Matt Asiata was swarmed by reporters after his first practice with Utah.

The former Snow College star made a good impression on opening day in his bid to become the Utes' starting tailback.

"I really like what I saw in Matt Asiata with his quickness," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. "He picks up things very quickly. He's a very intelligent football player."

Asiata, who earned junior college All-America honors after rushing for 1,365 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, was recruited to bolster Utah's ground game. He's expected to join an offense featuring 10 returning starters.

"Finally, I'm out here working with the team," Asiata said. "I'm excited for this season. It's going to be a hard season, but we're all going to work together."

As for his own situation, Asiata didn't get too specific. He's not taking anything for granted when it comes to earning the starting job.

"I've just got to work hard and get the plays down," Asiata said. "We'll just see. We'll see what happens during the season, but I'll be ready."

Senior Darryl Poston, who led the Utes with 553 yards rushing last season, currently occupies the top spot on the depth chart at tailback.

MOHAWK IN THE MIDDLE: Senior Joe Jiannoni sported what has become a traditional haircut for whoever becomes Utah's starting middle linebacker — a Mohawk. It's a look Jiannoni has appreciated for years.

"I have always just had a Mohawk. I like it, and it'll never be different. It's just a middle linebacker thing," he said. "I just think it's a good looking haircut. It's a certain personality, and only certain people can wear it, I believe."

The look is catching on, Jiannoni noted, as some receivers and offensive lineman are also sporting the hairdo.

WILSON WATCH: Junior receiver Marquis Wilson, who is facing offseason charges of misdemeanor drunken driving and possession of alcohol by a minor, is in camp. He's listed at No. 2 on the depth chart behind Brent Casteel despite missing all of spring football because of a team suspension following the incident.

"He was reinstated at the beginning of summer to work out with the team and practice with the team," Whittingham said. "But his game suspension will be directly tied to the outcome of the legal process. We're hoping we can wrap it up by next week. We have no control of that, obviously."

Whittingham acknowledges the longer things drag on, the greater the likelihood it'll become a greater distraction to the team.

"It's a serious offense," he said. "We're not downplaying whatsoever what the situation is. We need to get it settled."

EXTRA POINTS: Whittingham announced that quarterback Brian Johnson, offensive lineman Kyle Gunther, safety Steve Tate and Jiannoni were elected captains by their teammates ... The Utes will have a rare but brief practice Sunday as they work through the NCAA's acclimation period. They'll add shoulder pads on Monday and Tuesday before moving camp from the McCarthey Practice Fields to the Ute Baseball Field on Wednesday ... All practices and scrimmages are closed to the public. Utah's first scrimmage is set for Friday.

---

E-mail: dirk@desnews.com