Landen King has taken on an increased role in recent weeks since Thomas Yassmin was lost for the year. Against USC, he brought in a 6-yard touchdown. Then against Arizona State on Saturday, he brought in more receptions for more yards than he had in the previous seven games combined.

Quarterback Bryson Barnes connected with him four times for 43 yards and a touchdown in Utah’s 55-3 win over ASU. The former Auburn Tiger was targeted seven times. With Barnes finding a groove, perhaps a connection between the two of them is blossoming.

Kyle Whittingham believes King can be Utah’s next great tight end.

“The only thing that’s keeping him from absolute greatness is getting bigger,” Whittingham said. “He’s still only about 220 pounds, so he still needs to put some weight on that frame. But he lacks nothing as far as athleticism, hands, route-running ability.

“He’s working hard at it. He’s gained some weight since he’s been here, but he’s about 15, 20 pounds away from really having a chance to be a top-tier tight end.”

The Utes’ official roster lists King at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds. After a redshirt season in one of his two years at Auburn, King could play two more seasons after this one for Utah.

He’ll have the chance to build some momentum here down the stretch of the 2023 season.