 3, he noted, is going down to the wire.

"That's what I expected," said Wynn, who was No. 1 on last week's depth chart but wound up sharing opportunities with Cain over the final days of camp. "Nothing was final. I've still got to go out and work hard."

Statistics weren't kept in the camp-ending scrimmage, but both quarterbacks felt good about their performances — even though a few mistakes were made.

"It went pretty well," said Wynn, who acknowledged needing to work on his two-minute offense. "Other than that I had a pretty good day."

Cain, meanwhile, discussed the bigger picture.

"Camp went well," he said. "It's a big improvement for myself, getting the plays down."

The competition to replace Sugar Bowl MVP Brian Johnson as the starter has remained even since the field was reduced to two earlier in camp.

That's when previous No. 1 Corbin Louks was relegated to No. 3. He subsequently opted to transfer to Nevada.

Who will be the starter headlines Utah's "still not clear" list.

Whittingham admits time is running out.

"We've got just a few days left to decide which direction we are going to go," he said Saturday morning.

Even when a choice is made, Whittingham has told reporters it may be a game-time announcement.

Other starting positions still up for grabs are right guard, tight end and a wide receiver spot.

Walter Watts and Tevita Stevens are battling for the offensive line spot. The competition is so close, in fact, that both will likely see action.

At tight end, four players are still in the mix. Senior Chris Joppru leads the pack, but Ben Hendy, Kendrick Moeai and Brad Clifford are giving chase.

"All are doing a nice job," Whittingham said. "It hasn't been solidified yet."

Wide receivers Luke Matthews and John Peel are still competing for the fourth starting position. The current co-starters were among just a handful of projected contributors to participate in the scrimmage.

Utah camp report

Saturday: The Utes concluded camp with a situational scrimmage at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Standouts: Free safety Robert Johnson had a pair of interceptions during two-minute drills ... Conroy Black returned a blocked field goal 52 yards for a touchdown ... Trevor Moss rushed for two touchdowns ... Linebacker Chad Manis broke up two passes.

Injuries: Defensive end Koa Misi (back) is questionable for the season opener. Right guard Walter Watts (knee) could resume practice on Monday.

Next: The Utes shift into season mode Monday with an afternoon practice.

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com