Utah Utes football: Johnson confident with QBs

Former Utah quarterback Brian Johnson was surprised that his understudy, Corbin Louks, decided to transfer to Nevada.

However, he's not surprised with the development of Ute quarterback contenders Jordan Wynn and Terrance Cain.

"I think once Jordan gained the weight (43 pounds) and, after the spring, everybody kind of realized it was a three-man race and they all got equal opportunity to go out there and impress," Johnson said. "I think the biggest difference was you've got to be able to protect the football and not put this great defense in bad situations."

At the end of the day, somebody was going to be on the outside looking in. And it turned out to be Louks.

As for the remaining competitors in the quest to become the Utes' next starting quarterback, Johnson thinks Wynn and/or Cain will do just fine.

"The thing is that they have a great supporting cast around them. So it makes their job a lot easier. They just have to get the ball to those guys and make sure that everybody's doing the right things," Johnson said. "Those guys are more than capable. They're in good hands with coach (Dave) Schramm, and I'm more than confident that they get the job done."

Johnson has spoken with both Wynn and Cain quite a bit and has even sat in on a couple of quarterback position meetings during camp.

"I'm always here for them," said Johnson, the Sugar Bowl MVP. "If they need anything, they always know I'm just a phone call away."

When he became Utah's starter, Johnson often called his predecessor, Alex Smith. The two engaged in detailed football conversations. Johnson, thus, is eager to do the same.

"I think that's kind of your job," he said. "Once you leave the program, find ways to give back."

Johnson's door will always be open to Wynn and Cain.

"These guys are more than welcome to pick my brain for anything. I'm sure they know that," Johnson said. "I'm sure they'll use it if they need to."

EXTRA POINTS: Wynn and Cain continue to get equal reps in practice and are scheduled to do the same in this morning's camp-ending closed scrimmage at Rice-Eccles Stadium. ... Right guard Walter Watts, who hyperextended his left knee on Thursday, could resume practicing as early as Monday. ... Wide receiver Shaky Smithson returned to practice Friday evening. He spent much of the week in "The Pit" while recovering from minor injuries... Center Zane Taylor wrote a guest column in Friday's Wall Street Journal.

e-mail: dirk@desnews.com