Utah Utes football: Matt Asiata granted another year of eligibility by NCAA

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah running back Matt Asiata, who has missed 21 games in the last three seasons due to injury, has been granted a one-year extension by the NCAA. Asiata is rehabilitating from knee surgery and will not be able to participate in spring ball, but is expected to be full strength for fall camp.

He started the first four games last season and was leading the Mountain West Conference in rushing, averaging 101.3 yards per game, before injuring his knee during Utah's win over Louisville. He finished his season with 74 carries for 330 yards — an average of 82.5 yards per game — and four touchdowns. Asiata had a career-high 156 yards against Utah State in the 2009 season-opener.

In 2008, Asiata played in all 13 games during Utah's 13-0 season, leading the Utes in carries (146), net yards (707) and touchdowns (12). He redshirted his first year on campus, after breaking his leg in the first game of the 2007 season against Oregon State.

In other Utah football news, the Utes have signed another member to their 2010 class. Devin Hurley, an offensive lineman from Santa Ana College, has enrolled in classes and will participate in spring ball. Hurley, a 6-foot-5, 315-pound sophomore, is from Mukilteo, Wash.