Unlike most starting quarterbacks in the country, Brian Johnson has access to a six-pack at every practice and game.

It's a luxury the Utah junior appreciates.

"The six-pack. That's our six veteran wide receivers — Brent Casteel, Derrek Richards, Brian Hernandez, Marquis Wilson, Freddie Brown and Bradon Godfrey," Johnson explained. "Those guys can all step in and have huge games for us on any day."

Last season, the six-pack combined to catch 210 passes for 2,695 yards and 21 touchdowns.

"We kind of came up with the name for the six-pack for those guys because those six veterans are kind of the core of what we do offensively as far as the passing game goes," said Johnson, who noted that the group gathered for 7 a.m. workouts, three days a week, all summer long. "It's just an ongoing process to continue to get chemistry with them," he added. "And to continue to just work with them so you have a trust and a relationship that you know where they're going to be on every snap."

Johnson, who missed all of last season while recovering from knee surgery, has impressed his receiving corps. They're eager to resume working with the quarterback who finished fourth in the nation in total offense in 2005.

Hernandez, a senior, points out that Johnson has put on 15 to 20 pounds since then.

"His arm has definitely gotten stronger, and he's just that much smarter having two more years under his belt," Hernandez said. "So I think you'll be looking at an even better Brian Johnson this year."

Expectations are high. Just ask head coach Kyle Whittingham. For the second consecutive year, he's labeled his receivers the best in the Mountain West.

"We expect them to be the deepest, most talented corps in the conference," Whittingham said. "That's my expectation."

The six-pack, he continued, are all good receivers.

And the statistics prove it. Utah's go-to guys handled a bulk of the receiving duties in 2006. The rest of the team netted just 28 receptions, 268 yards and four touchdowns.

"I think we are really good. We have a lot to prove still but we've got a lot of returning guys — a lot of experience and a good group who can do a lot of things," Hernandez said. "So I think we'll be pretty good.

"If we play out like the way we should," he continued. "I think we should be pretty dangerous."

For now, however, the six-pack is going through camp outside the spotlight. Johnson's return and the addition of tailback Matt Asiata have taken center stage.

"We're not too worried about that," Hernandez said. "It's nice to have Brian back. Because once the season comes he'll make us look better. So when the time comes we'll get what we deserve, our recognition, if we play well."

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