Less than a week after Utah announced that it had hired New Mexico offensive coordinator Jason Beck, the Utes have now gone back to the well and grabbed another key piece of the Lobos’ offense in 2024 with the addition of quarterback Devon Dampier.
Just a sophomore, Dampier was the catalyst for one of the most high-powered offenses in the country this season. Despite a 5-7 record — the Lobos’ best since 2016 — UNM’s offense was explosive, averaging 484.2 yards per game (No. 4 nationally) and 33.5 points per game (No. 27).
With Isaac Wilson in the transfer portal and Cam Rising reportedly expected to leave the program, Utah desperately needed to add an experienced quarterback. Plus, the Utes’ offense lacked explosive play potential throughout the year, and Kyle Whittingham needs to address that going into ’25.
Dampier checks both of those boxes for the Utes, and while his touchdown-to-interception ratio might have some shying away, this is a young quarterback who just might have the tools to become a superstar.
In his first season as a starter, Dampier threw for 2,768 yards and 12 touchdowns while completing 57.9% of his attempts and throwing 12 interceptions—however, his QBR (71.2) was good for 34th nationally and he took just five sacks all season.
Dampier’s ability to create plays with his legs, however, is what makes him a game-changer. In 12 games this season, Dampier rushed for 1,166 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging 7.5 yards per carry.
With that context, Dampier ranked sixth nationally in total offense this season, averaging 327.8 yards per game, second among all quarterbacks in rushing yards, and 13th in scoring (31 total touchdowns).
If the sophomore can clean up some of the turnover issues going into his second season as a potential starter, there’s a chance this could be the most underrated addition in the Big 12 this offseason.
