Utes gets big boost with Johnson back at QB

Utah wide receiver Brent Casteel is glad to have Brian Johnson back in the fold.

"He brings a lot more excitement to the offense. Our triple game is going to look a lot better with him," said Casteel. "Defenses will have a lot more to study when they try to come against us."

Johnson's versatility, he added, gives the Utes a big advantage. Johnson rushed for 478 yards and eight touchdowns in 2005. He also threw for 2,892 yards and 18 scores before getting injured in the 10th game of the season — leading to a medical redshirt year in 2006.

"I think we'll get a little bit more production out of our run game. We weren't very good at running the ball last year," said Johnson. "We did OK, but I think we can do a lot better."

Utah averaged 140.5 yards per game on the ground last season; only Darryl Poston (553 yards) netted more than 262 yards rushing.

The recruitment of junior college All-American Matt Asiata is sure to help, so, too, is Johnson's return.

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham acknowledges that running the football is one of Johnson's strengths.

"It adds that dynamic, and anytime the defense has to respect that option element," said Whittingham, "it makes it that much tougher to defend."

Johnson, however, won't be able to do it alone.

"Brian's back, but he's not a one-man show," said Whittingham. "You've got to have a supporting cast."

Among the other headliners is Casteel, who vows to step his game up a little more. The second-team All-Mountain West Conference honoree is working hard to improve his route running and is watching more film.

"He needs to if we're going to be an explosive offense," said Whittingham. "He's got to up his level of play."

It's a request Whittingham is asking of everyone.

"We have a veteran group. We have 10 starters returning and we should move faster. That's expected," said Whittingham. "But just because you have 10 veterans back, it doesn't mean you are going to be any good unless you execute and do the things you need to do."

Casteel, who led the Utes with 1,005 all-purpose yards, is optimistic they can put last season's mistakes (which contributed to an 8-5 finish) behind them.

"This year we've got our whole offense back. So we're looking forward to a big year," said Casteel. "The offense will be a lot better, a lot more fluid. We've got a lot of veterans on the team. So I'm looking forward to this offense doing great things."