SALT LAKE CITY — In a recent interview with a newspaper in Columbia, South Carolina, quarterback Jake Bentley reemphasized his decision to play his final college season at Utah.
The graduate transfer played and started in 33 games for South Carolina before making the move. He was limited to one game last season because of a foot injury.
“I just felt like I needed a new start,” Bentley told The State. “I love (Will) Muschamp and I’m so thankful for all that he’s done for me and my family. But I think for me it was just something that I needed to do.”
Bentley made his decision in December and enrolled at Utah shortly thereafter. He’s competing with Texas transfer Cam Rising and veteran Drew Lisk for the starting job vacated by the graduation of Tyler Huntley.
“Going into it, I told my dad and all of the other coaches that were talking to me that I wanted a situation where I could grow as a person and a football player. Those were the two big things I was looking for. Utah really is a special place.” — Jake Bentley
“Going into it, I told my dad and all of the other coaches that were talking to me that I wanted a situation where I could grow as a person and a football player. Those were the two big things I was looking for. Utah really is a special place,” Bentley explained. “The numbers that Tyler put up last year at Utah were impressive. So I wanted to be a part of that. I definitely think it’s going to prepare me for the next level, and obviously it’s a great program that I wanted to be a part of.”
Bentley also had kind things to say about Utah offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, who had tried to recruit him to Vanderbilt years earlier.
“It definitely suits me more as far as coach Ludwig is a very cerebral thinker and a very detailed thinker. It’s black and white, there’s no gray area. ... It really fits me,” said Bentley, who added that he’s excited to be part of an offense with “a very detailed plan.”