When Utah Utes head coach Morgan Scalley fought to keep quarterback Devon Dampier in Salt Lake City, he knew immediately his full potential was on the horizon.

With that said, being able to build an offense around him was the selling point. It's exactly why he's at Utah, and nobody else really comes close to being the team's best leader. Bringing in some of the transfer portal players they did on offense only helped Dampier's confidence level.

Dampier means a lot to this team. His personality and swagger goes further compared to other Utes players. During the midway point of last season, he started to play with more ownership. He's definitely developed in some ways and needs a refresher course in others.

Dampier is somebody that set the standard at Utah. Saying that his play isn't directly tied to the Utes' success is a false statement. He gives you a baseline of what to expect this season. When he's on top of his game and clicking on all cylinders, Utah is as well. That's why he is the most important player on the Utes' roster.

It might sound cliché, considering the quarterback position is arguably the most important position in all sports. However, you don't bring back Dampier just to be good enough. You bring him back to continue to stand on business. Because you know what he can do on a football field. His leadership and energy for the game are contagious.

Dampier is the Energizer Bunny in the best terms. Nothing is going to slow him down, not even dealing with a double sports hernia injury. He's able to create plays with both his arms and legs. Not many other quarterbacks can do what he does consistently.

When you think of an offensive line that's replacing all five starters in that unit. Being able to have a quarterback like Dampier is such a key factor. He's able to fight through the growing pains with his guys. The beauty of it all is that Utah doesn't need Dampier to be a 4,000-yard quarterback. He's not in video game simulation mode. What he needs to do is take care of the football and be efficient.

After seeing what Dampier did last season while being injured, you have to feel good about getting him back at full strength. Byrd Ficklin is an outstanding quarterback, but the hope is not to use him unless the game is out of hand.

Dampier will no doubt help Utah win a lot of football games this season. The pressure will be on his shoulders once again. He's ready for the challenge.

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