Deseret News | Utah Utes football: Utah's man — Injury-free Johnson rarin' to go for Utes

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Utah Utes football: Utah's man — Injury-free Johnson rarin' to go for Utes

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Number 3 for "U" and me! | 12:50 a.m. July 1, 2008

Whatever Brian Johnson may or may not accomplish this season, the bottom-line is that the guy is an intelligent-class-act.

Be that as it may I expect he will do great things this year and I forsee another 2004esque year by the Utes overall!

Go Brian and Go Utes!!!

utah fan | 1:31 a.m. July 1, 2008

BJ will do wonders this year.......GO UTES

BYU Fan | 1:40 a.m. July 1, 2008

I think Johnson is the wild card for Utah this year. They could have a big season if he stays healthy and is able to fully utilize his scrambling and passing skills.

Neither BYU or Utah can affort to lose their starting QBs. Should be an interesting season.

Comments continue below

Coug in Mass | 4:17 a.m. July 1, 2008

Class act. I hope that everything mends for him and he goes 11-1.

WHAT | 6:03 a.m. July 1, 2008

WASN'T BRIAN'S SHOULDER SEPERATION THAT KEEPED HIM OUT FOR A FEW WEEKS THE SAME DEGREE THAT MAX HALL HAD WHEN HE PLAYED THROUGH IT DURING THE UTAH GAME. HEY IM JUST SAYIN!!!

Mark | 6:17 a.m. July 1, 2008

Johnson is a very good QB, and I hope to see how well the Utes can do this year with fewer injuries--maybe even two undefeated teams meeting the last game of the regular season to determine the MWC championship.

I just wish Facer wouldn't dance around Brian's actual record, virtually ignoring losses when he'd get injured, or played a partial game, like NM in 2005 and OSU and UNLV last year. It's inspiring enough how he's come back from two serious injuries, without sugar coating the effect it's had on his overall record.

brazilizn cougar | 6:23 a.m. July 1, 2008

I pray that BJ will have an injury free year. I hope they will be undeafted going into the BYU game. as i hope byu will be. what a game to play. go Utes and go Cougars.

Re: WHAT | 6:03 a.m. | 7:12 a.m. July 1, 2008

No. The shoulder injuries were NOT the same degree. Johnson's separation was a grade 3. Hall's was a grade 1. This has actually been reported on several times...including the DNews. If you keep reading Ute articles, as you appear to be doing now, you'll start to become more informed.

Hey, I'm just sayin.

RE: WHAT | 7:47 a.m. July 1, 2008

NO IT WAS NOT!! BRIAN JOHNSON'S REQUIRED OFF-SEASON SURGERY. MAX HALL'S DID NOT. BRIAN'S WAS MUCH WORSE THAN MAX'S!!!!

HEY, I'M JUST SAYIN!!!

Scares Me to Death | 7:49 a.m. July 1, 2008

As a huge Ute fan, I wish BJ the best of luck. He has become quite fragile. He reminds me of Arceneaux in that every time he takes a big hit, we wonder if he'll be back. This is his year to put it all together.

Idaho BYU Fan | 7:52 a.m. July 1, 2008

Johnson is a stud. I wish him well in every game this year except 1. As long as he goes injury free he'll do some damage for the Utes. Like many others, I'd love to see the holy war this year be against 2 undefeated teams.

Just wanted to get that in before all the yoyo haters from both sides wake up and start posting their blather and stupidity here.

Go Cougars and Utes...

JIMI | 7:53 a.m. July 1, 2008

umm im prity sure BJs injury was worse that max halls. any fool knows that! im just sayin !!

well I'm just sayin | 7:58 a.m. July 1, 2008

He wont last 4 games. Some people just aren't made to play football. Wonder how his jump shot is?

Go Utes ! | 8:04 a.m. July 1, 2008

Great article.Brian Johnson is a class act and if he can stay healthy THE University of Utah could have another extraordinary year.

Anonymous | 8:05 a.m. July 1, 2008

I thought this article was a repeat article from last year. Let's hope he can stay injury free.

Re: Mark | 8:14 a.m. July 1, 2008

Keep in mind that the media did the same thing with John Beck's record, to illustrate that he actually was a good QB even though the team's record wasn't very good during his first three years.

