The TribUte newsletter: Quarterback Devon Dampier is the Utes’ leader, thanks in no small part to his dining choices.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) warms up as Utah gets ready to host Cal Poly, NCAA football in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025.
If you didn’t know already, Devon Dampier loves to grub.
And he’s particularly fond of dining out in Salt Lake City with his teammates — especially the offensive linemen and wide receivers.
“He’s a sweets kind of dude,” Utah redshirt senior wide receiver Ryan Davis said. “He eats like a little kid. If we were to go to the Frontier Restaurant — one of our good spots out in New Mexico — he would eat a cinnamon roll. Probably get maybe two or three and not even touch the proteins and stuff.”
But what are some of his favorite spots in Salt Lake City?
Davis said he and Dampier love going to the usual fast-food chains like Five Guys and Chipotle on campus. They’ve also taken a liking to Moochie’s Cheesteaks, a local joint serving Philly cheesesteaks, meatballs and sides with patio seating.
This spring, the junior quarterback was on the record saying he would take his teammates out to breakfast at Penny Ann’s Cafe.
“It definitely helps on the field,” Davis said. “He’s been great about inviting people to events outside of football. He takes the offensive line out every single week, takes the receivers out. He’s great at incorporating everyone and just having that bond translates.”
Utah starting center Jaren Kump says the offensive lineman love to go to OMBU Grill, a Korean barbecue spot with all the “unlimited meat that you can eat,” Kump said.
“We try to be modest because he asks, ‘Hey, where do y’all want to go?’ every week. We don’t want to go to too many expensive places,” Kump said.
Davis, though, lets the junior quarterback foot the bill most of the time because “he’s got that bread,” the wide receiver jokingly said.
But no matter who’s paying, Dampier taking his teammates to dinner, breakfast or brunch has allowed him to become Utah’s primary leader on offense.
“He knows he can trust me and I trust him,” Davis said. “It’s no different than New Mexico, and that trust is still there, so we’re able to just show it and love doing it.”
Utah’s offense gets back on track
The Utes and head coach Kyle Whittingham have a bye this week.
But that feels better coming off a big win.
Following their blowout loss to Texas Tech two weeks ago, Utah got back on track with a massive win over West Virginia.
Dampier was back to his old self, finishing the contest with 237 passing yards, a career-high four touchdowns and one interception.
“[We wanted] to use last week as fuel,” Dampier said. “In the facility, we had a two-day rule, as soon as we go over it’s on to the next game, and [we have to] focus on our next opponent.”
What’s Next?
After its bye week, Utah will take on No. 25 Arizona State at 8:15 p.m. MT on Oct. 11 at Rice-Eccles Stadium.