Sports agent David Canter is off to a great start if he ever wants to field his own football team built only out of former Ute players.

Canter, president and CEO of DEC Management, has signed defensive end Paul Kruger, corner Sean Smith, quarterback Brian Johnson, running back Darrell Mack and receiver Freddie Brown.

Kruger, a sophomore, released a statement Sunday announcing he was turning pro. Canter confirmed Monday he had signed Smith, a junior who is working out at the Perfect Competition training facility along with Kruger in Fort Lauderdale in preparation for April's NFL draft.

Kruger and Smith are projected as first-round or early-second-round picks, while the other three are seniors who hope to be drafted or make a team as a free agent.

"We really feel like we've hit a home run with the Utah guys we have this year," Canter said. "We don't celebrate until our guys get where they need to be, so the hard work is just beginning."

Canter also represents former Utes Eric Weddle and Martail Burnett in the NFL and former receiver Brian Hernandez in the CFL.

Kruger and Smith were first-team All-MWC picks for Utah's defense that ranked 11th in total defense (289.2).

Utah coach Kyle Whittingham recently said he thought it was in the best interest of both players if they stayed another season, but wished them well in a statement released by the university on Monday.

"They have been instrumental to our success and, although we are sorry to see them leave, we wish them nothing but the best in their NFL endeavors," he said. "They will always be a part of the Utah football family."

Neither will come back for Friday's parade to honor the Utes, Canter said.

Johnson, the Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year, and Brown, a second-team All-MWC player, are training in Park City, Canter said.

Mack is training in San Diego.

"It's all about the preparation, that's how you elevate yourself in the draft," Canter said.

Even with the early defection of Kruger and Smith, Utah's defense should be solid in 2009. Utah loses just two other starters from its 2008 team in tackle Greg Newman and corner Brice McCain.

Incoming players who could have an immediate impact including highly touted Snow College defensive end James Aiono (6-3, 275) and Highland star Latu Heimuli (6-2, 296).

The Utes have signed two corners in junior college players Kamaron Yancy (5-11, 190) and Maxwell Lacy (6-3, 210), who will compete for a starting spot in Smith's absence.