As for BJ, you have to put an asterisk next to those three games. '05 UNM the Utes were driving for the winning score when BJ was injured and Ratliff came in and threw an interception. The OSU game was tied when he was injured and Grady came in and was awful. The UNLV game was an impossible situation, Grady had dug a hole and BJ wasn't even ready to come back from injury yet, let alone have to lead a come from behind effort on the road.

Johnson is a great QB.

Anonymous | 8:16 a.m. July 1, 2008

He's no alex smith, i have been to a few parties when he has been there, maybe he is a good guy in front of the cameras, but off the limelight hes not.

RE: What | 8:33 a.m. July 1, 2008

Hey, I'm just sayin' was it your BYU education that "keeped" you so informed on this issue or was it the blue and white glasses that maked you fell in love with Max Hall?

Just sayin yo!

BJ needs to step up | 8:41 a.m. July 1, 2008

Utah finished 8-1 last season despite the fact that Johnson couldn't throw a pass more than 15 yards and was practically immobile in the pocket. That's a credit to Utah's offensive line and running backs, particularly Darrell Mack.

Utah had four key offensive players seriously injured by the second game of 2007, (only one, Johnson, returned to play) and the team still went 9-4 and won a bowl game. That's a credit to Johnson's toughness and to the coaching staff for improvising and making the best of a bad situation.

Now's the time to stay healthy, stay together and live up to expectations. The pieces are in place for a great run.

GO UTES!!!

Ernest T. Bass | 8:44 a.m. July 1, 2008

Brian is a good kid. Go Utes!!!
Also, he not only separated his shoulder but he fractured his collarbone.

Nurse Diesel | 8:49 a.m. July 1, 2008

Please keep the Ute's Johnson clean and healthty this year.

An Observation | 8:57 a.m. July 1, 2008

Isn't it funny that Ute fans typically bemoan the BYU fans as holier than thou and non inclusive? Reading this post, I see several BYU fans who are very gracious in their comments and only one who seems to be making silly comments. However, I see a quick jump from the Utah fans -- as happens on any BYU sports posts -- to make personal attacks on the BYU fans.

Statman | 8:59 a.m. July 1, 2008

There is a 95% chance that BJ will get hurt again this year. Kyle will leave him in the game during meaningless mop-up action against UNLV and he will get hurt. Kyle, make some better decisions this year or you on GONE! Take your Toy share commericals with you, who cares that you are too lazy to wash your motorcycles.

Concast-hater | 8:57 a.m. July 1, 2008

BJ is an all right QB, but will not go pro. He will need to use his education next year.

andrewute1 | 8:59 a.m. July 1, 2008

The utah offense will be loaded this year, i am very excited for this year! I could be a very big year for the Utes!

GO UTES!!

Anonymous | 9:01 a.m. July 1, 2008

Hopefully you don't all dismiss my comments because I'm an avid Cougar - but I really like Johnson. He's a classy guy and a smart QB with talent. I hope Utah goes undefeated up until their November 22 showdown! Wouldn't it be incredible to have 2 undefeated MWC titans go head-to-head?

Texas Cougar | 9:03 a.m. July 1, 2008

Brian is the one thing I like about the U. He is a class act, and is far more capable than the previous two seasons have shown. I agree with 'BYU fan' that he is a wild card for this year. If he stays healthy, Utah will go 10-3 at least (and will make the BYU Utah game interesting...again). I hope he stays healthy and shows the pro scouts what he (and the MWC) are made of this year.

Ute George | 9:09 a.m. July 1, 2008

BJ is a double edged sword, if he is healthy I think we can go BCS, if he isn't, hello New Mexico Bowl.

Rebel | 9:14 a.m. July 1, 2008

BJ watch out for the UNLV game. You will lose by four touchdowns AGAIN.

Another BYU guy | 9:16 a.m. July 1, 2008

There is nothing wrong with BJ's arm or knee anymore. The problem is in his head, and I can't blame him. When you get injured time and time again, the natural tendency is to avoid getting hit, and when I saw him at the BYU game, I saw a gun-shy QB. Not so much a problem for a drop back passer, but running in a spread offense, big problem.
I'm sure he is a nice guy and obviously blessed with athletic talent, but the fearlessness is gone.

U Alum | 9:24 a.m. July 1, 2008

Ludwig ends by saying that Johnson is "our guy". Isn't that what Whittingham said about Grady and Ratliff? Then he threw them under the bus saying they were using their 3rd string quarterback?

Best of luck to BJ and the Utes this year. But, as a Utah Alum, the Cougars are my team!

BYU by 10!

