West Virginia quarterback Khalil Wilkins dropped back to pass and threw a 30-yard pass to wide receiver Cam Vaughn. It was a bit underthrown, but it worked because Vaughn jumped up and made the grab. He shook off a tackle and took off into the endzone. On his first drive, Wilkins led WVU to its first points in the blowout against Utah.

Two drives later, the redshirt freshman led the Mountaineers to another touchdown. He didn’t do much during the drive, but was still behind center, orchestrating the offense.

Wilkins was the most productive quarterback against Utah. Without the usual starter, Nicco Marchiol, who was ruled out with a foot injury, Texas A&M transfer Jaylen Henderson started the game and played most of the first half. The offense couldn’t get rolling with Henderson at the helm. Henderson was better on the ground than Marchiol, but couldn’t throw. The throws were behind the receivers, and most should’ve been intercepted. He completed three passes for 22 yards.

Wilkins came in and brought some life into the offense. It wasn’t a spark, because it was 35-0 when he came in, but the offense looked better.

Wilkins completed three passes on six throws for 63 yards and the touchdown. Some of them were on the run, and others were standing in the pocket. Wilkins also rushed more efficiently than Henderson, averaging 4.3 yards per carry compared to Henderson’s 2.2.

The numbers could’ve been better, too. Wilkins missed on a couple of wide-open throws that would’ve been walk-in touchdowns, and Rodriguez noted those after the game, mentioning how Wilkins would like to have some throws back.

Tuesday, during his press conference, Rodriguez talked about why he might’ve missed those opportunities.

“Sometimes you rush a little bit, and you kind of aim instead of throwing,” Rodriguez said. “Khalil can make all the throws. Obviously, he’s a dynamic runner.”

Rodriguez said it’s just a matter of getting more reps, and Wilkins could be in for an increased role this week against BYU.

The injury report for BYU came out, and three quarterbacks were listed. Marchiol was ruled out because he’s in Arizona getting his foot injury looked at, and now Charlotte transfer Max Brown and Henderson are listed as questionable.

“We still have Max and Jaylen,” Rodriguez said. “Both those guys are banged up right now. They’ll be able to practice this week, but will be limited.”

It’s a short week, too, with the game being on Friday and Thursday being a day to travel, so with those two limited, Wilkins could be in line to start against BYU.

During his press conference, Rodriguez seemed high on the redshirt freshman, at least that’s what it sounded like. It makes sense. Wilkins fits the description of a Rodriguez quarterback. In the past, the quarterbacks Rodriguez had success with could make plays on the run, throwing like Wilkins did against Utah, and then blow by guys if he needed to take off. This could be Rodriguez’s guy.

It’s far too early to tell, but with Marchiol out, Henderson and Brown’s status up in the air, and the fact that WVU is 2-3 with the season spiraling, Rodriguez could turn the reins over to the youngster this week, setting up for the future.

“We’re looking and searching for everything we can to help us,” Rodriguez said. “Khalil has got some big, explosive type of ability. I think his upside and his future looks really good.”