After the conclusion of last year’s historic run to a second BCS Bowl win, questions arose as to who would have to the responsibility of stepping into the shoes of departed quarterback Brian Johnson.
All signs pointed to Corbin Louks.
But after a heated quarterback competition began in the spring and spilled over into the fall, the certainty of this season’s starter has only come more and more into question. But one thing is now for sure–Louks will not be the Utes’ starter this season, at any position.
Louks announced Tuesday that he intends to end his time in Salt Lake City and continue his football career at the University of Nevada. Louks has not only been running with the quarterbacks this fall, but since Friday the junior has also been working out with the safeties.
Louks, who Utah safeties coach Morgan Scalley described as “a natural” at the position, made his decision to transfer after he had been dropped to third on the most recent quarterback depth chart released by head coach Kyle Whittingham late last week.
“I plan to transfer and I feel it is best for the team that I don’t drag things out,” Louks said. “The team needs to concentrate on the game with Utah State and I don’t want to be a distraction. Transferring will give me the opportunity to play a position I know and love.”
Now left competing for the starting job as the Utes’ signal caller will be junior college transfer Terrance Cain and true freshman Jordan Wynn. Wynn is listed atop the depth chart, but both Wynn and Cain have been taking reps with the first team this week and reps have been nearly equal all week. Although Whittingham and offensive coordinator Dave Schramm still have a difficult decision to make before the season opener against Utah State, Whittingham knows how important Louks was to the program and has nothing but well wishes for the departed junior.
“We appreciate the contributions that Corbin has made to our program,” Whittingham said. “The role he played for us the last two seasons was definitely a factor in our success. We wish him nothing but the best in all his future endeavors”
Corbin Louks