Complimentary Coug | 9:27 a.m. July 1, 2008

Good article. BJ is a class act. Too bad he's had to deal with injuries throughout his career. Good luck to him and the Utes this year. I see two undefeated teams (c'mon you can take Michigan!) going head to head for the rivalry game. Makes for good college football and an even better story for the media!

utah man sir | 9:27 a.m. July 1, 2008

The fact that Brian Johnson even played in some of the games he did last year proves that he is fearless. He should have been out ffor about six weeks. He only missed three.

Everyone knows he didnt have the arm strength but he lead his team on to win eight of the last nine games. That's impressive no matter how you spin it.

Joe | 9:57 a.m. July 1, 2008

I am a huge BYU fan but I have to say that I can't help but pull for Brian Johnson. Every football fan in the state should be pulling for this guy to have a healthy season, he deserves it! He carries himself well off the field and he makes the spread offense really go.
I am pulling for a big BYU/Utah game at the end of the season and a healthy Hall/Johnson match up!

No injuries | 10:08 a.m. July 1, 2008

I would give anything to see both utah and byu stay healthy all season. Especially Johnson and Hall. If they both do we will see a great game in November in which the winner gets a BCS birth. Go Cougars!!!

Girardi is the man | 10:20 a.m. July 1, 2008

I hope BJ stays healthy along with the rest of the team. It will be extremely hard to win at michigan. I will be routing u on. ROJO came into my store a few months ago and was very nice. Their defense will be great. I am mainly a cougar fan but I want both teams to do well. It is better for the conference. I am sick and tired of people that don't give either of these schools any respect.

michael | 10:26 a.m. July 1, 2008

I hope all the Utes, especially BJ, focus no further than the game against Michigan. It is all about Michigan, Michigan, Michigan for the players.

As a fan I can prognosticate. I do hope both teams are undefeated when the rivalry game comes around. Utah is going to be the only legit team the cougs play this year. The Utes will prove you can not "Hawaii" your way into the BCS with Utah on the schedule.

utahman717 | 10:37 a.m. July 1, 2008

With Johnson injury-free, I don't see the Utes struggling. He is the missing piece to the puzzle. We all saw what happened to the Utes this year when he was not playing his game. 9-4? Not bad, considering what the Utes went through. So, my prediction is if the Utes stay healthy, they go 11-1 or possibly 12-0...they'll be THAT good this year.

Now.....RE: WHAT

Dude, you need to get your head out of your butt! How in the world can you say that Max Hall's injury was as bad as Johnson's? Hey...I'm just saying you probably were fed that garbage by your Uncle Rico when you were at the creamery! BYU fans are pathetic! (Hey, I'm just saying!) ;)

Go Utes!!!!
B-Y-Who?

Cougar Fan | 10:46 a.m. July 1, 2008

This should make for an epic battle on November 22. I can't wait! Let's skip the rest of the summer and get the season going. What about baseball you say? ZZZZZZZ.

Improved | 10:56 a.m. July 1, 2008

What the article gets right is that BJ will be a better player if he can combine his strengths from previous seasons. In 2005 I thought he was completely over rated because he made bad decisions (like taking a hit or making a poor pass instead of throwing the ball away when he scrambles). Last season he was a smarter player, but didn't have the athleticism and guts he had in 05. His intelligence has improved and if his body and toughness are back, he will be awesome. That being said, the other thing the Utes have going for them is a solid backup QB that they didn't have at the start of last season. He may even be better than BJ. The offense is looking good for many seasons to come.
Go Utes.

@Mark 6:17 am | 10:58 a.m. July 1, 2008

I don't know what you're talking about.

Facer clearly includes the losses to UNM in 2005 and OSU in 2007 when he stated that Utah was 5-5 in 2005 with Johnson a starter and 8-2 in 2007 with BJ as the starter. How were they "virtually ignored"?

If they were ignored, the article would have said Utah was 5-4 in 2005 and 8-1 last year.

The UNLV game wasn't included in those numbers because he clearly stated the records were for games in which Johnson started.

How in the world do you get the idea that the 2005 UNM and 2007 OSU games were "virtually ignored"?

But let's be straight going in | 11:01 a.m. July 1, 2008

I, too, believe that Johnson is fragile, but I hope they protect him so he can have the great season they deserve.

Going in to this season, will the Eweyt fans just agree that bothe teams primary goal is to win the MWC and if it's the Vegas Bowl that accompanies it, not diminish the team that wins, unlike the last two years?

