New Mexico
New Mexico QB Devon Dampier transfers to Utah
Utah has found its new quarterback in Devon Dampier, a dual-threat playmaker from New Mexico. Following offensive coordinator Jason Beck to Salt Lake City, Dampier is set to bring his electrifying skillset to a revamped Utes offense. As a sophomore at New Mexico, Dampier was the centerpiece of a high-powered attack that ranked among the nation’s best, averaging 484.2 yards and 33.5 points per game. His dual-threat abilities generated an impressive 3,934 total yards in 2024, split between 2,768 passing and 1,166 rushing yards, alongside 19 rushing touchdowns.
Dampier’s arrival signals a shift in Utah’s offensive philosophy. Under Beck, the Utes will implement a run-pass option (RPO)-heavy scheme designed to maximize the quarterback’s running ability. At New Mexico, this approach produced the fifth-best rushing offense in the nation, and Dampier excelled as a dynamic runner, forcing 51 missed tackles and showcasing elite speed and agility. His ability to make plays with his legs will provide Utah with an offensive dimension it hasn’t seen since Alex Smith’s 2004 season in Urban Meyer’s spread system.
Despite his success on the ground, Dampier’s passing remains a work in progress. His 57.9% completion rate and 1:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio (12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions) highlight areas for improvement. Beck’s guidance and an offseason to refine his mechanics could help Dampier address these weaknesses and adapt to the increased competition in the Power Four conferences. With 2,768 passing yards in 2024 and flashes of brilliance, including two 300-yard games, Dampier has the tools to develop into a more balanced quarterback.
Dampier is poised to step into the starting role immediately, given Utah’s current quarterback situation. Following the departures of Isaac Wilson, Brandon Rose, and Luke Bottari, the Utes are left with only incoming freshmen Wyatt Becker and Jamarian Ficklin on the roster. Cam Rising’s reported departure would further clear the path for Dampier to lead the offense in 2025. While Utah may seek another quarterback through the transfer portal, Dampier’s familiarity with Beck’s system gives him a significant advantage as the Utes transition to a new offensive identity.
With Dampier’s dual-threat capabilities and Beck’s proven system, Utah’s offense has the potential to reach new heights. However, the success of this pairing will hinge on Dampier’s ability to improve as a passer and adapt to the challenges of competing at a higher level.
Enter your email and we’ll send a secure one-click link to sign in.
KRQE NEWS 13 is provided by Nexstar Media Group, Inc., and uses the My Nexstar sign-in, which works across our media network.
Learn more at nexstar.tv/privacy-policy.
KRQE NEWS 13 is provided by Nexstar Media Group, Inc., and uses the My Nexstar sign-in, which works across our media network.
Nexstar Media Group, Inc. is a leading, diversified media company that produces and distributes engaging local and national news, sports, and entertainment content across its television and digital platforms. The My Nexstar sign-in works across the Nexstar network—including The CW, NewsNation, The Hill, and more. Learn more at nexstar.tv/privacy-policy.
LAS CRUCES, N.M. — An ‘imposter nurse’ in Las Cruces is facing 34 charges after nearly causing the death of a patient and illegally giving medications to patients under 18 years old.
A Doña Ana County grand jury indicted Margarita Gonzalez. She is accused of assuming the identities of nurses in Texas to get hired at four nursing facilities in Las Cruces:
- Village at Northrise
- Las Cruces Wellness and Rehabilitation
- Peak Behavioral Health
- Matrix Home Care
The New Mexico Department of Justice’s Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse Bureau investigated and discovered instances where Gonzalez illegally gave injections and dispensed prescriptions, including narcotics to eight inpatient residents under 18 years old.
An investigation also found Gonzalez was also about to allegedly give “an incorrect insulin dose” to a patient that they claim could’ve killed the patient if another nurse hadn’t caught the error.
Several facilities fired Gonzalez over patient safety concerns and an observed lack of knowledge.
“Impersonating a healthcare provider is a reckless and selfish crime that subjects those most vulnerable to risk of serious injury or death,” Attorney General Raúl Torrez said. “I will not tolerate those who risk the safety of patients or cause danger and unnecessary confusion within the healthcare system. These charges should keep anyone attempting to pose as a healthcare provider on notice: we will find you, and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law to protect New Mexicans.”
Gonzalez’s charges include identity theft, nursing without a license, abuse of a resident, distribution of controlled substances to a minor and fraud totaling over $25,000.
If convicted on all counts, Gonzalez could face up to 100 years in prison.
-
Los Angeles, Ca6 minutes agoEarly morning Montebello fire leaves resident critically injured
-
Detroit, MI30 minutes agoWhat big announcement at DPSCD Hall of Fame Gala could mean for Detroit students
-
San Francisco, CA42 minutes agoCasting shade on shadows: S.F. supervisor seeks to bar using shadows to block new housing
-
Dallas, TX48 minutes agoDallas Approves $180,500 for New Botham Jean Boulevard Street Signs
-
Miami, FL54 minutes agoMiami residents sue over land for Trump presidential library
-
Boston, MA60 minutes agoBoston has a secret society built on opium money in ‘The Society’
-
Denver, CO1 hour agoDenver weather: Nearing record highs again
-
Seattle, WA1 hour agoSeattle weather: Increasing clouds and cool showers on Thursday