"Unfinished business" is what led to senior tight end Dalton Kinkaid turning down an invite to the 2022 NFL Combine. It was a decision that may prove to pay serious dividends for the Utah Utes this season.
As rare as it is to find programs with an NFL-caliber tight end, the Utes have two of them. Like Kinkaid, his best friend and tight end teammate, Brant Kuithe also made the decision to skip this year's NFL Draft to return for another season. Together, they contributed 86 receptions, 1,121 yards, and 14 touchdowns.
By all accounts, both Kinkaid and Kuithe are anxious about returning of one more season together . Perhaps the bitter taste of losing the Rose Bowl to C.J Stroud and Ohio State played a major part in their decision to return. There is also the potential of the Utes offense becoming one of the most formidable units in college football with All-Conference first-team quarterback Cameron Rising at the helm.
In a year where the Pac-12 conference is wide open for the taking, the tandem of Kincaid and Kuithe should pose an issue for opposing defenses this season. Inevitably, both talented tight ends will be coveted by NFL teams for next year's draft. For now, anything less than repeating as Pac-12 champions may be perceived as a lost season. One can safely assume they are aware of this, and are likely to do everything possible to make sure they achieve their goals.