""I want to make my career come full circle," Johnson said. "When I came in we won a Mountain West Conference championship and I want to leave winning one. If we're able to do that, that would be a great accomplishment."

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham agrees the timing is right.

"It's a big year for Brian Johnson, and it's a big year for the Utes. The championship had eluded us for the last three seasons and that's really our first and foremost goal is to try to get that back," Whittingham said. "As a fifth-year senior, he's a seasoned vet. He's been there and done that. He knows the drill and we're excited to have him at the helm."

C'mon, Ute fans, try to be classy this year, either way.

Objectivity and colored glasses | 11:13 a.m. July 1, 2008

re: WHAT and BJ Needs to step up:

All you Ute fans are jumping on "WHAT" for saying GJ and Hall had the same degree of separation, yet that was what was reported in both newspapers after the season.

Yet BJ needs to step up claims "Utah finished 8-1 last season despite the fact that Johnson couldn't throw a pass more than 15 yards and was practically immobile in the pocket."

8-1? I'll have what he's smoking.

And on the Utes own Blog site after their BCS win, they say their next goal is to win the "Holy Grail"--a National Championship, but they say BYU's Trophy is meaningless.

I realize if you make up your own facts, and repeat them often enough, you tend to start believing them, but as long as you Ute fans disregard facts and write your own history, it's hard to have an intelligent conversation.

I think it will be a great season this year for both teams.

Let's shuffle up and deal.

Re: But let's be straight | 11:19 a.m. July 1, 2008

I don't think anyone has a problem with saying that winning the conference is the goal. I don't know who you talked to that "diminished" the championship, but bragging about a narrow Vegas bowl victory against a mediocre team is another issue.
Show some class and not brag about yet another answered prayer to win what I think is an embarassing bowl game for the conference.
That is one thing that bothers me about Cougs. They are classless losers, and most of the time even classless winners.

BYU fan | 11:18 a.m. July 1, 2008

I respect Johnson.

"Already wise beyond his years, having arrived at Utah when he was 17, Johnson's intelligence is another weapon in his arsenal. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in May and is working towards another one."

To all of the BYU apologists, if Plaistead had this attitude, he wouldn't floating around out there, trying to figure out what to do with his time, like he is going to be this winter during the NBA season.

BlueCoug | 11:24 a.m. July 1, 2008

Brian is a great kid and a wonderful example of overcoming adversity.

Kyle Whittingham: "The championship had eluded us for the last three seasons and that's really our first and foremost goal is to try to get that back."

Not OOC games. Not a bowl win. Not a BCS invite. Not national rankings. Not even winning the head-to-head matchup with BYU.

Goal #1: Winning a MWC Championship

Looking forward to an undefeated BYU playing an undefeated Utah in November for the MWC Championship.

Let's hope both BJ and Hall can both stay injury free so both teams can play a full strength all season.

Running game. | 11:26 a.m. July 1, 2008

If Utahs running game is as good as projected with Mac and Asiata. Johnson will light it up because he will not have to be the primary runner. If his shoulder is healthy he has recievers that will be open all year long. It will all hinge on the abiltiy of asiata and Mac

Reply to But let's be straight . | 11:28 a.m. July 1, 2008

I'm not sure what a Eweyt is, but that does not sound very classy.

C'mon, Cougar fans, try to be classy this year either way.

Grade 3 shoulder Injuries | 11:40 a.m. July 1, 2008

I few like I keep up with BYU and U of U football news. Last I heard the week after the big game of Utah/BYU Bronco admitted Max Hall's injury was "more serious" than they let on. The newspapers then reported that Max Hall had a grade 3 shoulder seperation injury. The newspaper reported that BJ had the same grade level 3 injury. I have not heard anything otherwise. I can't find any news articles stating anything else. Please update me. If Max Hall's grade 3 injury was just a rumor, I think it would have made more news.

re:11:19 | 11:40 a.m. July 1, 2008

Did you read any of the blogs last year?

Class is not diminishing the "W" and calling it an embarrassing bowl game. Class is not saying that the winning the conference is meaningless.

Class is giving proper respect after a loss.

That is the one thing that bothers me nost about the Utes. They are classless winners (Wyoming), and most of the time even classless winners.

Serious, I would love one, just one, Ute fan that knows how to have an intelligent conversation. It's like listening to James Carville talk politics.

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