Stowers, a junior running back from Honolulu, will start against Oregon State. Junior college transfer Matt Asiata and returner Darryl Poston also are expected to get several touches as Utah continues to sort out its running back position.

"Hopefully I'll set the tempo and make us all look good," Stowers said. "All four of us have worked so hard to get it so we knew whichever one of us would get it would be ready. I'm glad I get the opportunity."

Stowers, Asiata, Poston and Darrell Mack have competed at running back all camp. The starting job initially was thought to be Asiata's until a left foot injury kept him sidelined until last week. He is at full speed now, but how much the delay hurt his game form won't be known until Thursday.

Mack, a junior, will be redshirted, Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said Monday.

Whittingham said Stowers, Poston and Asiata will all get touches, but he doesn't foresee a tailback by committee lasting long.

"Whichever one is the most efficient will get the most carries," he said. "We'll just rotate them through there and whoever is hot will be that guy."

In 2004 Stowers redshirted after a shoulder injury, and he missed the 2005 season when he re-injured his shoulder. Last year he was used sparingly in seven games, rushing for 23 yards on five carries.

A strong spring followed by a good fall camp has finally earned him a start.

Poston was last year's leading rusher but averaged just 42.5 yards a game and 3.8 yards a carry.

Stroughter update

A few days after announcing he was taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team, Oregon State star receiver Sammie Stroughter showed up at practice Saturday and worked out with the team. School officials are leaving it up to Stroughter to decide when, and if, he'll return to the team.

OSU coach Mike Riley said if he does return it won't be against Utah, but Whittingham said they were preparing for him regardless.

Injury report

Backup tight end Colt Sampson injured his left knee in Monday's practice and was carted off the field. The extent of the injury won't be known until today. Sampson, a junior, is a former linebacker who converted to a tight end in the spring of 2006. True freshman Dallin Rogers probably would be Matt Sims' backup if Sampson is out.

lwodraska@sltrib.com