Utah · Big 12Utah’s Running Back Room Is Expanding Beyond Wayshawn Parker
Parker has secured the top spot, but Kevin McGiven’s offense will ask Utah’s backs to do more than run. Daniel Bray, Mateaki Helu and Steve Chavez-Soto are gaining ground through receiving, blocking and special teams work.
AUG 26, 2026
Skilled players who can be on the field at one time, according to Mark Atuaia.
Mateaki Helu’s height as he moves from linebacker to offense.
Mateaki Helu’s weight in pounds.
01 · The NewsThe Backfield Takes Shape
Utah running backs coach Mark Atuaia said this week that his group has adjusted to Kevin McGiven’s new offensive system with the season one week away. Wayshawn Parker has secured the top running back spot. Daniel Bray, Mateaki Helu and San Jose State transfer Steve Chavez-Soto are pushing for larger roles. Atuaia said the backs have spent fall camp finding where they can help among Utah’s five skill-player spots. Bray has been a steady bright spot, Helu is moving from linebacker into offensive work and Chavez-Soto is earning more time after improving as a blocker.
02 · The StakesWhy the Room Matters
McGiven’s offense will ask Utah’s running backs to contribute more in the passing game. That raises the value of catching the ball and blocking, not only carrying it. Helu already plays a major role on special teams, and Atuaia said his physical style has carried into the offense. At 6-foot-1 and 224 pounds, Helu gives the group a different kind of runner while he continues learning the position. Chavez-Soto is also adjusting to Utah after transferring from San Jose State. He has made progress blocking both on the perimeter and in the box, which has helped his practice role grow.
“Bray is the young player Atuaia wants to put in front of a national audience.”
The Wire Desk03 · The PersonnelThe Next Rotation
Parker’s place is settled. The work behind him is not. Atuaia singled out sophomore Daniel Bray and said he is eager for people to see what Bray can do. Mateaki Helu brings a former linebacker’s background and will continue contributing on special teams. Steve Chavez-Soto is gaining ground by handling the less visible parts of the position, including taking coaching and blocking in different areas of the formation. Those players do not have to win the same job. Utah may use them according to what the play demands. The first rotation will show whether Bray’s rise, Helu’s physicality or Chavez-Soto’s blocking earns the most trust beside Parker.
04 · Honest ScaleWhat Happens Next
Utah’s backfield is taking shape around Parker, but the more telling part may be who stays useful when the ball is not in his hands. McGiven’s system gives the backs a larger passing-game role, so a runner who cannot block or catch will make the offense easier to read. Bray is the young player Atuaia wants to put in front of a national audience. Helu is learning offense while keeping his special teams value. Chavez-Soto is building his case through blocking and attention to coaching. That leaves Utah with three different paths to playing time. The first game should show which one travels best when the backs have to run, catch and block in the same afternoon.
05 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Who plays beside Parker?
The first back used after Parker will show who has earned the staff’s confidence. The choice should reveal whether receiving, physicality or blocking is winning the early competition.
Does Helu handle offensive work?
Watch whether Helu appears for more than a narrow blocking assignment. Consecutive offensive snaps would show that his move from linebacker is becoming a real part of the plan.
Where does Chavez-Soto block?
Pay attention to whether Chavez-Soto is asked to block outside the box as well as inside it. That will show whether his camp progress is carrying into the work that keeps a back involved.