Things are a little different, however. The Utes are entering the season with a new offensive coordinator in Dave Schramm and some playbook alterations are being introduced. It's nothing new these days in the ever-evolving world of college football.

Utah's transition, which includes more no-huddle plays, has been smooth.

Even so, Louks noted that spring drills were a learning process for a couple of reasons.

"It was my first time running the full offense and getting everything down — especially starting this new offense on top of that," he said. "So overall I think we had a good spring. I think we are right where we need to be.

"It was good momentum carrying over into this summer training that we are doing right now," Louks said. "I also think that it's going to carry over into fall camp and we'll be ready for that first game."

To prepare for the challenges ahead, Louks has put on some weight and improved his diet. The two-year letterman now weighs 202 pounds (up 13 from spring ball). He's feasting on a diet rich with eggs and chicken and is feeling stronger and more solid.

The weight gain, Louks said, hasn't had a negative impact on his speed.

Another area of emphasis is getting more consistency and accuracy with his throw game.

"So far I'm hitting my goals," he noted. "I've been studying film and just doing all the little things that I can to get better."

The biggest question mark with Louks may be his ability to throw the ball. In 19 games with the Utes, he's attempted just 15 passes (completing nine for 145 yards and two touchdowns).

"It doesn't really make me angry. I haven't really been asked to do so.

"But I understand when people question that a little bit," Louks said. "I was a quarterback in high school (throwing for 2,489 yards and 28 touchdowns as a senior) and I was throwing the ball a lot and that's what they recruited me to do. So I'll get to throw the ball when the season comes. I guess I'll answer all the questions."

The speedy Californian's primary contributions at Utah have come in run situations, where he has netted 380 yards and four scores on 60 career carries.

"It's a situation where we didn't really need him to come in and throw the ball," Johnson said. "He's more than capable of going in and reading a defense and throwing the ball effectively. He just didn't have many opportunities to do it the last two years."

The Sugar Bowl's Most Outstanding Player added that Louks is very capable of stepping in and making plays. Johnson also appreciates the confidence his former understudy has shown.

"You can't go in there and be like 'Hopefully I can play,' " he said.

"You've got to have confidence in yourself first. That's the starting point for any quarterback.