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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Utah will have a new full-time starter under center for the first time in four years with the departure of Travis Wilson. Defense will always be the foundation of coach Kyle Whittingham's program, but the offense needs better quarterback play to be a serious and consistent contender for Pac-12 titles.
Santa Monica College transfer Troy Williams, who played one year at Washington, may be the answer. Freshman Tyler Huntley is also expected to compete for the starting job. Both have already enrolled in school.
''He is dynamic,'' Whittingham said of Williams. ''Coming out of high school he was in the top three or four in the nation of top dual-threat quarterbacks that particular year. We think he's a tremendous talent. He carries himself exactly like you want a quarterback to carry himself. He's got charisma, that air of confidence and leadership about him.''
Linebacker David Luafatasaga flipped from Ole Miss on Wednesday and has the chance to contribute immediately with Jared Norris, Gionni Paul and Jason Whittingham all exhausting their eligibility.
Other things to know:
Top 25 Class: No
Best in class: Garett Bolles, OL, Snow College, Lehi, Utah
Best of the rest: Troy Williams, QB, Santa Monica College, Carson, California
Late addition: David Luafatasaga, LB, Arizona Western, Honolulu, Hawaii
One that got away: Wayne Kirby, DT, Pocatello, Idaho
How they'll fit in: All eyes are on the offensive side of the ball with Wilson and running back Devontae Booker gone. As junior college transfers, both Williams and Bolles are expected to contribute immediately. But Whittingham is all about defense and the linebacker corps got an infusion with Luafatasaga, Davir Hamilton, Snow College transfer Kurtis Taufa and Donovan Thompson.
Luafatasaga ''is exceptional at rushing the passer,'' Whittingham said. ''He can also play inside linebacker. His real strength is coming off the edge.''
