Utah Utes football 2007: 3 phases of the game

QUARTERBACKS

Brian Johnson, 6-1, 210, Jr.

Tommy Grady, 6-7, 235, Sr.

3RD AND SHORT: Johnson has fully recovered from a knee injury that sidelined him in 2006. As a sophomore, Alex Smith's former understudy led the MWC in total offense and ranked fourth nationally. Johnson is now bigger, stronger and faster. He also has a coach's perspective after watching from the sidelines last season. In reserve, the Utes have Grady. He was the backup to Heisman Trophy winner Jason White at Oklahoma before transferring to Utah.

3RD AND LONG: It remains to be seen if Johnson can completely bounce back from the serious knee injury he suffered late in the 2005 campaign. Can the repaired knee withstand the rigors of full-time work? If not, Grady is a somewhat inexperienced senior. He appeared in just seven games last season and completed 7-of-14 passes.

RUNNING BACKS

Matt Asiata, 6-0, 235, Jr.

Darryl Poston, 5-11, 200, Sr.

Ray Stowers, 6-0, 223, Jr.

Darrell Mack, 6-0, 219, Jr.

3RD AND SHORT: Asiata. The junior college all-American, who rushed for 1,365 yards and 15 touchdowns at Snow last season, was brought to Utah for a reason. Asiata's arrival should greatly improve Utah's ground game. Poston led the Utes with 553 yards in 2006. Stowers and Mack are also in the mix with solid showings in camp.

3RD AND LONG: The Utes are banking on Asiata to make a smooth transition from the junior college ranks. He's the only running back Utah has to top 1,000 yards in a season since graduating from high school. Poston, Mack and Stowers have combined to net 932 yards on 251 collegiate carries.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Kyle Gunther, 6-4, 304, Sr.

Zane Beadles, 6-4, 312, So.

Robert Conley, 6-1, 316, Jr.

Dustin Hensel, 6-7, 320, Jr.

Corey Seiuli, 6-3, 320, Jr.

Walter Watts, 6-2, 300, Fr.

Zeke Tuinei-Wily, 6-4, 308, So.