Utah Utes football: Johnson, Sakoda still with team, just not in uniform

SAN DIEGO — The last time Utah went bowling, kicker Louie Sakoda and quarterback Brian Johnson played prominent roles on the field, leading the Utes past Alabama in the Sugar Bowl last January.

They're still with the team, but in a vastly different way at this year's Poinsettia Bowl. Sakoda is a student assistant coach working with the kickers, and Johnson is an observer.

"It's tough to know where to draw the line," Sakoda said. "But it's still a fun experience, still great to be out here."

Johnson, meanwhile, is weighing his options. He's interested, however, in finding a way to be around the college game — perhaps as a graduate assistant in the near future.

As for now, though, the reigning Sugar Bowl MVP is having fun.

"It's weird because I'm not playing and I'm not really involved," Johnson said. "But it's nice just to watch and hang out and enjoy some of the stuff."