Utah Utes football preview: Utes' weapons

For the Utah offense in 2008, it's as simple as 3-4-5-6.

Those are the numbers of quarterback Brian Johnson, running back Matt Asiata, receiver Brent Casteel and running back Darrell Mack.

The Utes have plenty of weapons this year, including receivers Bradon Godfrey, David Reed and Freddie Brown and running backs Eddie Wide and Ray Stowers to go along with an experienced offensive line with four returning starters.

But if the Utes are to be successful this year, they need production from Johnson, Asiata, Casteel and Mack, three of whom are coming off injuries that limited or wiped out their 2007 seasons.

Johnson injured his shoulder in the first game against Oregon State, and after missing a couple of games was restricted in his ability to pass downfield and wasn't allowed by the coaches to run the ball like he usually does.

Asiata also went down in the first game with a season-ending broken leg, while Casteel went out in the second game against Air Force with a knee injury. Only Mack stayed healthy all season as he went on to rush for 1,200 yards.

While all but Johnson have missed some time during fall camp for minor injuries, all should be ready to go when the Utes kick off against Michigan Saturday in Ann Arbor.

Although Johnson played most of last season, he was never 100 percent and needed freshman Corbin Louks to replace him when the Utes wanted to run their option, so Johnson wouldn't risk further injuring his shoulder.

When asked a few days ago if Johnson was 100 percent, Ute offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, gushed, "he's a thousand percent."

Johnson has been impressive throughout fall camp.

"He's had an excellent camp," said coach Kyle Whittingham. "He's making good decisions, he's done a great job running the offense and has been exceptionally accurate."

Mack sat out a couple of days with tendinitis in his heel, but has played the past several days and he says he'll be 100 percent for the season opener.

Asiata proclaimed himself "91 or 92 percent" ready a few days ago and he hopes to be ready for Michigan, although Whittingham has declared Mack the starter. The Utes have a lot more depth than last year with Stowers, Wide and freshman Sausan Shakerin each giving different looks from the running back position.