Quarterback: B+

After Brian Johnson returned to the starting lineup in 2007, the Utes won eight of their last nine games and Johnson was named the Poinsettia Bowl Offensive MVP. But the worst kept secret in Ute football was he wasn't 100 percent as Utah used a hybrid offense instead of its spread. Now that he is healthy, the Utes are hoping to go back to an offense similar to 2005. Of course, they wanted to do that last season too after Johnson missed the 2006 season recovering from knee injury.

The biggest question for the Utes isn't his talent, but can he stay on the field?

Corbin Louks, who played in the final 10 games of the season using his speed (4.42 in the 40) to trip up defenses, will have his special package this season.

Wide Receiver: B+

The receivers have to redeem themselves after a much-hyped, but ultimately disappointing performance in 2007. The Utes averaged just 202.2 passing yards a game, ranking only seventh in the conference.

The group gets a boost with the return of Brent Casteel after his 2007 season ended with a knee injury in the second game. Two other seniors with high expectations are Bradon Godfrey and Freddie Brown. Godfrey had 50 catches for 524 yards in 2007 while Brown is one of the team's most improved players. Jereme Brooks and Elijah Wesson will have limited roles again.

JC transfers David Reed and Aiona Key will be in catchup mode early because of their late arrivals into camp.

Running Back: A

The battle of fall camp has been between Matt Asiata and Darrell Mack, who went from being a redshirt to a conference star after Asiata broke his leg in the first game.

Mack finished as the school's ninth 1,000-yard rusher, totaling 1,204 yards.

The Utes have been emphasizing the running backs in the passing game, particularly Mack, who has shown good hands. Last season he caught 21 passes for 144 yards and three touchdowns.

Ray Stowers is a capable backup and Eddie Wide was used when Utah needed someone to get out to the corners.

Offensive Line/Tight End: B

Johnson will have a seasoned unit in front of him, with four of the five starters returning. Zane Beadles and Robert Conley excelled in 2007 as expected. Sophomore Caleb Schlauderaff was a surprise in his rookie season. Zane Taylor has beaten out Tyler Williams for the starting job at center.

Utah returns tight ends Brad Clifford and Colt Sampson, who will have to step up their games after highly-touted signee Dudley LaPorte failed to get his academics in order to join the team this season.

Defense

Defensive Backs: A

The majority of the players who made Utah's defense lead the country in pass efficiency defense are back. Brice McCain, Robert Johnson and Joe Dale head the group. McCain is the team's fastest player (4.28 in the 40), Johnson is the big-play maker and Dale earned Poinsettia Bowl defensive MVP honors.

Watch out for Deshawn Richard, who has had one of the best preseasons of anyone.

Defensive Line: B-

This is the Utes' most inexperienced group. Ends Paul Kruger and Koa Misi and will be called upon to carry much of the load. Sophomore Lei Talamaivao will also have high demands on him despite his youth.

Kenape Eliapo, Aaron Tonga and Greg Newman have to improve their efforts to be solid backups. The freshman to watch is Dave Kruger, Paul's younger brother.

Linebackers: B+

Junior Stevenson Sylvester, Sophomore Nai Fotu and Mike Wright anchor the unit. There isn't a senior among the linebackers but all showed enough potential last season that coaches aren't worried about their abilities. Mo Neal and Kepa Gaison are improving players.

Special Teams: A

The Utes have one of the best kicker/punters in the nation with Louie Sakoda returning. The senior was a first-team All-America as a punter and finished in the top five nationally in punting average (44.3) and field goal percentage (86.4).

Ben Vroman will handle kickoffs again.