Utah Utes football: 1st spring day good to U.

Utah's first spring football practice went as expected. Head coach Kyle Whittingham said there was a lot of learning and a lot of teaching Tuesday on the McCarthey Practice Fields.

"We got a lot in," said Whittingham, who noted that the first several spring practices involve installing the offense and defense. "Guys worked hard so it was a good day."

The Utes welcomed senior wide receiver Brent Casteel and junior tailback Matt Asiata back to the fold. They suffered early season-ending injuries last fall. Casteel hurt his knee and Asiata broke his leg.

"It was great to have those guys out here," said Whittingham. "They're both moving around real well."

The duo's return highlighted the first of 15 spring sessions for the Utes.

"It's great being back out here with my teammates — back in competition mode," said Casteel, who estimates he's about 95 percent of the way back to full strength.

Quarterback Brian Johnson acknowledged it was good to see Casteel, an all-conference honoree in 2006, running around making plays once again.

"I'm sure he was excited and we're definitely excited to have him back," said Johnson, who is also working his way back into form after surgery. A month ago, Utah's starting quarterback had scar tissue removed from his throwing shoulder — an injury he suffered in last year's season-opening loss at Oregon State.

"It was good to get out there and get a couple of throws in," said Johnson. "Hopefully I just keep progressing as we go a long in spring."

Johnson added that his recovery is going well. He shared reps in practice with Chad Manis, Corbin Louks and newcomer DeVonte Christopher. The latter signed with the Utes in February and enrolled in school later in the month after graduating from high school early.

"One week I was in high school and the next week I'm in college," said Christopher, who admits feeling a lot of pressure in his first collegiate practice.

Johnson can relate. He recalls his first practice as being "a very nervous deal" because all eyes are on you as a quarterback.

"They want to see what you've got," said Johnson. "(Christopher) took it in stride. He's just got to keep playing and work his way to get better every day."

Whittingham agreed.

"DeVonte's getting some reps out there," he said. "He's got a lot to learn. It's all new for him, but he's got a lot of raw ability. That's for certain."

Utah's second practice is scheduled for Thursday afternoon on the practice fields.

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